How to Make a Fish Tank Vacuum Work

Performing regular water changes is a big part of maintaining your aquarium and keeping it running smoothly. A gravel vacuum combines the siphon action needed for a normal water change with cleaning action. With the fish tank vacuum in place, you can clean the gravel to remove uneaten food and other debris. Keeping the gravel clean and removing ground-in debris is important for all tanks, but it is especially critical if your aquarium has an under-gravel filter in place.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a bucket on the floor next to your aquarium. Place the end of the hose running from the aquarium vacuum as far down into the bucket as you can.

    • 2

      Insert the end of the aquarium vacuum into the gravel at one end of the tank. Move the vacuum up and down several times to start the siphoning and cleaning action.

    • 3

      Watch for the water to start flowing into the bucket. Adjust the hose if necessary to ensure that the water enters the bucket and does not spill onto the floor.

    • 4

      Move the gravel vacuum around inside the tank to clean the bottom of the aquarium. The water and dirt are sucked out of the gravel and into the waiting bucket.

    • 5

      Pull the gravel vacuum out of the tank when the bucket is about three-quarters full. Empty the bucket, then continue with the siphoning and cleaning if necessary. Fill the aquarium back up with dechlorinated water when you are finished cleaning the tank.