Disturbing substrate

[Mark6rules]

Thanks for responding to my question re: cyanobacteria. I found some good info in the links and in the Krib -- which brings me to my question: Several people mentioned not disturbing the substrate when removing the algae; why? When I clean my tank, I use a vacuum attached to my Magnum, and pull gravel up to remove detritus, so it is shifted and moved around....is this a bad thing to do?

Doug

[optix]

hmmm I don't see why that would be a bad thing, I disturb mine every time I do a water change and I don't have a single problem:confused: . I don't see what kind of problems you could run into unless you have live plants

[mogurnda]

I agree. Unless you have a lot of plants, or a deep sand bed for a reef, it's very good to get in and vacuum the gravel.

[dethjam316]

as long as your substrate isn't excessively deep, etc.......like everyone else said, shouldn't be a problem. i do it, as well.

wow, i read the subject "disturbing substrate" and the thought that sprang to my mind was some sort of sand or gravel immersed in evil, lacking morals or self-decency...or perhaps just covered in villianous algae.

i need to wake up.

[optix]

Lmao!!!! ZZZ villian came from zzz watery sands

[ChilDawg]

I think that the point of that is to keep extra nutrients from getting into the water and making the cyanobacterial bloom worse. I'm not sure how valid that argument is, and I would disturb the substrate anyway, because, if you don't anoxic conditions could form, and then, if you disturb the substrate, bad things will happen!

[Mark6rules]

Thanks for your replies...I thought it strange that gravel should be left undisturbed -- otherwise, how would we clean it as part of routine maintenance?

Chilidawg --Go Illini! Rom. 3:24