Still Vacuuming Substrate? - Here's How To Stop!

I don't vacuum my substrate anymore! Granted how I accomplish this may not work for everyone, but it can work for most! Try this and NEVER VACUUM SUBSTRATE AGAIN! 😁
Jump straight to what you need:
What is Detritus - 0:30
Canister Filters only work with - 1:15
Cleanest Cichlid Tank - 2:00
Wave Makers Clean Your Tank - 2:26
Decor Issues in your tank - 3:36
Fish helping to clean Detritus - 4:10
Wave maker use for the right fish - 5:02
Best book for Crystal Clear Water - 6:34
Free webinar on African Cichlids - 7:06
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[@zaytoven337]

Man I must say my freshwater tank is where it is today because of you Kev and the caveman channel really love your videos bro since day one of me starting my tank. I haven’t had to vacuum my tank in like 4 months myself because of my two wave makers constantly working👍🏾 jus doing my weekly water changes and my water stays crystal clear man you guys better hit that sub button and follow along with Kev man he always make very helpful videos. Thanks bro

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks for the great positive feedback bro, I really appreciate it!! 😁😁

[@KevinLee-pq5sm]

You make everything so much easier with your knowledge.. thanks again brother.. ❤

[@angelmika2010]

The wave maker has helped me with not having to vacuum my 55 gallon tank for over 6 months. Thank you for your advice!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Glad I could help! 😁

[@yunge9482]

Beautiful, black and you’re into fish where you at lmao but what do you have stock in your 55?

[@morganbreton8791]

@@KaveManAquatics I have two wave makers in my 400L tank but struggling with where to place them to remove excess poo from my pleco and Oscars where's best to place them both thanks

[@Enjoylife-2000]

What type of filter do you have on your 55? @angelmika

[@tamarapurplesweetgrassmacg1175]

Been a fish keeper for 45 years, this last 5 years when I found corycats I started getting groups of a few that since they started having eggs I know have just picked out around 15 eggs with some that always hatch in the tank, I just had another flood at 1am xmas day with my Greek Hubby screaming that turned out to be my aqua filter that was pushing the water all over, So no leaks thank Jesus, So turning that one off & just keeping my tidal & foam filter I was looking on either a new airpump or the air mover then I saw this video as I need to do somthing, with so many corycats & snails that he`s finally agreeing there are too many as he saves every little thing, Even grows fruit flies for the spiders as winter they need food, I`m loving this video & learning more on what to do, Ty

[@FoolyLiving]

I have not a wave maker, but a powerjet kind of just simple filter that has coarse foam in it - it blasts from one side of the tank to the other. I LOVE this filter, but my little fishes are like OMG WHERE AM I and they get knocked around a bit. I love how it moves my sand around and makes "waves" and bumps in my sand and it constantly moves the water. I also used it without fish to cycle the tank before we got fish and it made my tank so clean and crystal clear for nearly a month and a half. They are awesome and I would love to use it with my little fish lol.

[@ryanmaya8685]

Kev you seriously got me loving this hobby and I just wanna thank you for your helpful knowledge.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Love to hear that! Glad you're enjoying the channel! 😁

[@dreamchaser0772]

Agreed 👍 thank you kev

[@garinungerman7264]

My angels love the wave maker lol, They play in the flow!

[@steverabbits]

I have a wavemaker and it definitely works but like you said Kevin my goldfish were having to constantly swim against the current. Now instead I have 2 filters running at opposite ends of my 400 litre tank, an FX4 and an FX6, one outlet nicely rippling the surface for good oxygenation, the other at the opposite end low down creating nice water circulation. My water is crystal clear and the gravel stays very clean although the goldfish really do a lot of work there themselves picking up big mouthfuls of gravel, cleaning it off in their mouths and then spitting it back out, they are better than any gravel vacuum I find! The flow is good enough to keep things clean and oxygenated but once a day for maybe 10 minutes I manually switch the wavemaker on just to make sure there are no dead spots of still water in the tank. This system works well for me along with some Corys cleaning up any uneaten food from the bottom. Your advice has been invaluable to me my friend, thanks for everything you share dude! 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats awesome, glad you figured out how to make it work for your goldfish! 😊💪

