I've been running around MFK for a few days, but I don't see anyone discussing the vacuuming needs for a massive tank. Generally, with my small tanks, it all just depends on the number and size of fish. But how often, in practice, do you guys with 1000+ gallon fresh water aquariums vacuum them out? How do you even get it done; scuba diving gear? Say hi to your pacus for me, while you're in there! (hope they're not hungry...)
Vacuuming a massive tank
- Thread starter Desdinova
- Start date
I never thought that would be the case. I have oscars and they are really messy eaters. I don't think jets would keep the food from piling up in the bottom of the tank. Unless the jets could somehow move the solids out of the gravel so it makes it's way into the filter? Is that possible?
Bare bottom 300 gallon tank with mechanical intakes 1/4" off the floor. In the 4 1/2 years the tank has been running, there has been no debris/feces to vacuum out. It has worked so well, we will be doing a similar thing on the big system we are going to be setting up. There is no way I'd vacuum a 15' x 4' x 4' tank...that would be a nightmare.
Ok, that makes more sense. I was just assuming everyone was putting gravel at the bottom of the tank... I think I'll setup my smaller tanks to work that way and see if I can get it to work out there first. Thanks for the info, everyone!
Bigger tanks require bigger equipment. And that generally means DIY custom stuff.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307371
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307371
we used to gravel vaccuum an 8x4x4 glass (950g) tank with a 48" python tube at the LFS where I used to work. we didn't do it often, but we did it occasionally.
Honestly, it depends on the setup, substrate and whatnot of the system in question.
I've got sand + 30" tall + corner overflow, so siphoning during PWC is the easiest way without buying more electrical toys, so really its to each their own (setups).
I've got sand + 30" tall + corner overflow, so siphoning during PWC is the easiest way without buying more electrical toys, so really its to each their own (setups).