Siphons for the aquarium: choose a vacuum cleaner for cleaning the soil

Silt, feed, fish waste products - all this remains in the aquarium and sinks to its bottom. This place is the dirtiest and requires periodic cleaning. To do this, there is a special device that works on the principle of a vacuum cleaner, pumping dirt from the depths.

The siphon for the aquarium is a pump with discharged air, which comes out of a special pipe. Thanks to the device, water and liquid waste can be pumped from the depths. The device with a hose is installed close to the bottom, inside there is a filter in which dirt is retained. Pure water flows back into the aquarium, for this there is a flexible tube. It is lowered below the bottom in the case of a mechanical device.

Electric models do not imply rules for placing the outlet pipe. In the latter case, its size is important - the larger it is, the faster the soil will be cleared. The low draft end of the hose has an effect on traction in the first embodiment. It will be larger than the tube below. The soil siphon works by sucking in sludge, food debris and other debris. Thus, the bottom is cleared.

Siphon is often used to replace part of the water in the aquarium. It is recommended to update it weekly, otherwise the optimal conditions of detention will be lost. To improve the quality of life of the inhabitants, it is enough to replace about a quarter of the total.

Water renewal is usually combined with soil cleaning. The principle of operation involves the use of special nozzles, which are similar to those that a conventional home vacuum cleaner has. A device for cleaning the bottom and water in the aquarium is available for self-manufacture. There are modern advanced models on sale.

Aquarium is an artificial system that needs to be kept in balance constantly. Without proper care, adverse conditions arise that lead to the death of the inhabitants. Aquarium cleaners are divided into two main types: electrical and mechanical.

This species can be used both in freshwater and in marine aquariums. They are especially useful in aquariums with numerous vegetation. Electrical equipment is characterized by high power. Another characteristic of the devices is the extensive suction power. The device will quickly collect all garbage from the bottom, including from hard-to-reach places.

The suction of small fish and fry is excluded with the apparatus having a special filter. If you follow the instructions, then the performance of the electric siphon will be maintained for a long time. Installation is possible anywhere in the aquarium, even a beginner will have no questions with this question.

The operation of the vacuum cleaner for cleaning is not possible without a special pump. With its help, water is drawn in, which, passing through the filters, is cleaned of dirt. Inside some models, special cartridges are installed. They differ in inclined planes that attract dirt to themselves. The system effectively filters aquarium water. Cartridges are washed or replaced with new ones over time. The flow of water in the clogged device becomes weaker, the efficiency decreases.

great depth. In tanks half a meter deep, water can be flooded.This view differs from the previous one in a more primitive design. The manual version is good for beginners who are just trying their hand at aquarium business. The models are simple, but require additional devices that can be used to clean the glass. In a mechanical product, an ordinary rubber bulb is needed to pump water. It is additionally equipped with a funnel or an ordinary cylindrical body made of plastic.

It is very convenient when this part is transparent. You can immediately see the small inhabitants and exclude their death. To drain water from a mechanical siphon, you need some kind of capacity. For her, you need to find a hose of optimal length. To start work it is enough to squeeze and unclench a rubber bulb. This will require some effort and dexterity.

An alternative to the siphon may be a battery-powered device. It does not provide for draining water, which already facilitates the task. No hose needed for operation. An important feature is the flow control and the presence of a special compartment called a trap.

The soil cleaner is able to accurately cope with the cleaning without disturbing the biological balance established in the artificial aquasystem. Aquariums of various capacities need cleaning. Due to the variety of vessels, it is important to properly navigate the parameters of the device. You should also consider the number of living things. Ease of use is also important.

For instance, the diameter of the hose should be smaller than the size of the pebbles at the bottom. A transparent product will help to easily control cleaning. It will be lightweight and comfortable with plastic hoses.

The diameter of the hose is of great importance, since with a strong flow all the soil may not be cleaned, and the water will merge into the tank. Inhabitants of a nano-aquarium may be left without a habitat. You can also pay attention to the nozzles of aquarium siphons, they come in different sizes. For example, large convenient to clean the middle of the aquarium. Trihedral small elements are ideal for cleaning corners and small decorative details.

Mechanical and electrical models with a hose are produced by various companies. The products of these companies are high-quality, there are many models, each of which is characterized by many positive qualities.

We present the rating of the most popular companies:

• Aquael
• Tetra;
• JBL;
• Sera.

For instance, Aquael siphons characterized by multifunctionality, able to clean both the soil and the glass of the aquarium. The main component of a classic Polish-made siphon is a transparent plastic case. An additional component is a rigid hose. A special net is provided to protect the container from foreign objects. The cost of products is democratic: from 500 to 1000 rubles (2019).

Tetra Company offers a wide range of products that are very powerful. An additional valve that can be adjusted is responsible for this parameter. The devices also have other devices that facilitate the task of cleaning the soil. The price of products is related to the type of models and varies from 200 to 900 rubles (2019).

Jbl - A manufacturer from Germany engaged in the production of products for garden ponds, terrariums and aquariums. German siphons are distinguished by numerous options. Because of the additions, the price of the products is rather big, but the products are considered very high quality.

Slightly cheaper German siphons manufacturer Sera, which has been known in the market for decades. Plastic products are very high quality, transparent, non-toxic to fish. A special supplement excludes the absorption of plants and fry. Different siphons differ in designs, and, accordingly, in operating rules.

Cleaning the bottom is a troublesome task even with additional appliances. It can be kept clean if the feed is thrown in small handfuls or the effective use of special granular feeds that are attached to the walls of the tank. According to the instructions, it is first recommended to clean the walls of the aquarium. It is possible without replacing the water - you just need to wait until all the dirt falls to the bottom. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.

If a mechanical siphon is used, it is necessary to drive along the bottom with a hose during the entire cleaning process, and work constantly with a pear. If the design does not provide for draining all the dirt into the bucket, then you need to do this after about 30 clicks on the pear. Before each new approach, it is advisable to simultaneously turn over all the pebbles. This will serve not only as an excellent prevention, but also helps to improve the appearance. The desired procedure interval is once every 2 weeks. After cleaning, the growth of algae is accelerated.

The signal for the need for cleaning can be the smell from the aquarium, which resembles a rotten egg or fresh hay. This indicates the presence of poisonous gas, which appeared due to the waste product of fish. Because of it, the amount of oxygen decreases, and this affects the health of the inhabitants.

Before harvesting, it is advisable to transfer the fish to another container. Dirty water from the aquarium is poured in half, pebbles can be pulled out for further washing.For this procedure, you can use ordinary running water, but it is advisable to add sea salt. The component needs about 50 g per liter of water. For cleaning, you can use additional minerals. For example, coral is often used not only as a decor, but also as a kind of natural filter.

Using a siphon, you can replace part of the water in the aquarium without harming the fish. Once a week, you can change about 10% of the total. At an interval of a month, approximately 25% of the fluid needs to be changed.

You can add water from the tap, but it should settle for about a day. Specialists add special substances, one of which is sodium thiosulfate 30%. Many often use fish that cleanse the aquarium. Such natural orderlies have different efficiencies, but are no less beautiful in appearance, for example:

• catfish;
• molliesia;
• Girinohale Siamese;
• pterygoplychitis;
• Labeau
• otocinclus.

Every aquarist is aware of the need to maintain interspecific balance. Aquarium care requires:

• daily inspection;
• temperature checks and main systems.

See how the siphon works.