To use an Aqua One Vac-A-Tank gravel cleaner, gently shake it up and down in the aquarium water until the tube fills. Once full, lower the tube into a bucket to create a siphon, and then use the cleaner to vacuum the gravel.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
- Start the Siphon: Submerge the Vac-A-Tank in your aquarium. Shake it up and down gently. This action will help water fill the tube.
- Create the Siphon: Once the tube is full of water, lower one end of the hose into a bucket that is positioned below the water level of your aquarium. This difference in height is what creates the siphon effect.
- Clean the Gravel: Once the siphon is established (water is flowing from your aquarium into the bucket), slowly move the open end of the Vac-A-Tank through your gravel bed. The suction will lift debris and waste from the gravel.
- Avoid Sucking up Gravel: Don't push the Vac-A-Tank too deep into the gravel, as this can cause it to suck up gravel into the hose. If this happens, simply lift the cleaner slightly to allow the gravel to fall back down.
- Control the Flow: You can control the strength of the siphon by raising or lowering the end of the hose in the bucket. If the suction is too strong, raise the bucket slightly.
- Monitor Water Level: Be mindful of the water level in your aquarium as you clean. You don't want to remove too much water. Usually, a 25% water change is recommended.
- Stop and Reposition: When the bucket is nearly full, or you've removed the desired amount of water, remove the Vac-A-Tank from the aquarium to stop the siphon.
By following these steps, you can effectively use your Aqua One Vac-A-Tank to keep your aquarium gravel clean and healthy.
