(Part 2) Best aquariumgravel cleaners according to redditors
We found 195 Reddit comments discussing the best aquariumgravel cleaners. We ranked the 39 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Glad you seem so willing and ready to help your betta! Im gonna try to cover everything that you need to help your betta live a happy healthy life in one comment :)
Requirements -
Petsmart sells 5 gallon kits that come with filters and lids! A 25-50watt heater will work for a 5 gallon, preferably adjustable like the 50watt aqueon is common in pet stores and theres a preset heater that would also work the tetra 40 or something i think its 50watt as well
You will also need to cycle your tank! Ill explain that a bit more below and include links.
Fish-in cycling -
Basically the fish-in cycling process consists of 50% water changes daily using Seachem Prime (preferably). Do this until your tank is cycled, which I’ll explain how to know that below.
While cycling, add the beneficial bacteria directly into the filter daily.
A good filter set up is something with low flow, it can be baffled if needed. For filter media (or the guts of the filter) cermaic bio media, aquarium sponge, and filter floss would be great. Don’t replace any of this unless it starts breaking down, then you’ll need to seed new media, but you shouldn’t have to worry about that for a long time.
You’ll need an API Master Test kit, this is an accurate way to know your parameters (such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate). This is more accurate than strips, with test strips its super easy to get an inaccurate reading. The kit also lasts longer so you’ll get your money’s worth. I’ll include a link below to the kit.
When the tank is cycled, you’ll test and find 0 parts per million (ppm) ammonia, 0ppm nitrite, and ‘x’ amount ppm of nitrate. (Dont focus too hard on what parts per million means, its just how this stuff is measured. Nitrates should be kept under 20ppm, they arent as toxic as ammonia or nitrites but can be in large amounts.)
After your tank is cycled, you’ll need to do weekly water changes of 15-25% using a gravel vacuum preferably. Gravel vacuum/siphons allow you to get the dirt out of the gravel easily without needing to take it out. Highly recommend getting one of these! Its a necessity!
• Avoid large water changes, it could offset the balance of your tank. Never rinse the filter media in tap water, that can kill the beneficial bacteria (which I’ll send links to explain that more in a second). To clean the filter inserts aka media, just take them out and swish or squeeze in old tank water till the gunk is out. You’ll probably only need to do this once a month or so.
Links-
Information:
Nitrogen Cycle: https://fishlab.com/nitrogen-cycle/
Fish-In Cycling: https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/wiki/fishincycle?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app
My diagram/explanation on the cycle:https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/comments/c8evu4/nitrogen_cycle_art_by_me/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app
Supplies:
API Freshwater Master Test Kit 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water master Test Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255NCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cEpvDb8R85Q1K
Seachem Prime Fresh and Saltwater Conditioner - Chemical Remover and Detoxifier 100 ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255PFI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_u-kKDbTMV2W8K
Northfin Food Betta Bits 1Mm... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4Q5DQ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is the best quality pellet I’ve found, here’s why:
• Nutritious, includes whole ingredients
• No fillers, hormones, or artificial pigments
• Packed with proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
• Floating pellets, roughly 1mm (they float for a bit then drop, my bettas chase them down)
• Easily digestible to promote optimal nutrient absorption
up
(This stuff is advertised by seller, but if you read the labels its all good)
Helpful other supplies:
Seachem Stability Fish Tank Stabilizer - For Freshwater and Marine Aquariums 500 ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002APIIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_k.kKDbDZMVD4J
(Bacteria in a bottle, it’ll help speed up the cycling process but it is optional)
Gravel Vacuum/Siphon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q97ZPSF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LblKDbFT79MAB
(Of course you don’t need this specific one, I just chose the best seller off Amazon as an example of what to look for. The local pet store should have these for around $10)
How-To Gravel Vac: https://youtu.be/LYv5n0a85OY
Oh dear. Is this your first big fish tank? Or first fish tank?
I would highly recommend getting a Python Water changer. It is a little pricy but it is worth the cost.
Other things you will probably need with your python for doing water changes/filling the tank.
