Cleaning the aquarium is very important to keep your fish. One is cleaning the gravel aquarium. But know how to properly use aquarium gravel vacuum can make the experience less than homework.
A gravel vacuum is a tool that should be in every aquarist’s arsenal. Not only does it make water changes easier, but will save time on such routine maintenance. By removing excess waste and organic matter from the substrate, fish health will improve due to the resulting decrease in ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. The efficiency also allows one to clean a larger area, and maneuver into caves and hiding spots where debris can accumulate.
Cleaning Freshwater Aquariums with Gravel or Rocky Substrate
Some gravel vacuums come with special attachments or heads that are designed to start the siphoning process by shaking the vacuum. Remove these attachments so that all that is remaining is the cylindrical siphon head attached to the hose.
Before starting, make sure that the hose end of the vacuum is placed securely in a bucket or similar container to catch the discarded aquarium water. Gravel vacuums are gravity fed, meaning that whatever container is being used must be placed below the aquarium. If it is placed at an equal or lower level, the vacuum may not be able to start or maintain the siphoning process.
Submerge the cylindrical head of the vacuum in the aquarium until it fills with water. When full, remove the head from the water. The water will begin to drain into the bucket and the cylinder will empty. Before it empties completely, re-submerge it in the aquarium. A pocket of air will form and flow through the vacuum. This trapped air passes through the hose and creates a siphoning effect that will continuously draw water through the vacuum until the head is removed from the water. Be cautious as to not let the bucket overflow.
Push the vacuum head into the gravel. The vacuum will draw gravel up into the cylindrical head, pulling with it debris, fish waste, and organic matter. If gravel is drawn too far into the cylinder or begins to be drawn into the hose, either tap the vacuum head to dispense the gravel, or remove the vacuum from the water and start over.
Sift through the gravel slowly, and try to cover as much area as possible. Make sure to take extra care in cleaning in caves and hiding spots, as these areas tend to accumulate the most waste. Be cautious as to not drain more than 30-40 percent of the aquarium water, which could result in the decimation of beneficial bacteria colonies.
Using a Gravel Vacuum in Saltwater and in Aquariums with Fine Sand
One of the major complaints regarding gravel vacuums is the difficulty in not sucking up sand into the vacuum hose. There a few simple tricks to prevent this from happening.
When vacuuming sand and other fine substrates, do not plunge the vacuum head directly into the substrate. Unlike gravel and larger rocks, waste doesn’t usually collect under the surface or between substrate particles. It usually settles on the top. Wave the vacuum head over the surface lightly in an attempt to collect the organic matter and waste that has settled on top. You can also lightly swirl the vacuum head to kick up any waste and immediately siphon it out.
If sand is drawn into the vacuum, pinch the hose in order to reduce the flow rate. When this happens, water will still be drawn through the vacuum, but the force of the suction will not be so great as to draw in the sand. Lightly tap the vacuum head to remove any sand, or remove the vacuum from the water and start over. This technique will also work in saltwater aquariums with living sand or crushed coral.
Cleaning Very Small or Delicate Aquariums with an Aquarium Vacuum
Some aquariums are just too small or oddly shaped to clean with a gravel vacuum. Also, there may be situations in which the water cannot be disturbed, such as breeding tanks with bubble nests or delicate planted aquaria. To combat this, remove the entire vacuum head so that all that is remaining is the hose. Dip a length of the hose in the water and allow it to fill. Remove the hose from the water until it begins to drain. Before the water empties from the hose, place a thumb or finger over the hole to block the water flow. Now place the hose tip back in the water and cease blocking the flow. A siphon effect will be created, and now the hose alone will act as a very small gravel vacuum, allowing the aquarist to clean and navigate in very small spaces without creating much disturbance.
A gravel vacuum is an essential tool for any home aquarist, and regular aquarium cleaning and water changes will always help lead one to success with healthy, happy fish.
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