Idea for a Powered Gravel Vacuum

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Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 26, 2007
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Oconomowoc, WI
Currently there are a number of gravel vacs on the market as illustrated:

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/fish-supplies/aquarium-fish-maintenance-supplies/aquarium-water-change-siphon/ps/c/3578/3728/3761?ref=4032&subref=AA&mkwid=S7b52uCx5|pcrid|4166642046&cmpid=PPC-_-G-_-4032

I would like one that I could control the flow and vacuum without having to stop because too much water has been removed from the tank. Also, I would like to vacuum in between water changes. My preference is for an AC powered vac.

There is something on the market the APVG-400 listed at the bottom of the above link. Unfortunately, it's overkill and too complex for my needs.

My idea is simple take a small pump, pump the water out and back into the tank while running it through for example a spin-down filter http://rusco.com/html/about.html or a reusable sediment filter cartridge.

What do you think? Any feedback on flow rate would be appreciated.
 
Vac2.jpg

Great minds think alike.
After a while of messing with the “Kidde” pool filter I am back to my first vac.
While I really liked the compactness of the pool filter, it was just too prone to impeller jams from my sand.
The easiest way to regulate your return force is using varying sizes of PVC until you get a flow that will dislodge the gunk, but not blow your sand all over.
I still use this weekly and have never regretted making it.
 
john73738;4060524; said:
If you by chance have a canister filter laying around that works,

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=312433

Or check out Kaiser Sousay's thread,

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279826
Click to expand...

Those threads provide some good ideas. I have two Eheim 2028's that would work as vacs, but I would prefer a filter element that is reusable rather than filter pads. I would also like a little more control over the flow rate.
 
KaiserSousay;4060826; said:
Vac2.jpg

Great minds think alike.
After a while of messing with the “Kidde” pool filter I am back to my first vac.
While I really liked the compactness of the pool filter, it was just too prone to impeller jams from my sand.
The easiest way to regulate your return force is using varying sizes of PVC until you get a flow that will dislodge the gunk, but not blow your sand all over.
I still use this weekly and have never regretted making it.
Click to expand...

Nice idea. What micron size is your sediment cartridge? What size pump do you use? What is your flow rate?
 
sashimimaster;4060905; said:
I have something similar where I use a 350gph mag pump. The intake I use to vacuum and the outlet just goes down the drain. That way I vacuum and change water at the same time. Why add a filter that you have to clean.
Click to expand...

Is your substrate gravel or sand?
 
I built one very similar to Kaiser's and found the 5 micron element that came with it was impossible to get going with my ehiem 1048. I switched to a 20 micron and it was a lot better but still very hard to keep a good flow. I would say to use the largest pump you have and regulate flow with tubing size and a valve after the pump.
 
The1and only;4061441; said:
I built one very similar to Kaiser's and found the 5 micron element that came with it was impossible to get going with my ehiem 1048. I switched to a 20 micron and it was a lot better but still very hard to keep a good flow. I would say to use the largest pump you have and regulate flow with tubing size and a valve after the pump.
Click to expand...

If I have a large enough pump, what micron size filter element would you recommend?
 
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