D.I.Y gravel vacuum.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

vexproductions

Candiru
MFK Member
Jan 23, 2009
269
2
48
queens ny
ok so I need help and yes I used the search button .... I remember there was a topic on a diy gravel vac somewhere can someone please point me in the rite direction ... I want to make it simple I want to vacuum the gravel and dump it Rite into the sump so there is no need to refill the tank at the time of gravel cleaning ..

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Take a bottle like one for smart water cut the top off and make a hole in the bottom just a little smaller then the hose you plan to use. Ram the hose in there about 1/2" and your good to go.

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I have made a few. Here's a build thread to my old one (if you don't like mine, there are also some other people who posted theirs): http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...ed-Gravel-Vacuum-(Python-on-roids)&highlight=

Here are some pix of my new one that's 4' long. If you are planning to siphon the water directly into the sump, I don't think you would want to use hose larger than 1"...I think anything larger than that would be too much flow.

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No problem. But if I were you I would not direct the water into your sump...I would dump the water out...the amount of detritus that builds up in your gravel bed is pretty amazing and will just clog up your mechanical filter super quick. Good luck! BTW, your sump looks pretty awesome.
 
I bought a Lexan fluorecent light guard from home depot and cut to fit the depth of the tank. I took an old garden hose, some fittings and a valve and put together a siphon. I used a rubbermaid container and drilled holes in the bottom and attached the siphon to the lid. I filled the box with filter batting and made it so it would sit on the top of the sump. It works awesome. It is a continuous siphon into the sump and I use it always before and in between water changes to keep the sand clear of debris.

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