Cleaning Gravel In The Tank

[Twist]

Good evening all!

I just wondered whats the best way to clean the gravel that I have on the bottom of my tank. I have normal multicoloured stuff. To be honest I think it needs replacing it has been in there for about 10 months now and the gravel is very very dirty. I do have a gravel vacuum but it doesnt really seem to clean the gravel itself.

If I was to replace the gravel would I have to get the fish out of the tank I would rather not disturb them in that way. I would like to remove the old gravel and put in new stuff without taking the fish out if possible so any ideas?

If I do have to take the fish out then I will what would be the best way to go about this?

Cheers

 

[smegforbrains]

If you remove all of the ornaments and plants, etc next time you do a big water change (40%?), you can scoop half of the gravel out at a time and wash it in boiling water.


Just cool it down before putting it back in

 

[england]

you do not need to change the gravel, its so simple to clean
check the link
http/uk.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Jozm78x3I

 

[markandhisfish]

i just got a new gravel vac as i needed a longer tube. i got a marina easy clean its great easy start syphon and even a bucket clip for the hose so you dont have to hold it in the bucket. id reccomend it

 

[Twist]

you do not need to change the gravel, its so simple to clean
check the link
[URL="http/uk.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Jozm78x3I"]http/uk.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Jozm78x3I[/URL]

Thats way more powerful then the gravel vacuum I have. Maybe thats what I need what model and make is that?

 

[england]

lazy mark, nwxt you will want fish to hoover tank themselves

 

[markandhisfish]

lol nelly if only!!

 

[Twist]

This is the one I got ages ago. It just does not seem very powerful at all.

Vacuum

 

[smegforbrains]

I've found the non-powered syphon vacuums work the best for me

 

[england]

This is the one I got ages ago. It just does not seem very powerful at all.

Vacuum

ew no mate there a waste of money in my oppinion
go to any local fish shop and look for something like a tube with the big tube like pictured in video, usually around 5-10pounds

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/EXTENDABLE-GRAVEL-VA...A1%7C240%3A1318

 

[Schmill]

you do not need to change the gravel, its so simple to clean
check the link
[URL="http/uk.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Jozm78x3I"]http/uk.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Jozm78x3I[/URL]

Urgh! How dirty was that gravel bed!

 

[england]

suppose she let it get dirty so you could see it wizz up the pipe
my tank i got the other week was 10fold worse than that now the water come through the gravel clear took a while but it was easy enough

 

[shellz2008]

battery powered lol i didnt know was such a thing, i use one of the old fashioned ones where you suck on one end and hope that you get it in the bucket before you swallow any there great

 

[england]

battery powered lol i didnt know was such a thing, i use one of the old fashioned ones where you suck on one end and hope that you get it in the bucket before you swallow any there great

hehe just submerge the whole tube under water, plug one end with thumb, dangle over bucket then release thumb, hey presto no mouth full of fish poo

 

[shellz2008]

battery powered lol i didnt know was such a thing, i use one of the old fashioned ones where you suck on one end and hope that you get it in the bucket before you swallow any there great

hehe just submerge the whole tube under water, plug one end with thumb, dangle over bucket then release thumb, hey presto no mouth full of fish poo

oh wow im gonna try that, no more swallowing meth blue or anything similar,thanks lol