eliminating gravel siphoning

[rkc772]

I was wondering on how to eliminate or at least minimize gravel or sand siphoning to once in 2 months or more. siphoning gravel or sand is some workload. would UGF with powerhead do the trick? or would UGJ (Undergravel Jet) do the trick? any suggestions?

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

I have Malaysian Trumpet Snails and haven't vacuumed my tank since set-up in Sept.. I probe the sand sometimes to detect rotting areas, but it's all clear. Those snails dig thru my 6'' of sand!

HarleyK

 

[Dr Joe]

UGF still need cleaning, but extend the time between cleanings and help with water conditions. UGJ can't do a complete job either w/o it looking like a fluidized filter .
Aquariums are work and Education is expensive, you can't get away from those facts, it all depends on what your priorities are.
I personally don't mind vacuuming the gravel since i hooked up a power head to the hose (it's almost fun/satisfying now). Thats not too wierd is it ?

 

[cichlid savage]

I take the time used cleaning gravel to really get a close up look at my fish as they are huddled in the corner or the RD and Jag are flaring at the gravel vac, i can check for injuries disease etc as well as ensure that all the little extra nasties are out of the tank. I think it invaluable to my fishes continued good health.

 

[Dr Joe]

I take the time used cleaning gravel to really get a close up look at my fish as they are huddled in the corner or the RD and Jag are flaring at the gravel vac, i can check for injuries disease etc as well as ensure that all the little extra nasties are out of the tank. I think it invaluable to my fishes continued good health.

Exactly.

 

[fishieperson321]

If I keep my filters clean, can I just remove and replace 25% of the water every week and only vacuum it monthly/bimonthly? My LFS only cleans their tanks every 6-12 months because so much water gets removed and replaced every day. I have 2 very small goldfish (fantails) in a 20 gallon tank with a Regent Aqua Tech 20-40 HOB filter that pumps 160 gph. I keep the cartridge cleaned/changed when the water overflows around the tube (about monthly).

 

[fishieperson321]

Howdy,

I have Malaysian Trumpet Snails and haven't vacuumed my tank since set-up in Sept.. I probe the sand sometimes to detect rotting areas, but it's all clear. Those snails dig thru my 6'' of sand!

HarleyK

Wouldn't nitrates/nitrites (not for sure which) build up in the gravel? Wouldn't that kill the fish?

 

[gomezladdams]

With sand not as much stuuf penetrates past the surface as with stone or gravel.Im new to the mts but they really do seem to do a great job of keeping the sand clean and stirred.they breed to the level that your overfeeding too so theyre really good for young fish that dont always eat everthing you feed.

 

[fish head )'>]

Isn't that where all the s#@t settles??? I vacuum that out with every weekly H2O change.
Am I wrong? Or should I leave that stuff for a once a month vacuuming?

 

[fisher12889]

I havent vacuumed the gravel in my tank for about 6 months because I cant hook up my python no spill clean and fill to my basement sink anymore so I dont get enough suction to siphon the gravel. I do water changes about once a month though, and my fish seem to be doing fine!