The gravel in the aquarium not only serves as a decoration, but also as a filter or filter. Therefore, the gravel in the aquarium tends to hold a lot of debris and debris. Cleaning the gravel will also remove some of the aquarium water. As such, most aquarium enthusiasts will schedule a clearing of the aquarium gravel along with a water change.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparation Stage
Step 1. Unplug the heater, filter and aquarium pump
The very first thing to do is to unplug the power filter and water pump. Don't worry, the cleaning process doesn't take long so your fish will be fine.
Do not remove fish, decorations, or plants from the tank
Step 2. Remove your aquarium vacuum
There are two tools that will be used to clean the aquarium gravel.
- Aquarium siphons usually have a thick plastic hose or “siphon” with a thin, flexible hose attached to one end. Some chiffons have a primming ball attached to one end.
- Plastic and flexible hoses can also be used to clean gravel, and are more ideal for small aquariums
Step 3. Place the bucket under the aquarium
The bucket must be below the water level in order to accommodate used water.
Step 4. Suck up the gravel by submerging the vacuum
Slowly lower the siphon into the tank so all the air escapes from the hose. Cover one end of the hose with your thumb and take it out of the tank. Keep the other end under the water. Insert the thumb-covered end into the bucket. If you let go of your thumb, the water will start flowing. If you close the end of the hose again, the water will stop.
Step 5. Start sucking with the primming ball
Some aquarium vacuums have a rubber ball attached to the end of the siphon. Insert one end of the siphon into the tank and lower the other end into the bucket. Plug the end of your hose with your finger, and squeeze it with a primming ball. Release the ball slowly, but keep the end of the hose plugged. Thus, the water will begin to fill the siphon. When you open the end of one of the hoses, water will begin to flow into the bucket.
Step 6. Learn how to fire up Python, and other similar vacuums, if you have one
This type of gravel vacuum differs from the others in that it does not require a bucket, but is attached to a water faucet. Simply attach the tip of the Python vacuum to a water faucet and fully immerse it in the aquarium. When turned on, the vacuum will start sucking.
Part 2 of 4: Sucking Gravel
Step 1. Place the tip of the vacuum into the aquarium gravel
Just plant it straight down, as far as you can go. Your thumb should plug the end of the hose in the bucket. If the plug is opened, dirty water will start flowing.
If you have fine gravel, such as sand, don't vacuum all the way to the bottom. Instead, place the mouth of the vacuum just above the sand
Step 2. Remove the hose
Gently release your thumb while the hose is still in the bucket. The suction effect will begin to occur. Dirty water will come out of the end of the hose into the bucket. The gravel will sway and vibrate in the hose.
If you're using Python, or a similar type, just turn on the water to start suctioning
Step 3. Cover the hose if the tip starts to clear
The length of this process will depend on how dirty and large your aquarium is. If the hose is removed, the gravel will rest again.
- If the gravel is too far from the vacuum, simply cover the end of the hose and let the gravel sit still. After that, unscrew the hose and let the water flow again.
- If you are using a Phython, or a similar type, simply turn off the water tap to stop the suction.
Step 4. Lift the vacuum off the gravel, but don't take it out of the water just yet
Try to keep the vacuum as straight as possible, so it doesn't fly trash around it.
Step 5. Transfer the vacuum to the next batch of gravel and repeat the above process
Drive the vacuum straight under the gravel, and gently unscrew the end of the hose. When the water is clear again, cover the end of the hose again and carefully lift the vacuum out.
- If the aquarium has caves, rocks, logs, and other nooks and crannies, be sure to pay special attention to it. Dirt usually accumulates in these places.
- If the tank has live plants, leave 5 cm around the stems. Plants love organic waste. If this dirt is removed, the plant has no source of nutrients.
