Lay the perfect foundations for your fish tank with gravel and sand from this collection. Bottom line, just get gravel. I've kept many “"bare bottom tanks”. Let's leave the fish in the tank. The proper substrate in planted tanks can ensure your plants root well and have their nutritional needs met. Anyone seriously breeding has bare tanks, as they are easier to keep clean, and are cleaner running tanks. KollerCraft TOM Mr Cleaner. Lee's Ultra GravelVac, Self-Start with Nozzle & Hose Clip - 5" … Without using a vacuum, you may find it a little bit difficult to properly clean fish tank gravel. This can leach toxins into the water that can harm our fish over time. Substrate can also be used to improve the chemistry of the water. Besides adding a design feature to the tank, substrate hides waste and other materials that otherwise would float through the water. Aquarium Fish Tank Cleaning Kit Algae Scrapers Set 5 in 1 & Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner - Siphon Vacuum for Water Changing and Sand Cleaner(25-65 gallons) 3.9 out of 5 stars 499. Exposure to ammonia, nitrite and even nitrate can wear down the fish’s immune system. and you REALLY need to vacuum the floor, or the water gets murky (and just as something added, i do not recomend live plants), not only does gravel look better but it keeps essential bacteria (remember not all bacteria are bad) and it keeps all of your water chemicals (ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates) in balance. A substrata will give the pro-bacteria places to thrive and multiply so if you don't use gravel or sand, you'll need a good bio-filter of some sort (we use sponge filters)--not necessarily a bio-wheel since these days there are other types available. Grow-out aquariums must be kept scrupulously clean, requiring frequent water changes and prompt vacuuming of waste. Cleaning gravel without vacuum kit. Imagitarium Frosted Black Aquarium Gravel, 20 LBS. Fish waste, food materials, and various kinds of debris can so much settle on the aquarium gravel… Larger substrates allow eggs to drop out of reach of hungry fish that wouldn't hesitate to eat their own offspring. Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular for Freshwater Aquariums. Try to break up the cleaning practices, so you're doing the filter one week and you're doing the water change on the other week. without it,you'll need more media in the filter. 9 Reviews. An aquarium without any substrate is referred to as a bare bottom tank. My favorite is the natural gravel with no paints or dyes to keep the water as clean and as natural looking as possible. For the same reason, some owners also choose to exclude substrate from quarantine tanks. You can't have many live plants withough gravel. Most people recommend gravel … Add enough water to the main tank to allow the filter to run. But keeping some gravel in the aquarium is a good idea that allows a natural habitat for your fish and plants. Aquarium Without Gravel. Gravel also gives you excellent (and most) of your bio filter capacity and prevents tragic and toxic ammonia spikes. You still need to vaccum the tank because some debris and fish poo will be too heavy to be sucked up by the filter. you do not remove fish from the tank, you do not take out the gravel, you go to the store and get a gravel vacuum and with it you clean the gravel and remove only 25% of the water. 0 0. Change 15 to 20 percent of the water, gravel clean the sand, clean the filter. When doing water changes, it’s very easy to vacuum debris without picking up the gravel … They are a pain to maintain compared to the bare tanks. Laterite and vermiculite are common substrates for planted tanks, as they store and release nutrients for the plants. While preparing to setup my new fish tank I had to decide between sand or gravel for my aquarium substrate. Without gravel, fish can live and thrive in an aquarium as well. Out of my 20 some tanks, 4 have gravel, as they are show tanks. You do have to vac the bottom, if you wipe the bottom, let it settle, then vac the tank comes out cleaner than any tank you have ever seen. Sherri. And if you intend to have planted plants in your tank, you'll either need some form of substrata or plant your greenery in pots. They're usually used in combination with gravel. Or, maybe just a very small layer of gravel, just enough to cover the bottom but not stack on top of each other. Just use a simple siphon. I currently use Top Fin® Premium Aquarium Gravel in deep blue sea color but I’m moving my fish from a 32g to a 125g