Gravel filter mod question

[Garageudude]

I’ve changed hoses on my Fluval 306 so I can use it as a gravel cleaner. It works fantastic so I can do this without water loss. My question is how long can I use this without danger of putting dead waste back in my tank because it sets for couple weeks unused since it’s not hooked up and running normally?

 

[J.Mcpeak]

You are putting dead waste back in the tank!
Ok, youre removing detritus from the tank to the filter but you are probably not removing nitrate or replenishing GH/KH.

The answer to how long?
Depends on stock level, tank size and number of plants etc.

 

[goatnad]

You should be cleaning the filter after each use. Don't filter a tank and let all the waste and water sit in an unused filter. You are doing water changes after the cleaning right?

 

[Garageudude]

After a few comments I’ve decided this will hurt the tank in the long run. So I’ve bought a Python plus an electric gravel cleaner instead. Thanks for everyone’s thoughts on this.