Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've been struggling with my gravel vacuum lately, it keeps losing suction halfway through. Anyone got tips to keep it going strong? Using a basic siphon with a 20 gallon tank, sand substrate, and a bunch of Corydoras.

Yo, gotta prime that siphon proper. Dunk the whole tube in the tank first, let it fill up, then quick pull it out. Works every time for my 40 breeder with gravel.

Sand can be tricky with siphons. Make sure you're not burying the tube too deep, just hover it slightly above the surface. Also, check for clogs in the hose, debris can kill the flow fast.

I have the same issue. My siphon stops a lot. Maybe it's the brand?

corvina wrote: ↑Mon Apr 21, 2025 5:06 am Yo, gotta prime that siphon proper. Dunk the whole tube in the tank first, let it fill up, then quick pull it out. Works every time for my 40 breeder with gravel.

That's solid advice. Also, if you're using sand, a wider tube helps prevent clogging. I switched to a Python system and never looked back.

My siphon's been acting up too. Think it's the hose length? Got a 10 footer on my 55 gallon.

Nah, hose length shouldn't matter as long as it's got a good drop. Maybe your siphon's just weak sauce. Try a different brand, like the Aqueon one. Works like a charm for me.

Keep the hose straight when you start. Kinks mess with the flow big time.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the priming trick and check for clogs.

rivolt wrote: ↑Mon Apr 21, 2025 12:44 pm Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the priming trick and check for clogs.

Let us know how it goes. Sand tanks can be finicky, but once you get the hang of it, it's smooth sailing.