- Some 5 gallon buckets from home depot (Great for all sorts of things, they just come in handy in the hobby, a must-have) Very cheap
- A Digital thermometer for water to help temperature match to your tank before adding the water.
- A fish saver cover for your python water changer to help you save fish when you're doing a water change.
The sand I use: Roman Gravel White Quartz Sand, 8 Kg https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00G37698Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
And the syphon: Interpet Prime Gravel Cleaner, Medium https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004FGF4B0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gJzRCb16V9DW0
Tubing is 12mm and seems to work fine
Not from requested regions, but this is what I could think of:
they have super long gloves that have elastic at the end on amazon, i hate getting my arms all wet from fish water, but that’s just me!
here it is https://www.amazon.com/SunGrow-Aquarium-Water-Change-Gloves/dp/B01MZ3WQG4/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=aquarium+gloves&qid=1567739162&s=gateway&sr=8-9
Because I'm Happy!
This subreddit is always so kind, there's always someone to bum around with on IRC when I'm having a gallbladder attack and have to be laid up, and it's fun to play games with fellow RAOAers on Steam or otherwise, be it CAH or Scrabble... Basically it's so cool to have a group of people like this!
I'd like this gravel siphon for the fish tank I'm going to buy soon!
@OP
"Adult" usually means 20 cm and up.
I would just feed them two worms each, daily, until their belly is as wide as their head (without the gills). Then proceed with one. Too much food will kill them over time, too (fat liver).
Worms have to be cut if they are longer than the Axos neck to cloaka (between their hind legs).
If they eat they at least aren't dying sick.
Brine shrimp and blood worms (red fly larvae) are like candy for Axos over 10-15cm and don't have enough nutrients. Also: messy.
I use one like this for cleaning out the bombs or to suck off water:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RBLMJ56
Please add a comment with some pictures (link to imgur album) of the tank and the animals. If there is equipment you don't know, a pic of it will let us help with that, too.
Also provide us with water values (nitrites/nitrates, ammonia, temp, pH, ...)
We will gladly help you help the Axos, but we need your help to help. :D
And I dunno about conditioners, but the water needs to be at least dechlored when you live in the US or other countries that chlor their water.
In some european countries like Germany you usually can simply add tab water.
For now, I would fill the tank up and afterwards change 50%.
If you want to give them away, I'd rather find a private person or breeder via small ads.
Caudata.org is the site most people here seem to suggest for more detailed info.
Otherwise you can simply ask whatever you need here.
I don't really have any good recommendations for vacuums unfortunately as I have quite large gravel, so I don't have any experience with more fine substrates. It was also a fairly cheap one, so it's not really the highest quality, but it gets the job done. I'll still link it anyways if you wanna check it out.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R736NC1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dnaZDbZAME3YS
It has interchangable nozzles, so you can have a short one or a long one. It also has "adjustable flow" but it really just means it has a clip that pinches the tube to make it flow slower. So that may be helpful to you. Best of luck.
This is the way I see it. (I have all nano tanks, but 1. I have two 5.5 gallon tanks).
Option 1: Use gravel. Super easy. With Gravel, use this siphon and a bucket. Jam it in and disturb it all you want. Do the left half one week and the right half the next. Then just use aquascaping tongs (long tweezers) and simply replant by pushing in a few inches from where you want it and dragging it.
Option 2: Use sand. Super easy. With sand, use this siphon and a bucket. I use these in all my sand tanks. Because it's narrow, it doesn't suck up the sand, it's great! And I don't have to replant plants. It also is MUCH better for the smaller tanks, because it goes a little slower, it means you don't suck up all the water before you're done!! And really I don't use siphon the substrate every week in my 5 gallons anyway. If there's crud/mulm on the bottom I'll use the flexible hose without the rigid tube and either hover over the sand, or use my thumb on the other end to close it off while I disturb the sand periodically to suck up the crap. Other option, rubber band a chopstick to the hose extended down an inch or so, to disturb the sand. That'll make it easier to suck up the mulm as it gets disturbed. And unless you're letting Catappa leaves dissolve (like I do) then you may not need to do this. If there's only the fish poop and you're feeding good quality colored pellets, then you can just use a turkey baster to suck up the individual fish poop and use a plastic food container to scoop out the water even quicker than siphoning.
