I just busted the tip of my gravel cleaner, which connected it to the tube. I suppose I can try to use silicone gel to re-attach it, but I’d like some feedback on my technique of gravel cleaning.
Very often, when cleaning the gravel, to get the water through the suction tube, I find myself vigorously moving the larger cylinder part of the vacuum for a minute or two, before it starts sucking water through the tube itself. I have tried a variety of movements but I haven’t found anything that will get water moving through the tube, quickly. Is there an easier way to do this? Or is this the reason why they came out with the vacuums that use running water from a faucet to create the vacuum?
Huh? I’m not really getting your problem. I just barely push the tip of the cylinder through the gravel. Sometimes it’s best to just skim the surface. Are you getting the cylinder clogged, and then water won’t flow through it? If so, don’t do that. All you have to do is stir the gravel up with the cyclinder, then let it fall back down. The waste and poop from the bottom will still get sucked up. Do you not know how to start the siphon? There are a lot of ways to do it, I just suck on the end of the hose.
well here’s the thing, i don t use those. i hand wash them to save me lots of money. i take out every little rock and wash them piece by piece in really hot water and let them sit in my tank for a few days before i let me fish back in.