Since there was some discussion about how to clean your gravel/substrate in your aquarium, I thought I'd make a quick post about why it's important and the different options there are for you to pick from when you clean our tank.
The dirtiest part of your tank is probably your gravel. That's where all the fish poop and uneaten fish food goes and collects. Overtime if you don't clean it, it breaks down and starts to pollute your tank and if you don't do regular water changes, the effects will start to show in new algae growth or sick fishes. That's why water changes are important too but that's another post for later.
So how do you clean your gravel? The easiest by far is with a vacuum siphon. It's super easy to use and you really do clean out alot of gunk with it. The water I pull out when I do it is dark and gross. That's all gunk in your tank if you don't clean it.
So get yourself one today if you don't have one. Here's my picks for some of the better gravel vacuum cleaners out there (in no particular order - except the python at #1 because that's what i use).
PYTHON NO SPILL CLEAN & FILL AQUARIUM SYSTEM:
- 25FT long hose (longer extensions are available)
- connects to most faucets
- no need for buckets - can drain directly into sink
- faucet pumps (meaning it'll start to siphon when you turn on the faucet)
- Click Here To Learn More
AQUEON #06232 SIPHON VACUUM GRAVEL CLEANER WITH BULB:
- Self Priming (use up and down motion to start the water flow)
- includes a clip to attach hose to bucket
- needs to drain into bucket
- Click Here To Learn More
EHEIM QUICK VAC PRO AUTOMATIC GRAVEL CLEANER:
- no need for buckets or tubes. imagine a vacuum that you can use inside your tank
- battery operated
- fully submersible
- fine mesh traps all particles and is reusable
- Click Here To Learn More
AQUEON #06226 MINI SIPHON VACUUM GRAVEL CLEANER:
- for smaller size tanks where you don't need a large siphon
- self-priming
- includes clip to attach hose to bucket as you clean
- Click Here To Learn More
so hopefully that'll point you in the right direction on which product you should consider. If you have any experiences with any of these, let me know. Want to make sure our members and visitors pick the best one for their use!
The dirtiest part of your tank is probably your gravel. That's where all the fish poop and uneaten fish food goes and collects. Overtime if you don't clean it, it breaks down and starts to pollute your tank and if you don't do regular water changes, the effects will start to show in new algae growth or sick fishes. That's why water changes are important too but that's another post for later.
So how do you clean your gravel? The easiest by far is with a vacuum siphon. It's super easy to use and you really do clean out alot of gunk with it. The water I pull out when I do it is dark and gross. That's all gunk in your tank if you don't clean it.
So get yourself one today if you don't have one. Here's my picks for some of the better gravel vacuum cleaners out there (in no particular order - except the python at #1 because that's what i use).
PYTHON NO SPILL CLEAN & FILL AQUARIUM SYSTEM:
- 25FT long hose (longer extensions are available)
- connects to most faucets
- no need for buckets - can drain directly into sink
- faucet pumps (meaning it'll start to siphon when you turn on the faucet)
- Click Here To Learn More
AQUEON #06232 SIPHON VACUUM GRAVEL CLEANER WITH BULB:
- Self Priming (use up and down motion to start the water flow)
- includes a clip to attach hose to bucket
- needs to drain into bucket
- Click Here To Learn More
EHEIM QUICK VAC PRO AUTOMATIC GRAVEL CLEANER:
- no need for buckets or tubes. imagine a vacuum that you can use inside your tank
- battery operated
- fully submersible
- fine mesh traps all particles and is reusable
- Click Here To Learn More
AQUEON #06226 MINI SIPHON VACUUM GRAVEL CLEANER:
- for smaller size tanks where you don't need a large siphon
- self-priming
- includes clip to attach hose to bucket as you clean
- Click Here To Learn More
so hopefully that'll point you in the right direction on which product you should consider. If you have any experiences with any of these, let me know. Want to make sure our members and visitors pick the best one for their use!
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