Aquarium gravel not only performs a decorative function, but is also a filter; for this reason, it tends to accumulate a lot of waste and debris. By cleaning it, you also remove some of the water from the tub; it is for this reason that many people schedule this to coincide with the weekly water changes.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Getting Started
Step 1. Disconnect the heater, filter and pump
Before proceeding with any maintenance, you must unplug the heater from the electrical outlet, as well as turn off the filter and the pump. Don't worry, cleaning is pretty quick and the fish won't have any repercussions.
Do not remove fish, decorations or plants from the tank
Step 2. Get the aquarium vacuum cleaner
There are two tools that aquarium owners use to clean gravel.
- The siphon is usually a thick plastic tube, with another thinner and more flexible tube at the end of it. Some models are equipped with a manual blower.
- Alternatively, you can use plastic hoses, which are ideal for smaller aquariums.
Step 3. Place a bucket under the aquarium
It must be at a lower level than the water and has the function of collecting old water.
Step 4. Start the vacuum by submerging it
Slowly bring the entire siphon under the water, so that the contained air can escape from the tube. Cover the end of the tube with your thumb and remove it from the tub while keeping the other end open under the water. Bring the closed end into the bucket; as soon as you remove your finger, the water begins to flow, while you just put your thumb back to stop the flow.
Step 5. Start the sucking process with the hand blower
Some models are equipped with a rubber ball attached to one end of the siphon. Hold the opening of the hose underwater, bring the other end into the bucket, close it with your finger and squeeze the pump. Slowly release the pressure on the ball, but don't take your finger off the tube. The water begins to fill the siphon, exactly as it happens in a dropper or in a kitchen pump. When you open the end of the hose, the water begins to fall into the bucket.
Step 6. Learn how to start a sink vacuum if you have decided to use this tool
It is a model different from all the others. No bucket is needed, as it is attached to the sink faucet. Connect one end to the tap and put the whole tool in the aquarium. When you turn on the running water, the vacuum starts sucking up the gravel.
Part 2 of 4: Vacuum the Gravel
Step 1. Put the tip of the vacuum cleaner into the substrate
Bring it underwater, keeping it straight, until it touches the bottom. You should close the end in the bucket with your thumb. When you release it, the dirty water should start flowing.
If the substrate is very fine, such as sand, do not push the vacuum completely into it, but keep the opening flush against the surface
Step 2. Let go of the tube
While one end is still in the bucket, slowly remove your thumb; in this way, the suction effect begins and the dirty water flows from the end of the siphon into the bucket. The gravel is shaken and makes a rattle-like noise as it flows down the pipe.
If you are using a sink vacuum, simply turn on the faucet to start the sucking process
Step 3. Cover the end of the hose when the water starts running clear
The time it takes for this to happen depends on how much dirt is present in the aquarium. When you retrieve the pipe, the gravel settles again.
- If you find that the substrate is being vacuumed too much, close the end of the tube and wait for it to settle to the bottom. Afterward, open the hose again and keep the water flowing.
- If you are using a sink vacuum, turn off the tap to stop sucking.
Step 4. Remove the siphon from the substrate, but do not take it out of the water
Try to keep it as straight as possible, so as not to disturb adjacent debris.
Step 5. Move the vacuum to the nearby area of dirty gravel and repeat the process
Push the tube straight down and slowly release the other end of the siphon. When the water starts to flow clear, plug the tube again and carefully pull it out.
- If the aquarium contains caves, rocks, logs or other crevices, remember to pay special attention to these areas, as they tend to accumulate most of the dirt.
- If there are live plants, aspire to a safe distance of 5 cm from the stem, because the vegetation appreciates organic waste. If you remove them, the plants will have nothing to eat.
Step 6. Do not clean all of the substrate
Keep vacuuming until the tank is three-quarters full; in this way, you are sure that you have cleaned a quarter or a third of the gravel. This is a perfect amount, because you don't have to sanitize all of the substrate at once; in fact, this material hosts several beneficial and useful bacteria, which are important for the ecosystem of the aquarium. You can continue cleaning the gravel at the next partial water change.
