Vacuum?

[Jim Miller]

I fear I'm becoming compulsive about my tank now that it's starting to look better but at the risk of complete surrender to this compulsion I've decided that I should finally clean the substrate a bit. Since this is a bottom drain tank I don't have any pumps or hoses over the side. Is there something other than siphon into a bucket that someone could recommend for a vacuum?

I figure this is no more than a couple of times a year thing, so perhaps siphon into the bucket might be best but open to suggestions.

Thanks

Jim

[tug]

Siphon into two buckets?

[krisw]

Unless you have a drain to siphon into, buckets are probably best bet. Especially since you're likely to suck up something (substrate, plants, shrimp, fish, etc) that you would want to retrieve from the bucket.

[Jim Miller]

Kris, good point on the oops factor!

Thanks

Jim

[Aaron]

Buckets are the way to go for deep cleans. I flush it down the toilet rather than put it down the smaller sink drain. Also, like Kris said, the oops factor comes into play.

[krisw]

Really, the only other option I've seen is if you're able to run a line outside to the yard, and drain that way. You can put a screen on output to catch the oopsies, but make sure to check right away, or the oppsies turn into deadsies.

[Jim Miller]

Siphon and bucket are now on my list.

Thanks!

jim

[Aaron]

I just use an old piece of tubing.

[Jim Miller]

Aaron

I'll try that!

jim