What is a gravel vacuum and how can it help to keep the aquarium clean?
A gravel vacuum also known as an aquarium vacuum or gravel vac is an important device that will help to keep the gravel and hence the overall environment of your fish tank clean. The gravel in the aquarium can quickly turn into a breeding ground for parasites if it is not regularly cleaned and this is where a gravel vac comes into the picture.
What does a gravel vac look like?
The aquarium vacuum assembly comprises of two tubes; a thicker (2â€Â) clear, white, plastic tube and a narrower siphon tube made from flexible material. The tubes are attached to each other
How does the gravel vacuum work?
The action of water flowing through the siphon tube is used to clean the gravels. The debris and grime stuck to the gravel is removed as the water flows through the two tubes and the solid waste is held back in the vacuum.
The cleaning routine is crucial to the health of your fishes as it eliminates the decaying food matter in the tank and clears the channels through the gravel which in turn enhances the efficiency of the under gravel filter. It also prevents the development of anaerobic pockets in the tank. These anaerobic sections of the aquarium can release enough toxins to kill or seriously harm the fishes and other biological matter.
Choosing the right aquarium vacuum
When picking a gravel vac look out for the following
The length of the wider tube of the vacuum should be as tall as the tank; this will make the cleaning process simpler and more efficient. If you buy a gravel vac with a short tube, it can get cumbersome to prevent the gravels from being vacuumed up every time you change the water in the tank. On the other hand, if it is too tall, controlling the vacuum can be a task once the siphon is started.
Choose a vacuum with a narrower siphon tube which is about 4 to 6' in length; this will make it simpler to get the water into the bucket when cleaning the gravels and you will be able to move the gravel vac around the tank easily.
Normally, most gravel vacs are sold with the siphon tube; however, you can also buy them separately if you need a certain length and diameter of the tube
When should you use a gravel vac?
Use the device when doing your weekly, partial water change; clean the gravels with the vacuum when removing the water. Using the gadget is particularly important in aquariums that have an under gravel filter.
Automated gravel vacs.
It is also possible to buy automatic gravel vacuums that can simply be attached to the faucet. With these devices, the gravels can be cleaned while the water in the tank is being removed. Subsequently, the tank can be refilled without using a bucket or starting the siphon.
While the cleaning task can get less tedious with this device in your hands, it is recommended that you consult product manufacturer literature to get the right instructions on attaching the gravel vac to the faucet and switching from the drain to the fill mode.
When using an automatic gravel vac, you will have to add dechlorinator to the water to prevent exposure of the fishes and plants to chlorine.