How to Properly Gravel Vacuum a Fish Tank (Detailed Version)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
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Learn how to start a siphon and clean a regular tank, low tank, sand substrate, and planted tanks.
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At Aquarium Co-Op, we focus on your aquariums. We specialize in freshwater tropical fish, aquatic plants, and the overall betterment of the freshwater fish keeping hobby. Our goal is to help you with your first pet fish and graduate you to an advanced aquarium hobbyist. If you'd like to take it to the next level, subscribe to Aquarium Co-Op and check out our weekly videos.
Cory McElroy is employed by Aquarium Co-Op LLC. He also owns Aquarium Co-Op LLC. Therefore, all content is sponsored by Aquarium Co-Op.
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - How to start a gravel vacuum for a fish tank
1:59 - How to start a gravel vacuum the easy way
3:15 - Pinch your aquarium siphon hose
3:40 - How to properly gravel vacuum a fish tank
5:37 - How to remove a siphon from an aquarium
5:54 - How to gravel vacuum a low aquarium
8:13 - Fish poop and mulm is beneficial for aquarium plants
8:34 - How to gravel vacuum a planted tank
10:04 - Outro
#Aquarium #FishTank #AquariumMaintenance
Join our Facebook group to ask questions and talk with Cory and other employees and hobbyists: facebook.com/groups/AquariumGroupSupport/
I’ve purchased the marina gravel cleaner doesnt seem to me picking the water up i don’t expect u to know what one but i cant find any videos of it being demonstrated
Id join a discord.... :)
I am shocked at the sheer amount of filth in your gravel,,,,,, that cant be optimal water for your fish to live in,,, the total amount of filth I would collect over 20 full vacuum cleanings of my 40 gallon tank with a dozen fish in it would not add up to one suction with your vacuum in your tank, gross.
Gv
that was probably the most educational video i've seen in a long time. How did I not know this until now?
@Keane Mahony That's not what he meant
I've just added an almost identical comment I cant believe I've been doing it the hard way for so long lol
I just said the same thing to my girl, been doing tanks for yrs and never thought to do that technique
I feel the exact same way!! I’ve watched hundreds of hours of aquarium videos over the years and I have two tanks (10, 75). This is even making me rethink my approach to substrates! Good stuff
Same here buddy😂😂
15 years, 15 bloody years vacuuming my aquarium and NOW you show me how to do it properly?!! Really the most educational aquarium video I've seen in ages, thank you Cory! 👍👍
Yes
I just realized I need wheels on my buckets. Lol
Hahahaha 35 years here and feeling the absolute same doh!!!!
Something so basic.
Tell me about it..! this is genius.!!
I've been keeping fish & turtles for close to 40 years on and off, and never realized that I was vacuuming wrong until just now! What a GREATLY INFORMATIVE VIDEO!!! You are a genius Sir! Subscribed in the hopes that you give me some more gems like this in the future!
Just like everyone else, can’t believe I was doing wrong all these years!! Thank you so much
Finally someone explaining in detail how to use this thing, I’ve spent more than 1 hour looking for someone explaining how to use this, I did a mess in my aquarium trying different useless tutorials, but now I know how to use it, thank you so much you’re the best
Really
Pinching to allow the gravel to settle was a great PRO tip.
Can ubdo this with sand
@@Tonyinterviewz yes, you can see it done with sand later in the video
Kinda common sense really
Cory, I’m an educator and this was a really great video. Great pacing and clear demonstration of process. I also appreciate showing multiple scenarios and how it can be different. The balance of reaching the hardcore audience and the newbies is very hard, I teach Freshman through Seniors in a single class, I get it. This content is invaluable as you continue to try to make the hobby better, more friendly, and educated. Well done!
What a meaningful and lovely comment. I agree, he is very good at this and provides a great value to the hobby and the hobbyists!
Cory is that rare combination of a fanatical hobbyist, a fantastic teacher, and a savvy businessman, which is what has led to his well deserved success. Add "excellent work ethic" to that list too, he works extremely hard as well!
Right!? Oration takes skill and this guy has that in spades. Can’t wait to catch some of his more in depth talks about advanced subjects.
I agree, thankyou for putting into words the effect of this great 👨🏫 educator
Someone give this man a prize. Amazing video, simple, objective, informative. Really liked it thumbs up.
