Gravel Vac On Sand?

[xamy_valox]

Hi there,
I have done 2 water changes since converting my tank from gravel to sand and each time have attempted to use my gravel vac.
However I just can't see it making a difference, I have to get really close to the sand for it to actually suck up the dirt that lies on the top, and then in turn takes a lot of my sand with it.
Is there a special knack to it? I don't want to have to stick it in the sand to make sure the debris is sucked up as it just takes too much sand with it. Looking at the tank now theres still a lot of debris sitting on the sand which I'm not happy about and I don't have a plec to scoop it all up for me haha!
I've tried holding the vac higher up and doing a swirling motion to encourage the debris to move but it does nothing =\

 

[Proxo]

I personally just use a hose pipe, smaller the 'tube' the more it sucks.
My gravel vac tube fits inside the hose pipe so that i can do the little 'pump' to get it going and then i just disconnect them under the water.

 

[mattiey]

slowly spin your arm round like having a tornado effect and the dirt should come off the sand, or thats what i do anyway

 

[xamy_valox]

Yeah thats what I tried today, that what I meant by the swirly motion haha.
My gravel vac isn't brilliant to be honest, its got kinks in it and so the suction is really rubbish unless I hold the kinks, and then it makes it awkward to move about.
I'm gonna have to try and get the kinks out or get a new one and see if I can do it any better.
Thats the only thing about sand, at least with gravel its hidden and not so obvious and full of poop =\

 

[James9114]

Just use the pipe its much easier

 

[xamy_valox]

As in take it off the actual tube bit and just use the long pipe? I don't think its long enough to reach the bucket!! Lol

 

[Proxo]

As in take it off the actual tube bit and just use the long pipe? I don't think its long enough to reach the bucket!! Lol

Buy a hose pipe or some clear pipe and cut the length you want, stick one end into the tank and suck on the other - after a few mouthfuls you'll master it no problem.
The suction is so powerful i almost sucked up one of my panda cory

 

[James9114]

you can buy the piping in metres from most lfs i expect try get see through piping so then you won't get mouthfuls of water and don't get too thick piping otherwise you will have drained your tank before youv'e covered the bottom. Much easier to use just hover about an inch above the sand and ul get the muck and very little sand

 

[mazitfc]

I use a hosepipe and when I do my weekly water change I keep the end about an inch off the sand surface. I dont worry if I suck up a bit of sand; after the old water and poo have been put on the veg patch I wash out the sand left in the bucket and put it back. That way you know you're getting all the crap out.
Hope this helps.

 

[xamy_valox]

Looks like a hose pipe is the way forward then!! I'll certainly give it a go as I hate seeing all the muck on the top =\ thanks for the advice guys =]