Question regarding gravel vacuums...........?

Question

So far, I have purchased 2 different types. Neither are picking up and recycling the gravel as stated on the package.
Aside from a using a dry vac, or pulling out and rinsing off the gravel, does anyone have some helpful suggestions?

Freshwater tank.

Answer 1

If you mean a siphon similar to this one:

http://cichlidresearch.com/gifs/simpleaquarium/gravel_siphon_DSC_4803.jpg

then it's not supposed to remove the gravel, only cause it to tumble around a bit. You just press the large end into the gravel and slowly pull it back out and the gravel tumbles around as it falls back to the bottom. All of the gunk you want to remove flows out with the water.

MM

Answer 2

The best vac is called a "python" I used it all twents years in my store. If you are having to rinse the gravel and its got algae or stuff on it you need to cut down on the light and the feeding. I have 125 gal tank here at home and haven't had to vaccuum or anything for two years and it is perfectly clear and no odor. the PH is fine. I only do my tank every year or so. The ones in my store I died about every week or two because there were many fish in a small tank I sometimes get an old garden hose, attach some nylon net on the one end and siphon it out by putting one end in somethink lower than the tank--works fine. I usually take my python and put one end in the tub or out the window and syphon it with the fish in it----than connect it to the tub and refill the 1/2 of water I took out.

Answer 3

basically, leave the gravel alone. Bacterial action degrades the waste products just fine IF the tank is not overcrowded. I have never been satisfied with these devices...messy, don't do their job. But, in a tank that has enough surface area for the number of fish, over all, the tank reaches a healthy balance as long as you do not over feed the fish. Good luck

Answer 4

I think Magicman has the right of it. It is supposed to provide enough suction to pull up the food remnants and other stuff floating around, but not enough to pull up the gravel. I have two vacuums also, one manual and one you hook to the sink. I tell you the one you hook up is great. Makes things so much easier. I am going to have to get a smaller one in the near future here, so that I can clean around my driftwood piece without knocking it around.

Answer 5

what kind of fish are in this tank? i was always afraid to use a gravel vac -- worried that it might hurt the fish