Gravel Cleaner

[Thyra]

So far I haven't found a siphon that cleans gravel without removing water - meaning it has a filter to clean the water and not remove if from the tank. Has any one used one and is it practical? I just changed 30% - 40% of the water in one of my tanks and would have liked to do a bit more vacuuming - but I have carried enough water for the day.

 

[OrangeCones]

Years ago I used a gravel vacuum that was battery powered to clean the gravel between water changes. It didn't work very well for me, but my difficulty is that it was such a deep tank. I think it would work better if it wasn't a 21" deep tank.

Amazon.com: TOM Aquarium Maintenance Mr. Cleaner Battery Operated Gravel Siphon: Pet Supplies

 

[FlameTetra333]

I have a siphon called the "EHEIM Quick Vac Pro". It's a bit pricey though; around $50.

 

[se-r altima]

I have a python and it works great. It hooks right up to the faucet and can fill or siphon debris out of the gravel. Changing some of the water often is never a bad thing. Those ones that tried to filter the debris/ water and just recirulated the dirty water never have the same effects as changing some of the water. Your tank will thank you.

 

[Thyra]

I still would change water, but I don't want to be taking 75% of the water out just to say I have vacuumed the gravel and as long as the parameters are okay I don't see any need to be doing a partial change every couple of days. I just want to vacuum the tank if there seems to be more debris when I stir up the gravel and I would think someone would have invented a way you could hand pump the water through a filter and back into the tank.

 

[Thyra]

BTW I do have what I gather is a python. I have never used it because of the problem of controlling the temperature of the water and I don't like the idea of having the source 30 feet away from the outlet. I can see too much potential for either a flood or the wrong temp. I use an instant read thermometer and fill gallon jugs with water and "run" back and forth. (I don't actually run well anymore. lol)