Gravel Vac

[WayneVT08]

The gravel vac I just went out and bought doesn't seem to do much, it doesn't vac the bad stuff out, pretty much only sand, and water of course. So I probably will be going tomorrow to return it. And I need to find a good one. What do the folks in the US of A use and where did you find it, i.e. what's the company that makes it and such. Mines TopFin and I don't like it much.

 

[afishdude]

i have a topfin and LOVE it. it works awsome. what substrate do you have?
you could aslo try "python"

 

[WayneVT08]

I have sand.

 

[Danno]

If you have sand ditch the gravel end and use the tube. You will get more suction that way. Also make sure you airate your sand by mixing it around.

 

[JamieBailie]

If its picking up sand try moving the vac in a circular motion to lift the unwanted waste and not the sand.

I have fine sand and this is what I do.

 

[WayneVT08]

So all I do is just take off the actual suction tube? and just use the little tube? And just use a circular motion?

 

[afishdude]

if you have sand

 

[JamieBailie]

No, Leave it the way it is, Swirl it around an inch above the substrate which 'should' lift the waste, then move the syphon over the waste and it will suck it away.

This method can leave particles everywhere in your water, I just do it at night and it's clear by morning.

 

[afishdude]

if you have good filtration then there shouldnt be much to pick up off the sand.

 

[WayneVT08]

Well I have two TopFin 60's. And theres a good bit on the sand.,

 

[Danno]

Both ways will work:

1) Use a tube to suck of the deterius manually.
2) Use the gravel vac in its whole and swoosh it above the sand.