Need opinions

[dnctla89]

Hello All!
Got a question that is most likely a repeat, but doing it anyway. I have a 29 gallon planted community tank that is doing well...or at least it looks like it is lol. I have no probs with my testing or with algae. I do a partial water change once a week (most of the time). And I clean the glass as best I can. So here is where the question comes in. I DONT clean the gravel....other than a very light vac over the top of areas that are free of plants and of course I can't get to the glass where the plants are placed. A professional fish guy (not LFS) said it was unnecessary to deep clean the gravel as it was good for the plants and will create beneficial bacteria. But I am sort of wondering what my glass will look like eventually or if it matters. I think pulling up plants even once a month would be hard on them...and what if you get a type of grass that covers the entire bottom of the tank.....who would pull that up once a month? Not me. Sooooo, what are yalls opinions? Thanks much in advance!

[petluvr]

Just do a light vac on it at least once a month, this should suffice.

[jm1212]

:iagree:

if you go through the top laryers of gravel, it should be fine. unlike sand, gravel allows water to flow through easier, which helps keep anerobic bacteria from forming. also, damaging the roots is very detrimental to the plants, so be very careful. staying in the top layers of the gravel should help prevent any damage.

[tanker]

I think pulling up plants even once a month would be hard on them...and what if you get a type of grass that covers the entire bottom of the tank.....who would pull that up once a month? Not me. !

I have an underwater Jungle. I have about 3" of gravel and have NEVER vac more then about 1/4" below the gravel surface (tank have been planted for over 15+ years since my last move).

PS--The only time I pull my plants out is to give to someone else.

PSS--Opps... I do pull out my stem plants to trim and replant (I throw away the bottom half).

[Rbishop]

Light vac is fine.