I’ve purchased the marina gravel cleaner doesnt seem to me picking the water up i don’t expect u to know what one but i cant find any videos of it being demonstrated
I am shocked at the sheer amount of filth in your gravel,,,,,, that cant be optimal water for your fish to live in,,, the total amount of filth I would collect over 20 full vacuum cleanings of my 40 gallon tank with a dozen fish in it would not add up to one suction with your vacuum in your tank, gross.
15 years, 15 bloody years vacuuming my aquarium and NOW you show me how to do it properly?!! Really the most educational aquarium video I've seen in ages, thank you Cory! 👍👍
I feel the exact same way!! I’ve watched hundreds of hours of aquarium videos over the years and I have two tanks (10, 75). This is even making me rethink my approach to substrates! Good stuff
DUDE! This is the best instructional video (aquarium vacuuming...cooking...car care...golf swing...guitar tabs..whatever the topic) I've ever seen on UA-cam!
I've been keeping fish & turtles for close to 40 years on and off, and never realized that I was vacuuming wrong until just now! What a GREATLY INFORMATIVE VIDEO!!! You are a genius Sir! Subscribed in the hopes that you give me some more gems like this in the future!
Cory, I’m an educator and this was a really great video. Great pacing and clear demonstration of process. I also appreciate showing multiple scenarios and how it can be different. The balance of reaching the hardcore audience and the newbies is very hard, I teach Freshman through Seniors in a single class, I get it. This content is invaluable as you continue to try to make the hobby better, more friendly, and educated. Well done!
Cory is that rare combination of a fanatical hobbyist, a fantastic teacher, and a savvy businessman, which is what has led to his well deserved success. Add "excellent work ethic" to that list too, he works extremely hard as well!
Everybody else is just showing off how they know how to use a gravel vacuum. You actually taught me how from scratch, and every tip in these 10 minutes was valuable.
Finally someone explaining in detail how to use this thing, I’ve spent more than 1 hour looking for someone explaining how to use this, I did a mess in my aquarium trying different useless tutorials, but now I know how to use it, thank you so much you’re the best
Almost 2 years into the hobby and I just now learned the proper way to vacuum my gravel. I tried this today with my water change and it worked so well! Thanks!!
Hello. I wanted to ask a question 🙋♂️ and I really really need help. I have a 75 gallon tank and to be honest I don’t know what else to do with this tank. I personally think it’s curse or something. This the problem I have been having with this tank, ammonia spike like big time. All of my fish died like literally all of them. I than thought ok well I’ll do an 80 percent water change and than try again. Same result a second time. I put one fish dead 💀 as well. I than said ok maybe the gravel is holding the ammonia and I literally threw out the gravel and put a new one in and put in two new sponge filters and a 350 marine filter as well. The same result again happen. I have literally put everything in the tank water conditioner, stress coat, fluvial that battle s ammonia and brings it down. Just yeasterday I did a 100 percent change I literally rinsed the whole tank wipe it down and basically started it like a new tank. I have two heaters in there and the water temperature is at 78 . I don’t know what else to do . I really need help it’s the only tank I have problems with. I have a 125 and it’s fine and I have a 40 gallon Also fine and a 20 long also fine but this 75 one is no go.
@@anthonym6202 I would assume that the nitrogen cycle hasn’t settled properly. My understanding is that you shouldn’t try to change more than 40%, in extreme cases no higher than 60% at once. Also changing the gravel completely and cleaning your tank entirely clean with new sponge means you’ll have got start the cycle process, which takes weeks at least. Sound like not enough bacteria for the tank. I would recommend buying nitrifying bacteria bottles and check you water parameters of your WATER SOURCE. Whether using tap water with conditioner, or RO water, they still might contain ammonia level too high. And lastly to make sure you buy a good conditioner for your water, one that neutralizes ammonia and everything bad (cuz not all bottles eliminate ammonia). I hope it helps. Good luck. 👍
@@anthonym6202 you’re not letting the microorganisms that eat ammonia and nitrite grow. You’re making huge changes to the tank. I would never do an 80% water change, nor would I just throw out old gravel, nor would I completely switch around the filtration. Set the tank up, do weekly 20% water changes. Stop dumping chemicals into the water if you don’t know what they do.
@@jencycarranza4957 you’re making horrible recommendations to someone who doesn’t have the skill level to keep one tank alive. That bottled bacteria? It’s just food for the bacteria, largely those bacteria are dead and aren’t useful to anyone. It’s just snake oil. RO water? Do you even know what his water parameters are? If he has soft acidic water what good will that do? There’s too many ifs ands or butts. Keep it simple, you don’t have to be a chemist to enjoy fish.
