Cleaning Pleco Poop

[tracyb]

I have just changed my substrate in my 90gal to sand. The change over went well. I'm delighted with the results, so are my fishies.

I use an interpet prime gravel cleaner. I run a garden hose from my tank out my bedroom window to the drain outside. I have also ran a shorter tube down to a bucket that sits on the floor.

The only problem i have now is cleaning pleco poop. I have noticed that athough it lifts most of the dirt, the syphon is not strong enough to fully lift the large peices of pleco poop. I had not noticed this before with my darker gravel.

Another problem i am going to have is that the tank will eventually be going under a 180 gal tank and will be lower to the floor. This will cause less suction and more of a problem for me

Can anyone recommend a really good syphon that will do the job.

 

[rust9000]

Hummmmmm im not to sure what to do, but what size is your tank?

 

[jcashion]

I use the big siphon you can get at at the LFS and it sucks the poo just great. Make sure that you're getting a full siphon effect, too. Try priming it a few more times and see what happens.

 

[jcashion]

And your tank does look pretty sweet

 

[tracyb]

Its a 90gal 48" x 24" x 18"

Most of the fish in this tank will be transferred into the 180gal 72" x 24" x 24". along with the plecos. I assume ill have the same probem with pleco poop in the larger tank. Its not that there is alot of poop its just that i can't seem to pick it up with the syphon.

I have tried to aggitate the pleco poop and then scoop the poop up with a net but this does take alot of effort as im quite short.

 

[Miles]

Save yourself the time and head-ache, get a Python! Especially if your upgrading to a 180!

If not, a higher quality siphon with a 5g bucket should be enough to suck that stuff up.

 

[Knife_Punch]

I use the python system for my tanks.. But I about 110 feet of tube, it connects to your faucet out side or wherever you can screw it in.. and you use the flow of water to pull the water from your tank.. I forgot what the word for that was..

 

[tracyb]

thanks jcashion, it will look less cluttered when half the fish and decor are moved to the 180gal

 

[tracyb]

Thanks guys, does anynone know where in the uk i can get a python system.

surely the pythonn system is only as good as your water pressure.

 

[guppy]

Pythons are carried by most major pet chains. I think that www.BigAlsOnline.com will ship to you and they have good prices.
You also might try this link as they are a bit closer to you, http://www.aquatics-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/CLEANING_EQUIPMENT_34.html They have a powered gravel cleaner that does not rely on water pressure for 21.49 pounds.
Hope that helps.