Part 3 of 4: To Finish
Step 1. Check the water temperature
Now that you've removed a lot of the dirty water, you need to replace it. Fish are very sensitive to changes in water, the new one must therefore have the same temperature as the previous one.
Most aquariums come with a thermometer, but if yours doesn't, you can submerge a clean glass thermometer in water
Step 2. Fill a clean bucket with water that has the same temperature as that found in the aquarium
Make sure the bucket has never come into contact with cleaning agents or chemicals, as the residues could kill the fish. Pour absolutely clean water into the container.
Step 3. Treat the water as needed
In most cases, tap water is unsafe for fish; you must therefore add softeners and products to eliminate chlorine and other dangerous chemicals. You can buy them at pet stores or those that specialize in aquariums.
Step 4. Place the bucket above the aquarium water level
You will need to pump the water into the tub using the siphon "backwards". For this to happen, the bucket must be higher than the level of the aquarium.
It may seem easier to pour the water directly into the tub, but this will lift the debris that remains in suspension and make the water cloudy
Step 5. Insert the entire rubber tube into the tub and close the end with your finger
If you are using a gravel vacuum with a plastic siphon, consider whether you can detach the hose.
Step 6. Leave the end in the bucket open and place the closed end in the aquarium
Let go of the hose slowly, the water should start flowing into the tub.
Step 7. Remove the hose from the tub when the water level is approximately 2.5 cm from the top edge
This space is very important, because the fish need oxygen and if you don't leave this gap, the water cannot oxygenate properly.
Step 8. Connect the heater, filter and pump to the electrical system
When the aquarium is set up again, reset the electrical connections, start the filter and pump. Write down the cleaning on the calendar to calculate the next date.
Part 4 of 4: Cleaning the Commercial Gravel
Step 1. Clean it only before putting it in the aquarium for the first time
This is the only time you need to cleanse it. Once it's at the bottom of the tank, you'll just have to vacuum up the debris. The gravel is home to a lot of beneficial and useful bacteria, which promotes a perfect aquarium ecosystem. By rinsing the substrate, you also get rid of these microorganisms.
Step 2. Open the package in which the gravel is sold
What you can get at aquarium stores needs to be cleaned, as it often contains dust and dirt that can harm fish. If you got the gravel somewhere else, you still need to wash it.
Step 3. Get a colander or mesh filter
The smaller the gravel, the finer the sieve meshes must be. Choose a tool you don't use for any other purpose and make sure it never comes into contact with soap or other cleaners. If you have to wash sand, use a piece of cotton fabric.
Step 4. Fill the colander or sieve with gravel
If you have to clean a lot of them, you will have to work with small batches at a time. You need to leave enough room in the filter to move the substrate without it spilling over the edges.
Step 5. Put the filter in the sink and turn on the running water
You can use warm or warm to kill bacteria. Do not add any soap, detergent or bleach, otherwise the fish will die.
Step 6. Stir the substrate until the water runs clear
Shake and move the sieve, put your hand in the gravel and strain it. Continue like this until the water becomes transparent again.
Step 7. Transfer the gravel to the aquarium
Turn off the tap and shake the colander one last time to get rid of excess water. Sprinkle the substrate on the bottom of the tank; if you need to add a lot, repeat the whole process for each batch.
Advice
- Live plants are a great way to keep your tank clean and in perfect hygienic conditions.
- Do not vacuum all the gravel and do not replace all the water at once; you have to preserve some beneficial bacteria.
- Consider cleaning the gravel during the weekly water change.
- Make sure your hands are clean before washing the aquarium. Do not wear jewelry and do not apply lotions.
Warnings
- Never use soap, detergents or bleach to clean the aquarium, gravel or decorations.
- Never use anything that has come into contact with soap, detergent or bleach to clean the aquarium, gravel or decorations. Sterilize items by rinsing them with very hot water.
