Using Grav Vac in a tank with some plants

[DavidZ]

My usual process on my tanks is water changes every 8-9 days or so. I use my grave vac lightly with every WC.
Under low lighting conditions without adding anything for plant growth, I am thinking I am removing nutrients that plants need.
I try to keep top water conditions
Should I not use the grave vac with every WC, just do it once a month?

[Star_Rider]

I use the vac every week. I remove the loose detritus on the surface.
I try not to vac the gravel as i would in a regular tank as that would disturb the roots.

what low light plants do you have?

many like Java fern, anubias, java moss and crypts won't be bothered by weekly tank maintenance.

I just started using root tabs in my tanks with crypts .. I discovered that the crypts like them in my tanks with swords..

[DavidZ]

Thanks Star, I don't have any plants rooted in the substrate.
I do grave vac with every water change, usually in the back and the corners of the tanks.
Once a month I do most of the substrate with grave vac, thinking I am removing most of the nutrients.