a low-to-ground tank?

[pica_nuttalli]

i'm going to be setting up a fry tank on the bottom shelf of the stand for my 20g.

for all of you people who keep tanks just a few inches off the ground, how do you perform water changes?

 

[DeepSeaFishin]

You can still use a syphon...

 

[MegTheFish]

I would like to know too, because I know you have to have the bucket (if you use the normal syphon, not talking about the pythons) below the tank quite a bit, and with the tank so low to the ground you can't do that. Is there any other ways besides buying a python?

 

[pica_nuttalli]

um... let me demonstrate:

normal tank here -->






lower tank here -->

bucket here -->
--------------------------------floor-----------------------------------------

would a syphon really work in this situation?

 

[Tolak]

A powerhead or small fountain pump attached to a length of hose works well. Small ones only develop 2 or 3 feet of head, but it's enough to get it to a bucket on the ground.

Tolak

 

[itZme]

I have a 29 gallon on top and a 20 gal on the bottom. It is much less suction when siphoning from the lower tank because of the difference in height being less. The siphon will still work until the surface levels are even in the tank and the bucket but with reduced cleaning efficiency.
I have changed over to using a python so It has more suction now. I would think maybe one of those battery operated gravel vacs would work better for cleaning and your water changes will just take a little longer since the flow rate is a little less.

-- itZme

 

[Dorkhedeos]

well, i use a powerhead. i also have a hand pump, gets my hand really tired though.

 

[shuhu]

YES, you can use a normal vacuum cleaner without the use of a pump or power head.

but, in my case (I keep the fry tank right on the floor), I can only fill the water-changing-bucket half the way, so you will probably need more bucket "trips" instead of maybe just one

 

[Undawada]

Personally, I'd go with a powerhead or a python. Siphoning that close to the ground can be a pain. If you can make it work, go for it.

How big is the fry tank? if it's a 5 or 10 gallon, you can usually prop them up on a milk crate, makes it much easier.

 

[DeepSeaFishin]

Yup I use my good ol' python

 

[FrankSlapperinni]

Something I was using for a while when I was siphoning my 75 gallon and 10 gallon tanks into the sink (I now use the bathtub, much lower) was a drill pump. You need to hook it up between two sections of hose for it to work, so coupled with a python it works well because those separate into many pieces. And basically you take any drill you have and put it into the highest gear and attach it to the pump, and it will drain the tank very quickly when running.
Although I guess a powerhead may work just as well, except that all of the crap you pick up will go directly through the impeller, and even a little grain of sand may damage it.

 

[BigC]

Have you tried a little Eheim Hobby Pump, they are inexpensive and can work in or out of water.

 

[Ethos]

I have the same problem on my tank.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

oh, for a fry tank? just use airline. i use half an inch tubing for waterchanges on a regular tank that is like 3 inches above the ground. its a pain in the ass to do water changes cause the tubing is too wide. thats the reason why i have to use a powerhead

 

[pica_nuttalli]

dude Dorkhedeos! you need to go to Home Depot and get you some quarter-inch tubing.

thanks for all the help guys! i'll probably just try using airline, but if anyone else can make a suggestion--i'm still listening.