Question on 'vacuuming' with a bulkhead for water changes

[aalbina]

Hi All,

I'm considering drilling the back of my tank and putting in a bulkhead for quick drain water changes. I'll probably go with John's design of a pvc pipe in the tank that I can rotate to change the level - thanks John. My question is - how do you vacuum the tank out? Right now I use an external pump to empty the tank and a clear hose to vacuum everything out and clean it real well. With a bulkhead - I was wondering if is possible to put a small nipple on the output to which I can attach a siphon hose. Would the suction of the water rushing out the main drain line provide enough pressure to vacuum the tank? Something like this: the left side of the drawing would be coming out of the tank, the right side would be going to the drain.

84535

Adam

[Northwoods Discus]

I just stick a hose that fits into the bulkhead and vacuum away. The water will flow easily. Don't glue in your pvc to the bulkhead and you can take it on and off.

[MKD]

Same here. Just flexible hose long enough to reach both ends from bulkhead. Turn ball valve then stick hose in bulkhead then vacuum and remove hose when you are done.

[aalbina]

Awesome - sounds like a plan - thank you both!

Adam