Python Gravel Vac & Sand Substrate (CaribSea Super Natural)

[Suunnnn]

Hi there,

I wasn't exactly sure where to put this or how to search this question properly, so I figured General Discussion would be okay.

A few months ago I decided to change the substrate in my tank from gravel to sand, and with that I was using the CaribSea Super Natural (which is that really fine, beach-like sand). I have the Python siphon that I've been using to do my water changes and to suck out all of the mess at the bottom of the tank.

Question is, how do you get it to really pull up all the poop & debris? I feel like the vacuuming strength/pressure isn't strong enough. I think the length of the tubing is like 50 feet. It'll pull up debris and then kind of just drop it and it all sinks back down into the sand, even after stirring it all up, etc etc.

The tank currently houses a 12-inch Silver Aro, 10-inch Striped Gar, & an Iridescent Shark. Is it just that their poops are too big/heavy? lol. Is the best way to get stuff off the bottom of the tank just netting it all up?

Thanks in advance!

 

[duanes]

Where is your sink level that the waste water comes out, in relationship to the substrate level?
Gravity is your friend, the lower the level the waste water comes out, will determine the ability pul up detritus.

 

[Suunnnn]

Oh okay, I see. Thanks for the advice on that man.

Currently, the tank sits up on top of its stand at about 3 feet high. I have the siphon connected to my sink which is probably a bit higher than the tank itself in the end. But I do have the water on creating that pressure and all.

 

[Probie]

I would say that that is your problem, since the out-feed of your hose is around the same height or higher than the in-feed it is not able to create a proper siphon there fore there is little or no suction. Even with the water running the amount of suction that is being created is minimal and not enough to get the job done. I would lower the out-feed, even if that means running it out a window or into a toilet.

 

[duanes]

Agree with Probie.