Do not use soap. Sometimes you might get lucky and find a fish egg or two, adding a new species into your tank. Plastic, flexible tubes can also be used to clean gravel. When cleaning new aquarium gravel, it’s a good idea to use waterproof gloves. Plants love organic waste. You want some of that healthy bacteria. To give a short answer to this, it should be cleaned at least twice a month if you have a heavily populated tank. When the water runs clear, cover the end of the tube to stop the flow. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Before washing or cleaning your fish tank gravel without a vacuum, you will need to move the fish in the tank into another proper and toxin-free container. You can do this by using a cup and a bucket. Once you have cleared the fish out, removed accessories, and placed the aquarium in an open space, it’s time to start using warm water. Acclimating fishes has long been a subject for discussion. Before you do anything to your tank, you must unplug the heater and turn off the filter and pump. When you overfeed your fish then the leftover food stuck in the gravel which releases harmful chemicals. There is no precise answer to this question. Prepare a smaller tank or a clean container to hold your fish. Thoroughly rinse off your chosen substrate (gravel, aquarium rocks, sand, etc.) Gravel has no expiration date, unless the manufacturer specifically states this. There are times when the aquarium gravel doesn’t need to be cleaned. Yes, you can use algae removal substances to get rid of it, but these tend to be expensive without being terribly efficient. This way of doing it is a little bit harder, but it can still be done without too much difficulty. I use a mesh colander to clean gravel. Wipe the inside of the tank with clean paper towels. Gravel vacuums use gravity to draw water out of the tank, so the collection bucket should be positioned lower than the aquarium. However, we can’t do this with the substrate, as interfering with the substrate will destabilize it and it will be like setting up a whole new tank, with all the stages that involves. To make sure that you are getting everything, make your way across the tank slowly and deliberately, ensuring that you are covering every area. Last Updated: November 12, 2019 These are ideal for smaller tanks. This will form a pocket of air in the tube, beginning a siphon effect that draws water through the vacuum and into the bucket for collection. An important first step in maintaining high water quality is the proper cleaning of new aquarium gravel; gravel dust and residue can harm or even kill fish. You can use vinegar, as it is safe and it doesn’t leave any unwanted residue on the gravel. For many aquarium hobbyists, gravel vacuums are the tool of choice when it comes to cleaning the substrate in your tank. Is it really important to clean new aquarium gravel? This type of filter helps clean up any excess fish poop and uneaten food that makes its way to the bottom of the tank. Never use anything that came in contact with soap, detergents, or bleach to clean your aquarium, gravel, or decorations. Let the clean gravel soak in the dechlorinated water for a while. Rinse them in clean water. Cleaning Gravel Purchased from the Store Before adding purchased gravel into your aquarium, it must be washed. Keep an eye on the pH level, hardness, and ammonia. I have over 10 years of experience in this hobby. While new aquarium gravel may be marketed by manufacturers as “pre-rinsed” or “pre-cleared,” new aquarium gravel bags often contain dust, debris, grit or poisonous residue from the factory in which it was packed. The residue left by the chemicals will kill your fish. Dig the vacuum head into the substrate once the siphon effect has started and move it slowly around the tank to suck up accumulated waste. Aquarium cleaning is a routine that you can’t avoid, even with the most sophisticated filtering systems. Use a colander to rinse the gravel and rocks until the water runs through clear and free of debris. To start vacuuming, push the submerged end of the tube down into the gravel before releasing your finger from the end in the bucket. To work with the vacuum cleaner, you need to unplug the heater, filter and air pump. Without a vacuum, cleaning gravel is a tricky process and could take a while, but it’s definitely doable. It is important to clean new gravel, whether you bought it from an aquarium shop or collected it from a river. As with the glass, algae tends to form on the substrate as well. However, if you have a lot of open space in your tank, a large-mouthed vacuum will save time by allowing you to clean large tank areas at once. Let the gravel soak in the bucket for a couple of minutes to soften any possible dust, debris, or grit. These small particles should not enter an aquarium environment. Be sure the bleach is pure and doesn’t include any scents. If you decide to go with bleach, it is important to use a very small amount, like ¼ of a cup per bucket of water. We will show you a way to clean the gravel in your fish tank, without the need for a siphon or a hose. The coloring of the gravel can also discolor the water. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Before you clean your aquarium gravel, unplug your tank's heater, filter, and pump. