MyFishkies

I'm a beginner. I bought a "self starting" siphon that doesn't work unless I beat the water. When I do water changes, I planned to use this, but it ain't working so I just scoop up a gallon with my aquarium-use-only pitcher. However, I need to clean the substrate, which is black sand. How do I do that? I'm unemployed so I can't afford expensive equipment, but I clearly need something better than this crappy vacuum/siphon/scraper that doesn't work. And what will suck up fish poop and not suck up the sand?

Time

Don't use inappropriate language! You can start the water running by sucking it out from the other end and having it below the end inside the tank. Nothing will happen if you swallow fish water but I spit it out as and leave the water unattended for a little. That is what I do. I hope others can help you with the black sand. For my saltwater I put the cleaning thing right above the sand and it sucks up the debris but not the sand.

MyFishkies

Sorry. I thought this site was Used by adults. I didn't know it was inappropriate. Yeah, I know how to start a siphon. It's really the vacuuming I need help with.

Time

This site is used by every one who comes visit since you don't have to be a member to view it. I am not sure if "crap" is bad on this site but I have seen many people do it in the past. I hope the "****" didn't mean what I think. I wouldn't vacuum sand. I would vacuum right above it. Maybe you could put some net or filter floss in the vacuum to prevent loosing sand. That is what I am going to do.

FishMagnet

For those stubborn spots that you just can't get without sucking up lots of sand, I used to use just a plain small hose. The one with your sipon is probably small enough, you can just pull the sipon off and use it.(if it will let you)Or you can get a cheap tubing at Home Depot...costs little. It allows you to direct the sucking action to that area without sucking up tons of sand.

Oh, and as to your siphon not starting...
Without banging the water into the siphon, you can simply submerge half or so of the tube, making sure theres no air in the line, put your finger over the end of the tube and draw it down into your bucket or whatever, take your finger off and the water should flow. Beats sucking on it or banging it up and down in the tank.

Time

I try that but it makes my guppy loose its color. I feel bad doing it but there is nothing wrong with it.

MyFishkies

Thanks everyone but I cannot get this stupid siphon to start. What do you all use to vacuum? Also, I dropped some algae wafers and after a few hours they're covered in a white cloudy substance. What is that?

Lucy

Your posts has been edited. We have members of all ages and strive to keep the forum family friendly. By passing the system by using hyphens to mask a word is also not allowed.

There aren't any stupid questions on the forum. If you were wondering about something, most likely others are too.

Here's a video that shows an easy way to get the syphon started.
1-2-3 easy aquarium siphon instructions - video

angelfish220

I had sand for a while, and I actually found that a cheapo (like dollar store cheap) turkey baster works quite nicely, as long as you don't mind getting your arms wet. Just push the air out of the bulb when its out of the water (so you don't disturb your sand) then place the nozzle an inch or so above the substrate, slowly let the bulb expand and it will get the fish poo and not the sand.

Also, if you have sand I would suggest getting a helpful little snail called a Malaysian Trumpet Snail, which will stir the sand and keep it from developing toxic gas pockets, these can usually be bought very cheap as they are very prolific. If you don't want the snails, make sure you stir your sand at least once or twice a week.

Hope that helps!

Time

Maybe white hair algae or something like that. Maybe it just clouded the water.

pleco101

the white cloudy substance around the tablets is most likely the tablet beginning to mold and decay. Leave it long enough, and it will totally decay, leaving a huge blob of white mold. Try not to let it get to that stage, though.