Are We Being Too Thorough in Our Cleaning?

Richie Ross

Hi,
We are wondering if we are being too thorough with our cleaning of the tank?

We have a Juwel 110lt tropical tank that has now been running for 10 months and is fully stocked. We aim for weekly cleaning but realistically achieve it approximately every 10 days, changing 30% of the water on average (20-40%). We also do a gravel clean with the siphon at this time and are always amazed at how much “muck” comes out of this despite feeding only small amounts.

The Nitrate level is never more than 5ppm but by siphoning the gravel each time are we taking out too much of the “good” bacteria for the Nitrogen cycle? The filter is working effectively.

I have seen advice elsewhere that the tank only needs 20% water change every couple of weeks and gravel siphon monthly – but are we doing anything wrong by doing it more regularly. The book we use recommends weekly 20-40% water changes but no mention of how often to siphon the gravel.

Thanks
Richie and Nicholas

diademhill · Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2010 1:14 am Post subject:

It depends on the stocking but your regime is fine and you have a large volume filter to house bacteria so gunge in the gravel is not going to help.

What fish are in the tank?
_________________
Sue

First bred tetras in the 1960's, Discus 1970's, more recently bred cichlids, L no. plecs, catfish, characins & cyprinids. Community, biotope & breeding tanks. Trying to keep on top of new developments in products & techniques.

Richie Ross · Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2010 8:54 am Post subject:

Hi Sue,
Thank you for that.

Our stock is:
9 x Harlequin Rasboras
5 x Black Neon Tetra
4 x Corry Cats (Leopard, Corydoras Trilineatus)
1 x Bristlenose Catfish

We did have 2 dwarf gouaramis but they died (the female turned out to be a juvenile male that attacked the older male, one died recently with no obvious signs or symptoms).

We have just bought 2 golden apple snails and are planning on getting a siamese fighter to replace the dead gouaramis.

Thanks
Richie & Nicholas

diademhill · Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2010 9:59 pm Post subject:

With that stocking I wouldn't reduce the water change amount but you could do 20% more frequently instead if you prefer.

A fighter should be fine.
Apple snails are great fun - watch for the egg clusters above the water line.
_________________
Sue

First bred tetras in the 1960's, Discus 1970's, more recently bred cichlids, L no. plecs, catfish, characins & cyprinids. Community, biotope & breeding tanks. Trying to keep on top of new developments in products & techniques.