Gravel Vaccums

[drobbins27]

I need to go buy a gravel vaccum I tihnk. Or do I? Should I try to make one? are they expensive? Should I buy one? If so, what brand?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi drobbins27

You must do regular water changes and gravel cleanings if you want to keep your fish healthy. This is especially important if you have any bottom feeders.

I recommend a basic siphon. This is the one I use:

http/www.leesaqpet.com/PICCAT/11555-56.htm

They are not expensive and they last for years. You do not need fancy attachments or other self starter gimmicks. IMHO, they are a waste of money and will not last as long as the simple one.

If you need instructions about how to start and use it, just start a thread in the Tropical Chit Chat forum and I'll explain.

 

[nightlife20]

heh iv got one of them too u just wiggle it up an downa bit in the water an it soons starts to empty....

 

[drobbins27]

Thanks guys, I do the water changes, just whenevr I move things in my tank (plants) all this debris clouds up the water. Im hoping thats what gravel vaccums clean up Also, what is the purpose of an undergravel filter? Is it yo pull particles to the bottom ?

 

[FrankSlapperinni]

Under gravel filters suck wast into the bottom of the tank, and their for it is vital to do regular gravel cleanings, so the filter doesn't clog. most people blame them for high nitrates (though I'm not quite sure how) and are a bit dated filter, but them require no filter pad, because they use the gravel to grow bacteria and trap particles.

 

[Idolz]

Just get a thick tube and use it as a syphon.

 

[kevin007]

yes it is important..i have the "python" brand

 

[Inchworm]

... just whenevr I move things in my tank (plants) all this debris clouds up the water. Im hoping thats what gravel vaccums clean up...

Hi drobbins27

That's exactly what a gravel vac does! You'll be amazed at just how much gunk you will pull out, too!

 

[nightlife20]

amazed an disgusted that little things could poop so much

 

[Woody]

amazed an disgusted that little things could poop so much

I'm assuming you have no children, because HOO-BOY, I could tell ya some horror stories!

 

[Adrinal]

I asume you are doing FW tank.
I have tried many of the different gravel cleaners. The best are the standard ones. (large ridged clear plastic going to nylon tubes). While you could dyi one it would not be worth the time or cost.
If you use gravel they are a "MUST" IMO.

 

[drobbins27]

Thanks guys got one tonight...WOW so easy and effective, and cheap!

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I use mine as a syphon as well as a gravel cleaner on all my tanks.

Includuding my biggest tanks!!

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Absolutely necessary. You could try building one, but they're rather cheap here. You can buiy a smaller one if you have a big tank, but they only cost $10 max for the really big ones. It's just easier to clean tanks with a vacuum, though.

 

[nightlife20]

I'm assuming you have no children, because HOO-BOY, I could tell ya some horror stories

nope ur wrong i have one child.... and she didnt used to poop that much lol.... fish poop as soon as they see u openin the lid lmao... kids only poop 1-2 times a day lmao