How to Vacuum a Planted Aquarium?

Vacuuming a planted aquarium requires a gentle touch to remove debris without disturbing the plant roots. Here's how:

Steps for Vacuuming a Planted Aquarium

Gather your equipment: You'll need a gravel vacuum (also known as a siphon), a bucket, and dechlorinated water for refilling the tank.
Prepare the aquarium: Unplug any heaters or electrical equipment for safety.
Start the siphon: Place one end of the gravel vacuum hose in the bucket and the other end inside the aquarium. Initiate the siphon by either using the built-in pump on the vacuum or manually creating suction.
Vacuum the gravel: Gently hover the vacuum nozzle just above the substrate. The suction will lift debris and uneaten food.
Vacuum around plants: This is where gentleness is key. Lightly press the vacuum into the substrate near the plants, being careful not to disturb their roots. Avoid directly vacuuming on the base of the plants. Think of it as teasing the debris out rather than aggressively vacuuming.
Agitate debris (Optional): If you have a python vacuum that connects to a faucet, you can use it to gently blow water near the substrate to stir up debris before vacuuming. Be very careful with the water pressure – you want to agitate, not blast, the substrate.
Monitor water removal: Aim to remove no more than 25-50% of the tank water during a single cleaning. This helps prevent disruption to the beneficial bacteria colony.
Refill the tank: Slowly refill the aquarium with dechlorinated water that is the same temperature as the tank water.
Plug in equipment: Once the tank is refilled, plug the heater and other equipment back in.

Frequency: Vacuum your planted aquarium every 2-4 weeks, depending on the bioload.
Observation: Pay attention to areas where debris accumulates most and focus on those spots.
Patience: Vacuuming a planted tank is a slower process than vacuuming a bare-bottom tank. Take your time to avoid damaging the plants.
Substrate: Consider the substrate type. Sand substrates are more easily disturbed than gravel; use even gentler movements.
Livestock: Be mindful of any sensitive fish or invertebrates during the process.