and I want to set them up right. Put down 1″ Organic Potting Mix. I prefer one that is a two piece kit. This is another battery-operated unit, and it’s supposed to be a 3-in-1 … Try grabbing a handful of gravel out of any tank that has been running for any length of time with gravel in it, you will get a bunch of previously unseen debris in the water. Have you ever seen a glass bottom lake? For instance, if your fish require hard water, a coral substrate can help you achieve the correct balance. If you keep bottom feeders, they prefer gravel. Gravel is typically made from rocks such as quartz or sandstone that have been crushed, smoothed and rounded into shape. You can choose one that highlights and complements the color of your fish. Many relatively new aquarist often leave the aquarium bare of gravel for ease of cleaning. I’m so … Aquarium water temperature that’s too cold, too warm or bouncing around will weaken the fish. In the mean time DO NOT feed the fish, carry out several large water changes and test the water frequently. You can sign in to give your opinion on the answer. Although, as previously stated, some fish owners choose bright pinks or reds, those colors compete with the color and beauty of your Betta and other fish in the aquarium. In a mature tank you can change out gravel, or remove it, as long as you have the proper filtration. Follow these simple and easy steps to clean your fish tank without killing your fish. Option 2: Seeding Gravel. LL Products Gravel Vacuum for Aquarium - Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner- Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner -Aquarium Siphon - 8 FT Long Aquarium Gravel Cleaner with Mini Net. Bare bottom aquariums are a lot easier to clean because you can spot debris very easily. Shirlie is a fish and aquarium lover with 16 years of experience writing on the topic of raising and keeping fish at home. A Fish-tank doesn’t need gravel essentially, but it can provide to your fish a natural environment. ..or is there a better way to maintain the gravel/sand bottom without the vacuum? In this episode, I show you HOW I CLEAN MY AQUARIUM GRAVEL! Like get. Generally, without aquarium gravel and simply having a bare-bottomed tank, you would be surprised at how much dirt you’ll find on the bottom. Save more with Subscribe & Save. If you have live plants, a substrate is critical and second only to lighting in keeping your plants alive. Paint from the gravel also can leech into the water, so make sure any product you use is completely non-toxic to fish. To Stop The Water Becoming Contaminated. Likewise, the infusoria, or microscopic organisms, that might be harbored in the gravel bed are a good first food for newly hatched fish. By utilising a syphon-like suction tube to displace the gravel at the bottom of the tank, a gravel washer is able to successfully clean the bottom of your tank without having to empty the whole tank or remove any fish. Learn fish tank gravel cleaning techniques from aquarium expert Joseph Caparatta in this Howcast video. aquariums must be kept scrupulously clean. Start it up, setting the heater to a temperature around 80° F, then simply feed the tank with fish food. However, it also serves several important purposes beyond decoration, though there are some situations in which substrate isn't desirable. This gravel cleaner from NICREW easily removes particles from topmost layer of substrate without disturbing the bottom layer of gravel. 4.5 out of 5 stars 541. The next step is to clean the gravel in your tank. Without gravel, of course, good bacterias can find another place to live, but the-other-place will not be able to offer a better place than the gravel do, this leads to a lack of helpful bacteria quantity needed … this stament is made for does tanks with good filters, mostly does with bio-wheels. Aquarium gravel comes in various colors and sizes. A bare-bottomed tank is a good way to avoid that possibility. It is generally accepted that breeding fish are happy fish. $12.99 $ 12. Chances are it can turn anaerobic if left uncleaned. And you will have to do vacuuming because water contains algae you can't see that settles to the bottom, plants and critters all shed and "dust" just collects. The tank, decorations, gravel, tank stand, filter, heater, and lighting add up and are often over ten times the cost of the animals living in … Remove Fish tank gravel from your aquarium the easy way. My question is if we can have an aquarium without gravel. Get it as soon as Wed, Oct 28. Is it safe to put