How to Clean a Planted Tank

[Dr_Shakalu]

Well, I decided to make a planted tank. The question is how do you do water changes without messing up the plants positions and do you have to move the plants to vacuum?

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[brich999]

A well established and balanced planted tank shouldnt need much cleaning or vacuuming other than cleaning the glass and water changes. When I do a WC I suck up anything built up, but dont worry too much(fish poo=plant food mostly) and refill very slowly and pour onto a big spoon to make sure I dont disturb anything

 

[ska_kid]

Drip system but open the valve more

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[Redearsunfish]

Simple, don't vacuum!

 

[kavin2845]

Simple, don't vacuum!

Plus +1
if you can clearly see some debris then try to vacuum it out but other than that dont have to try hard to clean anything, as the waste breaks down the plants will use it as natural "fertilizer" and get more nutrients and stuff and grow better.

 

[Redearsunfish]

Plus +1
if you can clearly see some debris then try to vacuum it out but other than that dont have to try hard to clean anything, as the waste breaks down the plants will use it as natural "fertilizer" and get more nutrients and stuff and grow better.

A better and more complete answer than mine!

 

[PDRed302]

The answer has pretty much been covered above.

But... if your like me and feel like you just have to gravel vac a bit every once in a while; then I'd just suggest focusing on non planted areas of the tank. I've been vacuuming "around" my plants like they were furniture and it seems to be working ok.