siphon tube question

[elly]

If I have a gravel vaccuum, can I separate the head/tube part, put a sponge on the bottom of it and leave it in, attaching the tubing when I need to siphon? Rather than, say, finding a PVC pipe that the tube could fit inside?

And a second question: If I do either of those things I'd need to cut a hole in the net to let the tube reach the drainage layer. Can you recommend any ways to keep the substrate from working its way through the hole into the drainage? I know a pipe will be there, but things can shift around.

[elly]

This probably has an obvious answer but I'm trying to make sure I'm not making mistakes.

[deranged chipmunk]

i'm not sure i understand fully what you are asking? you want to leave the gravel vac in the tank and just attach the hose when you need to siphon?

[elly]

I considered that. No idea if that's a stupid thing to do or not. (Edit: Not the entire gravel vacuum, just the nozzle/ the part that has direct contact with the gravel)

[deranged chipmunk]

Not sure how big the tank is, but the easiest way to siphon is to place an aquarium air line into the drainage layer (i normally out a piece of sponge on the end) and run the tubing up and out of the tank. I place a small plastic valve on the end. I do my first siphon, and when I have enough water drained, I just close the valve. Then the next time I need to drain, I just open the valve. And the tubing doesn't take a large hole in the lid.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Mentat]

If I have a gravel vaccuum, can I separate the head/tube part, put a sponge on the bottom of it and leave it in, attaching the tubing when I need to siphon? Rather than, say, finding a PVC pipe that the tube could fit inside?

And a second question: If I do either of those things I'd need to cut a hole in the net to let the tube reach the drainage layer. Can you recommend any ways to keep the substrate from working its way through the hole into the drainage? I know a pipe will be there, but things can shift around.

Attaching/detaching will move the tube and that could cause substrate leaks and other issues. Bill's idea is simple and will work. Myself have used long under gravel filter lift tubes (local pet shops sell 1 in. diameter 36 in. long clear tubes) cut as needed and inserted into a sponge. You can make net hole tight, glue the net to tube, and the tube fixed with plastic tie cable fasteners to the egg crate; thus preventing substrate from falling into false bottom. A small diameter (1/2 in. or so) gravel siphon can be lowered into larger tube without disturbing anything that way .

[elly]

Okay, Bill's method sounds good. No nozzle, just the plastic tubing? Not sure about making a hole in the lid though. As far as the second method, I definitely need a false bottom for that? I just have a drainage layer and net over it right now. Maybe I'll just have to give in and do the false bottom. So far I haven't been able to find a gravel siphon with a nozzle less than 1'' but if I do it the second way I'll get a large pipe and cover.

[deranged chipmunk]

Here's my drainage on my 125 i use 2 tubes because it is such a large tank
valves on the ends hold the siphon until I need to drain again.

Depending on your lid, it is a hole about 1/4". You can do that with a drill or a soldering iron or a heated screwdriver if the lid is plastic or plexi.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Mentat]

Okay, Bill's method sounds good. No nozzle, just the plastic tubing? Not sure about making a hole in the lid though. As far as the second method, I definitely need a false bottom for that? I just have a drainage layer and net over it right now. Maybe I'll just have to give in and do the false bottom. So far I haven't been able to find a gravel siphon with a nozzle less than 1'' but if I do it the second way I'll get a large pipe and cover.

Either method will work with a drainage layer system. Just remember to use sponge at bottom end to prevent either tube from clogging .