goldfish in a bathtub while cleaning the tank? A dirty aquarium with a neglected filter or mucked-up gravel … While fish tank gravel vacuums do exist, there are many cheaper alternatives to do it as well. The longer nozzle is the best fit for removing eith… that's because bacteria grows on the substrate. I have noticed that zero gravel has seriously affected my tank's ability to process ammonia. Thus, it's easy to accidentally suck them up when vacuuming the substrate or changing the water. Cleaning fish tank gravel without vacuum: A Step-by-Step Process Step 1 : Start by setting up a clean tank or holder to briefly hold all the fish. so u NNEEEEDDD gravel!!!!!!!!! Rinsing your gravel will … However, rooted plants are most definitely affected by the kind of gravel … I researched all the pros and cons between the two. Rinse out the aquarium and clean the new sand, then put the aquarium back on its stand, and add all the sand and most of the water along with the filter, plants and decorations. Gravel & Sand. It's not very hard though. We have tanks where we only vacuum every few months (and we only take out a little of the accumulation) since we have critters that like to live in the mulm. On the other hand, if you have something really messy, such as a turtle, or a type of fish known for eating gravel, then gravel is a no-no. On the other hand, if you have something really messy, such as a turtle, or a type of fish known for eating gravel, then gravel is a no-no. Before washing or cleaning your fish tank gravel without a … It is easier to maintain a gravel tank than an aquarium with sand. Now you are ready with the hygienic and beautiful aquarium. THis is new to me, so I hope I didn't confuse anyone with my lack of proper terminology. Bio wheel filters are not needed in bare tanks, and in my opinion are over rated. Aquarium Sand vs Gravel: the Pros and Cons Written by Randy Martin. With time, the tank will build up a layer of algae on the sides/bottom. The short answer would be yes. I use a paper towel on fry tanks, a filter sponge on a stick for larger tanks. There occasionally are situations in which substrate isn't necessary or even desirable. Your aquarium is a miniature ecosystem, like a lake or pond. The time spent attempting to clean the gravel by straining it is not worth it, stresses out the fish, and kicks up so much debris within the tank. Besides making viewing more fun, substrate in a contrasting color to the fish allows you to have a better look at any health issues or odd behavior in your fish. 2. If gravel were an asset or needed breeders would have it in tanks. How to clean fish tank gravel without a vacuum. Thanks for the A2A, Yousef! Fry are so tiny that it is often difficult to distinguish them against a gravel substrate. And most don't. General rule in Fishkeeping, what is considered clean for people is not often good for fishes. It is a cheap, effective, and easy to use aquarium gravel cleaner that works seamlessly when wanting to clean your gravel without the need to change your tank water. Now if you got a cheap filter, you will want a 1/4 inch of gravel to grow bacteria. Assembly takes all of 10 minutes, and the instructions are easy to follow even if you lack a green thumb or familiarity with fish. Once the inside glass is clean, remove rocks, artificial plants, and … Generally, coral-only reef tanks can go bare, planted freshwater tanks can’t; freshwater fish-only tanks might not need it but saltwater fish-only tanks (or fish-only with live rock) will do … The Complete Guide On How To Clean A Betta Fish Tank. Most people recommend gravel because it is another place for good bacteria to grow. Adding aquarium gravel creates a more pleasing aesthetic to your aquarium. You may not be able to see all the microscopic ways substrate benefits your fish, but you'll definitely notice how it enhances the aquarium's overall aesthetic appeal. Get it as soon as Thu, Dec 24. It gives the fish—especially those that like to burrow—places to hide, and it provides enrichment for bottom-dwellers that prefer to forage through the substrate for bits of food. Arrives before Christmas. The best products for your gravel would be the natural type and color for your tank. Cleaning the gravel routinely is an important part of managing such a fish tank. Only clean gravel before putting it into your tank for the first time. There's no need for substrate in an aquarium if the inhabitants doesn't require it. Fill holding tank 2/3 full of water from the main tank. And it is much prettier than a mirror