fish poop heavier then sand-- vacuum won't pick up

[water12]

So I've noticed as I vacuum my tank I mainly pick up sand instead of the waste and debris. I have really fine sand so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. What are your suggestions??

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

previously when confronted with this problem, i got a new net and assigned it to be a poop scoop. scoop the sand with poop, sift it til its only poop and chuck in the bin or in a bucket being used for the water change and repeat til its all gone

 

[jlbfish]

I have the same problem with the super naturals sand. Doesn't seem to be so bad with pool filter sand or blasting sand.

 

[water12]

Alright I'll try using a net to sift it out, its so frustrating since I don't want to disturb the sand too much but I got to do what I've got to do lol. Its play sand so its super soft and fine

 

[NekoOo]

I'm having this same problem. I love it when I don't have to make a new thread hehe. But I shall try the net trick.

 

[jlk]

This suggestion may sound a bit silly but hear it goes! I have one of those Eheim vacs but the impeller broke & getting a new one costs as much as a whole new vac. So, I took one of daughters water squirters. Came from the good ole dollar store & looks like giant crayon & it's about 21/2 ft long. Just hover it over poop & pull handle & it sucks up just about anything. Great for spot cleaning!!

 

[water12]

That doesn't sound silly at all! If I can find one I might just try it. Is it basically a giant siringe? (however you spell that)

 

[jlk]

A giant syringe! That's a good comparison!!! Exactly like one! But you don't even have to put your hands in the tank. Dollar tree stores have them but I think you may find them in any big chain store where water toys are.

 

[Mrc8858]

This suggestion may sound a bit silly but hear it goes! I have one of those Eheim vacs but the impeller broke & getting a new one costs as much as a whole new vac. So, I took one of daughters water squirters. Came from the good ole dollar store & looks like giant crayon & it's about 21/2 ft long. Just hover it over poop & pull handle & it sucks up just about anything. Great for spot cleaning!!

Wow jlk that's brilliant lol... I use to love them things didn't know they still made them haha

 

[Ram897]

I was having the same issue with my pooping machines (catfish). I took the 2 inch diameter tube off the end of the syphon and bought a Christmas tree adapter and some 1/2 inch diameter refrigerator line tubing because it is more stiff and cut to length for the depth of my tank. Works great to suck up the debris.