Questions:

Isn't deep cleaning the gravel while changing some water pretty critical? To me it's like defeating the purpose of not using an underground gravel filter if you don't.

I don't understand how to maintain a base or peat moss or potting soil because it seems to me that once I shove the tip of the tube down into the upper grave it's going to disturb the stuff and just make a mess every time.

Also, isn't one of the reason for using peat moss or soil to feed the plants? If that's the case, won't I need to replenish the nutrients from time to time by completely replacing it?

I'm sorry but I'm new to having live plants and am just trying to learn so as to make the best desision I can.

Thanks

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20 gallon long est. Oct 2009
Flora: 10% Duckweed, Amazon Swords, Java Ferns, Java Moss, Anacharis & Anubias.
Fauna: 18 Cardinals, 8 Pygmy Corys, 6 male Endlers, 3 Otos, & 3 Ghost Shrimp
Filter: AquaClear 50 with foam, fiber, & 2 biomax bags