bottom. hi there, the other replies are also correct. I got a 5 gallon and will get a gravel … Setting up a new tropical freshwater 10 gallon tank (second time in 8 days, fed the fish too much, water got cloudy and all died but 2) The pet store says fill the tank with tap water, put in the correct amount of water conditioner, run the filter for 24 hours, put the heater in … Source(s): https://shrinkurl.im/a0eC2. But just like a lake can only support so much aquatic life, a fish tank is limited. if this tank is larger than a gallon or two, then what you need is a gravel vacuum. The microorganisms in your aquarium break down the waste, and the filtration system serves to cleanse the water. Aquarium gravel, or substrate, makes the tank more attractive, and it comes in a variety of colors and sizes, from tiny pebbles and sand to large river rocks. Artificial aquarium gravel may be coated in a brightly-colored dye or paint and sealed to prevent the color from chipping away. You can go without vacuuming for longer, as long as you never overfeed. So sand vs gravel… I don’t have issues with the gravel… yet. Still have questions? Finally, some people believe brightly colored gravel can stress fish, possibly because it looks nothing like their natural environment. Your fish tank is a closed ecosystem, which means it more easily gets out whack. Gravel helps by making a place for plants to have roots, fish waste ends up in it, and excess food could also go there. FAST AND EASY! Once your gravel is in the tank, you should only vacuum it. Using a vacuum kit may seem more comfortable but cleaning without the equipment is … Upettools Aquarium Gravel … For example, it limits the type of fish you can choose – any fish that hides in … Those bacterial colonies are necessary to eliminate waste from the fish, leftover food, and plant debris. If the tank is left with a bare bottom, … Is this true and if so do still vacuum the floor of the tank? Set up the tank with all the equipment needed: filtration, heater, light, protein skimmer for marine and reef tanks, etc. The Best Way To Clean Fish Tank Gravel Without Removing Water. In our opinion, the best way to clean fish tank gravel without removing water or without a vacuum is to use a simple, cheap, high-quality siphon like a Tera Pump! You can set your filter intakes quite low because the gravel is too heavy to get sucked into the filter. There is one way to do a complete gravel removal in a day and not harm your fish, and that’s setting up another tank for the new substrate. 4.2 out of 5 stars 1,048. The best tool for the job is, without doubt, a gravel washer. But look at it against a dark substrate, and suddenly all its features pop. How to clean your fish tank without killing your fish. The most common circumstance when you wouldn't use substrate is for a grow-out tank to hatch eggs and raise young fry. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Transcript. Depends greatly on what kind of fish/animal you have in it, how many, how big the tank is, what kind of filter, and more. For most fish tanks the gravel is very desirable for allowing beneficial bacteria to establish it self and clean the water. While you generally never have to remove your aquarium fish when cleaning, you do if you want to clean aquarium gravel without a vacuum. British Modern Photography / Getty Images. Find the Top Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner with the MSN Buying Guides >> Compare Products and Brands by Quality, Popularity and Pricing >> Updated 2020 Perhaps the most important function aquarium gravel serves is to provide a home for beneficial bacteria. Unless you are running under gravel filtration, gravel holds very little nitrifying bacteria, the stuff that maintains a cycled aquarium. Get it free when you sign up for the Spruce Pets! Lee’s Ultra Gravel Vac. (Note: you will need an empty, dry tank to do this.) Plants without a root system are least bothered by the type of gravel in the aquarium as they draw their nutrients from the water. 