[@Tonymith11990]

I totally agree , every since I seen your video about putting a wave maker in the tank, I have not had to vacuum my 55 gallon in over a year. That has been the best investment yet. Thank you, also my angel fish don't seem to mind, my flow is not full force . Keep doing your thing, loving your info.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad to hear that bro! And big thanks for joing the membership! Your support is highly appreciated! 😁

[@randomtube8226]

I use a powerful aerator pump with multiple stones throughout the tank. To help keep things stirred up. I never have dirty surface substrate.

[@dwhiteman11]

I’m sure I am not the only one to say that your videos are so helpful. I don’t have African cichlids but I do have a Midas/Red Devil and a Flowerhorn in a 125 gallon. I am planning on getting a Fluval FX-6 here shortly and can’t wait to install it. Thank you for all the helpful tips.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure, glad you're enjoying the channel! You will not be disappointed with that FX6! 😁

[@CurieBohr]

Oh I need this video. Popcorn ready.

[@janellesmith4056]

Thanks to you my water is crystal clear. I have my canister filter along with an HOB purifying filter. I’ve reduced my feeding food quantity “whatever your feeding your fish CUT IT IN HALF! Lol” I have 2 wave makers one with less flow” and since I’ve applied your tips to my tank, my water has been crystal clear and my sand substrate has been super clean! You’re amazing, love your videos. I’ve been fish keeping for years but I have learned soo much!!! Keep doing what you do! 🤗👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Happy to hear of your success. Glad I was able to help get you there!

[@joseCalderon1976]

I'm glad I found your video right before I spent money on vacuuming stuff. Since I put a Wavemaker on my 75G African chiclid tank, there's barely any stuff laying around on top of my pool filter sand. I just suck what I can with the hose that I use to remove the water. The FX6 catches the rest. I'll keep it like that. And yes, my aquascape is very minimalist. I even took my 3d background out. It used too much room and it trapped junk back there. Plus my fish would hide back there 80% of the time! Thank you for another great video!

[@xavierbras5365]

Kev firstly thanks for providing such great knowledge and helping us all to have a great tank that we look at. I have 3 tanks and I follow a lot of Kev’s advise and it just keeps the fishes happy and seeing them healthy and hearty make my day. All thanks to the Kevman.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Thank you so much for that positive feedback! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@shaneadmusson7740]

I have a different system in play; I have deep sand substrates and heavily planted tanks. No vacuum siphoning, nothing but air filters. The mulm and detritus are never a problem and my water is crystal clear. As the mulm breaks down it is pulled into the sand layers by micro organisms and bacteria thus recycling and feeding the plants. Ocean Aquarium in San Francisco California uses this method and has not done water changes in 30 years, they don't vacuum either. Father Fish channel explains it in great detail; fix it and forget about it tanks.

[@zero1385]

Thanks Kev! Found your channel today and have been binging for hours! Doing all my research now to prep for getting a big tank for 2 Koi. You got the best content Ive seen so far!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful!! 😊

[@danielmadrid7346]

What a great piece of advise! Been doing since video first dropped and can tell you it saves so much time! I push may top wave maker down so that as the pump runs in opposite side it sucks up waste and out hose to toilet. This a game changer! Kev you the MAN!🤛🏽

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice!! Glad I could help!! 😁😁

[@nikosveloudakisafricancich2990]

Am not vacuuming my substrate Kev the way you think I already have two wavemakers but every time I move my rocks they will have poop underneath them. No matter what wavemakers can't clean under a stone. And second because African cichlids are moving lots portions of sand , especially in the corners, I have , now and then, to straight my substrate up! So that's the vacuuming am doing, nothing more but I still considering it as vacuuming.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Cool, every setup is different, glad you have a good system in place 👍

[@dhammaboy1203]

