Gravel syphon question

Coral Kai · Mar 4, 2025

Does anyone know of a syphon that will actually suck up big pieces of gravel and bubbles algaes and just keep rolling? I have some syphons that are able to do it but gets stick regularly. I know we typically want a syphon to just suck up water but I am looking for something that will suck up gravel 1/4 inch big or bigger.

ChrisRD · Mar 4, 2025

Try using larger diameter tubing without the gravel vac. I've also done this with a toothbrush (either in my other hand or zip tied to the tubing) so I could scrub while siphoning.

Just be prepared to handle a lot more water coming out. If you have one, you can run the siphon line down to the sump into a filter sock (assuming you don't want to do a large water change). Just be careful not to out run the return pump and overflow your sump.

On sumpless tanks I've done this into a large Brute trash can and then pumped some or all of the water back in when done.

bubbgee · Mar 4, 2025

I bought this one off amazon. Pretty good suction. I even use it for water changes to move water around.
suction gravel cleaner

Coral Kai · Mar 4, 2025

ChrisRD said:
Try using larger diameter tubing without the gravel vac. I've also done this with a toothbrush (either in my other hand or zip tied to the tubing) so I could scrub while siphoning.

Just be prepared to handle a lot more water coming out. If you have one, you can run the siphon line down to the sump into a filter sock (assuming you don't want to do a large water change). Just be careful not to out run the return pump and overflow your sump.

On sumpless tanks I've done this into a large Brute trash can and then pumped some or all of the water back in when done.

i guess i can go old school...i used to be good at creating the vacuum .... i was never one of those that did the whole sucking air in lol

thanks for the input