Cleaning Sand/Gravel

[Slayvoff]

It looks like you use a gravel pump or whatever you may call it - but can you move continuously or do you need to do it as the guy in this video below does it? He basically puts the vacuum in one spot, lets it suck, cuts off flow, picks up, and moves to the spot next to it. Rinse and repeat until entire tank floor has been covered. Seems like it would take incredibly long that way.

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

I use the pinch method that he uses. For sand, that's really the best way to do it. Once you get in a flow, it's really not as bad as it seems...

 

[Slayvoff]

And I guess you get a free water change in while doing it! win/win.

As for cleaning glass, do you just use a razor blade or do those magnetic tools work that I see online so you don't have to get arm wet and can access all parts of the glass easier?

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I do the pinch method as well and just move around to the easy to reach spots in my tank. Occasionally, I will take my patented poking stick and stir everything up right before doing a water change.

I was using a blade attachment on my mag-float, but I'm scared it was damaging my silicone so I've resorted back to just the mag-float. I'm going to get a handheld glass cleaning blade in order to be more precise and absolutely stay away from the corners of my tank.

 

[MarkReef]

I havn't tried the crimp method, but I think I might. He's right, waiting for the sand to fall back down takes a few seconds and you don't get much done as water has been sucking out the whole time.

As for the cleaning the glass I use the FLIPPER. Very strong magnet, works great and virtually no chance of getting sand to scratch the glass.

 

[GoVols]

It looks like you use a gravel pump or whatever you may call it - but can you move continuously or do you need to do it as the guy in this video below does it? He basically puts the vacuum in one spot, lets it suck, cuts off flow, picks up, and moves to the spot next to it. Rinse and repeat until entire tank floor has been covered. Seems like it would take incredibly long that way.

I've used it since the 1980's.
On a sand bed, you need to punch the tube in and pull it back out. You can also get longer tubes.

I've been bare bottom for a while now and I just pull off the tube and use the end of the hose to suck out the detritus once a week from the bare bottom floor and down the sink.

 

[Slayvoff]

I've used it since the 1980's.
On a sand bed, you need to punch the tube in and pull it back out. You can also get longer tubes.

I've been bare bottom for a while now and I just pull off the tube and use the end of the hose to suck out the detritus once a week from the bare bottom floor and down the sink.

Nice I was planning bare bottom until I saw a jawfish in LFS and how hilarious he was. Now I want one so I'd need sand so he can do his thing.

 

[GoVols]

Nice I was planning bare bottom until I saw a jawfish in LFS and how hilarious he was. Now I want one so I'd need sand so he can do his thing.

I do miss my Diamond Goby's

If your looking for a glass cleaner:
Buy "The Flipper" and never look back

 

[EriksOasis]

Pinch method for cleaning the sand or gravel is the best way