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), link to 7 Best Fish for 1 Gallon Tank (Complete Guide), link to How to Acclimate New Aquarium Fish? After filling the bucket with water, let it sit for 10 minutes and then empty it. Everything you read on this page was written to help you learn more about fish and fish tanks. If you are using a Python, or a similar type, simply turn the water off the stop siphoning. By this time, most of the harmful bacteria and parasites should have died. Gravel plays an important role in the fish tank ecosystem and if it gets too dirty, it can cause all sorts of unwanted problems. Under a stream of lukewarm water, agitate the colander to loosen and wash away any stubborn debris. It is the quality of water that determines what should be done with the substrate in a system. This way you ensure a good concentration to kill the unwanted passengers and it will be easy to clean off at the end. Leave it for 1-2 hours and then empty the water from the bucket. If your aquarium doesn’t weigh too much, pour the rocks into a hand-held pan. Live plants are a great way of keeping your tank clean and healthy. If you are using a Python, or a similar type, simply turn the water on the begin siphoning. Avoid using any substances when cleaning the gravel, such a bleach. Remove all the gravel from your aquarium and put it in a mix of water and bleach. Choosing it is the most important initial step when planning an aquarium. Keep reading to find out why this is important! Old fish food that fish didn’t eat, fish poo, algae, and even harmful bacteria can hide in the fish tank substrate. Fill a colander or strainer with gravel. Siphon to Clean Aquarium Gravel Clean the gravel next, by using a water siphon to vacuum away the debris. Wipe the inside with paper towel. How To Clean Aquarium Gravel with or without using Vacuum Gravel Cleaner: If your aquarium gravels are dirty then it would pollute your aquarium water & it is dangerous for your fish. And cleaning it is not an easy process. If the spots tend to extend, it means that the fish tank needs a proper clean. Gently pour the water from your fish tank through a colander. Take Out The Gravel And Start Cleaning From the bottom of the fish tank, scoop up a few gravels out of it and put them in the separated place without rinsing them. Hidden parasites and bacteria can ruin your tank if not taken care of properly. Learn more... Aquarium gravel serves not only as a decoration, but also as a filter. Sooner or later the aquarium will be loaded with dirt deposits and will not look as joyous as it could. The only good way to get rid of algae in the substrate is to take the substrate out and clean it. Plug in all the electrical equipment. You can use algae removal substances that are available in aquarium shops. Clean the tank with warm tap water. To clean the river gravel, simply put 2 cups of vinegar in a bucket with the gravel and fill it with water. Some gravel vacuums will directly connect to your sink’s faucet. Simply turning on the water creates the siphon effect. This will ensure that there are some bacteria left in the water to ensure a properly balanced, healthy ecosystem. For example, if your tank is densely planted or heavily decorated, a gravel vacuum with a narrow mouth may be needed to avoid disturbing plants and decorations while cleaning the substrate. Dip the vacuum head into the tank until it fills and them remove it from the water completely. Because of this, it tends to harbor a lot of debris and waste. Performed once or twice a month, a cleaning routine does not have to take much of your time, and the results are very satisfactory. How to Clean Your Aquarium All you need for this is a bucket and some vinegar. There is no need to use other substances such as vinegar for this—simply brush away the algae and the dirt with a toothbrush or an abrasive sponge. Yes, which is why you should always thoroughly rinse gravel before use. You can then add layers of substrate to your clean fish tank. To clean the decorations, you first need to get them out of the fish tank. If you are like me, you will probably take a bucket to a river and start filling it with gravel from there. Simply, fill up the bucket with the water and empty it into the sink or down the toilet. For tips on how to finish up after cleaning and how to clean store-bought gravel, keep reading! "I didn't know I could clean my gravel by putting the siphoning tube under the gravel. Using your hand, gently put the gravel back on the bottom of the tank and slowly fill the tank up with water. You all know that apart from internal and external filters, there is a type of internal filter that is placed in the gravel. After brushing, rinse them again in clean water and put them back in the tank. Approved. Using a water siphon, you can easily clean underneath your gravel, sucking up any debris that has collected down there over time. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The aquarium substrate, otherwise called sand or gravel, serves two purposes: the decorative substrate and the nutrient substrate. If you have very fine-grit gravel, such as sand, don't stick the vacuum all the way down. Keeping your fish tank gravel clean is very important for maintaining a healthy aquarium. If your fish tank isn’t that heavy, you can lift it and pour the gravel into a bucket. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 110,496 times. It is hard to notice because it can be very small and is often eaten by fish or other aquarium inhabitants. Yep! Try … To clean the river gravel, simply put 2 cups of vinegar in a bucket with the gravel and fill it with water. