Siphon woes

qquake2k

qquake2k

AC Members
May 3, 2006
121
1
16
Northern California
Do any of you use a siphon that will suck up larger pleco poop? I have a 7-8" pleco, and neither of the siphons I've tried will suck it up. They will suck it up into the chamber, but the larger pieces will eventually fall back out. It's very frustrating. Here are the two siphons I've tried:

http://www.petco.com/product/102258...?CoreCat=LN_Shopping_FishSupplies_Maintenance

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754084

I really like the JBJ one with its siphon starting bulb. Very convenient. But it doesn't develop much suction, I think because the tubing is larger. I also like the shape of the Marina, it's easy to get around plants and decorations. But the siphon is difficult to start, especially once the water gets low. And it won't suck up the pleco poop either.

I'm curious to hear what you all are using for the pleco poop...
 
I use 6-8 feet of tubing without the vacuum for heavy poo. I fill the tubing at the sink, hold the ends at the same height. One end in the tank, thumb on lower end into bucket release thumb & syphon.

I often suck up sand & small gravel no matter how careful I am but it works well for spot cleaning. I keep my finger near the suction end is case I need to stop the flow fast. You might want a second bucket ready, it fills fast.
 
I actually found a cheapie at Wallyworld.

this had no problems sucking up gravel(which turn into issue as it would clog up the pipe )


it had 1/2" ID possibly 9/16"
with a pick up tube just at 2" id.

with a 8-10' hose. I had it dump into a 5 g bucket and it would fill that pretty quick.

unfortunately I broke it and didn't bother replacing it since I have been using the python.

I find the restriction with the python is at the ball valve. have you tried using a coupler and by passing the ball valve.. i find I get better results doing this.
 
I use just a regular garden hose the suction is really strong, it can suck up 1/4" gravel if I let it.
 
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