How do you clean a huge tank!?

LenaSaint

Registered Member
Sep 6, 2006
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Hi! I have this really big tank, but I'm not really sure how many galleons you would call it, by its 4ft by 2ft. I was wondering, if I were to buy a really good filter, can I not do water changes at all? Because its really difficult scoopping 10+ buckets of water out every 2 weeks. Whats more there is so much dirt collected below the gravel, just disturbing the gravel a little and the tank immediately turns cloudy. I hope someone can help me with this problem! Thank you so much
 
get a gravel vacuum. It's a siphon that makes cleaning so much easier. It cleans your gravel while also siphoning the water out. No reason to remove your fish, and decorations should not be cleaned with every water change, they can wait it out a little bit
 
I connect a powerhead to a hose... less precise but gets the job done faster
 
there is a gravel vac out there (cant remember the company, i think its called a python) that has a super long hose and connects to your faucet. apparently you can do gravel vacs and replace the water in your aquarium...apparently. I havent bought one myself but thats what i've read.

my only concern would be with houses with old pipes. old pipes tend to have copper and calcium build-ups, thus introducing calcium (hard water) into the tank...bad and copper into the tank...very bad!
also, water temperature, apparently warm water through pipes is worse than cold. I'd do a little research into it first. but thats one solution
 
okay thanks everybody for taking your time to reply!! I think I'll go with the gravel vac suggestions
 
If your tank is on the same floor as a sink I would recommend using a Python like rayjay suggested. It will make your water changes much easier and much faster. It does not work well if it has to travel up or down stairs though.
 
I have the python and love it !! Makes water changes and cleaning so much easier !!!
 
Also L X W X D (inside dimensions) / 231 = gallon capacity of your tank. If you have trouble with this equation post all THREE dimensions and someone will figure it for you, Jonah.
 
Lol, hate to sound dumb here but are you guys talking about fresh water? In my reefs I let my critters do all the cleaning all I've ever had to do was water changes and dose with trace elements.
 
I was about to ask the same thing, max. If your doing 100g in water changes every month on a marine tank, that's A LOT of money spent on salt...
 
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