So simple & so helpful 🙂 Pinching the hose and allowing the gravel to settle is such a great tip! I have tiny nano tanks (1.5g & 3.5g). It can be very tricky to gravel vac thoroughly without pulling off too much water, especially when working on such small tanks. I'm sure this advice is going to help me tremendously. Awesome THANKS!
Everybody else is just showing off how they know how to use a gravel vacuum. You actually taught me how from scratch, and every tip in these 10 minutes was valuable.
I can't get this right no matter what I do
@@maverickworld8192 took me some time to get a feel for it but finally did
Legit aye. Tiny ass video and I’ve learnt everything and it’s like the 3rd video I’ve watched. This man is the greatest
“And nobody likes poopy water on the floor”... Truer words have never been spoken! 🤣😂😄
I can't believe I've been water changing for 8 years and never thought to crimp the tube to help... Thank you SO MUCH! You are the best!!!!
Almost 2 years into the hobby and I just now learned the proper way to vacuum my gravel. I tried this today with my water change and it worked so well! Thanks!!
Not me shaking the gravel out instead of PINCHING THE TUBING I feel like such an idiot 🤣
Jody Jansa ... ha ha ha ha ha. Me too.
… 😶
Aww, don't beat yourself up Jody. An idiot is someone who sees a better way yet refuses to learn how to do it. I don't have a tank anymore but when I did it was all about shake Shake SHAKE🤦 If I tank again it will be all about *PINCH* 👌
just like you 😀
Never did I think that watching a video on gravel vacuuming a fish was this engaging.
Wow. After watching countless videos on how to clean gravel, I stumbled into this video. THE BEST EVER. Thank you for explaining everything so so well!!!!!!! This like literally asnwered all questions I had!
I love vacuuming my tank. There's something so satisfying about seeing the water go from brown to clear
Pinch is a pro tip, thanks
Did not expect to see you here at all, you should make a video on your tank :)
That was the most informative fishy video. About two months ago I saved a Betta fish from my drunk roommates 55 gallon tank full of predators. Also, the water was so bad it was like acid. He looked like he was melting and his eyes where frosted over. He was almost a goner! ElRoy now lives in a 5.5 gallon tank (with plants and tank mates) and is spoiled rotten. Since I'm just a beginner I'll be looking to you quite a bit. I had no idea you had to be a chemist to keep fish not just alive but happy. I'ma go subscribe right now!! ElRoy says thank you and a big thanks from myself as well!
I connect the siphon to a garden hose, and run it outside, or to the bathtub. When I'm done siphoning, I connect the other end to an adapter on the faucet, adjust the temperature, and refill the tank. No buckets, no spills. (Some siphons have a one-way valve that needs to be drilled-out before you can use it as a filler.)
At 59 years of age I finally learnt how to do this the proper way. Thanks Cory.
42. Same. I now realize I've been dumping poop water back into the column and making my filter dirty faster. Haven't done much sand either, so that was nice to learn.
I’m 58 and it’s a first for me
@@amandacooper7975, so I guess they can teach ole dogs new tricks. 🙌🏼
Nice
Ive been getting fish water in my mouth this whole time 😂🤣😂🤣 thank you for showing me the way 🙏
hannah09958 - and doesn't it taste awfull? Now we two have learned a good lesson from Cory.
yes
Brilliant
Hannah09958... same 🤣🤣🤣
me too hahahahaha
I’ve been on TH-cam over 12 years now give or take. I’ve left maybe 20 comments in that time. Just not a chatty person on YT, but bro? You taught me a lot in a short time about stuff I thought I already knew about. I’m so glad I clicked this!! Excellent tutorials and delivery. I could learn a lot from the likes of you. Thank you!!
Thanks so much for a great beginner's guide to cleaning my tank! I have all of those tools but had no idea how to use them (I inherited them from my father who recently passed away). I'm totally going to dive into this hobby and wish now I had paid more attention to my dad when he was doing of of this. Now I can learn from you!! Thanks so much!!!
I’m new to aquarium keeping, this guy and a channel called fish for thought have helped me more ways than literally anybody else including stores. These two are amazing
Saaaame
Love fish for thought! You should also check out girl talks fish! Shes run into A LOT of the same problems i have with my first tank and has taught me a TON of tricks for dealing with it.
