how do you guys clean your tanks with all the the rocks and plants in it? it seems hard to vacuum the gravel with all that stuff in the tank?
cleaning tank
- Thread starter hle_81
- Start date
Hi hle81,
With my 20 gallon which has a lot of plastic plants, I first do a light vaccumming on the surface gravel and the I go deeper into the gravel. I try not to stir up too much of the gravel.
With my 20 gallon which has a lot of plastic plants, I first do a light vaccumming on the surface gravel and the I go deeper into the gravel. I try not to stir up too much of the gravel.
I do 1/2 the tank (55gal) every week. I move it all out of the way and then put it back. It's only 6 plants, a rock cave, and a hollow log one week, then 4 plants, 2 fake caves and hollow stump the next. I feel doing 1/2 at a time (leaves the other 1/2 for the fish to hide) is less stressful than doing it all at once. Plus, you're not in a rush to get it done b4 you run out of water!!
Originally posted by beviking
I do 1/2 the tank (55gal) every week. I move it all out of the way and then put it back. It's only 6 plants, a rock cave, and a hollow log one week, then 4 plants, 2 fake caves and hollow stump the next. I feel doing 1/2 at a time (leaves the other 1/2 for the fish to hide) is less stressful than doing it all at once. Plus, you're not in a rush to get it done b4 you run out of water!!
Thats EXACTLY what I do.... You have time to do Half of the tank in detail and a nice deep vacuuming... and when your done you are about done syphoning 40-50 percent of the water out using a python.
I have heavily planted tanks. I don't own a Python. I vacuum using a Hot Magnum with the micron filter and blue foam sleeve. This means I can vacuum as slowly and carefull as I want without removing any water from a tank. I am able to vac around rocks and wood and even in the plants with no problems.
For smaller tanks (15 gals and under) where the plants are not in the gravel, I am able to clean right down to the bottom glass every few weeks. I simply remove everything but slated driftwood, vac the whole tank and return everything
For smaller tanks (15 gals and under) where the plants are not in the gravel, I am able to clean right down to the bottom glass every few weeks. I simply remove everything but slated driftwood, vac the whole tank and return everything
Thats also a GREAT idea..using a hot magnum. Though they can get costly at times.
Just a hint: Take out the PetSwarehouse signature. The owner likes to sue ANYONE that mentions ill of his business.
Just a hint: Take out the PetSwarehouse signature. The owner likes to sue ANYONE that mentions ill of his business.