Does vacuuming your gravel decrease your level of beneficial bacteria.?

Question

also, any tips on PH buffering. I use proper PH 7.0 and in one day its back down to 6.6-6.8

Answer 1

No it doesn't remove a significat amout of beneficial bacteria.
As far as pH buffering if you is going back down that quickly it is best just to leave it alone. Most fish will be fine in 6.8 and it is better for your pH to be a little low than to bounce up and down from you trying to get it to 7.0.

Answer 2

If you are only vacuuming when you do weekly or bi-weekly water changes there is no problem. A lot of the bacteria is found in the filter media as well as the gravel. If you are still concerned about your bacteria levels, I have in past vacuumed half the tank one week and then vacuumed the other half the next.
As far as pH adjustments, I would stay away from chemicals unless you are planning on breeding distinct fish that need a certain pH. Fish are hardier than we sometimes give them credit and will tolerate minor changes in pH. It is these wide changes that cause the stress to their systems. As stated in other answers, a stable pH is most important.

Answer 3

Vacuuming the mulm (organic debris) from your gravel too frequently can adversly affect your beneficial bacteria. I vacuum approx. 2 times per week (goldfish) and have never experienced any cycling problems. If your fish produce less waste than goldfish, then once per week should be adequate.

pH: There is little significant difference between 7.0 and 6.6 pH. Stable pH is MUCH better for your fish than trying to buffer your pH. 6.6 - 7.00 (neutral) is really not a big concern. I would avoid using proper pH and continue with partial water changes.

Answer 4

It shouldn't affect it, so long as you aren't vacuuming constantly. Most of your beneficial bacteria is actually stored in your filter media.

About pH-don't worry about it. Do not waste your money on pH-adjusting chemicals, they will only temporarily fix the pH, and it will always drop again. From my experience, I have learned that a stable pH is FAR more important than a "correct" pH. The pH swings will only stress and harm your fish. Don't worry about the pH.

If you're dead-set on changing it, I would suggest adding some crushed coral or a piece of coral to your aquatic decor. That will boost your pH. But like I said, you're much better using the water you're using at the pH it's naturally at. Every time you add new water, you'd be screwing with the pH again.

Hope that helps!

Answer 5

If you vacuum too often, it can....BUT, if you have a filter that has a lot of places of bacteria to grow, you'll be fine.

Do you have a water softener in the tank? If your water isn't hard, a water softener can lower PH a little. This is why I tell people to check the actual PH instead of assuming water is hard.

Answer 6

instead of using pH puffers, get yourself crushed corals, this will help to raise your pH gradually instead of so quickly as you're doing it right now, it's very unhealthy for fish to have fast fluctating pH
And no, vacuuming doesn't decrease your bacteria, the main bacteria can be found in your filter



hope that helps
Good luck



EB

Answer 7

i don't know the answer to this but you can contact your fish supplier they should know. diffrent types of fish require diffrent types of care. for instance bettas and oscars are WAY diffrent.