Bulb type gravel vac - *Awesome!* or *A Waste of Money!*

Are bulb type gravel vacs worth it?

  • I use a bulb gravel vac, and love it!

    Votes: 2 10.5%

  • I've used a bulb gravel vac, but switched back to the *pump up and down under water* type, cause I d

    Votes: 1 5.3%

  • I have never used a bulb gravel vac, and *Frankly, my dear, I don't give a HOOT*.

    Votes: 8 42.1%

  • I use something completely different, that I will be kind enough to describe in a post.

    Votes: 5 26.3%

  • I decided to select this completely useless option, either because I realized that I can pick more t

    Votes: 5 26.3%
  • Total voters
    19
Hebily

Hebily

My Tank \/
Mar 15, 2009
1,448
2
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Racine, Wi
Camera Used
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I was just wondering if anyone uses a bulb type gravel vac instead of the of the *pump it up and down under water making a mess and scaring fish* type gravel vacs. What are the pros and cons? Do they get clogged? Do they make starting a syphon easy?
 
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I have never used either method. I simply fill the tube with water, raise it above water level and when it starts to drain I push it back into the water. No mess, no pumping, no fuss. I have a large one and a small one as appropriate for the tanks I do PWC on.
 
I got one as a contest prize, and it works great. Maybe not as nice as a Python, but still pretty nifty.
 
I use the python.. and if I don't feel like running the siphon pump I simply detach the hose from the pump and let her run.
 
I dump the bucket on my lawn. If I were using a python, I would have to run the hose outside, and leave a door or window open, and hook it up to the garden hose, make sure the valve at the tank is shut, run outside and start the water, run back in and open the valve, vac, shut the valve, run outside and stop the water, run in and open the valve and take the end out of the tank, run out and turn on the water to suck the hose out, turn off the water, disconnect the python, and roll it up and put it away... Bigger pain than the bucket. Besides, most of the time my waterchanges are small enough that it wouldn't be worth hooking up a python anyway, even if I were using a sink right next to the tank.
 
I don't use one, but as an alternative, I use a turkey baster to start the siphon. They both work the same way.
 
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