DIY syphon/sludge remover

[pinda]

Has anyone created their own syphon / sludge remover? I need a tool to remove detritus from my tank.

 

[Ziggy953]

I use a piece of 3/4 OD (1/2 ID) clear vinly tubing and a piece of 1/2 cpvc pipe to remove stuff from the bottome of my tank...works well but takes sand with it which I don't mind all that much as I like to put a bit of sand be once in a while..I don't use this but once every month or so...tube is about 8' long and the CPVC is about 20" long. I stick the CPVC into the hose and go town.

 

[redswi]

I once made a vac from 1/2 clear pipe, "J" bend, air line, and pantyhose....

It worked on the concept of a sponge filter(air bubbles in the bottom of the tube would create enough current to pull debris up the pipe, and filter through the pantyhose)...

It worked fine for a short tank, like my old 10gal, but it's not strong enough for the 40 and 55 that I have now...

Someday, when I have an extra powerhead I'll make another, and try it out

 

[theotheragentm]

I once made a vac from 1/2 clear pipe, "J" bend, air line, and pantyhose....

It worked on the concept of a sponge filter(air bubbles in the bottom of the tube would create enough current to pull debris up the pipe, and filter through the pantyhose)...

It worked fine for a short tank, like my old 10gal, but it's not strong enough for the 40 and 55 that I have now...

Someday, when I have an extra powerhead I'll make another, and try it out

I'm not picturing this. Do you have a picture of it or possibly a drawing?

 

[vic]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_python.php

Vic

 

[redswi]

I'm not picturing this. Do you have a picture of it or possibly a drawing?

This is the same thing

http://www.petsolutions.com/default.aspx?ItemId=30125401&EID=NX30125401&SID=NXTG

 

[Ketso]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_python.php

Vic

The prices he list over there in that tutorial come to about $19, not including the price of the gravel vac. If you dont already own a gravel vac, you'll need to purchase one for $10 (for a cheap short one). That brings the total up to about $29. Save yourself the hassle of running to Walmart, Lowes and the LFS and the hassle of putting it all together by buying a 25' Python at PetSmart for $26 (use in-store price matching to save shipping) if one is nearby.

Just my opinion.

 

[Closetcanibal]

bought the eheim electronic gravel vac for my black sand...love it, never going back

 

[Derekkaine]

Ive tried battery powered vacs and i didnt care for the one i used, never tried ehiems though good to hear it works for you.

 

[Closetcanibal]

Ive tried battery powered vacs and i didnt care for the one i used, never tried ehiems though good to hear it works for you.

I love it to death lol no more trying to be quick while siphoning water. The only drawback is it does take longer but I have since switched Ailey to sand and that helps a lot. Used to spend 40 mins on my 55 with pea gravel.