big mess

[loach43]

One method I have used that has not been mentioned already is the 1" rigid tube. Plug one end with your hand, and drop the other end next to the poop. Remove your hand and once the water hits the highest point, replug and release in a bucket.

That's exactly what I do. My itinerary for all pleco tanks is 20% water changes weekly. One week of regular water change followed by a gravel vacuuming water change the next week. I SLOWLY shift rocks/driftwood around to keep detritus from flying around in the tank so that my siphon hose gets out as much as possible. It's a time consuming pain in the arse but the plecos are worth it.

 

[andregurov]

My plec tanks have well-rinsed play sand in them. Even the panaques' woody waste clumps very nicely in the corners with little flow. Then I simply net the waste out every other day to keep them clean. That and 50% weekly water changes (sometimes more often when I have the time).

J