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Cleaning the gravel 1. [1] X Research source Pour your dechlorinated water into your bucket of clean aquarium gravel with enough water to cover the gravel by a couple of inches. Scoop up a couple of cupfuls of the gravel from the bottom of the tank and set aside without rinsing. The system works by... #Step 01– Unplug. If you don't already have one, purchase a 5 gallon bucket and label it for aquarium use only. How to clean fish tank gravel without a vacuum. If you take them out, it's much more stressful; unless you have a very small bowl, it's better to keep them in. Empty the fish bucket, with the water, into the tank. Can I put a piece of screen inside a colander to clean the gravel? How to Clean Fish Tank Gravel Without a Vacuum First, pull your fish out. Place under water and rinse until the water turns clear. If the gravel starts to go too far up the vacuum, just cover the end of the tube and let the gravel settle. If on the other hand, you want to recuse the same gravel, place it in a bucket and thoroughly rinse it with a jet of water (using a garden hose or similar equipment) Caution: Do not use detergent or soap to clean gravel or wash the inside of the tank. It also depends a lot on what type of aquarium you have and what species of fish you have in it. Another method that is even more efficient than vinegar is to use bleach. Attempting to rinse too much gravel at once may not remove all the dust, debris or grit. A - How to Clean Old Aquarium Gravel With a Vacuum Step 1: Disconnect every electrical equipment of the fish tank. (Complete Guide). To create this article, 19 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This is a very simple process and doesn’t require much effort. There are several types of siphons available, all of which work essentially the same. There are a few simple ways to clean your fish tank gravel, and they are not complicated. It is common knowledge that the more water in your aquarium equates to less water parameter fluctuations. Once you are satisfied that the gravel is clean, it’s time to put it back in the fish tank. By this time, most of the harmful bacteria and parasites should have died. Repeat this process in other parts of your tank to clean the rest of the gravel. If you don’t have a gravel vacuum on hand, no problem, you can clean your fish tank gravel without one. Most tanks should have a thermometer, but if yours doesn't, you'll need to stick a clean, glass thermometer into the water. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. ", "Clear instructions and visual information; really good. These gravels contain beneficial bacteria that help break down ammonia from fish waste into less harmful nitrates. But cleaning the gravel yourself is the best way to do it. While being their worst enemy, it is your best friend in this type of situation. Consider cleaning the gravel alongside your weekly water exchange. Get them out and put them in a bucket or lay them in a tray. You can do that easily when you are doing water changes or when doing a full aquarium cleanup. Generally, dirt accumulates faster in smaller, plant less and overstocked aquariums. And knowing what to do and which materials you need to clean the aquarium is the first step because just changing the water will. You will find some really useful tips and information on this blog about Freshwater Aquariums. Instead, sterilize items by washing them with hot water. Leave it for 1-2 hours and then empty the water from the bucket. I am a passionate fish keeper, with years of experience. Swish the clean gravel so it moves throughout the dechlorinated water. You could buy snails or shrimp, which will eat the algae. Vacuuming it won’t work as well, since it will only remove the superficial layers of algae and not the ones that have made a strong bond with the gravel. And you need to get rid of it in order to maintain a balance. Rinse the gravel a … Rinse the gravel several times in tap water, then submerge it in water again. Never use soap, detergents, or bleach to clean your aquarium, gravel, or decorations. Share; How do I clean the algae off of the gravel without using snails or shrimps, etc? The gravel vacuum should stir up the gravel and remove debris without sucking up the gravel. We do our best help users better care for their fish. Do not vacuum all of the gravel or replace all of the water all at once. Do it quickly as... #Step 02– Submerge. Bacteria and parasites hate vinegar—it’s deadly to them. Cleaning new aquarium gravel in batches of no more than 5 pounds each is also a good idea. Of course, things would be easier with a gravel siphon or a hose. It comes from unconsumed food, fish excrement, plant leaf decay, and algae deposits. Step 1: Start by setting up a clean tank or holder to briefly hold all the fish. Fish waste and uneaten food can build up and poison the water and the fish in your tank. Remove the water from the bucket after the gravel has soaked for a few minutes, and refill it with tap water just like before. Use a siphon to remove 25-50% of the water and replace it with fresh, treated water at the same temperature for a freshwater aquarium. Wash with Warm Water With algae growth and live plants, you want to start with something as simple as warm water. Clean the filter, thermostat and tubes. Sometimes it can get on the decorations as well and if not cleaned in time it becomes stuck to them, making your tank look dirty and not very pretty. If you’re a fish fanatic like me, you will enjoy this blog! Do not remove the gravel from your tank to give it a thorough cleaning. References Cleaning gravel also removes some aquarium water. Cleaning gravel that was taken from a natural source isn’t a hard process. Step4: clean the gravel. Heavier materials with a tougher texture will sink to the bottom. In which case, you should do thorough gravel cleaning every two weeks. As such, most aquarium hobbyists will plan their gravel cleaning day alongside their weekly partial water changes. Simply pouring the water back in might seem easier, but this can cause debris to rise up and cloud the water. Pour out the water again and repeat the process several times until the water appears clear, clean and free of film, dust, debris, and grit. Aquarium buckets should... Place a large clean sieve, at least 6 inches across, over the bucket. Rinse the gravel with treated water. If you have bigger, sturdy gravel in your tank, yes, it MAY work. If an aquarist decides to reposition the plants within the tank, they can be easily removed and positioned in a completely different configuration. Yes, vinegar. After doing that, simply rinse the fish tank with some water to clean the glass and put it back in its place. 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