How often should I clean a planted aquarium?

Here's how to keep a healthy planted aquarium. Regular water changes: try to do at least partial water changes weekly at the very minimum - changing only a quarter of the volume each time. Vacuuming carefully close to the roots of your plants. Cleaning your glass surfaces while doing so. This will prevent the accumulation of nutrients while at the same time maintain your beneficial colonies of bacteria.

Make sure to properly clean filter systems, as previously stated, if you wish to preserve beneficial bacteria living inside of them. Rinse the mechanical filter media with some of the tank water you have removed monthly. Replace chemical media, such as carbon, every 4 to 6 weeks, and refrain from cleaning biological media. Stagger these tasks to avoid interrupting your nitrogen cycle.

*Substrate.* Don't bang things around when cleaning. As a general note, use your gravel vacuums 1 inch above soil substrates, and for sand bottoms, hover the siphon slightly above the surface. Deep areas once a month, and as little as possible during weekly "clean-ups" so as not to disturb roots.

Plant response adjustments. If the plants were to "melt" after cleaning, one could assume a dwindle and reduce the next water change. The need to clean the glass is often associated with algae growth - the more algae, the more frequently the glass will need to be cleaned. Healthy tanks evolve into balanced ecosystems that require less and less interference.

Your plants suggest the right frequency of cleaning. If your plants are growing well, you are probably doing the right maintenance. If your plants are having trouble adjusting to water changes, reduce the frequency of water changes. If you have algae, increase your cleaning frequency to prevent further growth. Strive for balance by watching plant responses and adhering to your routine.

Read the full article: Essential Aquarium Plant Care Guide