Cleaning Nano Shrimp Tank

[DanStanDaMan]

I have a small (20l) tank which I have run for 3 months with a few platys to get the biological levels balanced. 2 weeks ago I cleaned the tank and took the platys out (into main tank!) and put in 10 cherry red shrimp and 4 bumblebee shrimp.

I need to clean the tank but not sure what is the best way to do it! Having had fish they are big enough and tend to avoid the suction tube which I use to drain water and clean the gravel. Will the shrimp avoid it to?

Is there anything special I should do with the clean water I am putting in?

Thanks!

 

[Iain Sutherland]

shouldnt be an issue, id advise against hoovering substrate etc as you will suck up babies that you cant even see. Always syphon into a bucket so you catch any that fancy a ride though.

 

[DanStanDaMan]

Thanks. Not sure I have babies yet.....but I will hover above the gravel just in case! Thanks

 

[Iain Sutherland]

personally i just waft around the tank a bit first then syphon from the top...

 

[SmallestFrog]

When "vacuuming" there is always the old trick of nylon tights over the siphon.