I love that you call aquarium keeping. It shows such a level of knowledge for the community. Perhaps it’s more aquarium than fish eh?
I knew how to properly start it, but it turns out I wasn't actually vacuuming most efficiently. Thanks Cory!
Best video on how to clean debris off of the bottom of your tank ever! We have a bunch of debris from our originally planted tank, even though we've done a few water changes. I love the hose pinching technique, we will use it on our sand. Thank you very much. You rock! Corey!!
i’ve been avoiding these videos in fear i’d find it boring and not helpful. happy to say the first video i found was engaging and educational!
I've been in the hobby about ten years and I never realised I was gravel vaccing improperly. Seriously, thanks for this video! I am a dedicated betta keeper so they're a bit hardier than a lot of other fish, but I still want to do right by my guys!
You explain things in a way that every one can understand and I appreciate that SO MUCH!!
Brilliant tutorial. I almost didn't watch...Vacuuming seems like such a simple thing. And now it really is. You just saved me so much hassle...and a mouth full of salt water.
I remember the days of cleaning my aquarium and it was a pain In the butt. I went to my local shop and purchased The Python. The Python is basically a siphon with a long hose,and an attachment hooks up to a standard sink. You attach it to the sink head turn on the water, and let the flow from the sink to start the suction. There is a switch on the sink attachment to refill the amount drained. It's easy and you dont deal with spills.
"You could be derping around cleaning your tank and all of a sudden you have water all over your floor" Pfff as if I have ever done that, ever... 😬😩
hahaha I just love that phrase "derping around"
Nice
There are VERY few TH-cam channels I actually enjoy watching. This is one of them. You are an excellent teacher, Cory! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. I definitely have wasted A LOT of water while gravel vacuuming. Oops!
Nice
So glad I found your channel. Just stood up my very first planted tank not too long ago and have the exact same vacuum coming this weekend. My little 5-gallon project needs a good cleaning already and I'm so glad I know how to do it right!
I've been struggling to figure out to how gravel vac my 5.5 gal tank without just draining it and stirring up the waste and this was so helpful. The gravel vac I bought had instructions that said to just pump the vac up and down until the siphon started, which obviously immediately makes a mess of the tank. this makes way more sense!
I've been cleaning my gravel wrong all these years. Just tried this and the amount of crap that came up was astounding.
You are the best at explaining the oh so necessary basics. Minor caveat- When a tree seed sprouts the initial root that goes straight down is the tap root. Plants from cuttings have a fibrous root system. The hairlike roots absorbing nutrients are feeder roots. Makes sense, no?
Thanks for this clarification!! I was a little distracted by that 😆. I was thinking to myself, I don’t think that is quite right.... but the explanation worked either way.
I was thinking the very same thing. I'm a master gardener, so picked up on it immediately
Nice
I was today years old when I learned how to properly gravel vacuum a fish tank….. and I have had tanks for years! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for making this video! I was so frustrated with my gravel vac 😅
We screamed at the TV watching the "pinch the tube to not suck up sand" trick. Absolutely amazing, thank you Cory for bestowing this knowledge upon us.
I’ve been vacuuming my tank all wrong for years. Thank you for this video. I’m actually excited for my next water change/tank cleaning 🤘🏼
Cory from Aquarium Co-Op
I know this video is old and you'll probably never see this comment, but thank you SO MUCH for literally slapping me across the face, with common sense, on how to start a syphon flow without using your mouth
I had no idea that you could just lift the syphon up and right back down to get the flow going
I feel so stupid😅
I have been fishkeeping since I was 3 years old (yes, THREE) and no one ever told me this. The shaking back and forth never worked and I have 5 fish tanks 😭😭😭 THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!!!
Thank you so much for doing these basic “how to” videos! I always find I’ve forgotten an easy tip one way or another (like just vacuuming the sponge filter if I’m in a rush). Always useful and informative!
How to fill a tank is next mine overflows everytime
@@aniketpatil1452 it's simple watch it don't let it overflow LOL 😆
Thank you so much! I'm 15 and have a 30 gallon tank in my room, and didn't quite have the ropes on vacuuming the substrate. You guys have helped me to learn a lot. Thanks!
Man Cory you saved the day again! I’ve been teaching these techniques to all of our staff here at multiple Petco’s!! It’s improved the quality by so much thank you!!