This all makes perfect sense! If you do this and you get one of those water pumps Kave man did a video on - you could get water change / maintenance down a lot. That is important as we all live busy lives. I’ve got a lot of live plants and rock works - so I still vacuum despite my wavemaker going 24/7.. For me however the biggest plus from the wavemaker is it makes my fish calmer, healthier and happier! i don’t think I would ever do without one again!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! You are absolutely right, thats another major benefit to the wave maker! Glad to hear its working out well for you

[@keepamerica2astrong280]

Hey K man great vid as usual. Have 2 wave makers in my 100g all male cichlid tank. Great circulation and haven't vacuumed in 4 months and counting. Love the insertion of the movie clips in your vids. Maybe a Sopranos or Good Fellows clip next time ? haha Merry Christmas to you and your family...

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, glad you enjoyed it and glad to hear the method has been working for you also! Yes, Im definitely going to continue adding in more movie clips 😁

[@rondeycallahan464]

I watched your videos today and got a wave maker. I have been keeping fish since a child and never had one till today. Thanks for sharing.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure bro, glad I could help 💪

[@johnmizhquiri4856]

I bought my first couple cichlids bro. You all the help i needed. Bless up brotha 💯💯💯

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! Congrats!

[@tdrew04]

Started my freshwater tank by watching his videos. Now I’m trying to watch more to go to salt water. 😂 Need all the help I can get.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I'm going that route very soon brother...stay tuned! 😁💪

[@docyusuf258]

I have sand substrate in a fish only tank and have never done gravel vac in 2 years. Using a good wave maker to blowaway the detritus. You can use wavemaker even with fishes that like calm water by not running it continuously. Position the wavemaker about 8 to 10 inches above the bottom, just enough that it doesn't blow away the sand and you can run the wavemaker for an hour or two daily.

[@stanleywhite2894]

Hey Kevin, as an addendum to "Still Vacuuming Substrate?"; would you please (it would be helpful in deciding where and how to place intake and outlet with a background) make a video demonstrating how your wave maker aids in circulating the tanks water to your intake. (Your intake and output are concealed behind your background). Kevin many thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in keeping these beautiful specimen, their housing, and their care and health. I appreciate all that you do and publish immensely as do others; I know!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Hey Stan, I have an older video on my wave maker placement before installing the 3d background. But even though the intake is behind it, the circular pattern of water will still work the same way, detritus will find its way behind the background and thats exactly where it should go since the intakes are back there 😁 heres the video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3jbqIqZlNecq6M btw...new video on wave maker, intake and output placement coming soon...keep an aye out for it!

[@quitasistanumberone]

Dude.... Savannah Smiles....❤️❤️❤️❤️. Thanks for your videos.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@marlonmarcano3269]

Loving the content man. You give really valuable advise and info. But if you don't mind i have one critic about this video. I've only had my koi tank for a week and your videos have been a God-send. Because of how good your content is and how well you present it, i don't think you need the movie cut clips. They're a bit distracting. You're good as you are bro. Don't try to be like the others. I have nothing but respect for you man.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks for your feedback…I truly appreciate it. I’m gathering up all the feedback I can to try and make the videos informative and entertaining for everyone. It’s always a learning process 😁

[@scottmiller2455]

I respectfully disagree. His movie cut clips, are apart of his personality too. Instructional videos are a dime a dozen, and lack spirit which certain people need, to learn. We don’t all learn in the same way. He must be doing something right or there would not be so many people finding the help they need from his videos and books.

[@steverodriguez4871]

I love and appreciate how much free information you give everyone that’s why I dnt mind doing my pet I’ve already purchased few things thru you thanks lot bro appreciate you

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@gameadadams5338]

Hi, best advice ever! Please keep posting more advice its really appreciated. I have a 1.2m deep tank, had major difficulty keeping the substrate clean. Your advice was awsome thanks.

