DIY Wide Diameter Tubing For Faster Siphoning

[rbarn]

Also instead of using clear vinyl tubing I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using this tubing from flexpvc.
It is tough, highly flexible, can not kink, ribbed outside and smooth wall inside. Light years better than clear vinyl tubing from the Homer.
http://flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cgi?product=Black-No-Kink-PondFlexBTF



also, have you thought about adding a small submersible pump you can suction cup to the side of the inside of tank and force feed it ?



and for vac heads, I would look at ones made cleaning pools and spas maybe.

 

[aldiaz33]

I know this is an old thread, but if you haven't resolved your issue, I think this is your best bang for your buck: http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3993818&cp=2568443.2568452.2631240.1260766

I've been using this on my tank for the past 2+ years and it's holding up really well. I would guess it drains about 25-30G per minute. I built my gravel vac using a combo of PVC and ABS fittings/pipe that I hooked up to this hose.

Can we see some pix of the 12,000G tank?

 

[Steveo McNello]

I use 5/8" dia braided pvc hose, and run it through a 2-3' section of pvc pipe to keep it in a straight line and to give me some control. I just stick like 3 inches out the end.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[soupa2]

I personally use the sump pump 1.25" hose that you buy from home depot and attach the end to a 1.25" x 5' long PVC to reach deeper area on my tank.. cheap and easy to find and buy.. the 1.25" x 5' PVC was precut so all i had to do is find the 1.25" hose clamp and it to the sump pump hose.. how setup cost like $16.. 300 gal WC with 1/3 of water change takes me like 10mins.. for a 180 only take 5 mins tops..

 

[joe00]

I've put together a monster siphon that I had initially envisioned when I started this thread. I'll be using it to clean the gravel on a 12,000 gallon aquarium. I used fifty feet of 1.5" ribbed flexible tubing, a 6" acrylic cylinder, a ball valve, and a couple of PVC fittings to make it all come together. I'm hoping to test it out tomorrow and will let you know how it goes. I'm so impressed with how it turned out that I figured it was worth sharing.

 

[deeda]

Very nice job, let us know how it goes!!!!

 

[xraycer]

What are you vacuuming, SeaWorld? LOL

Very cool!

 

[aldiaz33]

Looks good. I wanted to use clear acrylic tube on the siphon I was making until I saw what large acrylic cylinders cost. I ended up just using PVC.

How deep is the 12,000G tank? The tube looks to be around 24-30"?

The only issue I can see is if the entire device is not fully submerged, it may draw air since it looks like you used a rubber/flexible coupling to attach the acrylic tube.

Here's a pic of the one I made:

 

[joe00]

Looks good. I wanted to use clear acrylic tube on the siphon I was making until I saw what large acrylic cylinders cost. I ended up just using PVC.

How deep is the 12,000G tank? The tube looks to be around 24-30"?

The only issue I can see is if the entire device is not fully submerged, it may draw air since it looks like you used a rubber/flexible coupling to attach the acrylic tube.

Here's a pic of the one I made:

View attachment 1051380

I was extremely lucky getting the acrylic cylinder from a friend who was going to build his own protein skimmer, didn't, and allowed me to reap the benefits of it just sitting around at his place.

The tank is about 40" deep and the acrylic cylinder is 30" so the whole working end will be completely submerged-trapped air shouldn't be an issue.

How does the one you made work for you? What size drain hose is that? Thanks

 

[joe00]

I tested out the siphon today and it worked great! It worked just how I wanted it to. I do need to figure out a way to secure the acrylic cylinder to the black rubber piece better. Even though it felt nice and tight it did come loose a couple of times while in use. Also this beast is so heavy and such a workout to use, I'd like to install a handle on the side of the cylinder and cut an angle at the bottom so I don't have to hold it straight up and down. Any ideas on a handle and how to secure it?

Here's a couple of pictures of the aquarium, the filter room, and the siphon in use. I'll try to have someone take a video of me using it inside the tank and upload it here in another week or two...