Full Out Cleaning

[Afk4Jfk]

I was wondering, What is the best way to do a really good cleanup of my tanks,
I gravel vac with my weekly water changes but with all the plants and structure i find that i'm missing a bit of build up. Would it be alright for me to move my fish out to a bucket of tank water for about a half of an hour so I can lift my plants and wood and get the debris around and behind them? I dont want to stress the fish out by moving everything around with them in it. this is something that i understand shouldnt be a normal practice but i just cant get the hard to reach nooks and crannies. Thanks in advance

[Northernguy]

Leave the fish in the tank while you work.
Just be gentle when moving decor or rocks. Vacuum where they were and put them back.There is no need to take out the fish unless you are removing the substrate!
Give it time and you and your fish will get used to it.

[Neon]

I don't vacuum around the plants....is that ok ? I'm worried to disturb the roots....

[Red]

I move out all the driftwood and anything that can be moved or cleaned into buckets, leaving fish in the tanks. I find it better to do this before a water change.

[Northernguy]

You can vacuum debris around the plants without uprooting them.
Just be careful and if you find the suction too strong just pinch the hose between your fingers to slow it down.

[Afk4Jfk]

can i lift out the driftwood at least?

[Northernguy]

You can remove everything if you like but the fish need something to hide behind!
I remove my driftwood and rocks and wash them in tap water with a scrub brush.

[Afk4Jfk]

Ok thats what the main thing is,, the gunk behind it all was building up because i was afraid to disturb my fishy homes

[Northernguy]

As you lift decor have the vacuum ready suck up the debris cloud thats waiting underneath the rocks and driftwood.
Just keep practicing and you will be a pro in no time!thumbs2:

[Afk4Jfk]

cool thanks, Well time to go to work:scry:

[sandypants]

I take everything out (minus fish) almost every time I clean c. 1X month- I scrub down plants and wood (leaving some untouched to keep the cycle going) and change things around, just be gentle with roots if you take plants out.