Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: African cichlid Keeper on June 10, 2015, 01:21:35 PM

Title: Anyone ever try this?
Post by: African cichlid Keeper on June 10, 2015, 01:21:35 PM

I am think of try this out my self..
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/diy-aquarium/diy-hob-gravel-vac-49407/

Title: Re: Anyone ever try this?
Post by: lilscoots on June 10, 2015, 07:38:03 PM

The only thing I'd be worried about is impeller damage. 

Title: Re: Anyone ever try this?
Post by: Ron on June 10, 2015, 08:47:14 PM

I'd thought about doing something like that once upon a time, but never did.

I suspect that the fine cloud of filth/bacteria that will erupt from the gravel will be rather fine and not entirely trapped by the filter, leading to a tank that is cloudy for a period after doing this.

... but maybe I'm wrong and if you do it, let us know how it turns out!  :)

Title: Re: Anyone ever try this?
Post by: Bremmon on June 11, 2015, 09:48:37 AM

I tried ti with several types of small HOB's none of them had enough suction to make it work very well. I just ended up going back to my hose and pump.

Title: Re: Anyone ever try this?
Post by: mibwb on June 12, 2015, 02:04:30 AM

Cobalt makes a filter just for gravel cleaning...go to PetSolutions.com and watch the video. You will get the idea of how to change a filter to do this. I did, but I used a felt filter sock instead of a net bag.

Title: Re: Anyone ever try this?
Post by: SKISWETPETS on June 12, 2015, 09:30:18 AM

Neat idea, I have used a pond pump in the tank for cleaning gravel before. Made a little screen for the end of the tube and it worked pretty well. May have to try this.

Title: Re: Anyone ever try this?
Post by: HMD on June 12, 2015, 02:45:57 PM

I have just started back into this hobby. Have and am using my Vortex Diatom filter to vacuum it does cost a bit using diatomatus media

HMD

Title: Re: Anyone ever try this?
Post by: mibwb on June 12, 2015, 07:40:19 PM

Quote from: HMD on June 12, 2015, 02:45:57 PM

I have just started back into this hobby. Have and am using my Vortex Diatom filter to vacuum it does cost a bit using diatomatus media

HMD

Go to a pool and spa supply store. They sell larger bags of diatomaceous earth for use as fliter media, way cheaper then buying in a small quantity from a LFS or on-line.