@@anthonym6202 Pinch some media from your established tanks, and use that in your 'new' tank. Almost an instant cycle. I say almost, because you still have to grow the bacterial colonies to handle the bioload of the tank. Don't add any more fish yet. Make sure you have a good water testing kit - the liquid ones are the most accurate, dip strips are pretty useless, especially when establishing a cycle for the first time and accuracy is important. Don't touch or clean the filters for eight weeks - give the bacterial colonies time to grow and establish. If you already have fish in the tank, test daily. If ammonia or nitrites go above zero, water change until they're at zero. If nitrates go above 20ppm, do a smaller water change. Water changes aren't the problem here (so long as you use water conditioner and temperature match the new water to the tank temp), the beneficial bacteria don't live in the water, they live in the filter and on hard surfaces. The substrate, decor, plants, tank glass etc. You added too many fish, too soon, by the sounds of it. Or before your tank was cycled. Then ammonia spike, and you're playing catch up. Resist the temptation to add new fish. Once it's cycled - meaning ammonia and nitrites are always at zero, and you are getting nitrate readings, then you can begin adding fish - but do it slowly. Add a few fish, feed lightly, since more food in means more ammonia waste coming out - give the tank bacterial colonies time to adjust to this increased bioload, before making sure ammonia and nitrite stay at zero again, then adding a few more. Spaced weeks apart. Read up more on the nitrogen cycle, Big Al's has a fanastic video here called The Nitrogen Cycle - watch that one. Plus a video Cory did on this channel about optimising filters, one about the nitrogen cycle, and ones about water changes. Don't panic, the tank is not cursed, you just rushed things too quickly and that led to disaster. Learn from this, you're not the first nor the last to make these mistakes!
I'm a teacher, and this is one of the most informative and educational videos on UA-cam I've ever watched. And I've watched lots of UA-cam videos! Maybe you're a teacher also, because you seem like a natural at it. You explain things clearly. You preview what you're going to say and you review what you just said. You're very good teacher
42. Same. I now realize I've been dumping poop water back into the column and making my filter dirty faster. Haven't done much sand either, so that was nice to learn.
I’m new to aquarium keeping, this guy and a channel called fish for thought have helped me more ways than literally anybody else including stores. These two are amazing
Love fish for thought! You should also check out girl talks fish! Shes run into A LOT of the same problems i have with my first tank and has taught me a TON of tricks for dealing with it.
Aww, don't beat yourself up Jody. An idiot is someone who sees a better way yet refuses to learn how to do it. I don't have a tank anymore but when I did it was all about shake Shake SHAKE🤦 If I tank again it will be all about *PINCH* 👌 just like you 😀
So simple & so helpful 🙂 Pinching the hose and allowing the gravel to settle is such a great tip! I have tiny nano tanks (1.5g & 3.5g). It can be very tricky to gravel vac thoroughly without pulling off too much water, especially when working on such small tanks. I'm sure this advice is going to help me tremendously. Awesome THANKS!
Wow. After watching countless videos on how to clean gravel, I stumbled into this video. THE BEST EVER. Thank you for explaining everything so so well!!!!!!! This like literally asnwered all questions I had!
I've been in the hobby about ten years and I never realised I was gravel vaccing improperly. Seriously, thanks for this video! I am a dedicated betta keeper so they're a bit hardier than a lot of other fish, but I still want to do right by my guys!
Thanks so much for a great beginner's guide to cleaning my tank! I have all of those tools but had no idea how to use them (I inherited them from my father who recently passed away). I'm totally going to dive into this hobby and wish now I had paid more attention to my dad when he was doing of of this. Now I can learn from you!! Thanks so much!!!
My wife is new to dealing with fish of any kind. I don't know anything about fish myself. This video is extremely helpful. Last time we were using an actual gravel vacuum and took forever with the stopping and starting. This time after watching this was so much faster and easier. Great video!
Thank you so much! I'm 15 and have a 30 gallon tank in my room, and didn't quite have the ropes on vacuuming the substrate. You guys have helped me to learn a lot. Thanks!
We screamed at the TV watching the "pinch the tube to not suck up sand" trick. Absolutely amazing, thank you Cory for bestowing this knowledge upon us.
Thank You for the step by step instructions. I was getting frustrated with trying to work this simple piece of plastic to clean the nasty tank. Very educational and I thank you for your time in teaching.
Omg. I'm really new to the hobby and have watched SO many videos about aquariums, aquascaping, etc. But THIS video, by far, has been the MOST useful! I can't even thank you enough! I can't wait to get home and try it out!! THANK YOU!!
There are VERY few UA-cam channels I actually enjoy watching. This is one of them. You are an excellent teacher, Cory! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. I definitely have wasted A LOT of water while gravel vacuuming. Oops!
