How to Use an Aquarium Gravel Vacuum

The health of your fish will benefit from regular aquarium maintenance. Removing debris from the bottom of the tank will help keep the water in top condition. Uneaten food and fish waste that is left in the tank can dissolve and result in water pH that is too low and ammonia levels that are too high. Use a length of plastic tubing and a bucket to vacuum your aquarium and keep it in optimal condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Flexible plastic hose
  • Bucket
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have replacement water ready. When you use your aquarium vacuum, water will be removed from the tank along with debris. If you pretreat your water before you do partial water changes, such as by adding a chemical to dechlorinate it or by letting it set to acquire room temperature, don't begin a tank vacuum unless you have safe water to replace the siphoned water with.

    • 2

      Lay a towel down on the floor under your aquarium as a precaution. Have another hand towel ready to wipe up small spills or dry your hands. You will be submerging your hands into the tank, so it is likely that some water will be spilled on your aquarium table.

    • 3

      Place a large bucket on the towel under your aquarium. This is where the debris and dirty water will go.

    • 4

      Ensure your hands are clean before you proceed. This will help to prevent the aquarium water from becoming contaminated.

    • 5

      Submerge all of the hose in the tank so that it becomes completely filled with water. Take care not to disturb the fish.

    • 6

      Cover the end of the vacuum that will stay in the tank. Pull the other end out of the tank, over the side and down into the bucket below. Now uncover the end still in the aquarium. Gravity should pull the water through the tube and down into the bucket.

    • 7

      Use the end of the vacuum that is in the tank to gently disturb the gravel so that the debris will rise and be caught in the flow of the vacuum. Continue cleaning this way. Watch your water level; remember that a partial water change should be only about 10 percent of the water to avoid stress to the fish. When you are finished, stop the vacuum by lifting the end that is in the aquarium up out of the water and allowing the tube to empty into the pail. Replace the water that has been removed from your tank with the new water you have ready.