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View Full Version : How do i get sand out of a large tank?

kettlecorn
05/04/2010, 02:00 PM
When i was cleaning my 12gal nano it was easy to just turn the tank upside down or on its side and spray it so the sand would come out but with the bigger tanks, it's nearly impossible because they are so heavy. Is there an easy and fast way to get sand and water out so i can get to some algae scrubbing? i filled up a 34 gallon tank overnight with a little vinegar to test for leaks and also to soak the algae.

I REALLY don't want to get a cup and start pouring out water :hmm3:

I have a gravel vac siphon for the water ..can i use it for sand?
Fizz71
05/04/2010, 02:11 PM
I've always had to scoop the sand out. The biggest tank I've ever broken down was a 105g and even that one I tipped over to wash out once I was done, but that was after removing all but a few cups of sand.
greggnyce
05/04/2010, 02:16 PM
You can syphon sand out but you need only a long peice of tubing. Gravel vacs have that big piece of plastic and this kills the suction. If you take a piece of plain tubing (or take the plastic head off) and start a syphon the sand will shoot right up it.
Sugar Magnolia
05/04/2010, 02:17 PM
I use a length of vinyl tubing. 3/4" or so works great. You can get it by the foot at Lowe's or Home Depot.
KafudaFish
05/04/2010, 02:18 PM
Shop vac.
Sugar Magnolia
05/04/2010, 02:19 PM
Shop vac.

Be sure to remove the filter first if you use that.
dwd5813
05/04/2010, 02:20 PM
shop vac.

be sure to remove the filter first if you use that.

+1
KafudaFish
05/04/2010, 02:22 PM
Yes run it as a wet vac. Good call everyone.
kettlecorn
05/04/2010, 02:23 PM
Awesome replies! And fast too!
Thanks, i think i will give siphoning a try. I got a random tube in the garage that looks like it could work.
Sugar Magnolia
05/04/2010, 02:24 PM
Yes run it as a wet vac. Good call everyone.

I just envisioned someone plugging in their shopvac without removing the filter and having a 'splosion of sand and water everywhere. :lol: Somehwere, at sometime in this world, I bet someone has done it. :lol:
KafudaFish
05/04/2010, 02:34 PM
I just envisioned someone plugging in their shopvac without removing the filter and having a 'splosion of sand and water everywhere. :lol: Somehwere, at sometime in this world, I bet someone has done it. :lol:

Yes I wonder who indeed.

Note to self: remove filter remove filter.