Water changes for planted tank.

[lyebw225]

I have a 2ft tank with substrate and plants...do i need to clean the substrate when i carry out water changes? and if so, how do i go about doing it without messing up the arrangement of plants in the tank? Also, is it possible to have a planted tank without any water changes, just topping up water? I have some endlers and shrimps in the tank. It is a low maintenance, non-co2 tank, with sponge filter.

[lyebw225]

I usually stir the area of substrate with no plants and let the particles settle before doing a 25-30% water change...i have java ferns, java moss and marimo moss ball. along with some newly added floating plants.
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/zxa9gzqexj3wlr5/yp2tIHqi1o

[kohanson]

I usually do 20-30% waterchange every 2 weeks. Water top up once a week as I am using a fan to cool down my water. I never clean the substrate and will only suck up the dirt from my drift wood and java moss while doing water change. Waterchange will ensure that you remove the nitrates from the water and to dilute them with your tap water.

[thebaldingaquarist]

Theoretically possible. But not recommended not to have water change.

1. You have to use distilled water for topping up.
2. your tank needs to have a good load and variety of plants to absorb all nitrates and minerals released from food and fauna.
3. filter needs to be very efficient and large to manage all the wastes and convert them to nitrates for use by the plants.
4. Substrate should not be stirred to avoid spikes in minerals and ammonia into the water column.

[sammajor]

I do not stir the substrate when doing WC. Not suppose to as will spark up the suddenly surge in ammonia level. I just change about 20% water every fortnightly.

[lyebw225]

thank you guys for the advice...so the fish waste in the substrate will eventually be broken down in the water? or there will come a time when i need to decommission the whole tank and change the substrate? just concerned as i noticed my substrate still looks dirty even after water changes, worried it'd be harmful to my fishes. thanks.

[AQMS]

when you do water change do siphon the dirt that are at the bottom of the tank.
It is not just water change, you have to keep it clean.

[lyebw225]

ok actually i do siphon the dirt...but some areas can't be cleaned as it is covered with wood/plants/accessories. would it be a concern?

[qngwn]

ok actually i do siphon the dirt...but some areas can't be cleaned as it is covered with wood/plants/accessories. would it be a concern?

It should not be of a concern unless there is a huge amount of dirt piled up in the area due to poor circulation. WC is meant to clear off excess stuff in the water which your eyes cant see. If you can suck out the dirt it is a bonus, but overtime they will decompose so it's not a concern at all.

[felix_fx2]

you can do mostly top-ups and a water change once a while.
That would be most ideal for most people.

substrate should not be disturbed much, there's always ammonia risk if you stir too much.