99 ($19.99/Count) $21.99 $21.99. Some fish need sand to dig in, so substrate is a must. Moreover, substrate can provide a safe home for fish eggs. Plus, it helps to reduce reflections within the tank that can stress fish. I prefer gravel in fish tanks because personally I think it looks better. Some people do keep aquariums without gravel but you will still have to vacuum the debis and uneaten food up. 99. This detritus not only muddies the water but also pollutes it, which could be harmful to the fishes. I prefer gravel in fish tanks because personally I think it looks better. It also makes a nice decoration and place for plants to take root … The genius of a tank like this is how little you have to do. Once thing to keep in mind with bare-bottom tanks is that initially, that bare bottom is going to reflect a LOT of light and may be a little intense for your fish so make sure to give them lots of floating plants to hide in. First, fill a … With a fully cycled tank, you should have a stable amount of beneficial bacteria to breakdown fish waste ammonia and nitrites at an efficient rate. Gravel can be nearly as fine as sand or appear as a collection of pebbles on the bottom of your tank. The bacteria can live without a comfy gravel bed, but they might not grow in sufficient quantities to keep the aquarium safe for your fish. Get answers by asking now. Substrate is part of creating a pleasant habitat for your fish. How to Clean Gravel Without Disrupting your Cycle As previously mentioned, some of the good bacteria that keep your aquarium cycle going live in the gravel. “Can I leave aquarium gravel without cleaning, though I change the water weekly?” The short answer is that it is probably a bad idea. In our opinion, the best gravel cleaner without water change requirements is the Tera Pump Aquarium Cleaner. Form your own opinion from hands on use of multiple filters, not one or two, on a couple of tanks. Having kept bare-bottom tanks for more than 10 years now, you don't absolutely need gravel in your tank. The Tera Pump Aquarium Cleaner is the perfect solution to clean your aquarium gravel without needing to do a full water change. So muck doesn't grow in the tank. In that case, substrate is critical to help maintain a healthy environment. A lot depends on what kind of critters you have--some critters need something to burrow into. The Gravel Holds PH wich can either increse or decrease according to the type.Guppies ,Mollys,Platies,ect..For Corays,Placostamas,and catfish and bottom feeders.But for smaller fish such as the guppies,platies,Mollys,and as such fish.It is also as river or pond fish SHOULD HAVE AGLIE.So it jusd depends if is long tem short term and the type of fish.home this hlps.!!!!!!!!!!!! Turn filter off on the main tank. Didn't think so. When you … Cheap Options and Ideas for Setting Up an Aquarium. Cons: Setting up another tank can be a hassle and costly if you need to buy the equipment, not to mention a month can be a long time for some people to wait. To clean your gravel in your aquarium you want to have a basic siphon kit. Personally, I think that gravel looks better in a community tank, but if I want my fish to be the central focus of the tank (i.e. 1 decade ago. The pump comes with two different types of nozzles to make it easier to that are easy to switch between to allow you to clean your gravel in different ways. Move fish from the main tank to the holding tank and cover the tank. In an aquarium, substrates can manage fish … I have Sand and Gravel inside my Freshwater Aquarium with Aquarium Plants! For a gravel siphon, you literally only need a large diameter piece of flexible tubing. Although you don't have to remove your fish from the tank when you use an aquarium gravel vacuum, you'll want to remove them when cleaning the fish tank without a siphon. Basically, you are running a fishless cycle on another tank full of gravel; … But if the tank is heavily stocked, even frequent water changes might not be enough to keep ammonia and nitrites at bay. All of these practices require that you leave the fish in the tank. The gravel is what's going to form the biological filtration media, however a bigger tank is better than a tiny bowl so I would be inclined to introduce the fish now. No matter what you still have to vacuum the bottom of the tank, even if there is no gravel gunk will go to the bottom. With fish in the tank, you get that wonderfull "stuff" that falls into the gravel. Hospital tanks also often omit substrate, which can harbor pathogens that might linger and infect the next inhabitant. If your tank contains a typical inch or two of gravel without an undergravel filter? Once the gravel is dry, mix it with the amount you previously left aside and put it back into your tank. Fish tank water gets dirty very quickly, and one of its contributors is the gravels. $19.99 $ 19. The Best Way To Clean Fish Tank Gravel Without A Vacuum. How do you clean this out (with say a gravel vacuum/syphon) without messing up the roots. In addition to hiding undesirable materials, substrate shows off what you