siphoning?

[ruffmeister]

when doing a water change via the siphon method, is it better to take all the plants out and do a real thoruough clen of the stones, or should i leave them where they are and siphon all excess pooh from around it and not do a totall thourough clean, whats ya thoughts

 

[smb]

If you mean live plants, then I would leave them and get it as good as you can but if plastic plants, I move mine.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi ruffmeister

If you have live plants, it's best not do disturb them. It takes time for their roots to get established in the gravel and you do not want to give them a set back by uprooting them. Get as close as possible without cutting into the roots.

When you siphon, however, it's a good idea to move everything else. Rocks, decorations, etc. all collect dirt beneath them, so just move them over, siphon, and put them back.

 

[Losi]

As stated in the previous posts move everything but the live plants.

 

[nightlife20]

i totaly agree to leave live plants where they are.... i found this out by loosing 20 quids woth of foliage


Dawn xx


ps its also advised to only do certain parts of the tank... and then change where u syphon on the next one

 

[Inchworm]

...its also advised to only do certain parts of the tank... and then change where u siphon on the next one

Hi nightlife20

It's better to clean as much of your gravel as possible each time you siphon. But, when you are just learning how to do it, it's OK to clean part of it one time and the other part the next time.

Using a siphon is a skill that improves with practice. Until someone gets the hang of it they could wind up with no water left before the bottom is done. In that case it's often better to do a good job with half of the tank than to do a sloppy job of cleaning the whole thing.

In time, it becomes easy to move right along and vacuum the entire bottom each time the tank is cleaned and the water changed.

 

[nightlife20]

ah but like u said its only till u get the hang of it lmao



im still getting the hang of it




Dawnxxxx

 

[Sondan]

Gosh all,
I don't know how my fish survive. I never bother my plants, rock, anything else. I do do regular water changes but I only put a milk jug in and pull out some water. These water changes are usually about 10-20% a week and I NEVER loose fish. In fact I must have a lucky touch or something because most of my fish die of old age. I had a 4 year old Betta, 3 year old Cardinal Tetras, and still have 3-4 year old Black Ghost Knife. I know my fish have good finnage and stuff but sometimes I feel like I am on a totally different planet them some of the people here.
Signed,
Sondan

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Sondan

I know that what you are saying is possible. I've seen tanks and pictures of tanks that were so heavily planted that they must be impossible to clean.

It all has to do with balance. If there are relatively few fish and plenty of bacteria to keep the cycle working, it can be done. But, at the opposite extreme, if you have a small tank and try to push it past it's comfortable carrying capacity, you have no choice but to help nature.

Most of the folks on this forum, IMHO, are trying to find a the best of both worlds and so I try to give advice that would be safe for the fish rather than easy for the member.

You are fortunate to have a well balanced tank. It takes a lot of work and a bit of luck to keep. Congratulations on a job well done!