How do we gravel vac here?

I picked up an Aqueon gravel vac today and despite what it says on the package there was no way to get the suction start. I shoved it up and down until my tank was cloudy and nothing. Ultimately it seems that gravel vacs are literally just pieces of tubing that cost 4x the price. Had to start it the old fashioned and gross way- by sucking on the other end

how do we all vacuum our gravel? I for one like to use a turkey baster.. it's very inefficient but apparently works better than anything else

 

Python is the way to go

 

I use the Aqueon gravel vac... do you not have that blue bulb on it? I do, and I just squeeze on and thrust the vac up and down and it starts. And even without the bulb I could probably start it. Shoving up and down should work with enough force... mimo91088: tell me more about pythons.

 

I scoop the water up with the gravel vacuum and let it drain. it's a slow process though. Since mine is strange adjustable contraption that is meant to be extendable I use the excess piping to suck it down faster.

 

Shoving up and down should work, wait until the water starts draining into the bucket. Hold the opening on the vac straight up. It works for me!

 

mimo91088: tell me more about pythons.

It's life changing. Hook it up to your sink, open the valve and run your cold water full blast. It creates suction to take your water out and drains right down the sink. Once water is removed, adjust to desired temp, dose the tank directly with prime, and flip the valve closed. Once the valve is closed it reverses the water flow and fills the tank back up.

 

mine doesnt have a bulb :/ none of the ones on the shelf did. its Aqueon brand. literally just a useless tube

 

I put the siphon horizontal into the tank to fill it with water, crimp the hose with my other hand, lift the siphon out of the water and ease up on the crimp to let water drain and create the flow. Swiftly put siphon back into water and it starts running. Works like a charme and does not freak out the fish as much. Without that video I most likely would have thrown the siphon into the trash by now

 

mine doesnt have a bulb :/ none of the ones on the shelf did. its Aqueon brand. literally just a useless tube

If it is just a tube vacuum get water in the whole length of the tube and put your thumb on the end of the side you are taking out of the water. Keeping the vacuum part in the water. Once over the edge of the tank and over the bucket let your thumb off and it should go if its below water level.

 

I put the siphon horizontal into the tank to fill it with water, crimp the hose with my other hand, lift the siphon out of the water and ease up on the crimp to let water drain and create the flow. Swiftly put siphon back into water and it starts running. Works like a charme and does not freak out the fish as much. Without that video I most likely would have thrown the siphon into the trash by now

I was gonna recommend same video lol

 

I use the python pro clean. They are reliable and easy! I don't use the clean and spill one I use the pro clean one. Here is a link. This is my favorite gravel vac. Supa easy!

https://www.amazon.com/Python-Pro-Clean-Gravel-Washer-Aquarium/dp/B001V6Y3LY

 

My vac has the little bulb to help it pump, so I fill the top with water and slowly squeeze until the suction starts. I run hot water through the tubing maybe once a month for cleaning.

 

The bulb is cool but those cheap plastic valves always get stuff stuck in them and you gotta pull them apart and clean them out. No bucket lifting with a python either. Just saying!

 

A link for everyone to learn from

1-2-3 easy aquarium siphon instructions - video | Cleaning and Maintenance Forum

if you think you already know how to vacuum watch this anyway.

 

Python is the way to go

I agree! A python is definitely the way to go! I will never go back!

 

I agree! A python is definitely the way to go! I will never go back!

Living in Utah, trying to be water conscious, the Python is very wasteful. Also, I most likely would not get the right temperature on a constant base.
Also, the dechlorinator, I don't have to dose the whole tank with my bucket system. An additional benefit is that I keep my upper body strength. The bucket system beats the gym.

 

I use Luigi's. It's great for nano tanks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XKGYJHR