Help! New tank, new fish, pH probs

[danas90]

Have your Dad do the baster for a couple of changes... you will then have a siphon.

And if you wish, you can tell him this suggestion comes from a 40 year old father of two.

Ahahahhahaha yea that's what I said... but he didn't think it would take much. So hey, thanks - I guess I'll get a siphon tonight

And hey, now that we have that sorted out... for a siphon, should I just get like some type of rubber tubing at the hardware store, or do I need anything special?

 

[TetraBotia]

And hey, now that we have that sorted out... for a siphon, should I just get like some type of rubber tubing at the hardware store, or do I need anything special?

All you need to siphon is any hose under 1" inside diameter. You might consider a smaller diameter for a small tank-

You could also look into a gravel vacuum siphon... you could find one at most fish stores. If you decide you want the gravel siphon, don't go buy your hose separate. Just buy the whole thing at once at the fish store.

 

[danas90]

All you need to siphon is any hose under 1" inside diameter. You might consider a smaller diameter for a small tank-

You could also look into a gravel vacuum siphon... you could find one at most fish stores. If you decide you want the gravel siphon, don't go buy your hose separate. Just buy the whole thing at once at the fish store.

Hmm... I was wondering about those gravel siphons, but for the matter of cost reduction, could I just use normal rubber tubing to siphon the gravel, or do I need a gravel siphon?

 

[Roan Art]

Hmm... I was wondering about those gravel siphons, but for the matter of cost reduction, could I just use normal rubber tubing to siphon the gravel, or do I need a gravel siphon?

Personally, I would have a gravel syphon because they are clear colored and you can see what's going in there.

Never know when a small one might get sucked into the vacuum. If it goes right in, it'll end up in the bucket and that's okay, but it helps if you know he's in there.

Just my 2 cents.

Roan

 

[TetraBotia]

Yes- what Roan said is right, but also, keep in mind the clear tube siphon for gravel is also much larger in diameter than the hose. This has the effect of reducing the suction at the gravel level, so you pull up was and not a bunch of rocks...

 

[danas90]

I appreciate all the help from both of you!

Okay, so basically... get a gravel siphon, use it for cleaning the gravel (weekly? monthly?) and changing the water... right?

 

[TetraBotia]

I appreciate all the help from both of you!

Okay, so basically... get a gravel siphon, use it for cleaning the gravel (weekly? monthly?) and changing the water... right?

Yes- it can do both- your choice as to whether or not to do the gravel every time.

As to how often to vacuum gravel, that depends on a lot of factors- type of fish, number of fish, size of the fish, planted tank or not, what kind of filtration, etc... you will have to decide that yourself based on the answers from above and input/opinions of others.