sand gravel vacuum

[davidwillis]

I have a tank that is 5'x3'x3'.

I like to use a siphon to clean out the gravel every once and a while. However I have a problem reaching to the bottom, and I also only have a small space above the tank, so I can't use a long 3' tube.

Does anyone make a telescoping tube, that goes from 20" to at least 36"?

I have seen some electric ones that have a filter on them, but I don't think they will do that great, they look very cheap.

I don't really want to make my own, but it looks like that is the only option for me.

 

[ichthyogeek]

Is there any reason why you can't just buy a regular size siphon tube and use a really large hose?

 

[davidwillis]

Is there any reason why you can't just buy a regular size siphon tube and use a really large hose?

That is what I use, but I have to reach down to my shoulder to get to the gravel, and I only have a small opening in the top, so it is nearly impossible to get to all the locations. Also I can't even do it with the hood on, so it needs to be removed first (which takes at least two people). It would be so much easier if I could put the tube in the tank, extend it out, and clean with only my hand in the tank.

I did find this: vacuum

But it is only 24", and with the 90 deg bend, I don't think it will work very well. I would like something like that that is 1" longer, and does not have a 90 deg bend on it.

Thanks!