What's A Good Gravel Vac?

Hey Guys,

I can't find a good gravel vac for my 10 gallons tank. Right now I'm using a small gravel vac but the diameter of the tube is so small. It does suck up the gravel pretty well so that's the only good part but takes forever because of how small the diameter is. I tried an Aqeon brand vac that was bigger in diameter but had no suction to pull up any of the gravel to siphon of the debris. I've looked online and just don't know which one to go with. Does anyone know of a vac that would work for a 10G and has good suction to clean the gravel?

 

Why even vacum? Gravel contains bacteria that breaks down waste.
I reccomend doing more water changes and feeding less, or a flake food then remove it after 10 minutes.
Sinking pellets are gonna foul your tanks gravel. I don't bother to vacum subtrate anymore, not for years. Theres really no point if you don't overfeed, but you could give it a stir with your weekly PWCs

 

What is the size in diameter of the gravel vac? I wouldn't recommend a terribly big starting tube for a 10G. I like to use one for my tanks at home. It works very well on my 1oG.

 

Why even vacum? Gravel contains bacteria that breaks down waste.
I reccomend doing more water changes and feeding less, or a flake food then remove it after 10 minutes.
Sinking pellets are gonna foul your tanks gravel. I don't bother to vacum subtrate anymore, not for years. Theres really no point if you don't overfeed, but you could give it a stir with your weekly PWCs

What? You MUST vacuum your tank. If you don't you are risking illness and sick fish. I would never give that advice to anyone.

This is the vacuum I got for my 10 gallon. I've gotten a couple different ones and this one is my favorite.

 

If you have media that houses beneficial bacteria in your filter then you don't have to worry too much about removing beneficial bacteria from vacuuming. But a 10G tank is hard to maintain in every way compared to a large tank because fish have hardly any space (thus will have more conflicts as you have experienced) and any routine maintenance can cause major "swings" in the water levels, and a depletion of beneficial bacteria colonies.

 

If you have media that houses beneficial bacteria in your filter then you don't have to worry about too much about removing beneficial bacteria from vacuuming. But a 10G tank is hard to maintain in every way compared to a large tank because fish have hardly any space (thus will have more conflicts as you have experienced) and any routine maintenance can cause major "swings" in the water levels, and a depletion of beneficial bacteria colonies.

It's just a Betta in there. I think 10 gallons plenty big for a Betta. I haven't had any "swings" in water parameters and my beneficial bacteria is great. I was just simply asking advice on a good gravel vac.

What? You MUST vacuum your tank. If you don't you are risking illness and sick fish. I would never give that advice to anyone.

This is the vacuum I got for my 10 gallon. I've gotten a couple different ones and this one is my favorite.

Thank you very much. How's the suction on that one? Does it suck up the gravel pretty well to clean it?

What is the size in diameter of the gravel vac? I wouldn't recommend a terribly big starting tube for a 10G. I like to use one for my tanks at home. It works very well on my 1oG.

I'll check that one out thank you. I think it's about an inch or so. It's pretty small but it has good suction so it cleans the gravel well. Just wish the diameter was slightly bigger.

Why even vacum? Gravel contains bacteria that breaks down waste.
I reccomend doing more water changes and feeding less, or a flake food then remove it after 10 minutes.
Sinking pellets are gonna foul your tanks gravel. I don't bother to vacum subtrate anymore, not for years. Theres really no point if you don't overfeed, but you could give it a stir with your weekly PWCs

I don't over feed and I never have left over food from feeding. I think it's a good idea to vac a partial bit of gravel every water change. Just my opinion. Just looking for a gravel vac to get the job done.

 

I picked up a python on Amazon for $8 canadian. Not the water changer but just a plain old gravel vacuum works amazing. I used when I had my 10 now I use it for my 20 gallon.

 

Thank you very much. How's the suction on that one? Does it suck up the gravel pretty well to clean it?

It has a grating filter to put on the end that lets you get into the gravel without sucking it up all the way. It has a hand pump so it is easy to prime and get going. It cleans the tank very well. It also has an adjustable tip so you can switch from a shorter one to a longer one. Whichever works best.

Python brand is amazing. I have the water changer. It is worth every penny. I haven't used the hand siphon, but I would certainly trust the brand.

 

That's exactly why I grabbed it I have the aqueon water changer for my 36.

 

I have this Python for my ten gallon.
It works great, just shove it down in the gravel and watch the gunk come right up. When you lift it up the gravel falls right back out.

 

I have this Python for my ten gallon.
It works great, just shove it down in the gravel and watch the gunk come right up. When you lift it up the gravel falls right back out.

That's the exact one I have.

 

I have this Python for my ten gallon.
It works great, just shove it down in the gravel and watch the gunk come right up. When you lift it up the gravel falls right back out.

Awesome thank you!!

I have this Python for my ten gallon.
It works great, just shove it down in the gravel and watch the gunk come right up. When you lift it up the gravel falls right back out.

What size do you have? Small??

 

Is the small perfect size for a 10

 

Is the small perfect size for a 10

Great thank you!!

 

Anytime

 

I love my python. I no longer have to dread hauling buckets all over the house. Plus it doesn't stir up the tank when you're refilling.

 

Vacuming = removing bacteria that is GOOD so as to prevent high nitrates which are HARMLESS
Hmm, to me its not necessary as long as you don't overfeed and have a good filter
but I'm not gonna get into a huge debate, needless to say, sometimes you have to, some people with sand and bid round rocks I'm a low tech planted tank don't vacum ever.
cheers

 

Vacuming = removing bacteria that is GOOD so as to prevent high nitrates which are HARMLESS
Hmm, to me its not necessary as long as you don't overfeed and have a good filter
but I'm not gonna get into a huge debate, needless to say, sometimes you have to, some people with sand and bid round rocks I'm a low tech planted tank don't vacum ever.
cheers

There are 2 levels of bacteria. One set lives in your filter and is essential to the health of the tank. They are the nitrifying bacteria of the nitrogen cycle.

The other bacteria do live on the bottom of the tank. They can help break down detritus. But they do not replace a good vacuuming for cleaning the tank. If you have a heavily planted tank the nitrates will be absorbed and the nitrates will remain low. But it still doesn't mean a good tank cleaning isn't necessary. It's like saying It rained today so I don't have to wash my car. Your car is still dirty, maybe a little cleaner with the topical dust rinsed off. But there is still dirt there.

 

There are 2 levels of bacteria. One set lives in your filter and is essential to the health of the tank. They are the nitrifying bacteria of the nitrogen cycle.

The other bacteria do live on the bottom of the tank. They can help break down detritus. But they do not replace a good vacuuming for cleaning the tank. If you have a heavily planted tank the nitrates will be absorbed and the nitrates will remain low. But it still doesn't mean a good tank cleaning isn't necessary. It's like saying It rained today so I don't have to wash my car. Your car is still dirty, maybe a little cleaner with the topical dust rinsed off. But there is still dirt there.

Nice analogy