Guest shygirl0787 Posted October 9, 2005 Share Posted October 9, 2005 Today I tried to vaccum my gravel for the first time. I have a simple medium sized cylinder and a big empty bucket. I tried to follow the directions on the package, but I can't seem to make it work. I feel really dumb because I'm moving the cylinder up and down to start the siphoning but I'm not getting the vacuuming action like I think I should. Any suggestions? Maybe I'm just doing it wrong... <_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member sandy Posted October 9, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 9, 2005 You may have to suck it to get the action working. Not the most pleasant way as you can get a mouthfull of water but you get to learn when to stop. Another way is to put the whole lot under water and once the tube is full you put your thumb over the end and lower it into the bucket then let go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JustJayde Posted October 9, 2005 Share Posted October 9, 2005 Or get a turkey baster with a big enough end so you don't have to suck on it that's what I do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member nichjake Posted October 9, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 9, 2005 I have that problem with my new gravel vac. I think some are self starting and some aren't, the big one I have starts just fine. To get it started just put the end of the tube agianst your lips and give one really hard suck and when the water is about a foot from your mouth quickly put the end into the bucket, it should start just fine, and you don't get water in your mouth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member maries Posted October 9, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 9, 2005 I actually learned to siphon from some guy at a lps but its really hard to explain =\. And then he made me do it to see if I understood, to one of their cichlid tanks.. lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member chico Posted October 9, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 9, 2005 I had the same problem you did, shygirl. Then, it was suggested I started sucking!! hehe My husband then gave me some tool which I just attach to the end of the hose and it starts the sucking process for me. No mouth on tube anymore! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Jeana727 Posted October 9, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 9, 2005 I do not advise putting your mouth on the siphon hose! G R O S S!! Dip the barrel (the big end) in the water. Pull it up pointing the barrel upwards & plug the other end of the hose with your thumb just after the water starts flowing. Point the small end of the hose towards the bottom of the bucket (still plugged w/thumb) Dunk the Barrel end back in the tank. Release the hose end. Keep the Barrel pointed down & below the water level. Water should be flowing! Poke around (especially under decorations) to vaccuum out all the gunk you can. If you need to pause a minute plug the small end. IMPORTANT INFO: Don't forget to keep glancing at your bucket...it's EASY to overflow!! Use the old fish water on plants! You'll grow great flowers & veggies!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest labrat99 Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 What Jeana said.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shygirl0787 Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Thanks guys! I'll try your tips out during my next water change Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Tazz Knight Posted October 10, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 10, 2005 I agree with Jeana727...that's how I always doing it...though I'm thinking about getting the python Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member magickzzl Posted October 10, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 10, 2005 if at first you dont succede.. give it a suck... Sounds gross, but it works.. just a quick inhale, and drop that tube into the bucket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Jeana727 Posted October 11, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 11, 2005 Yea Boy The Python is the all time best way! I that thingee!! (Python should PAY ME for always advetising their product!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member gollie23 Posted October 11, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 11, 2005 LOL a question about python tho, how do you dechlorinate the water? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Kissy Posted October 11, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 11, 2005 Wow good tips everyone, I've got to try some of these. Shygirl, how far off the ground is your tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Jeana727 Posted October 13, 2005 Regular Member Share Posted October 13, 2005 I add declorinator WHILE filling is IN PROCESS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shygirl0787 Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 I vaccumed my tank successfully! I gave the end a little suck and it started up fine (and no water in the mouth ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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