Step-by-step
Step 1: Plan the vacuum zonesDivide substrate into 3 sections. Vacuum 1 section per weekly water change. NEVER vacuum the whole substrate at once - it disrupts the biological bed and crashes the cycle.
Step 2: For saltwater: blow firstUse a turkey baster to blast detritus off rocks + sandbed. Wait 30 seconds for detritus to settle in the suspension layer.
Step 3: Insert the vacuumPlunge the wide tube straight down into the substrate. Pinch the outlet to start the siphon, then release. The wide head lifts substrate into the tube; gravel falls back down while detritus + water flow out.
Step 4: Move slowlyCover 1 sq foot at a time. Keep the head in one spot for 5-10 seconds before moving. Watch the outflow - clear water means done; brown water means keep going.
Step 5: Avoid plant rootsIn planted tanks, lift the vacuum head and hover instead of plunging - just pull surface debris. Do NOT disturb root systems or active substrates (Aquasoil, Stratum).
Step 6: Empty and rinseWhen the bucket reaches the water-change target volume, stop the siphon. Discard outside or pour into a flowerbed (good fertilizer). Rinse the vacuum tube + bucket.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I gravel vacuum?
Weekly, vacuuming 1/3 of the substrate per session. Full substrate gets cleaned every 3 weeks via rotation.
Can I gravel vacuum a planted tank?
Only the surface. Active substrates (Fluval Stratum, ADA Aquasoil) should not be disturbed - vacuum the surface debris only with a hover technique.
Do I need to gravel vacuum a saltwater sand bed?
Light pass on the surface only. Avoid penetrating deep into the sand - it releases trapped phosphate and disrupts anaerobic denitrification.