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How do I properly vacuum a planted tank?

8K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  fishmomma 
#1 ·
My tank isn't fully planted but I have quite a few baby plants (and some "teenage" ones) which are doing quite well. My problem is that the fish dirt really gathers around the roots of the plants and I have a hard time getting it all out. Is it OK that dirt is left behind or should I do something differently? I press the vacuum into the gravel where there are no plants to get all the dirt possible and then I just kind of let it hover near the plants to suck up the superficial dirt but I am worried about what is collecting within the roots and gravel under the plants. Thanks for any help!
 
#2 ·
There's recently been a similar post but I can't find it right now, browse the forum for it...

Most folks with heavy planted tanks really only vacuum the "open" gravel spaces and that's it. I actually find it very beneficial to NOT clean around plants as all bio matter will break down, create mulm and this is pretty much like manure you'd use in the garden, I think my non-vaccuming and great mulm built up along with my source water is what my plants grew like crazy without the use of any ferts.
 
#4 ·
:notworthy: thank you for helping - I really couldn't find it thou I search twice :|
 
#6 ·
Thanks everyone! I guess choosing white gravel wasn't the most genius thing to do, then LOL. I will back off a little bit as I've been taking out more water than I'd like to while I try to get every speck of dirt so maybe this will make things easier for everyone!
 
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