Syphoning is not cleaning substrate please assist ?

[pisces70]

I'm not sure, I haven't tried that. You would have to get a snug fitting connection to the intake in order for it to stay on as you work cleaning the substrate. But sure, you can always try out some homemade combinations to see what works for you.

I just know that with the HOT Magnum you can remove the intake tube and fit their siphon into that port. The connector is already on the tubing and you secure it down tightly with the clip that is already on the port. Mine all came together, I think they call it the Pro Series kit or something like that. Or the Magnum siphon is available by itself if you already have a HOT Magnum. These filters are a little on the expensive side at the LFS (the filter by itself was $89.00 at my local Petsmart store). I usually can find them at a lower price through one of the mail order/online catalogs, but I haven't priced them lately so I'm not certain. They may have gone up in price.

 

[Wren]

the water quality seems fine so far, im mostly worried about dirt long term in the substrate.

also if got coral sand for the fronts - not too fine - will switching to a finer sand help with syphoning perhaps?

The finer sand will not be easier to siphon. If you have enough flow to draw water out, fine sand will get siphoned easily also.

One trick you can use is to only siphon out a small amount of water (maybe 20%) at a time. Refill your tank, then siphon out some more. Since you have a low tank, and have trouble getting enough difference in the water levels to get much flow, only siphoning while the tank is very full will let you take advantage of the little difference you do have. Does that make sense?? You will have to repeat the siphon/refill cycle a few times if you are trying to change lots of water each time (or if you have lots of gunk to siphon out).

Lisa

 

[saffa]

The finer sand will not be easier to siphon. If you have enough flow to draw water out, fine sand will get siphoned easily also.

One trick you can use is to only siphon out a small amount of water (maybe 20%) at a time. Refill your tank, then siphon out some more. Since you have a low tank, and have trouble getting enough difference in the water levels to get much flow, only siphoning while the tank is very full will let you take advantage of the little difference you do have. Does that make sense?? You will have to repeat the siphon/refill cycle a few times if you are trying to change lots of water each time (or if you have lots of gunk to siphon out).

Lisa

this sounds good as well, ill try a few different options.

 

[saffa]

PISCES70 - UNFORTUNATELY - HOT magnum filters is not stocked here, only the cold magnum ice-creams im afraid...:lol2:.

ill have to work something with my existing filters....although this product seems quite handy - maybe they stock something similar on my side - i will consult my local aquariums outlets here.

 

[pisces70]

Ok, good luck!

 

[SubRosa]

How far from the waterline of the aquarium to the ground outside? You can run a long hose out the window to gain more vertical drop.

 

[SMinNC]

thanks pisces70, im running 2 canister filters - 1600lph and a 500lph, i will try to hook the syphon up to the smaller one as a test!

I think this would be your best bet. I was thinking magnum 250 also, while reading down from your original post.
What I'd do...
Hook up syphon to canister.
Clean gravel until I'm content or tired of it, which ever comes first.(With outlet still returning to tank)
Then (if applicable)run the outlet side of canister to where ever you are sending water to for removal.(sink, bath tub, outside)
Clean canister.
Replace water.
Done.