Anyone ever try this?

[African cichlid Keeper]

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

[lilscoots]

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

[Ron]

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! 

[Bremmon]

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.

[mibwb]

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.

[SKISWETPETS]

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.

[HMD]

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

[mibwb]

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.