What is an aquarium siphon and what is it for?

A siphon is a simple hose with a pump and nozzle. With its help, a part of the water in the aquarium is replaced, updated, which is recommended to be done weekly to maintain optimal living conditions, usually this is no more than a quarter of the total volume. In addition, it serves to clean the soil from waste products, which is convenient to combine with the renewal of water – draining the water while cleaning the soil, moving the nozzle along the bottom of the aquarium. The siphon can be made independently or bought.

Step number 1. Determine how much water we drain

You should calculate the amount of water that is planned for draining. If the tank has a volume of 100 liters, then approximately 25 liters should be updated, which means that two and a half buckets of 10 liters should be filled.

Step #2: Make sure the hose is the right size

The siphon must be long enough and have good flexibility so as not to bend at the most inopportune moment, blocking the water. The diameter of the tube is preferably at least 1 cm. As a rule, the purchased siphon meets all requirements.

Step #3: Attach the nozzle

Attach the hard nozzle to the tube. With the help of it, the soil is cleaned, organic waste is sucked through a wide neck, but not soil particles.

Nozzle options

There are nozzles for delicate cleaning of soil and plants, many small holes prevent damage or pulling plants out of the ground.

Step #4: Wash your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent possible contaminants from entering the aquarium.

Step #5: Submerge the End of the Hose with the Attachment into the Aquarium

Slowly place the end of the tube with the nozzle into the water and lower it to the bottom.

Step #6 Place the other end of the hose in the bucket

Lower the other end into a bucket and use the pump to create a current of water. The lower end of the tube should be below the level of the aquarium, i.e. If the tank is on a nightstand, stand, then the water bucket should be on the floor.