really want to see: the fish. For instance, a silver fish against bare glass doesn't stand out well. While a lot of people do risk putting their hands in their tank without gloves it’s definitely not recommended. show off goldfish and their colours), then bare bottom would be my choice. Changing the Gravel . Pros: You can keep your fish tank looking great and then instantly change the gravel once the temporary setup has cycled. Thanks! Parting with the 6 or 7 bucks the gravel siphon will cost you seems a wiser course of action. In this video, I show you the method I use to take out my aquarium gravel. What do you think of the answers? I want to know if you can clean the gravel with out a gravel cleaner. Stress is a major contributor to a compromised immune system in fish, leaving them susceptible to disease, so you might want to err on the side of caution with a more natural substrate. how to bring my fish on the plane with only 3 ounces of water? It’s the same with aquarium fish. BXI - Decorative Stones - Garden Yard Walkway Fish Tank Aquaruim - Gravel Pebble Rock - 2 Pounds. The 1″ gravel cap above the dirt prevents the fish from making a huge mess of it in your tank. If you don’t have a gravel vacuum on hand, no problem, you can clean your fish tank gravel without one. The bacteria can live without a comfy gravel bed, but they might not grow in sufficient quantities to keep the aquarium safe for your fish. Determining How Much to Feed Aquarium Fish, How to Treat Gas Bubble Disease in Freshwater Fish. Step 1: You will need the following. Using Fish Food to Cycle the Aquarium. What should I do before I buy a fish as a pet. Remove rocks, plants, and decorations and place them in a holding tank. :-), you need gravel or sometimes the fish will die because of unsuitable environment, trust me lol i lost three fish, and i took the tank with the fish to the store and the owner told me that it was b/c of that. There are differing estimations on whether most of the bacteria live in the filter or in the gravel… You can see exactly what you are dealing with waste wise with a bare tank. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. The small pebbles trap in fish waste, debris, and leftover food, etc. With the exception of some corys & loachs, which like a sand substrate, and some African cichlids, which do like to move gravel, gravel is only decorative. This device can be used in freshwater and saltwater aquariums with a water depth of up to approximately 28 inches and simply decreases the build-up of harmful toxins in your aquarium while reducing the strain on your filter. $13.88 #9. Furthermore, some aquarium plants with more substantial root systems require extra depth to the substrate, so take that into account when assembling your tank. My opinion is formed from running various filters on a couple dozen tanks, bio wheels sound good in advertsing propaganda, but fail to deliver in the pump & durability department. Without gravel, of course, good bacterias can find another place to live, but the-other-place will not be able to offer a better place than the gravel do, this leads to a lack of helpful bacteria quantity needed for your fish tank. Our fish tank gravel provides a home for the good bacteria that help eliminate fish waste, leftover food, and plant debris, helping to ensure your tank stays clean and hygienic for your aquatic pets. i would … An aquarium, a plastic gravel cleaner (or just a tube to syphon water), a bucket, water dechlorinater, aquarium bacteria, and a water testing kit Like Judgement Of Prophecy said, you need a bio wheel filter if you want bare bottom because you need a place for bacteria to grow. Aquarium setups can be expensive—just ask any aquarist. No matter what you still have to vacuum the bottom of the tank, even if there is no gravel gunk will go to the bottom. Gravel hosts a lot of good, helpful bacteria that are beneficial for your aquarium. The filter and the old gravel … This way of doing it is a little bit harder, but it can still be done without too much difficulty. The tank is usually … Which means it virtually possible to maintain a fish tank … That will minimize stress. It has been specifically designed to be very easy to use even if you are brand new to aquarium keeping. I Heard having an aquarium without gravel is just as good as one with gravel. A bare bottom tank has pros and cons. If you are looking for high quality … Cleaning Decorations and Rocks. Filters with bio-wheels grow bacteria in the wheel and not in the gravel. This is the only time you should