[@simonark1176]

Them is some happy looking fish!!! 😊

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes SIRRR 😊💪

[@hurricanevolf7165]

Dude I just found you today subscribed already! I need to get a wavemaker for my tank! Thanks for the information about it! So far LOVE THE VIDEOS!!!!! Please keep it coming!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks for the sub bro! Glad you’re enjoying the channel 😁💪

[@ronduenyc76]

Want to say Thanks first of all ... Man you gave me alot of good information for a beginner on this fish community hobby. I am two years in and still learning alot... Thanks for all the info you share...

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@albertsaquatics3708]

I have found that my wave maker has just cleaned my substrate. Usually there is a little debris and maybe 2 hours later it's completely gone. I plan on getting another wave maker because 1 it doesn't move my substrate on my other side of the tank and 2 so it can get the debris gone faster. Plus my fish like the flow! Another amazing video as always KAVEMAN! I bought a fish from snake river cichlids with your discount code and I'm going to use your method of adding one fish at a time!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome bro! Glad I could help! 😁

[@Agentshadowolf]

I bought the uniclife wavemaker and used another smaller wavemaker to get the cycle of water movement in my tank as suggested. Its been a few days now and im already noticing a big improvement in my tank as far as debris and poop and etc arent staying at the bottom of the tank leaving my substrate looking clean. There are still a few spots with debris and all but nothing like how it was before I started the water circulation thing. Even when I do feeding and the fish make a mess some times, the circulation helps bring that stuff into the filters after awhile and the tank looks clean. Thank you Kev :)

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome to hear! Glad it's working out well for you! Thanks for sharing your success with us! 😁

[@TexasGunGuy8244]

Yes!!!! Because of you, I bought a wave maker and since then it’s cut my tank cleaning by 1/2. Thank you sir!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Glad I could help! 😁💪

[@KingJivesShow]

Brooooooooo I appreciate these edits ❤️🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you're enjoying them bro! 😊💪

[@tommybunk2292]

Your tank does look nice. I'm using a sump overflow system (overflow sponge and pre-filters, plumbed to a FX6) and the return nozzle is coming out at the overflow on the right side of my 150gal. The FX6 is blasting the water across the tank slamming into the far left wall 72" away and was working great on the detritus, I guess like the wave maker does. Unfortunately all my fish are juvenile Tanganyikans (Fronts and Comps) 1" to 1-1/2" long. It was blowing them around like the cow caught in the tornado in the Wizard of OZ. I had to adjust the flow to a corner of the tank. Great information Kev, and it works, but I'm still stuck gravel vac-ing... my sand looks like you sprinkled paprika all over it by the end of the week. The positive thing about this whole situation is, my Green Dragon Bushynose is getting fat. 😏

[@Jashobeam-ij1gr]

Also yes goldfish do naturally come from slow moving water but I have seen them handle so pretty powerful current very comfortably.

[@sleepcenterbeds]

best thing i have done - it worked .used a sun sun double head wavemaker for a week on my 150 gallon sump and tank set up - jeez the amount of poop it pushed in to the sump sponge within a couple of days - was nuts by fancies create a lot of waster . tks mate

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@enajones8588]

You make me feel so better about keeping up my fish tank.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad to hear that! 😊

[@karynbuckley1043]

Definitely buying a wave maker this weekend. Day 2 or 3 gets cloudy. Have 2 adult platy, 5 neon tetras, 3 corys and 7 baby platys (in an isolating tub, we call the nursery). 80 litres tank. Absolutely 100% enjoy your videos.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad to hear it! 😁

[@100bgeagle]

You have some other problems, even without a circulation pump, your tank should stay clear, sounds like tank is not cycled yet.

[@TheRemkoe]

Is a 1000l/h wave maker to much for a 30 gallon tank? I also have some smaller fish in there

[@scudmac]

I knew you were going to say "wavemaker" I am getting one as soon as I get out of quarantine. Great ideas. Thanks

[@KaveManAquatics]

LOL, Glad I could help!

[@streetsiswatching9660]

👀 watching from London 🇬🇧

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome!! Thank you!! 😁

[@rricciutti]

Great Content! Thanks Kaveman. As always, condensed logical info. Truly greatful.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure bro, glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@tonykeel7680]

Sound advice! Kev you always give great information. Quick and to the point.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, glad you found it helpful!

