best gravel vac

[fishmommie]

Hey
I was wondering if anyone has ever used or know of anyone who has this gravel vacuum and if not, what you think the odds are that it would be worth the money?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=24111

It's pretty pricey. But I've recently developed a back issue that I can't afford to irritate and so I have to figure out something other than gravel vacs with a bucket. I can't get enough pressure from my water changed to get enough suction to vac my 90 (too much hose required and same height as the sink, I guess)
Anyway, I've been looking for options and spotted this one. Again, really pricey but if I weigh it against medical bills, it could be worth it's weight in gold.
Thoughts?
Appreciate it.

[pjaldave]

if it works like an hob filter, then i dont get how you can use it for vacuuming the whole tank..

[Rocksor]

Extend the hose using vinyl tubing from lowes or home dept or ace hardware. Let it drain out the door to the yard. You should have enough gravity power to drain the tank.

To fill up, connect a faucet adapter (lowes or home depot should have this) to the end of vinyl tubing and connect to faucet.

[fishmommie]

Extend the hose using vinyl tubing from lowes or home dept or ace hardware. Let it drain out the door to the yard. You should have enough gravity power to drain the tank.

To fill up, connect a faucet adapter (lowes or home depot should have this) to the end of vinyl tubing and connect to faucet.

Hey. thanks for weighing in. I've got an Aquean water changer with a 50 foot hose. Works great for fills and refills and for vacuuming my 30 gal. It's the 90 that's giving me problems. So it's not a question of enough hose. I can reach the sink. The problem is there's not enough suction to vac with it.

As for letting the water out the door to the yard, that's okay for Spring - fall. But we have tons of cold (really cold) weather starting any time now through Feb and a lake of ice out this particular door is not an option.

But I appreciate the idea. thanks.

Still hoping someone can weigh in on this particular vac with pros and cons.

[fishmommie]

if it works like an hob filter, then i dont get how you can use it for vacuuming the whole tank..

That was my question too but upon looking closer, there's a hose that extends to reach all corners of the tank. Still ... I wonder. thanks for weighing in

[jeffs99dime]

Just get a regular battery operated vacuum. They are like 20 bucks.
I have this one from my 55 and 30 tanks. It worked great during times I didn't want to remove any water. I used a Rena 400 pump with it. Super powerful.
http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Multi-V.../dp/B0002AQHNM

[Goes to 11!]

That was my question too but upon looking closer, there's a hose that extends to reach all corners of the tank. Still ... I wonder. thanks for weighing in

That hose is 27.5" long according to the staff answering questions:

The PCG-125 Power Gravel Cleaner has 3 siphon tubes, each measures 7 11/16" long and the intake nozzle is 4 5/8" long. All together it would approximately measure 27 1/2".

If you hung something on my 90 with a hose that long and said "now vac the tank" I think it would be a PITA to complete.

I mean 27.5" BARELY goes from the upper front edge of the tank to the back lower corner in a straight line, No idea how I would get under my huge DW.. Just saying.

Personally, I doubt this is the best route to go but you know your situ so...

[fishmommie]

Just get a regular battery operated vacuum. They are like 20 bucks.
I have this one from my 55 and 30 tanks. It worked great during times I didn't want to remove any water. I used a Rena 400 pump with it. Super powerful.

I've looked at those too. I'm worried they aren't big enough for my 90 which is 24 inches deep. From what I've read, you're not supposed to get the battery part wet. I'll have to angle it to get around my driftwood so I'm worried I'll always be fighting the 'wet battery' problem. Reviews are pretty mixed on this product too. Glad it's working for you. I'm going to give it some more thought...

Of course, I could always empty some of the water and lower the level and just vac only when I do a W/C Still concerned about the durability of this particular product.
anyone had any experience with this one?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=3895

[fishmommie]

If you hung something on my 90 with a hose that long I think it would be a PITA to complete...27.5" BARELY goes from the upper front edge of the tank to the back lower corner in a straight line, No idea how I would get under my huge DW..

I hadn't thought about that. Good point. Even if I hung it in the middle of the tank, 27.5 inches would still barely reach each corner.
thanks for pointing that out. Guess it's back to the drawing board.
Still open to suggestions

[GuppyAteMyDog]

if you ask me DIY all the way nothing beats a 2l soda bottle with some mesh and tubing at the neck with the bottom cut out !