I don't really understand how syphone system would use great deal of water in cleaning phase. Isn't it just sucking water out when cleaning? Or are we talking something else than this kind of equipment: https://www.amazon.com/Flow-month-Cleaner-30ft-Aquarium-Changing-Cleaning/dp/B07RPSGWVM/ ?
And yes I agree that leaving tanks when he moves out is the REAL issue here (assuming his parents don't really want to maintain those) and I don't really feel it's even an option to leave tanks. But I don't really see the cost of water to be issue here when it is something like max 1$ / month...
You can use something like this to suck up debris but just redirect water back into the tank:
https://www.amazon.com/Koller-Products-Aquarium-Cleaner-Operated/dp/B003OYOPNW
I use that one because it's battery-powered so it's more convenient to take around multiple tanks or without needing to find an outlet. But there are ones that you can plug in too (I haven't used these though):
https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Gravel-Cleaner-Sludge-Extractor/dp/B003C5U2SU/
https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Automatic-Cleaner-Electric-Aquarium/dp/B07K6CSY9P
Siphoning hand pump? It's plastic, has a rubber tube on each end. You squish, it has a one way water valve. They probably charge too much for what it is but like you're not taking in a sip of fish water.
Edit: like this... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKGYJHR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KnGQDbTNZ5KAT
I use one like this. Not sure why you are having problems. But I also slow the water flow by placing my finger over the output end of the hose, so water flow is only about 50%, but still the fish poo gets vacuumed up.
The water changer you have is perfectly fine, though if it's too big it wouldn't hurt to find something smaller. For my Betta tanks I have the Marina Gravel Vac in the Mini size and I find it allows me to go through all my gravel and clean up the excess poop and such and in the process end up doing about a 50% change. I do this once a week. If all you've been doing is letting the siphon sit in the tank or skimming it over the top of the rocks, you're doing it wrong.
Start at one corner of your tank and plop it into the gravel, let it suck up waste, lift and move a few inches over and plop it back in. Continue doing this until the gravel in the tube hits the halfway mark and then just lift it a few inches to let the gravel fall out. Rinse and repeat until you've cleaned all gravel. If this is what you currently do, keep on doing it!
So, how often do you to a 25% change? If once a week, keep doing so but maybe try 35% and see how it goes. If once every two weeks, bump that to every week.
Non-adjustable heaters are notoriously bad. I've yet to find one that doesn't completely suck to be honest. 99% of them will only heat a small tank a few degrees above ambient room temperature which isn't ideal unless you keep your house a whopping 75°F year-round. For example, say you keep your house (or even the room yours tanks are in) at 68°F. Typically, standing water will always be 3-5° cooler. So with a tank that's roughly 63° - 65°F, a non-adjustable heater will only bring the temp up to 68° - 72°F. Sometimes they'll be unreliable and overheat your tank as well, more so if you do keep a warm house. Hopefully I explained that well enough! I'm admittedly pretty bad at wording things.
The smallest and probably cheapest adjustable heater you'll find is probably the Hydor Theo 25w which is good for 2 to 7g tanks. I exclusively use these for my bettas and love them. Never had a problem so far and it's been about a year of use already! I have mine set consistently to 78° and they keep a steady temp with maybe 1-2° variation on warmer days now that it's coming into spring here. It evens out nicely year-round though so I don't have to worry about boiling my betta babies.
Let us know the temp once you've got some thermometers going and if at all possible it'd be great to know your ammonia readings as well. Most pet stores will test your params for free if you ask. Too warm water can be just as detrimental as too cold and alongside a water parameter issue, could be the cause of your problem. Keep us updated and good luck!
I bought one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Multi-Vac-Battery-Powered-Vacuum/dp/B0002AQHNM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415192030&sr=8-1&keywords=Multi-Vac+Battery+Powered+Aquarium+Cleaner
Works fine for me