Gravel Vacuum help please

**Tiari** · 02-11-2013, 11:28 PM

I need help to try and find a gravel vacuum that has some kind of cover to keep gravel from getting through. I have tried a few things, but they have serious issues. Using a pantyhose or filter bag on the end with rubber band keeps larger detritus from getting sucked out. Without it, I am plagued by gravel going up and jamming the valve. A larger vacuum just sucks out the gravel faster, and takes out so much water I can't get anything clean. I've been having this frustrating issue for about two years, and its driving me crazy.

Is there such a gravel vacuum on the market? I know I've seen one somewhere, but an online search brings up nothing for me.

Any help appreciated.

**fishmommie** · 02-11-2013, 11:49 PM

what are you currently using as a vac? I simply use my aquean water changer and it sucks the gravel about 3 inches up into the tube then let's it drop taking the debris away.
If that's what you're using, have you tried turning down the water so the pressure and suction is reduced? Less water flow = less suction.

**KingFisher** · 02-11-2013, 11:59 PM

+1 to fishmommie. I was going to suggest the same thing.

**Trillianne** · 02-12-2013, 12:21 AM

The Hagen version does have a removable black mesh cover on the intake end. (They call it a fish protector or something)

**korith** · 02-12-2013, 12:23 AM

Just hold the gravel vac higher from the substrate. An inch or two away from the gravel should work. That's I used the gravel vac in my tanks with sand substrate. They do make small gravel vacs, should be under 10 bucks.

**Tiari** · 02-12-2013, 12:29 AM

I don't have a "water changer" but a regular aqueon water changer. I have used four sizes. Same problem. Its not hooked to a faucet. Need to clean gravel so hovering it over the gravel or lightly dusting the surface (tried that too) doesn't actually clean the deep embedded stuff. No matter what size I try, one stick in the gravel, up it goes and gets sucked into the intake and jams. Also tried "sweeping" having it at a tilt and moving it..... no dice, same problem.

I'll check out the Hagen with fish protector, but I don't want one that hooks to a faucet.... my tanks are small, largest 29 gal so its a little overkill lol

**KingFisher** · 02-12-2013, 12:35 AM

try setting the other end of the hose up higher, you will get less powerful suction. (the outflow end)

**Goes to 11!** · 02-12-2013, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by fishmommie

what are you currently using as a vac? I simply use my aquean water changer and it sucks the gravel about 3 inches up into the tube then let's it drop taking the debris away.

Same here, & I never use running water when draining I just drain to a lower point than the tank, works for me.

**fresh_water110gallon** · 02-12-2013, 01:32 AM

have you tried going to a LFS and maybe have a cell phone video of ur problem and see if they have ever experienced this problem and maybe had a solution or at least a suggestion that may help solve ur issue with ur vac?