How to clean with a planted tank

[Headtrip]

M
So now that be got my tank all changed to updated plant capable lighting, drift wood and live plants. How do you get to the substrate to clean it?

I would be moving the plants so much that is likely cause the roots which have spread to be damaged.

Do you just get what's easily accessible and a partial water change or do you go aggressive and move the plants around?

Never had to worry about this with all the man made stuff I've always had in the tank before.

[pufferjw]

No need to move the plants, as they get nutrients from the waste in their area. Gravel-vac the open areas and do a ~25 percent WC each week. Most people do a 50 percent, but I've found that it's really not necessary if your tank is an appropriate size.

[Welch4]

+1 to the above no need to gravel vac areas that have roots. 25% wc should be fine if your not using ei ferts.

[Headtrip]

That's what I'm doing so glad it's kinda confirmation to not stress about the whole gravel area.

[Warhawk]

I agree with the others I vac up the trash you can easily see and allow the other stuff to become plant food. No reason to move decor around to vac.


I have even left the gravel alone and no vac for months but that is with lightly stocked tanks.

[freshpuffer1]

I just use a turkey baster and suck some gunk up

[Pufferpunk]

This thread is from 2016