Question about siphon vacuum?

[averytanky]

I know these are made for gravel, I bought it mainly for my goldfish tank that has gravel.

*is it okay for me to use this with both my fresh and saltwater tank if I clean thoroughly in between?

*is it worth it so try to clean my nano saltwater tank that has sand? Or will the sand just make it impossible?

I've heard they are tricky to get the hang of so im so excited for this process to begin hahaha

 

[Roy 9121]

I use mine on the sand bed I my reef, it works pretty well. When it starts pulling the sand, just punch the hose and you can control the siphon.

 

[Roy 9121]

I don't see why you couldn't use the same one for both fresh and salt.

 

[GoVols]

just punch the hose and you can control the siphon.

+1

 

[averytanky]

This isn't working at all

 

[Shadowspop]

Depending on the amount of flow pressure, you may get a better result holding it more upright in the tank vs. at an angle.

 

[Roy 9121]

This isn't working at all

what's it doing

 

[averytanky]

Lol my boyfriend and I had the hardest time. It worked for maybe 20 seconds. We followed the directions completely from aqueon's online how-to video. Impossible. It works a little after my boyfriend sucked through the bottom to get the water flowing (ew) and then I moved it up and down like video said and it still only worked until it got clogged with gravel.

When I tried with freshwater tank, it was a bit more successful, it will make water changes easier I guess. But also again had to suck through bottom to get flow going.

BTW these were both 10g tanks, while the box says up to 5? Can't see how that could cause such issues tho. Luckily it was only like 6 bucks.

 

[averytanky]

I use mine on the sand bed I my reef, it works pretty well. When it starts pulling the sand, just punch the hose and you can control the siphon.

What do you mean punch the hose?

 

[Dr.Xipoles]

Aquarium coop makes it really simple. Heres the video

 

[North Borders]

Get one with a bulb pump. No more siphoning!

 

[Dr.Xipoles]

This is the one I use. Its really easy and hasn't failed me in over 2 years. https://www.petsmart.com/fish/maint...illet - High - PLA - Specialty&utm_medium=cpc

 

[SashimiTurtle]

What do you mean punch the hose?

He meant pinch...

Siphons only work if the outlet is below the sucker end. Gravity and vaccum pulls the water thru the hose. Yes, you have to suck on the end to start the flow. Don't suck up the tank water tho. If you get too much sand in the siphon tube where is about to go in the hose, pinch the hose off some to slow the flow down and the sand should fall down.

 

[averytanky]

He meant pinch...

Siphons only work if the outlet is below the sucker end. Gravity and vaccum pulls the water thru the hose. Yes, you have to suck on the end to start the flow. Don't suck up the tank water tho. If you get too much sand in the siphon tube where is about to go in the hose, pinch the hose off some to slow the flow down and the sand should fall down.

Okay so you have to suck in the end each time? I definitely want to get one with a pump like the TOP FIN one, will get that next. Annoying that I bought this one. I trusted aqueon hahaha

 

[averytanky]

Aquarium coop makes it really simple. Heres the video

Thank you so much !

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Another way is to fill the tube with water, then pick it up over the aquarium with the bottom facing up. That way the water pours down the hose and starts the siphon. Before all the water drains out the tube, stick it back in the water.

 

[Reefrookie220]

Remove the flapper valve! Makes life easier.

 

[Shadowspop]

Okay so you have to suck in the end each time? I definitely want to get one with a pump like the TOP FIN one, will get that next. Annoying that I bought this one. I trusted aqueon hahaha

You really don't need to suck on it. Put your thumb over the end of the hose. Put the siphon end in the water and point it up (So it will hold the water) lift it out of the water so the air comes out of the hose. Repeat again if necessary until the hose is full of water instead of air. Put the siphon back in the tank, hose over a bucket lower than the siphon and take your thumb off the hose. It should start to siphon on its own.

 

[Shadowspop]

Another way is to fill the tube with water, then pick it up over the aquarium with the bottom facing up. That way the water pours down the hose and starts the siphon. Before all the water drains out the tube, stick it back in the water.

I wrote exactly the same thing...sorry, hadn't seen your post. 2 brilliant minds.

 

[Roy 9121]

What do you mean punch the hose?

either squeeze it with your fingers to restrict the flow, or fold it like you do a garden hose. Just to control the flow. That way when you start to pull up to much sand, slow the flow and the sand will start to drop back down. Just play with it a little, you'll figure it out. they work pretty well once you get the hang of it.