Best way to siphon/vacuum multiple tanks

[dkeef]

i got 8 large 150-300gal tanks. i have 3 vacuum tubes.
im looking for ways to siphon(WITHOUT SUCKING ON TUBE WITH MOUSE) them without contaminating.
im thinking siphon start bulbs and maybe some quick disconnects?

any ideas?

[kareen]

Siphon start bulls are good and they are cheep I use them on all my tanks

[Kimosobey]

Can you get a siphon start bull in hardware stores?

[dkeef]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Simple-Aquarium-Siphon-Gravel-Cleaner-Fish-Safe-Tank-Vacuum-Change-Water-Pump-/351045588755?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51bbf29713

has anyone used this cheapy ones? does it work ok?
i need 6 vacuums.

[Swordsman]

Are you just wanting to siphon or are you planning to vacuum the bottoms as well? If just siphon water for water changes, you can use PVC pipe and valves. Just glue 3 pieces in the shape of a 3/4 rectangle. Put 1 end in the tank, about 1/2 - 1 inch off the bottom. On the PVC outside the tank, put a PVC valve on the other end and hook up a hose with a quick disconnect. Start the siphon once by sucking the hose, then close the valve before the water level gets below the PVC opening inside the tank. Refill your tank. Next time, just open the valve to drain the water. Hope this gives you ideas.

[musicmarn1]

i just want to see pictures of your newest/biggest tanks where are they at?! i HATE the fact that my legs stick up toward the ceiling when im vacuuming my 240g :p

[Swordsman]

Sounds like you need to zip-tie your gravel washer & hose to a 4 or 5 foot piece of PVC so you can make cleaning your giant take much easier!

[alcastro]

David use a wet dry shop vac, with a drain hose, LOL dont forget to take the filter out.
use a small self prime in line pump

[dkeef]

All my tanks are plumbed to floor drain. I Open valve and then i can empty 300gal in 5-10min.
What i need is way to siphon sand bottom or glass bottom.
These fish are all different kinds and dont wanna transfer each other. Qt is not easy! Lol.
Any ideas guys?

[alcastro]

David a small self prime inline pump with garden hose adapter in the ejection side and you can swap inlet hoses with a shut of valve, just turn pump on than off


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[MKD]

drill drain hole 1/3 from bottom up. you'll need bulkhead, valve and pvc.

[DonMD]

Here's how I do it, simple and cheap. I attach a simple hose valve to the hose end of the syphon. You know, one like this:

https://www.horseloverz.com/product/wateringequipment/236761-watershutoffvalveforgardenhoses.html?sku=5-206066&gdftrk=gdfV27555_a_7c1161_a_7c2883_a_7c5_d_206066&ev_pid=5-206066&ev_ppid=41477300408&ev_adtype=pla&ev_cmpg=Shopping&gclid=CN3znoyZ474CFehQOgodgjYAZg

With the valve open, I insert the syphon completely in the aquarium water all the way up to the valve, then close the valve.

Then, pull the valve end of the syphon out of the water, aim it at a bucket on the floor, open the valve and you'll have a blast of aquarium water coming out. I use garden hose quick connects to connect to a drain hose, and then just clean the bottom. No sucking on hose ends!

[dkeef]

drill drain hole 1/3 from bottom up. you'll need bulkhead, valve and pvc.

Tony i already did that. Mine is 4-6" from
Bottom. Looking for ways to siphon bottom poop.

[alcastro]

Josie made a video of her system, just change the end for every tank


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[MKD]

You can connect barb hose connector to bulkhead inside the tank. Plug in before turn valve and take out when you're done or leave it there ready for next wc.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/06/ujabamat.jpg

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[alcastro]

That is good idea Tony


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[dkeef]

Josie made a video of her system, just change the end for every tank


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that's what im thinking. that's how my water fill from storage tank set up is. I just quick disconnect ends for each tank.

any link to josies video?

[alcastro]

that's what im thinking. that's how my water fill from storage tank set up is. I just quick disconnect ends for each tank.

any link to josies video?

No sorry


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[dkeef]

tony all my bulkheads have strainer on it. and some are so back I cant reach.

[OC Discus]

I use this one from Tractor Supply Co. to vacuum my bb tank

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/countylinereg%3B-transfer-utility-pump-1-12-hp

It comes with a 6 foot inlet hose and holds a prime. I put a 3/4" elbow connector on each end that attaches to a standard water hose and put the pump in a 5 gal bucket. Attached a 3/4" hose connector to the end of my vac tube with a piece of 5/8" hose and clamps. Then attach the vac tube to the 6 ' inlet water hose and use it to vacuum. It is loud, but definitely faster than standard siphon. This pump is rated at 320 gph. A larger hose would probably flow faster. Im using standard 5/8" water hoses on the outlet side to drain the water outside or to the bathtub.