Gravel Cleaning?

[stevek2232]

hi all just a quick one has anyone got sand as a substrate? i have but the trouble im having is when i do a water change if i try and clean the sand with the syphon pipe it just sucks all the sand into the bucket!!!!!

has anyone got any tips to help stop this happening?

i end up with all the sand in my bucket and none in my tank!!!!

any tips or gagets to stop this?

many thanks

 

[anwhyte]

hi all just a quick one has anyone got sand as a substrate? i have but the trouble im having is when i do a water change if i try and clean the sand with the syphon pipe it just sucks all the sand into the bucket!!!!!

has anyone got any tips to help stop this happening?

i end up with all the sand in my bucket and none in my tank!!!!

any tips or gagets to stop this?

many thanks

i just keep the end of the vacuum nozzle an inch or so above the sand & just try to pick up any muck that is easily visible, some sand will be picked up as well but can always be washed & put back in. quite messy but i haven't seen any gadgets just for cleaning sand.

 

[fishfreak24]

hi all just a quick one has anyone got sand as a substrate? i have but the trouble im having is when i do a water change if i try and clean the sand with the syphon pipe it just sucks all the sand into the bucket!!!!!

has anyone got any tips to help stop this happening?

i end up with all the sand in my bucket and none in my tank!!!!

any tips or gagets to stop this?

many thanks

If I were you I would replace the sand with gravel. I know it dose not look as nice as sand but it is a lot easier to clean and you do not need to wash it!!!

 

[stevek2232]

thanks for replies i cant change to gravel as i got cichlids in it so using coral sand substrate to keep ph high