Omg. I'm really new to the hobby and have watched SO many videos about aquariums, aquascaping, etc. But THIS video, by far, has been the MOST useful! I can't even thank you enough! I can't wait to get home and try it out!! THANK YOU!!
Thank for this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve demonstrated this over my very long career in the hobby. Pinching the hose is a MUST and so glad you showed this. Thanks Cory.
been into freshwater gravel tanks 30 plus years never knew sand was actually cleaner substrait than gravel or the pinching tecnique
I love seeing Cory’s friendly face and learning from this channel it just makes my day
I watch this every time I clean my tank so helpful . Sometimes i forget it works and this is great !
Thank You for the step by step instructions. I was getting frustrated with trying to work this simple piece of plastic to clean the nasty tank. Very educational and I thank you for your time in teaching.
I'm a bit mad at how simple that pinching technique is. I can't believe I didn't think of it.
i’ve learned more in the video on the internet then i ever did from a pet store worker!! thank you man!!
YOOOOO this video saved me. I could not for the life of me figure out how to use my siphon with a bulb pump and it would stop up so often and my hand would cramp badly after struggling to get the water unstuck. I had to make some alterations to said siphon to use the method you showed here but it seriously saved me from some frustration and more hand cramps. My water change this time was so much smoother and getting the debris out was so much easier. I actually find it quite satisfying to watch the debris and substrate separate too.
Thank you so much for showing this method, my fishy girls can now thrive in a much cleaner tank 😄
This was so informative and well presented. Plus his happy American voice ties it all together wonderfully. Will definitely help me improve my cleaning
Thank you! Have liked siphon tubes since whenever they came out but your teaching how to start flow and how to clean, especially in different substrates, or in planted tanks, was so clear and to the point that I will never forget this video. Bravo!
I've totally flooded my floor more times than I can count..love the "suctioner" though. Pinching the tubing..what a concept. Thanks
Such an awesome video!!! As a first time brand new tank owner you just saved me what I'm sure would have been Years of learning curve. My fish are going to live happier and healthier because of this video. THANK YOU!!!
I like to use a chip clip to hold the hose to my bucket so it doesn't bounce out and the low tension of the chip clip doesn't pinch the hose closed. Valuable tips in this video im saving for future reference!
This is like the third time Aquarium Co-Op has dropped a video on gravel vacuuming, but I’ll watch again every time just to refresh and maybe learn something new.
Hands down the best video I've seen on aquarium keeping that I've seen in the last 3 years. And I've watched like a million videos. Love Cory overall but this was the best one!!
I've never thought of starting a gravel vac that way. My dude. Thank you.
Your video is the only one that really help me get the pump working after watching endless videos lol
Easy planter, buy it now 🤣
Smooth shameless self-promo 🤣
I find it endearing from him because I know how much effort they put into coming up with these great products! I’m going to put one in my cart now, so effective too 😆
I've got like $50 worth of stuff in my cart from these videos. Only Cory can make this advertisement effective!
Been doing planted tanks for over 15 years now. Thought I had a good way of cleaning out tank…not! Thank you for showing the little tricks of the trade. Some stuff I knew about, but others, never knew about it. Love the pinch method on that larger python hose. I went to a smaller size hose to avoid filling bucket up faster, never thought about pinching the hose 🤦♂️. Thanks again 👍😎
You could also get a little MacGyver ingenuity and put a open/shut off valve Incorporated into the hose😊
I watched this a few weeks before I tried it while I was waiting for tank to cycle. Just watched this again and realized I was doing it wrong from what I thought I remembered from the video. This video is truly informative. The squeezing the hose will help my bucket not fill up so fast. Thanks Cory!
Same
THANK YOU!!! All the videos I watch show you these tools based on they've been doing it all the time; forgetting basic steps, 'us' knobs, or beginners don't know.
I've been frustrated with the entire cleaning process.
2 days later, after trying to do this, my water is still slightly cloudy from stirring up all the substrate.
Thank you again for explaining your technique for beginners.
Cory is a game changer for us newbies to learn from. Thank you so much!
I like the practical tutorials that you produce for beginners, accessible and light-hearted.
Subscribed.
This video was very helpful for me as I was struggling to figure it out the first time (despite having used a siphon filter many times while camping).