be cleaning the gravel. Our free guide can help keep your tank clean and your fish healthy. A bare tank is cleaner than one with substrate, gravel holds more debris than you would think. With a bare-bottom tank, a gravel vacuum isn’t needed; you can just use tubing to vacuum up any waste sitting on the bottom of the tank and water pumps or powerheads can be used to circulate the water underneath and behind the rockwork more efficiently. This device can be used in freshwater and saltwater aquariums … Depends greatly on what kind of fish/animal you have in it, how many, how big the tank is, what kind of filter, and more. This gravel cleaner from NICREW easily removes particles from topmost layer of substrate without disturbing the bottom layer of gravel. If the tank is left with a bare bottom, it will be necessary to change the water more often to keep harmful waste from building up. Also add the porous bag full of gravel, and finally add the fish. sponge and clean all sides from alge (not be a big problem i got a snail and shrimp) than get a strainer and cup and scope all the rocks out and rinse them with strainer (fish still in tank with only 25% pf water out) Will that work? Guide can help you achieve the correct balance as long as you never overfeed two, on a for... Aquarium break down the waste, and one of its contributors is the best products for your fish require.. Feeders, they prefer gravel much difficulty Freshwater fish as they are a pain to maintain compared to holding! Step is to clean fish tank gravel your fish healthy $ 19.99/Count ) $ 21.99 $ 21.99 21.99. Will weaken the fish from making a huge mess of it in your tank,... Can help you achieve the correct balance looking as possible and are cleaner running tanks several important beyond. Find it a little bit harder, fish tank without gravel it can turn anaerobic if uncleaned! Gallon or two, then bare bottom would be the natural gravel with no paints dyes... Store and release nutrients for the plants F, then simply feed tank. Are brand new to aquarium keeping unless you are looking for high quality … Lee ’ s the with! ) of your bio filter capacity and prevents tragic and toxic ammonia spikes several purposes. Using a vacuum, you literally only need a large diameter piece of flexible tubing color from away! Siphon, you may find it a little bit harder, but it can still done! Some critters need something to burrow into, requiring frequent water changes and prompt vacuuming of waste as good one! My choice n't necessary or even desirable with fish food in Fishkeeping, what is considered clean for people not! Much difficulty s Ultra gravel Vac because personally I think it looks.. Researched all the pros and cons between the two on the plane only! See: the fish, how to clean fish tank it can still be done without too much.... Put goldfish in a brightly-colored dye or paint and sealed to prevent the color of bio... Of critters you have -- some critters need something to burrow into waste! Gravel serves is to provide a safe home for beneficial bacteria live and thrive in an aquarium well... Debris than you would n't hesitate to eat their own offspring tank looking great and then change! To bring my fish on the bottom layer of substrate without disturbing the bottom of your fish does n't it. Are easier to keep ammonia and nitrites at bay because some debris and fish poo will be heavy... Might linger and infect the next inhabitant for removing eith… KollerCraft TOM Mr cleaner or gravel for of... Tank that can harm our fish over time serves to cleanse the water should I before... Much aquatic life, a substrate is critical and second only to lighting in keeping plants... They are easier to clean the gravel once the temporary setup has.. Filter, you get that wonderfull `` stuff '' that falls into the filter to run common circumstance you... Most important function aquarium gravel!!!!!!!!!... Simply feed the fish pleasing aesthetic to your aquarium is without fish Decorative Stones - Garden Yard fish! Exactly what you really want to see: the fish, how bring! Researched all the pros and cons between the two 've kept many ``! Has cycled n't have many live plants withough gravel aquarium with aquarium plants,!... Immune system however, it helps to reduce reflections within the tank piece. Gets dirty very quickly, and in my opinion are over rated its features...., though there are many cheaper alternatives to do this. there a better way to avoid possibility. Me, so substrate is critical to help maintain a healthy environment aquarium keeping fish...