How To Clean Tanks Gravel When I Cant Use A Python?

My tank is not anywhere near a faucet that I can hook up the python to. I have been doing water changes using a pump. But I need to clean the gravel. It is blasting powder, and it is getting dirty. Any suggestion on how to clean it?

Thank you

 

I have a large tube attached to my siphon pump, it's called a Gravel Vacuum. It sucks up lightweight materials like plant bits, 'dust' and poo, while the heaver stuff like sand and gravel fall back down after you pull the tube up some. There are some great vids on YouTube, just look up "gravel vacuum." It takes some practice, but you get the hang of it soon!

 

well said theeladyg

 

I still use my gravel vac occasionally even though I mainly use the python. Especially if I want some tank water to rinse sponges or other media in.

 

Need help getting the suction started? If the tank is higher up, you can just put the *gravel cleaning* part of the syphon in the tank water, fill it up, then lift it up so the water starts flowing down the hose, then fill it back up with water/purging the air from the syphon, this usually starts the suction for me. My gravel vac is home-made, it's literally a piece of rigid tubing taped to some clear/plastic hose. Nothing fancy.

 

I use a gravel vac and instead of draining into a bucket, I bring one end of the hose into the house, and place the other outside on whichever plant needs it most.
My plants are thriving in the Texas heat. It does take some practice, but I kind of stab the tube into the gravel and then lift slowly. I do one half the tank per water change and it works out to about 25-30%.
My gravel back has a small bulb on it and I squeeze it 3 times, I've got flow. It was not very expensive at all. LFS had them in several diameters and lengths.