Ohio Reef

Reef Discussion => Do It Yourself => Topic started by: slandis3 on April 25, 2010, 12:37:41

Title: DIY gravel cleaner
Post by: slandis3 on April 25, 2010, 12:37:41: Well anyone with a deep tank knows that most of the off gravel cleaners that you by off the shelf won't reach the back of the tank. I came up with a cheap way to build one using stuff bought at Lowe's. The only down side is the tube is very thin and will fold in half if you don't support it. If enough member want to build some of these I will look into buying some acrylic tube with .125" wall.

So here is the list you will need.

Standard T12 fluorescent tube holder
1.25" coupler
1.25" slip x .5" FPT bushing
.5" barbed fitting.
Tube to fit the barbed fitting.
Super glue gel
PVC glue

(https://ohioreef.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi913.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac334%2Fslandis3%2Fclean2.jpg&hash=c77716ac17b2b0baa097fde7dd4807990a7cc028)

to start figure out how long you need it. I stuck mine in the tank and drew a line at the top of the tank

(https://ohioreef.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi913.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac334%2Fslandis3%2Fclean4.jpg&hash=40473373acab5c4aa01fe4aa53a223881c8ccde8)

then cut it with either a sharp knife or scissors. Once you have cut it apply superglue gel at the end of the tube.

(https://ohioreef.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi913.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac334%2Fslandis3%2Fclean5.jpg&hash=bd55bbb0f5f6d9fcc30cfc55ae09f4a3b372771f)

slide the coupler on the end of the tube and give it a minute or so to harden

(https://ohioreef.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi913.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac334%2Fslandis3%2Fclean6.jpg&hash=74fe7266f6445f1e5e4e2260a385daeb48fb0650)

then glue and screw the fittings together.

(https://ohioreef.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi913.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac334%2Fslandis3%2Fclean7.jpg&hash=478d4e8f270ccd644be15ad3ec3fd9bda0a8d3c7)

then attach the tube and its ready to use

(https://ohioreef.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi913.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac334%2Fslandis3%2Fclean8.jpg&hash=fc7afcffeb3a0db4b8256237c386e69fa0ad0978)

Like I said, it is VERY thin tube so it will fold in half. But I spent $8 on all the stuff except the PVC glue I already had it.
Title: Re: DIY gravel cleaner
Post by: HUNGER on April 25, 2010, 12:50:30: cool thanx for the info
Title: Re: DIY gravel cleaner
Post by: slandis3 on April 25, 2010, 13:00:28: Ok I fixed the pictures :D
Title: Re: DIY gravel cleaner
Post by: cyberwollf on April 25, 2010, 14:54:19: How deep are you going when you vacuum? An alternative I use is to stir the top layer of sand every few days. All the detrius and stuff it stirs up is GREAT food for your corals.
Title: Re: DIY gravel cleaner
Post by: slandis3 on April 25, 2010, 15:50:29: I am just using it to hit the top layer if I set up a fresh water tank it will come in real handy to get to the bottome of the tank
Title: Re: DIY gravel cleaner
Post by: HUNGER on April 25, 2010, 17:24:51: ya my long tube works great on the 200
Title: Re: DIY gravel cleaner
Post by: KeepOnReefin on April 25, 2010, 19:45:51: Awesome write up. In the past I used the tube that came with my Kent feeder, and some .5" vinyl tubing.