Every aquarist – even beginners – probably know that the water needs to be cleaned. However, not everyone knows what an aquarium siphon is and why it is needed at all. In this article, we will try to fill this gap.
Necessity
An aquarium siphon is needed to clean the aquarium floor, which is why it is also called a floor cleaner. The fact is that as the fish are kept, food that they do not have time to finish eating, excrement, plant residues and so on leads to siltation of the ground. This leads to the formation of hydrogen sulphide and ammonia, which may even lead to the death of the aquarium fish.
It is for this reason that the ground in the aquarium should be cleaned periodically. There is, however, one nuance. Do not usually clean the bottom ground if the aquarium is entirely planted with plants (moss etc.), as damage to the plants cannot be avoided. Furthermore, sludge provides nutrients for plants. However, if there are any open areas, these should still be cleaned.
Opinions vary as to how often, from once a week, to once every few months.
How to clean the ground?
Previously, when aquarium siphons were not available on the market, aquarists had to remove all the soil, rinse it thoroughly, and then put it back in again. However, this method is very time-consuming and labour-intensive, and it also leads to the death of beneficial bacteria and the active development of pathogenic bacteria.
Things are much simpler now. Every aquarium shop offers a variety of different tank strainers. It is therefore no problem to buy an aquarium siphon.
Types of aquarium traps
Soil cleaners are divided into 2 large groups:
- Mechanical – these consist of a hose, a funnel that is submerged in water, and a bulb to be pumped by hand. The water is drained into a container prepared in advance. However, it is important to keep an eye on the level in the aquarium so as not to drain too much.
- Electric – the unit runs the liquid through a filter where all silt and debris settle. Powered by mains or batteries. There are models with and without water drains.
There is no consensus on which aquarium siphon is best. Some people prefer mechanical products for their simplicity, unpretentiousness and low cost. In addition, they do not depend on batteries. Others, however, opt for an electric groomer, as they are more convenient and make the entire process much easier.
The only point is that if you are afraid of sucking molluscs along with the sludge into the cleaner, it is better to choose a model equipped with a net.
Soil cleaning
To clean the grounds in the aquarium with a siphon, arm yourself with this device and immerse its funnel in the water. If you are using a ground siphon with a water drain, the other end of the hose must be lower than the aquarium to allow the liquid to drain off, although this is not necessary with an electric device.
Next, dip the funnel directly into the ground and start pumping with the blower (if you have a mechanical model), simultaneously raising the funnel. This will lower the soil to the bottom and all the sludge will go into the funnel.
The drained water must be left to stand and can then be poured back into the funnel.
