VACUUMING a BIG TANK *[How I Do It]*

[@joeader6046]

That's the nice thing about gravel is that you can vacuum it I would recommend a second wave maker I run two on my 125 and it keeps my sand substrate really clean

[@TomStults]

Take your part to Lowe’s and see what fits?

[@joeader6046]

If you go to the hardware store and buy a bell valve and a long hose long as you need it you can use that as your python system I made my own and I've been using it for years and it cost me less than $25

[@James.Parker2309]

Put the end of the hose in boiling water til it softens up, put it on the vacuum and let it cool.

[@valentyntovkach7240]

How can i clean my python? It looks like not enough power for pumping

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

The worst aquarium maintenance project is vacuuming. Impossible to get all the detritus and over time the accumulation adds nitrates and organic wastes. Eliminating substrates is one of the best decisions I have made in the hobby for improved aquarium hygiene, water quality and giving my fish a lot more room Still have plants in baskets and epiphytes like anubias. With bottom sweeping power heads the detritus is lifted into the water column and quickly removed by filtration. Don't understand why this practice is not more commonly used?

[@BenOchart]

I use substrate as a home for BB, plus I find it more aesthetically pleasing not to mention the geos and other fish digging around seems like an important aspect of living for them. Also, I’ve heard that detritus does not continue forever as some sort of nitrate factory but over time becomes inert. This explains how canisters and sumps can go for months without driving nitrates to a 1,000. But each of us have to go with what we enjoy and what works for us.

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

@@BenOchart what the remaining and accumulating sludge continues to do is release organics into the water column that have been tied in my research to black beard algae, hole in the head disease, among others. You are correct, the nitrogen cycle is efficient in its conversion of ammonia wastes to nitrates, and rather quiclkly, which are removed by plants and water changes. Keep doing what works, keeping in mind that an aquarium is a closed system, and with large cichlids, and the accumulation of this sludge over time does have it's negative impacts on aquarium hygiene. Alternatives are of course sand which is far less permeable to waste accumulation and removing all the substrate every few years. I have a giant siphon that I used years ago to remove all the substrate rather quickly and was always amazed at how much sludge is missed over time even with a routine vaccuming schedule. Enjoy sharing alternative approaches.