is gravel supposed to be replaced frequently?

[SneakBetta]

I've had my gravel for about a year and started wondering if I'm supposed to buy new gravel every so often. I don't think I should be... but then again, I dont' know for sure!

 

[NinjaSmurf]

I never buy new gravel unless I'm want a different kind. I do clean it though and sometimes empty the tank and soak it in hot water, rinse, and then stick it back in the tank, which helps get rid of all that nasty stuff that gets stuck in it.

 

[cometcattle]

You don't need to buy new gravel.

If you vacume your gravel on a regular basis, you do not need to remove the gravel and run it under hot water. By rinsing it, all your doing is killing of beneficial bacteria. Even though alot of the bacteria is in your filter, I would not recommend removing the gravel unless you intend to change it for aesthetic reasons.

HTH

 

[heyimeugene]

By rinsing it, all your doing is killing of beneficial bacteria.

Yup yup... I agree! I've had my tank for a long time now... I vac the gravel every week or 2 weeks and my gravel still looks great! I have white gravel on certain spots and they are still shining!