How to Get a Gravel Suction Tube to Work

Gravel suction tubes and vacuums are essential equipment for maintaining a healthy, well-balanced aquarium. These machines remove excess biological and chemical particles that have accumulated in the gravel of an aquarium and can help prevent disease and unwanted algae growth. Getting a gravel suction tube and vacuum to work requires assembling the machine properly and maintaining it to prevent clogs and punctures, which may cause a reduction in suction power.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Bucket
  • Replacement suction tube
  • Valve lubrication
  • Toothpick
  • Sponge
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Instructions

  1. Getting Started

    • 1

      Prepare all parts of the gravel vacuum and suction tube before assembly. Lubricate the valves with the lubrication included in the assembly kit. Soak and rinse the carbon filters in tap water until the water runs clean.

    • 2

      Assemble the gravel vacuum as per the manufacturer's instructions. Most gravel vacuums with attached suction tubes have two to three large pieces with several valves and filters that must be assembled properly before use to guarantee proper functioning.

    • 3

      Plug the gravel vacuum into a power strip. Turn off all of the other aquarium filters and lights. Place the suction tube into the aquarium, then open the suction valve until approximately one-quarter of the suction tube is filled. Remove the tube from the aquarium and allow the water to cycle through the machine to prime it.

    • 4

      Place the gravel suction tube into the aquarium with the head in the gravel. Switch on the machine and allow the gravel to be sucked through the tube until it fills about 3 inches of the tube, then adjust the valve to low, so that the gravel cycles back out of the tube. Move the head throughout the aquarium in slow motions so that the gravel runs into the tube and is then spit back out, while the waste materials in the gravel are pulled into the vacuum.

    Troubleshooting

    • 5

      Remove the tube from the vacuum and flush it with water while observing to see if there are punctures in the tube. Punctures can cause a loss of suction when vacuuming. Remove any built-up debris by fully flushing the tube with cold water. If you locate a puncture, purchase a replacement tube from the gravel vacuum manufacturer.

    • 6

      Clean the intake flap located on the gravel vacuum where the house connects to the vacuum body. Occasionally, small bits of gravel and waste can get caught in this flap, making it move more slowly, causing a decrease in suction. Clean and remove any debris using a sponge or toothpick.

    • 7

      Disassemble the vacuum and lubricate all the valves. When valves are not properly lubricated, the gravel vacuum may not function properly. Reassemble the vacuum then flush it with aquarium water before using it.