Help me with siphoning sand!

[Miami Reef]

I am determined to learn how to siphon my sand.

I have a 250 gallon tank. About 25” tall with the middle section inaccessible. I can fit things through the left or right side with decent access.

All I’m looking for it a strong siphon that is able to export a lot of detritus. The siphons on the market are so weak and too short to fit in such a large tank without me having to use scuba gear.

R2R, do your magic! I can’t wait to read the suggestions. Yes, I’m determined and I’ll do whatever it takes! I want to master my sand husbandry for longevity.

 

[brandon429]

Pauls diatom filter approach is perfect. its recirc pump creates powerful flow up, out, filtered, back in.

 

[brandon429]

that is looking darn good too. the challenges you've faced with a huge inaccessible reef, for that to be the outcome, wow nice one. Really well done.

 

[Reef.]

You can make your own, a long piece of tubing with a cut in half coke bottle or similar on the end, a good suck will be all the power you need.

If you want to buy one I found the cheaper ones are better, something like this

 

[Miami Reef]

You can make your own, a long piece of tubing with a cut in half coke bottle or similar on the end, a good suck will be all the power you need.

If you want to buy one I found the cheaper ones are better, something like this

DING DING DING!!!! This is SO smart!!! I will get a 2 liter bottle and cut off the bottom and attach a hose to the top of it. Genius!

 

[Reef.]

DING DING DING!!!! This is SO smart!!! I will get a 2 liter bottle and cut off the bottom and attach a hose to the top of it. Genius!

I would try one of the smaller coke bottles, will be a stronger suction and will also get in the small nooks and crannies.

 

[Miami Reef]

I would try one of the smaller coke bottles, will be a stronger suction and will also get in the small nooks and crannies.

That’s smarter. Especially since there won’t be that annoying strainer thing that reduces flow. Thank you.

 

[Spieg]

Have you looked at the Python with the extended gravel tube (available up to 36")?
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/no-spill-clean-fill-replacement-gravel-tubes-python.html

 

[Tamberav]

You could always stir/blast the sand and run a diatom filter to catch it all quickly.

 

[Udest]

Also if you need you can attach that siphon to a stick so you can reach the bottom with out having to take a swim lol.

 

[Miami Reef]

Also if you need you can attach that siphon to a stick so you can reach the bottom with out having to take a swim lol.

Good idea. I have a thin PVC tube that I can zip tie to my tubing.

It’s going to be really ratchet, but it’s going to be custom made for my tank.

 

[Udest]

Whatever works right ; )

 

[vtecintegra]

You could always stir/blast the sand and run a diatom filter to catch it all quickly.

I've found this works better for me, than monkeying with a gravel vac. I turn up the pumps full blast, and take a turkey baster to the sand and rocks. It really blows up all of the crap in the sand, and I let the filter sock catch it. After an hour or so when the water is clear I change the sock.