This video really helped me to Vaccum my aquarium perfectly. Very helpful and simple.
Wow. I've been gravel cleaning wrong for close to a decade. You made it seem so easy to do I subscribed just because of this video. Thank you so much
I'm so happy I found this video! I just got my first aquarium and became frustrated trying to clean my gravel, because yes... I drained half my water and barely cleaned my gravel! Also, the way I was told to get the siphon started was ridiculous. I'm looking forward to trying it this way, this weekend! Thank you!!!
How did it work for you? I don't have a tank right now so am eager to know how it went for your first time. 🐠😃
This was a great video! I have been keeping fish on and off for 30+ years and I learned some new things. Thank you!!
The most frustrating thing about cleaning my planed tank just got 100% easier. Thank you soooo much!
I've been in the hobby for 2 years now and nobody showed me how to properly vacuum a fully planted tank. This is so helpful!
Wow. Planned on just learning my tank, had no idea I’d be able to enjoy the video as much as I did. Great instructions and fun to watch! Great job.
This couldn't have come at a better time! Just introduced my female koi betta into her tank today
The pinch manoeuvre is a game changer, I was a rattle the gravel out before it clogs the pipe kinda guy my whole fish keeping career. Thanks for this 🙏
That was literally the best aquarium video I have ever watched in my life. You are a Master Jedi. I feel so slow. I have tanks all my life and never knew that pinch method. So much better cleaning now!!!! Sharing is caring, thx for that great info!!!!!!!
Really wish I had watched this before syphoning and swallowing some gravel 😂 Thank you, I'll remember this for next time!
I’m digging these updated how-to videos. I’ve watched the old ones, but still learn new things with the new ones.
Where have you been all my life! I would get so mad cussing out my vacuum because it would never work right! THANK YOU
Same 😁
This changed my life. Thank you! This newbie truly appreciates this because I watched another video and was so confused.
Thank you so much for this! I just cleaned my betta tank before I saw this and now I feel like I should clean it again with this new knowledge! 🙏🏽
I work at a pet store mainly in the aquatics department so I do lots of water changes daily. You have no idea how much this just helped me
Glad I ran into this video! Thank you so much! I have been vacuuming wrong 😕
I can't lie this is the best video to learn how to syphon ! I have been looking for a simple way to do it and you made me so confident...btw it worked a glam! Thank you for your video I have a 70 gallon tank❤
I've learned so much from you it's really unbelievable. I swear I feel like I owe you money. G.O.A.T.
Im so freaking glad i found this BEFORE even starting upp my first tank ever 😅 Thank you for brilliant educational content, keep it up 🐡🐠🐟
I had my Aquarium Tank 55 Gallon for over 10 years and all because I did not know how to do this to make it easy to clean I end up throwing it away NOW that I want it back I'm going to need ALL your information and technique so thank you I LOVE THIS
Such a great explanation, thanks! This style works really well, sometimes it’s hard to follow instruction videos with just words or people who are really familiar with what they’re explaining, because they miss smaller details newbies don’t know
You explained everything so well, thank you!
I just bought one of those substrate cleaners. I just sat down to read up on how to work it. I need to buy a large trash container. I was ready to use one of my 5 or so gallon mop/garden buckets. Glad that I found this video first. Well, Monday is only two days away. Meanwhile, I am warming up the dechlorinated treated water. I am using the old small 1.7 gallon tank heater to warm up each gallon of water waiting to be switched as I do my partial water change.
I have an acquired brain injury that is still healing and I really really appreciate how to talk a bit slower as you show how you are doing this.
Thank you. GOD Bless you.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this guy in Dallas at aquashella! Nicest person I’ve ever met
Thank you so much for this video!!! I can't wait to try your methods when vacuuming my tank next! I've been trying to "pump" the vacuum and that's a pain. Your method looked so easy! 😄
This was excellent! Will definitely start doing this - I'm actually exited to clean the gravel now 🤣
Thank you for explaining it so patiently for the slow on the 'upkeep' in the back
I was pleasantly surprised watching this video as I've used this type of siphon for years and thought I probably wouldn't learn anything new. I've just cleaned my tank but will try out the new techniques next time, thanks!
i was about to go out and buy a new one because I was using it wrong and thought it was broken. seriously thank you