Query

I was just reading the Gravel Vac and Plants thread, and it has got me thinking.

In the thread it was mentioned that with a lot of groundcover plants you dont need to gravel vac because the plants absorb the excess nitrate, but I dont understand that.

I know plants have an effect on the Nitrate, but if the plants get rid of it all, are water changes still needed? Water changes are done to remove the Nitrate arent they?

Also, if you dont gravel vac, doesnt the tank get really mucky? There must be a lot of food, waste etc that takes time to break down. Wouldnt it just sit there and look horrible?

In theory, yes it would look horrible, however this is what youre corys and plecs do (eat the rubbish). My corys keep my gravel spotless, but when i do the weekly water change i mix the gravel up and the little bit of waste that comes out gets sucked into the filter. I dont personally use the gravel vac yet but in long term (my tanks only been set up 6/7 months) it will probably need doing.

Plants dont get rid of ALL nitrates, just some, so this is where your water change comes in, although nitrAtes dont actually kill fish if there is a lot present i wouldnt of thought it would do their health very good.

So if you are going to have a lot of plants covering the gravel, you have to have some bottom dwelling fish?

sorry to be dense! , just trying to understand things.

I'd get some bottom dwelling fish anyway (just my opinion). They're great little things to have and will help to keep your gravel clean. However, if your plants are going to cover the entire gravel, then there's not much point. And dont be worried to ask what you think are "dumb" questions, we're all learning, even the more experienced of us. We all started somewhere, rather you ask than not ask and get it wrong.
Hope this helps

Well it's just as well you all have that attitude phishy, because we all (or most of us) seem to keep getting questions! :lol:

Its what we're all here for, to learn and get things right (well...most of the time lol!)

You might grow sorry that you said that phisht!

lol i dont know what you mean

The NItrate and muck (mulm) becomes a natural fertilizer for the plants. It might occasionally need a vac though