Gravel Vac on Floor Level Tank?

So here’s the problem. I have yet to gravel vac my substrate on my floor level, 20G tank. I think that what’s restricting me from vacuuming is the fact that I have no way to elevate the whole tank. Is there any way to gravel vac the substrate on a floor level tank? I’ve been compensating by doing water changes and occasionally stirring up the gravel as I take water out.

 

What i did in that situation, though it wasn't quite in the floor, was purchas a small gravel vac and shortened the hose by half.

Your situation, a pump and some tubing would probably work best.

 

Really the only way to gravel vac a floor level tank is to use a pump. Petsmart sells a pretty cheap one that you can get hosing for. That's what I did when I had my 29g on the floor.

 

What i did in that situation, though it wasn't quite in the floor, was purchas a small gravel vac and shortened the hose by half.

Your situation, a pump and some tubing would probably work best.

Hmm. A pump sounds good. Do you mean something like this? Also, how would I go about using the pump as a vac? Do I just attach the hose on the one end?

Really the only way to gravel vac a floor level tank is to use a pump. Petsmart sells a pretty cheap one that you can get hosing for. That's what I did when I had my 29g on the floor.

That pump looks great, might have to pick one up. I can just plug in the hose in the input end right?

 

That pump looks great, might have to pick one up. I can just plug in the hose in the input end right?

Yes, you can get hosing for either end! You'll just need to bring it with you to the hardware store so you can get the correct size hosing.

 

Never used them so not 100% on the logistics, but in a nutshell, that is my understanding.

 

See you got good info already , same answer here.
All my turtle and fish tanks are on the ground (stock tanks). From river rocks to sand as substrate. Almost impossible to get a good gravity flow with tank at ground level , if any , it’s very slow. Or not pulling out any trash from the substrate. Decades ago I disconnected the hose at the siphon and install a small say 150-180gph pump. You may have an old one around the house. Don’t have to be fancy but get creative. One with a flow control helps a lot but not needed , your finger at the end of tubing works well to control the flow if your pump is a little strong on the flow. In photo the exit flow on pump I have on a long 1/2” hose I run to the bathroom or out the front door. You may be using a 5 gallon bucket that’s easy to control too.

 

If you have at least a three inch deep bed of gravel substrate & don't overfeed, really no need to gravel Vac.
The BB that colonized the substrate will usually consume the left over bio gunk in short order.
I did weekly gravel vacs for decades until taking advice from a water management guru, who provided the noted information. It's been nearly two years since my last gravel vac. My tanks stay clear & the fish are thriving. (African Cichlids, various Barbs & Loaches).
Of course weekly water changes are still a must & I don't believe the same advice can be applied to sand substrate. Sand packs too tightly.
Just thought I'd throw this info out there. Not trying to change hearts & minds.

 

I use a python or battery powered gravel vac like the Eheims for floor tanks, works pretty slick. A little pump and hose would probably be cheaper and still get the job done.

 

See you got good info already , same answer here.
All my turtle and fish tanks are on the ground (stock tanks). From river rocks to sand as substrate. Almost impossible to get a good gravity flow with tank at ground level , if any , it’s very slow. Or not pulling out any trash from the substrate. Decades ago I disconnected the hose at the siphon and install a small say 150-180gph pump. You may have an old one around the house. Don’t have to be fancy but get creative. One with a flow control helps a lot but not needed , your finger at the end of tubing works well to control the flow if your pump is a little strong on the flow. In photo the exit flow on pump I have on a long 1/2” hose I run to the bathroom or out the front door. You may be using a 5 gallon bucket that’s easy to control too.

This is so helpful. Thanks!

If you have at least a three inch deep bed of gravel substrate & don't overfeed, really no need to gravel Vac.
The BB that colonized the substrate will usually consume the left over bio gunk in short order.
I did weekly gravel vacs for decades until taking advice from a water management guru, who provided the noted information. It's been nearly two years since my last gravel vac. My tanks stay clear & the fish are thriving. (African Cichlids, various Barbs & Loaches).
Of course weekly water changes are still a must & I don't believe the same advice can be applied to sand substrate. Sand packs too tightly.
Just thought I'd throw this info out there. Not trying to change hearts & minds.

I never knew that, that’s cool. I think for my next tank, which I will try to make a planted low maintenance, I will definitely try that out. Some great info there!

I use a python or battery powered gravel vac like the Eheims for floor tanks, works pretty slick. A little pump and hose would probably be cheaper and still get the job done.

Yeah I’ve heard about those and I was actually thinking about getting one. Found some on Amazon and was a bit weary about if they work or not, but I will definitely check those out too.