How to Operate a Gravel Vacuum

An aquatic hobbyist's best friend is a gravel vacuum. This long, slender, tube-shaped tool with a hose attachment is used to remove decaying food, fish waste and algae from the bottom of an aquarium. Debris quickly accumulates at the bottom of a fish tank and slowly settles between the individual pieces of gravel. The filtering effect of gravel keeps aquarium water clean and clear. A gravel vacuum allows for removal of the debris without draining the tank or disturbing the fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Gravel vacuum
  • 5-gallon bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off the filtration system in the aquarium by unplugging the filter. Remove the aquarium hood and strip light fixture to reveal an open top on the aquarium.

    • 2

      Plug the slender, flexible hose end of the gravel vacuum with your thumb.

    • 3

      Lower the wide-mouth tube end of the gravel vacuum into the fish tank with your other hand; the opening should face the ceiling. Allow the tube to fill with water.

    • 4

      Watch for water in the hose line as you gently release air from the hose by moving your thumb away from the slender hose opening. When water reaches your thumb, block the water flow with your thumb.

    • 5

      Place the slender hose end of the gravel vacuum into a 5-gallon bucket while using your other hand to turn the wide mouth of the gravel vacuum downward, toward the gravel. Release your thumb from the slender hose inside the bucket to let the water flow from the aquarium into the bucket.

    • 6

      Use gravity to gently vacuum gravel into the large end of the tube. Move the tube in a sweeping pattern over the gravel, stopping to push the tube down into the gravel and vacuum up small portions of gravel. Gravel will rise a few inches into the tube then fall back to the aquarium floor. Lightweight waste and water will flow through the tube into the bucket.

    • 7

      Remove 10 to 15 percent of the aquarium water with this method. Aquarium waste water can be washed down a sink drain or flushed down a toilet.

    • 8

      Refill the aquarium with clean tap water that has been treated with water conditioner for fish tanks. Turn on the filtration system and use your hand to rearrange any decorations or plants that were disturbed during the process.