Cleaning tank

[StuMcc99]

Just wondering if anyone had any tips on how long I should leave my tank before taking out and cleaning the gravel, I have black and white gravel and the white and the white ones are going orange. The tank has been set up for 3 months now.
Plus what's the best way to do it?

 

[phin]

You shouldn't ever take your gravel out to clean it. You should vacuum it with water changes.

 

[StuMcc99]

I have been told that them vacuums don't really work, take it that's not true then?

 

[armymp327]

taking out all your gravel and washing it will most likely cause you to go through a mini-cycle which would be bad for you fish, the gravel should never leave the tank unless you are switching it out for something else.

and the gravel vacuums work very well, how big is your tank?

 

[StuMcc99]

It's 125ltr, This is it



What vacuum do you think I should get?

 

[StuMcc99]

Don't know how that one on the bottom got on there haha

 

[armymp327]

for that size tank (google says its about 33 gallons?) i would suggest an aqueon water changer, since it will connect directly to the faucet so you dont have to haul buckets around, and as long as you have good water pressure it will vacuum the gravel very well. dont know the price for you since your in the UK however in the US it is about $30-$50 depending on were you buy.

if you dont want to go that route you can get a regular siphon vacuum but you will need a few 5 gallon buckets for this.

here are the ones i would suggest

Amazon.com: Aqueon 06231 Large Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, 16-Inch: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: Aqueon Aquarium Water Changer - 25 Feet: Pet Supplies

they both ship outside the US and i would recommend the second one ( the water changer) since it is only a few dollars more and makes doing water changes so much easier

 

[StuMcc99]

Thanks for your help, I will have a look around and see what ones I can get.

 

[armymp327]

Thanks for your help, I will have a look around and see what ones I can get.

yeah sorry, hopefully another member from the UK will pop in with some better suggestions on whats available over there

 

[StuMcc99]

I have had a look on amazon and eBay and they are look to be about £60-£80

 

[Mcor]

I know, insanely expensive. I had a look too based on the above suggestions. No reason for it to cost that much.

 

[StuMcc99]

I went to a LFS today and there are some cheaper ones for about £10-£15 might give one of them ago 1st

 

[phin]

Get a 18" length of 2" PVC, some 5/8 vinyl hose, and a PVC to hose barb connector from your local hardware store. Get a 5 gallon bucket for water changes. Its not as convenient as using a python water changer, but it costs very little and is equally as effective.