DIY Gravel Vac - Pro Model

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CHOMPERS

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Apr 28, 2006
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Sunnyvale Trailer Park
I've been getting by with the model that Midnight pioneered. However, I can't get the same materials that he can. (His is much sturdier, and the end of mine curls up after you cram it into the gravel for a while.)

The new model's design comes from Camshaft Ramrod and his days from being a Molly Maid for fish tanks.

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The parts list...
I found the acrylic containers at Goodwill for three bucks. They are super heavy duty and are perfect for cramming into the gravel.

The other parts are from the plumbing and electrical isles at Lowes. The gray male and female threaded fittings are for electrical conduit. The threads are not tapered like plumbing fittings. If you can find plastic conduit nuts, they might be a better choice rather than the female fitting (or may just look better). You can also cut the slip portion off of the male end for a cleaner look.

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And here it is assembled. By the way, you'll notice that I swapped out the hose barb for one with a 90 degree angle. This gravel vac is tank specific so I taylored it a bit afterwards.

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The last doo-dad to finish this out is the part below the gravel vacs. It goes on the other end of the hose opposite of the gravel vac. It is to connect to a garden hose so I don't have to gravel vac into buckets.

First you prime the gravel vac hose by submerging it in the tank, and then closing the valve. Then you attach it to the garden hose (other end in the shower or bath tub). When you open the valve, it starts the flow in the gravel vac.

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By the way, the operation of this style is a little bit different than a store bought unit. You stick it in the gravel and let it do its thing. The gravel does not lift up but the flow is rapid enough so that it cleans well.
 
Add one external capable pump and a whole house water filter unit to this bad boy and then your talking.
Put it on a cart and go from tank to tank cleaning as much as you need without having to watch water levels.
Want to get really tricky, use the return flow to dislodge the gunk hiding in your décor.
BTW: Dogs always find a way to get in on a picture, eh.:D
 
What would we do without PVC and Carlon ?
 
KaiserSousay;3881533; said:
Add one external capable pump and a whole house water filter unit to this bad boy and then your talking.
Put it on a cart and go from tank to tank cleaning as much as you need without having to watch water levels.
Want to get really tricky, use the return flow to dislodge the gunk hiding in your décor.
BTW: Dogs always find a way to get in on a picture, eh.:D
Click to expand...
Dr. Joe was telling me about that a long time ago. He had a system that was functional. He used a powerhead on the end of his gravel washer but I couldn't figure out how he put it together (he never posted pictures of his stuff).

I have a tiny Quiet One that should be a snap to adapt to one of the larger containers. I like your idea of using the return to stir up the gravel. I'll have to play with that idea.
 
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