CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I just bought a large gravel vac and used it on my tank. Do you suggest taking out all ornaments and plants? I had a hard time getting around them.(I have a lot of stuff in there.) I got the biggest one because I'm gettin a 55 gallon in a couple of months. Is it just too big for a 29 gallon?
Also, will the fish get used to these monthly cleanups?
Thanks for your help.

Hi Vaulen,
Using the gravel vac is all in what you feel comfortable with to get the waste and debris out of the tank. I have a open area in my tank where I try to feed my fish. See the picture of my tank in My Photo Gallery. I vacume that area weekly when I do a water change. Then monthly I take everything out of the tank and do a complete vacume job on the rest of the tank. At the same time I clean the filter media to get ready for another month. I know it's a lot of work but it is really a fun and satisfying Sunday afternoon project.

I use a battery vac every few days or when needed . these are nice because they dont remove water all wastse is stored in a reusable bag filter [i put floss in too].And like said above every month or so i remove or move things around and get the python in there and get a good vac, but i find that not needed to often with good water circulation as in powerheads , UGJ's. And i do use sand in most of my tanks.