Step 6. Don't clean all the gravel
Continue sucking until the water level reaches 2/3 the height of the aquarium. By now you should have removed 1/4 to 1/3 of the aquarium gravel. That much is good. The gravel does not need to be cleaned completely in one go. Many good and useful bacteria are important for maintaining the health of your gravel-dwelling aquarium. You can continue cleaning the gravel the next time you change some of the aquarium water.
Part 3 of 4: Completion Stage
Step 1. Measure the temperature of the aquarium water
You have just drained a lot of dirty water, which will need to be replaced. Fish are very sensitive to changes in water. Therefore, the new water needs to have the same temperature as the used water.
Most aquariums should have a thermometer. If you don't have one, you will need to use a clean glass thermometer to measure the temperature of the water
Step 2. Fill a clean bucket with water at the same temperature as the aquarium water
Make sure the bucket has never been exposed to any chemicals or cleaners. Any residue left behind will be lethal to fish. Fill the bucket with water at the same temperature as the used water.
Step 3. Treat the water, if needed
Most tap water is not safe for aquariums. Use water conditioner to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals as needed. You can buy them at an aquarium store or the water pet section of a pet store.
Step 4. Place the bucket above the water level of the aquarium
You will suck the water back into the aquarium. The bucket should be above the water level of the aquarium.
It may seem easier if you pour water into the aquarium, but the trash will come back up and cloud the water
Step 5. Insert the entire hose into the tank and plug one end with your finger
If you are using a gravel vacuum with a plastic siphon, try removing the flexible hose.
Step 6. Leave the end of the hose in the bucket open, and place the plugged end into the aquarium
Release the blockage slowly. Water will flow into the aquarium.
Step 7. Lift the hose from the tank when the water level is about 2.5 cm from the top of the tank
This empty space is important because it provides the oxygen that fish need.
Step 8. Reinstall the heater, filter and water pump
When your tank is finished cleaning and refilling, reinstall the heater and turn on the filter and pump. Keep a record of when you clean the aquarium and schedule the next cleaning date.
Part 4 of 4: Cleaning Store-Bought Pebbles
Step 1. Gravel should only be cleaned before it is first introduced into the aquarium
This is the only time to clean the gravel. If you are already in the aquarium, the gravel should only be vacuumed. There are many good and beneficial bacteria that take shelter in the gravel. These good bacteria will be eradicated if rinsed.
Step 2. Open your gravel wrapping bag
gravel purchased from the store should be cleaned because it contains dust and dirt that are harmful to fish. It is recommended that gravel taken from other places is also washed.
Step 3. Prepare a sieve or sieve
The smaller the gravel, the tighter the filter gap needed. Make sure you don't use this sieve or sieve for anything else. Also, make sure the filter/sieve has never touched soap or detergent before. If you are cleaning sand, use a piece of cotton cloth.
Step 4. Fill the sieve or sieve with gravel
If you have a lot of pebbles to clean, divide them into small groups. The gravel that fills the sieve/sieve must be able to move without spilling out.
Step 5. Put the filter/sieve into the sink and turn on the water
Use a warm or hot water setting to kill bacteria. Do not add soap, detergent or bleach as they can kill the fish.
Step 6. Move the gravel until the water is clear
Hold the sieve/sieve and sieve by shaking the sieve/sieve. Do this until the running water becomes clear.
Step 7. Transfer the gravel to the aquarium
Turn off the water and give the filter one last shake to remove any remaining water. Spread the gravel at the bottom of your aquarium. If there is still gravel that needs to be cleaned, repeat this process until everything is done..
Tips
- Live plants are great for keeping the aquarium clean and healthy.
- Do not suck up all the gravel or change all the water at once. Leave some good bacteria in the aquarium.
- Consider scheduling a gravel cleanup along with a water change.
- Make sure your hands are clean before cleaning the aquarium. Don't wear lotion or jewelry.
Warning
- Never use soap, detergent or bleach to clean your aquarium, gravel, or decorations.
- Never use anything that has come into contact with soap, detergent or bleach to clean the aquarium. We recommend that you sterilize equipment by washing it with hot water.
