I have a 55 gallon tank with many plants in it. When cleaning the gravel using a gravel vacuum, a...?

Question

I have a 55 gallon tank with many plants in it. When cleaning the gravel using a gravel vacuum, am I supposed to really dig into the gravel and uproot all the plants to clean it properly (and then replant them.) ?? Also, what is better, sand or gravel!???? Thank you!!!!

Answer 1

no' you dont want to be uprooting the plants because disturbing the roots will cause some plants to lose its leaves and then start all over after a while. this is particularly true for various crytocorynes and similar plants  like swordplants. you can vacuum around the base of the plants to remove unsightly debris but leave the lower level of  gravel alone since the plants will utilize waste material as nutrients through their roots.  most aquarist prefer gravel as a substrate for plants as sand might not encourage good root development.  if you want more information use plants, aquarium as keywords and you can find plenty of more detailed info on the web.

Answer 2

There isn't one, sand or gravel, that is really better, but the gravel is easier to clean.

It is okay that your plants get up-rooted, just be sure to put them back into the gravel. You could also place them into a bucket while you are vacuuming out the gravel and cleaning your aqurium and then place them back when done.

Answer 3

live plants or fake?

Answer 4

as I said in the question you just asked 2 minutes earlier

No you do not need to up root the plants. Just clean around them.

Either is okay it really is a matter of preference. Although with sand every thing just sits on it so when you clean you just hold the vac about 2-3" above the sand, sort of skimming it.