Substrate cleaning in a 4 gallon

[merk1_99]

Any tips on how to clean the substrate without emptying all the water or ECO out. I would like to vaccum out some detris but it doesn't give you much time when you can only take out 1-2 gallons at a time.

Thanks

[Ugly Genius]

I very rarely clean the substrate, leaving the detritus for plant food, but when I do, I use thin tubbing. Try using thin tubbing to see if that buys you more time.

[chase127]

Originally Posted by Ugly Genius

I very rarely clean the substrate, leaving the detritus for plant food, but when I do, I use thin tubbing. Try using thin tubbing to see if that buys you more time.

ditto. i use old shower head tubing (just like canister filter tubing) to siphon out lots of detritus while taking only a little bit of water out

[waterfaller1]

I use a long length of small airline tubing. Hold your finger over it as you move to a new spot, then resume syphoning. I have even added all the water, then syphoned more, and add the water again.

[merk1_99]

Thanks great ideas!