I have 80# of Eco Complete African Cichlid gravel in my 75 gallon tank. When I first added the substrate the tank was cloudy but cleared up in a day or two. You know, much like any new tank with new rock substrate. I've seen several posts that attest to this.
In my 12 gallon freshwater with generic black gravel I siphon the rocks every two weeks when I change the water. Do I siphon eco-complete gravel or just let it be? Right now there's a great deal of "dust" if you will on the substrate. One touch and it goes flying through the tank. My fear is that if I try to siphon the eco-complete my tank will turn into another dustbowl. While I'm setting up the tank should I just disturb the substrate every now and again and let the filter help me get rid of this dust? I plan on removing the filter during the first big water change and clean the filter pad material. The bacteria should still be in the bio-media. The Eheim filter documentation also suggests removing the charcoal pad after two weeks anyway...
I also have a dusty film on the top of the water; makes for a nice dirt ring on the glass at the top of the tank. I'm cleaning that by hand but still gives the water an unclean look.
Anyhow, as always, thanks for reading.
In my 12 gallon freshwater with generic black gravel I siphon the rocks every two weeks when I change the water. Do I siphon eco-complete gravel or just let it be? Right now there's a great deal of "dust" if you will on the substrate. One touch and it goes flying through the tank. My fear is that if I try to siphon the eco-complete my tank will turn into another dustbowl. While I'm setting up the tank should I just disturb the substrate every now and again and let the filter help me get rid of this dust? I plan on removing the filter during the first big water change and clean the filter pad material. The bacteria should still be in the bio-media. The Eheim filter documentation also suggests removing the charcoal pad after two weeks anyway...
I also have a dusty film on the top of the water; makes for a nice dirt ring on the glass at the top of the tank. I'm cleaning that by hand but still gives the water an unclean look.
Anyhow, as always, thanks for reading.
