proudmomoftwins

I just got done doing a 60% wc and it took forever again. I'm sorry to keep bringing this up, but was wondering if it was the type of gravel vac I'm using or what the deal is. I use the one from Walmart: Lee's Ultimate Gravel Vac. I didn't have a say so in the kind I got because my husband just went out and bought it for me thinking he was helping. I was very thankful for getting one, but now I can't help but wonder if the Python is way better or would I still have the same outcome. When doing a gravel vac, I have the water pressure on as high as it will go in the faucet but there still isn't enough suction to hardly pick up the gravel let a lone any form of waste. After doing the wc and stirring up a lot of waste, it's still floating in the water as I type this. I want so much to have clean clear water for the fish and so the aquarium as a whole looks attractive.

Still slightly confused on one more little thing... after the wc I added Prime, I don't have to add Stress Coat now right? I have both, but wasn't sure what I should add... according to both bottles, they both do the same thing so I figured one or the other. I hope thats right?

My husband thinks we need to get a pleco, but I told him according to the info I got from here a pleco would get too big for our tank. I don't want snails, and the two corycats we have my husband doesn't think is doing any good but I told him I think they just wait for their food to settle on the bottom before eating and that they're not really a clean up crew. Do we need more corycats? I know they like to be in groups of three or more... so would it make a difference in our tank if we added more corycats or would the results be the same?

Sorry for all the questions but I truly appreciate all the help and support from every one here.

Thanks,
Mae

Lucy

Don't worry about asking questions.
You only need 1 conditioner. Prime or Stress Coat.
What are you looking for in a 'clean-up crew'? You might want to increase amount of cories, they'll get food that lands on the bottom but they don't eat algea
(can't answer your vac. question, sorry)

Flyfrod

I have the same vac and love mine. Try shortening up the tubing if you can, that might help. As far as a clean-up crew, adding 2 or 3 more cories might help. FYI you can find smaller plecos that would as help with clean-up.

Blethly

I agree with the above. a few more cories will help clean up and food on the bottom. if you want a pleco bristlenose plecos are a good choice. they don't get over 6-7 inches. and they're cool to look at, especially the boys lol. as for the gravel vac i can't help you. i have a python syphion style gravel vac. still using the bucket method lol.

Beth1965

Mae, I have to ask, how long is "forever"? and how much are you syphoning?
Beth

Dozey

I have a python vacuum and find it works very well. Although I’m not familiar with your vacuum system I would suggest that if you feel it does not work well then replace it. I own 3 vacuum systems, 2 are in a closet and are not used and one works for me. This hobby unfortunately seems to be trial-n’-error more then hard fact.

joy1125

good advice Dozey.
Removing waste from the gravel is critical in maintaining a healthy tank. Since your vac-syphon isn't working properly, replace it now, or your tank will quickly start to have issues due to the accumulating waste .

Beeker

I have a Python for my 75 gal. tank and I love it! Just my

SWilkins

I have to say I have the same problem with my python when I have the long extension on it. I have to have the hot and cold water on full blast to get really good suction. I know for sure because I did this today....got them all clean though. Shorten the extension if you can. I have suctioned up some snails...oops...and then had to reverse it and blow them out into the sink they definitely cause problems. I don't have the greatest water pressure in my kitchen for some reason so I think my next vacuum day I am going to vacuum with the python hooked to the outside faucet...if that helps I will let you know. Sorry rambling again...I tend to do that a lot lately.