Vaccum Question

[goldenpuon]

My old battery operated vaccum for my tank is going bad and it looks like I'm going to need to clean my big goldfish tank soon. (I use it only to clean my goldfish tanks. For the guppy and betta tanks I use airline tubing.)

Carl, I was wondering if you sold any aquarium cleaning devices that you can plug in (electronically operated) and don't drain water from the aquarium, just trap the waste.

My current vaccum was a pouch that traps waste water flows through back into the tank and I like that quite a bit. There is no worries for changing out too much water no mater how long it takes me to clean my aquarium. Also, I don't run as high a risk of spilling water. (Of course for the guppies and bettas, the airline tubing I use to siphon doesn't drain water near as fast so that's why I don't mind using an old fashioned siphon for that.)

Thank you in advance.

Renee

[Carl]

Renee, I have used these Battery Vacuums, but not for years as the measured results are not that good (I have not sold them for years for the same reason).

These bags/pouches do not trap much of the wastes that contribute to DOC. A Micron cleaning filter such as Diatom Filter or better, an Aquarium Cleaning Machine do a vastly better job. Unfortunately these cleaning filters are likely too expensive for your budget.

Either way, none of these cleaning devices take the place of water changes.

See this article in the Reasons for Water Changes/Cleaning Section (especially DOC):
Aquarium Cleaning; Reasons, DOC

Carl

[fishfever]

I am curious why you would not want to change some water periodically? Are the tanks in a place where it's hard to transport fresh/waste water to/from? When I was talking about using a battery powered vac, I was thinking they were something that had a small pump assist to get the water flowing initially (I had to squeeze a bulb repeatedly with my old pump). But with the Lee vac a few gentle up/down strokes with the head immersed is all it takes. This is one that removes water however and is the only kind I know of, sorry.

[Carl]

Although I am sure Renee will answer this herself; I know from many conversations that she does change water quite regularly in her excellent routine maintenance regimen (although I do not know is a gravel vacuum device is used).

A water change is much more effective using such a device (assuming the tank has gravel) rather than simply siphoning the water.

As well, my thoughts (based use and tests) with these battery vacuums is that although they do remove some debris, they are mostly an exercise in futility

Carl

[goldenpuon]

Carl, do you know of a battery operated vac that is somewhat good, maybe that I could buy somewhere else online since you don't sell them? They may not be the best but they've worked well enough for me in the past. I am willing to settle with something that may not do the best job. As long as it works somewhat and has a pouch for catching fish waste.

To clarify, I have a 40 gallon goldfish tank and my sink isn't that close. To fill 2-3 gallon bucket 1 gallon at a time by siphoning would be too much work. I'd have to start the siphon, fill the bucket up with water, stop the siphon, dump the water, and start it again. I might have to do this 7 or so times. I find it easier to change 25-33% of the water every 2 weeks and then to clean the waste out seperately.

For my 10 gallon goldfish tank, this would be much more efficient to do this. However I am a bit stuck in my routine you could say and prefer to do water changes and cleanings seperate.

For my guppies and bettas however, I remove water as I clean out the tank (siphon). My biggest guppy tank is 6 gallons and I use airline tubing so that too much water doesn't get sucked up before I am done cleaning.

This may not be the most efficient routine but it works for me and my fish (especially the goldfish) do well with it so I stick with it.

Thanks guys! XD

[Carl]

The last one I used/tested was by "Marineland".

I do not know if this is still available though, but I will check for you when in LA this week at the aquatic supply distributer.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

That's a big favor. Thanks so much Carl!

EDIT: Let me know when you get an answer on if they have it or not. Thanks again!