[@davidabrams9078]

I recently added a small Hygger wavemaker to my 29 gallon planted community tank, which is not necessarily a classic candidate for a wavemaker. However, after playing with the positioning in order to get the water flow optimized to reach the filter intake, it definitely has kept the water clearer. When the substrate does get disturbed and releases detritus into the tank, the filter also removes it more quickly now. The other motivation has been planted take owners saying that the circulation improves the distribution of nutrients to the plants and improves growth. Hard to prove, but it wasn't the main reason I did it and I will see if I notice any difference in growth.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad to hear that the addition of a wavemaker is helping even in a planted tank! Let me know if it also improves there nutrient intake 😊

[@hannahsmith6924]

Can ask what wave maker you got for your 29 gal? I have a 29 gal as well and thinking about purchasing a wave maker to replace a bubble bar. My tank has primarily long-finned tetras and albino corydoras if that makes any difference. Will the wave maker interfere with the corys coming to the top for oxygen?

[@vlapinta]

I have a planted tank. Im interested in getting a wave maker to move the water around more than my sponge filter does. I keep mainly tetras and guppies. I dont want anything too powerful. Which one would you recommend? I love your channel. I have learned so much from you. Thank you!

[@bufalo9845]

Brother you have the best channel on youtube about aquariums, keep going and merry christmas.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! I appreciate that! 😁 Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@anthonyWiHDM8]

Happy Holidays Brother!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Same to you bro, thanks! 😁

[@christ806]

Nice 1 Kaveman 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@kalynlaila7138]

Thank you for your videos! I’m about to buy a wave maker to hopefully help my tank !!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@betinelloco]

I looove the little movies clips 😂😂😂

[@tinacox4999akadirtysouth]

You are awesome !!! Thank you ordering me a wave maker today .

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪

[@Gary-yd4zm]

Facts...the wave maker absolutely moves all of that around... Lol that's why you almost have to have one in a saltwater tank... Me personally I used hang on backs and I had the 3 biggest they sell in a 125 gallon and keep the water level a little lower than usual to have that waterfall effect creating bubbles basically and with the wave maker... Bro it was absolutely crystal clear water nothing on the bottom and to me at least I feel like it also helps your filtration of the water because the lower water level moves it around as well... Hang on backs are actually designed to have a lower water level for that waterfall effect to push debris to the intake tube... I would rinse the cartridges but leave the dirty water in pump.. put them back in and add a little beneficial bacteria to help stop any type spikes... But you can't do a water change with it in my opinion... I wait another day or so then maybe 50%... Just my personal preference... I think people do water changes too often.. if your aquarium has the proper filtrations and your not over feeding them you should have to do a water 2 times a month... Maybe 20%...that's the whole reason for extra filtration... The water itself will stay balanced

[@Professor-qu5vz]

The exact topic-suggestion-information I'm looking for .... Thankyou

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@ralphcantrell3214]

Interesting take on aquarium maintenance. 🤔

[@gsolo6003]

I’m going on 3 months no vacuum on my 60 an 75. Thanks man

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice!!! 😁💪

[@yaadiej9863]

Thanks for the advice Kev. Imma get me a 🌊 maker

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad I could help! 😁

[@jasonf8601]

Thank you for your service. Great channel. Great videos.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Much appreciated, Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@christianrodriguez4568]

Honestly man I really want to say Thank you and I appreciate you, I been watching your videos for a year now. You really have been my Teacher through this process. I’m already breeding fish lol

[@KaveManAquatics]

That’s awesome! So glad I could help, my pleasure! 😁

[@cherellzandell6139]

Your tank looks amazing! Thanks for the tip!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you!! 😁 My pleasure!

[@xmi6bond007x]

I have been doing the same thing and I haven't vacuumed my tank in 2 months.. I also have african cichlids.. as always love your videos..

[@KaveManAquatics]

That is awesome!

