Continuous Gravel Cleaning

[Kashta]

What does everyone think of this gadget? Lets you clean the gravel for as long as you want without removing any water while doing it.

There are times when I need to thoroughly clean the gravel, but I only want to change 10-20 percent of the water. Then the tank is already drained that far - but I'm only halfway done doing the cleaning part. :silly:

I'd really prefer to take more time cleaning... and THEN do a small water change after I'm done.

Even more important... does anyone know of fairly specific DIY instructions to make one of these ourselves... perhaps using a modified python on one end and a spare canister filter other?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+15484&pcatid=15484

 

[Ajordan]

for DIY plans I was thinking that a home made canister filter with some slight modifications would work. Instead of a standard intake strainer you could put a gravel vac on it.

I'm sure more people will chime in, hopefully with plans! (there are some other options as well like more frequent small changes or reducing bio load although that isn't what you asked about so hope things relate to the cleaning contraption)

 

[excuzzzeme]

They do have advantages but I fear for a lack of a quality water change it is chancing disease or illness to accrue in the tank. I would imagine if coupled with a UV sterilizer it would reduce the likelihood.

 

[ITHURTZ]

I would just use a RUGF, no more vacs for me!

 

[CHOMPERS]

Talk to Dr. Joe on MFK (when the problems there are fixed). He made a device like this but without the filter. The filter is an easy add on; use a whole house filter ($20).

 

[CHOMPERS]

They do have advantages but I fear for a lack of a quality water change it is chancing disease or illness to accrue in the tank. I would imagine if coupled with a UV sterilizer it would reduce the likelihood.

If it is in the gravel, it is already on the fish. The only real hazzard I can really see is using gravel without ugf plates. If hydrogen sulfide builds up in the gravel, it will be disbursed throughout the tank. It can kill everything in the tank within minutes.

 

[Corax]

Why not just hook a gravel vac to the intake of your existing canister filter? I can image it costing about $15 to make one that would fit on my XP3's intake.. Yeah, you'd send all that junk right into your filter, but that's pretty easy to prepare for.. (Marineland Right Size, cut to fit, fill the canister for $6, throw away when yer done..)

 

[mellowvision]

every once in a while if I think my tanks need an extra deep clean, I make something like this as a temporary filter... I use a 3 gallon container, with a strainer on the top, filled with filter floss, and a small powerhead. the gravel vac is started with siphon, and I put the power head in the container with a hose back to the tank. I can filter all I want. works great for those deep cleans.

 

[jackiomy]

every once in a while if I think my tanks need an extra deep clean, I make something like this as a temporary filter... I use a 3 gallon container, with a strainer on the top, filled with filter floss, and a small powerhead. the gravel vac is started with siphon, and I put the power head in the container with a hose back to the tank. I can filter all I want. works great for those deep cleans.

I have to say that is brilliant!

 

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

i use a hot magnum to do this they have a vac attachment very simple and easy and no mess.