Ive Just Switched From Gravel To Sand How Do I Clean It ?

[bigblokey0]

do i still use a gravel vac ?

as there is a lot less sand and wouldnt a gravel vac just suck up all the sand?

 

[martyn21uk]

I've just done the same and gone to all sand now. My first change is due tonight so I haven't actually done it yet, but I'm told a swirling motion just above the sand means you pick up the debris without too much sand! I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes if nobody else posts.

 

[The-Wolf]

yup swirling motions create a vortex that will pick up most detritus and not sand.
it does however take a few tries to get the action correct.
do your first few into a bucket and replace and sand that you suck up back into the tank.

 

[rsands]

i used a gravel vac but now have a python. I hover it over the sand and it barely sucks up any sand. It only sucks up a bit if i stick it into the sand...other than that sucks out nothing worth talking about.

But swirling loosens the sand top layer/dirt and then it sucks up easier.

 

[bigblokey0]

ahh a syphon sounds good i think ill invest in one of them thanks !!

 

[rsands]

If you want to invest in the python fill no spill they are available at:

www.fishandfins.co.uk
www.aquaessentials.co.uk (cheaper there)

 

[AmberMc]

I agree - python is the best way to go with a sand substrate (or any substrate, for that matter). Any sand sucked into the hard plastic section, the "gravel tube", can be released back into the tank just by tipping the tube at an angle. The gravel tube can even be ordered in all different lengths. I ordered mine from www.drsfostersmith.com - not sure if they mail your way or not. Great product, though!!

 

[martyn21uk]

This website is fast becoming ilovepythons.com

 

[Nosnibor]

I agree - python is the best way to go with a sand substrate (or any substrate, for that matter). Any sand sucked into the hard plastic section, the "gravel tube", can be released back into the tank just by tipping the tube at an angle. The gravel tube can even be ordered in all different lengths. I ordered mine from www.drsfostersmith.com - not sure if they mail your way or not. Great product, though!!

I think I'm missing something out here. I think I have worked out how it operates, but when you twist the tap adaptor to let the water in again, is this not water straight from the tap? I mean it will be chlorinated right?

Martin

 

[AmberMc]

I agree - python is the best way to go with a sand substrate (or any substrate, for that matter). Any sand sucked into the hard plastic section, the "gravel tube", can be released back into the tank just by tipping the tube at an angle. The gravel tube can even be ordered in all different lengths. I ordered mine from www.drsfostersmith.com - not sure if they mail your way or not. Great product, though!!

I think I'm missing something out here. I think I have worked out how it operates, but when you twist the tap adaptor to let the water in again, is this not water straight from the tap? I mean it will be chlorinated right?

Martin

Straight from the tap, yup. Works out well for me as I have spring water, but I'm not sure what those of you with chemically treated water do to deal with this. Never really thought of that before... I'm interested to see if anyone else has some ideas.

 

[Nosnibor]

Straight from the tap, yup. Works out well for me as I have spring water, but I'm not sure what those of you with chemically treated water do to deal with this. Never really thought of that before... I'm interested to see if anyone else has some ideas.

Cool, so it's not me missing something then. I thought that was a bit crazy

Why go for an investment like that (which isn't that cheap) and put in water that will fight against the bacteria that you have spent so long building up? Not unless they have a wonderful setup like your water supply and have spring water you lucky swine

Martin

 

[The-Wolf]

it is simple really
after taking the water out but before refilling you add the dechlorinater to the tank.

 

[AmberMc]

it is simple really
after taking the water out but before refilling you add the dechlorinater to the tank.

Ah-hah. That does sound pretty simple.

 

[bigblokey0]

erm.... what is a python is it a syphon ? im confused now

 

[AmberMc]

erm.... what is a python is it a syphon ? im confused now

Yep, an "aspirator" type syphon that attaches directly to your faucet. Check it out- http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...cfm?pcatid=3910