[@EGWL93]

Yes I've trouble with a lot of detritus lying on the substrate and have to do a surface vacuuming every week, too bad the Tidal 35 aren't doing a good job sucking up them. And yes, the my fishes don't like fast flowing water, so gotta live with it. The extra job makes things fun too.

[@bryanrodarte4943]

1:00 starting laughing out loud at work! 🤣

[@KaveManAquatics]

😁😁 Yea I fumbled that one good 🤣🤣

[@stellarlivingstoned]

Hey brother, I play the piano. I get a lot of piano video recommendations. The thumbnail for this video was above a thumbnail of just hands and a piano. It looked like you were playing the piano while I was scrolling down my feed. I couldn't stop laughing. I took a screenshot hehe

[@KaveManAquatics]

I just visualized it, and you’re right. That would have been funny to see! 🤣

[@themellowpea]

Would love to chill and talk tanks with this guy

[@KaveManAquatics]

Love talking tanks with my fellow fish keepers! 😁💪

[@matkolucic2869]

New in hoby. Love your channel. Thank you for posting and sharing knowledge with us. Subscribed. Take care and stay safe.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear you’re enjoying the channel! 😁💪

[@bufalo9845]

I have my wave maker on a timer twice a day for half an hour and work perfect.

[@T200026]

my Gravel is only a thin level, but i still vac it, it does tend to get trapped in gravel rather than sand. Nice video..👍

[@frank88ster]

Live and learn, Ur de man!! Thanks for this new way.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@cammiluna]

My gourami prefers still water, so this wouldn't be an option for me. This is really good to know in case I set up a second tank! Thanks for this vid!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure, and yes you're right. Go with an airstone for good water movement if you dont already have one 😊

[@jasoncittadino6780]

I did a 2 year experiment on this topic and found it to have negative results after time. I believe there is a time limit on festering dead spots. Everything below the sand is a festering dead spot. Once it becomes saturated with particles smaller than you can see the environment is perfect for trouble. This is just my personal findings on a tank I ran for a total of 4 years like this. I wish i had more info on a good time limit for neglecting substrate but I dont. I stopped because it was not good for the fish in the long run.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Particles in the sand will eventually dissolve. It will also keep heterotrophic bacteria in the sand instead of in your water column. Once they mineralize it the autotrophic bacteria take over. Also any nitrogen gas that may eventually get trapped in the substrate will be periodically released by sand sifting fish and during big water changes when all the fish are manipulating the substrate. I don’t have 4 years doing this, but I really don’t see any potential problems with the minimal amount of waste that finds it way under the sand.

[@corinnakl]

I stopped vacuuming when I used an inch and a half mud and added 2 inch of sand on top and planets plants. The microorganism in the substrate are breaking it down.In fact I added some leaves and branches to encourage the growth of good bacteria.

[@onehitterquitter2130]

Power Head pimpin over here

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣🤣

[@cholotg9177]

New subscriber from south Florida ❤️❤️❤️all your videos 🙏🙏

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Thank you! 😁

[@thb1222]

what filter u use now with wave maker?

[@KaveManAquatics]

FX6 😁

[@jeffb5785]

I don't vacuum a lot because I like well-decorated tanks and the substrate is most difficult to reach with the vacuum tube. The wavemaker kicks up some waste so the filter grabs it and when I add water after a water change also stirs some up. If I see a build-up starting I will disturb my rocks and plastic plants to get a good vacuuming done.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks for sharing

[@02021507]

Gonna give the WM a try. Vacuuming is a pain. Thanks for the vid.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Good luck 😁

[@rssrlakshmikanth2811]

Super waiting for this video

[@joeestes4958]

Awesome subject Kev!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@affordableaquariumservices1663]

Your fish tank is georgous

[@galejohnson8086]

I love clean tanks without a messy forest of plants

[@KaveManAquatics]

Likewise! For some reason many planted tank guys cant understand that 🤷‍♂️

[@kiLLjoy24CALI]

Same here. I haven't vacuumed my substrate since I set up my 125. I have 2 wave makers on both ends hitting the back wall a lil bit downward enough where it doesn't disturbed my sand. Then I my have 2 fx 6 output in the middle blowing front to side.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! 😁💪

[@callmedd3494]

Great video and beautiful tank.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ianjames8794]

Merry Christmas Kev. 🎅

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, same to you!! 😁😁

[@user-ii1ei9gw8t]

here is a question: what about all that detrites that builds up in the filter? isn't it abit harmful for the bacteria? doesn't it make the filter cleaning more often?? doesn't it make the filter that much more dirty?

[@markdougherty7050]

Great Information I always like Alot of Water Movement with Back Filters and High Pressure Water Polisher 240 gallons a hour...also is a filter and has a center cylinder case to put in with charcoal or just filter material made Marineland Magnum Polisher about 80 bucks Moves alot of Water and is a filter...

[@TheOne38r]

Awesome vidios btw .we enjoy the lessons 😊

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! 😊 Glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@100bgeagle]

Good video, good advice for people who can have a good current to sweep up the crud and a have a big enough tank. I find that sometimes pockets of gas form under my sand and gravel vacuum takes care of this small problem. I don't know if I let it go if I will get bigger pockets of gas. Probably not a problem, but not sure yet

[@KaveManAquatics]

If you keep any sand sifting fish they will help with gas pocket formations

[@deniseberry8550]

Thank you for your very informative videos! Also, thank you for your service! Semper Fi! I’m a Marine Mom! ❤️🦅🌎⚓️

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! Thanks for your service as well because moms go through what we go through too 😁💪

[@maralineweatherford6763]

Man you have a very beautiful 😍❤️😊 tank

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! 😊

[@bryanetoll1086]

Nice job keep going with the videos

[@LL-fb8wz]

Put a wave maker on, and wow debris everywhere, but after a few hours it was crystal.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Sounds like the correct order of events! 😁

[@mikejejenich7116]

This is a hot topic. Im in a 🐠 fish keeping group on Facebook. Its divided. Some people say. They dont vacumn at all. And some say. Its fish keeping 101. Tht u absolutely have to vacuum

[@KaveManAquatics]

I bet 90% that say they must vacuum haven’t ríes this method. OR cant do this method because of their specific fish or setup. You should check out our facebook group! its awesome 😁 facebook.com/groups/kavemanaquatics

[@inventoryking]

Your tanks are fire! New sub

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! 😁💪 Appreciate the Sub!

[@ARod-br2ui]

I don’t know brother man, I’ve noticed the week following a gravel vacuum along with a significant water change, my tank looks cleaner than just a significant water change. Maybe it’s all in my head, but for now I’m gonna keep doing it that way. I am using the wave maker method you have described in your video, and I can definitely see how the wave maker is blowing around the detritus in the tank and it does get sucked up in the filters like never before. Just not comfortable yet with not doing a gravel vacuum every other week. But I hope to get there one day.

[@Victor-nn2wi]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, same to you! 😁

[@Jashobeam-ij1gr]

Yes. And a good quality gravel vac costs the same as a cheap and nasty but functional wave maker!!! Do you think there is such thing as too much flow in a Mbunu tank???

[@lakedog3616]

When I was young, undergravel filters were all the rage . Some people would put power heads on them and use “reverse flow” . I don’t see why these went out of favor. Seemed to work great. Only with gravel substrate of course.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I have no idea why, but I do know they were widely used in the past. I beleive I read something somewhere that said under gravel filters were not good for anaerobic bacterial growth under the substrate....I think...

[@carloreubenvongerkin9760]

Good stuff, thanks

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@xmalvazar4203]

Heavily planted tanks absorb the harmful things poop food and dead plants (I know sounds counter productive) I'm currently in the process of removing my HOB and relying on plants and so far its working good and not cleaned my tank or done a water change in over 3 weeks and no sign of any nitrites, nitrates. I am however checking every few days as I'm still adjusting the tank. I also keep freshwater fish that eat algae and a snail... 13 inhabitants in a 20 gal tank

[@xmalvazar4203]

I fill my tank using RO water to avoid too much hardness