Thank for this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve demonstrated this over my very long career in the hobby. Pinching the hose is a MUST and so glad you showed this. Thanks Cory.
Thank you so much for doing these basic “how to” videos! I always find I’ve forgotten an easy tip one way or another (like just vacuuming the sponge filter if I’m in a rush). Always useful and informative!
I just bought one of those substrate cleaners. I just sat down to read up on how to work it. I need to buy a large trash container. I was ready to use one of my 5 or so gallon mop/garden buckets. Glad that I found this video first. Well, Monday is only two days away. Meanwhile, I am warming up the dechlorinated treated water. I am using the old small 1.7 gallon tank heater to warm up each gallon of water waiting to be switched as I do my partial water change. I have an acquired brain injury that is still healing and I really really appreciate how to talk a bit slower as you show how you are doing this. Thank you. GOD Bless you.
Thank you! Have liked siphon tubes since whenever they came out but your teaching how to start flow and how to clean, especially in different substrates, or in planted tanks, was so clear and to the point that I will never forget this video. Bravo!
Such an awesome video!!! As a first time brand new tank owner you just saved me what I'm sure would have been Years of learning curve. My fish are going to live happier and healthier because of this video. THANK YOU!!!
I’ve been on UA-cam over 12 years now give or take. I’ve left maybe 20 comments in that time. Just not a chatty person on YT, but bro? You taught me a lot in a short time about stuff I thought I already knew about. I’m so glad I clicked this!! Excellent tutorials and delivery. I could learn a lot from the likes of you. Thank you!!
I like the practical tutorials that you produce for beginners, accessible and light-hearted. Subscribed. This video was very helpful for me as I was struggling to figure it out the first time (despite having used a siphon filter many times while camping).
THANK YOU!!! All the videos I watch show you these tools based on they've been doing it all the time; forgetting basic steps, 'us' knobs, or beginners don't know. I've been frustrated with the entire cleaning process. 2 days later, after trying to do this, my water is still slightly cloudy from stirring up all the substrate. Thank you again for explaining your technique for beginners.
I'm so happy I found this video! I just got my first aquarium and became frustrated trying to clean my gravel, because yes... I drained half my water and barely cleaned my gravel! Also, the way I was told to get the siphon started was ridiculous. I'm looking forward to trying it this way, this weekend! Thank you!!!
Been doing planted tanks for over 15 years now. Thought I had a good way of cleaning out tank…not! Thank you for showing the little tricks of the trade. Some stuff I knew about, but others, never knew about it. Love the pinch method on that larger python hose. I went to a smaller size hose to avoid filling bucket up faster, never thought about pinching the hose 🤦♂️. Thanks again 👍😎
This is like the third time Aquarium Co-Op has dropped a video on gravel vacuuming, but I’ll watch again every time just to refresh and maybe learn something new.
Hands down the best video I've seen on aquarium keeping that I've seen in the last 3 years. And I've watched like a million videos. Love Cory overall but this was the best one!!
So glad I found your channel. Just stood up my very first planted tank not too long ago and have the exact same vacuum coming this weekend. My little 5-gallon project needs a good cleaning already and I'm so glad I know how to do it right!
Thank you for this amazing video and detailed explanation! I am the cleaner and keeper of my son's three tanks and we went from using buckets to garden pipe to drain water but gravel cleaning still the orthodox and inefficient way. This is super helpful
Man Cory you saved the day again! I’ve been teaching these techniques to all of our staff here at multiple Petco’s!! It’s improved the quality by so much thank you!!
Many thanks from the UK this is the only video that shows you step by step on how to do it correctly including the LARGE bucket to save the carpet!!! anyone can follow it and learn, brilliant 😁😁😁😁
Such a great explanation, thanks! This style works really well, sometimes it’s hard to follow instruction videos with just words or people who are really familiar with what they’re explaining, because they miss smaller details newbies don’t know
This was the best video I’ve ever watched showing how to actually do this I’ve been struggling for months trying to learn this and I can do it with ease of pausing the video for 2 min and trying it out and just that simple it works I’m new to the channel and I can’t wait to start learning way more 😁🙏🏼
Finally I did it..... After so many tries following other videos I was not able to siphon... Lost the hope, use to take out whole gravel n clean the whole tank... Huge n tiring job.. But after watching ur video I did it... Thank u soo much for the information n details. ❤
I thank you so so so so much. My dad did the tank but it got green in like 4 hours or so and he was so tired he couldn’t do it again so I decided to clean it. The vacuum wasn’t working with me and I watched like a million tutorial and none of them helped but yours did. Thank you so much and you just gained a follower, keep going 🤍🤍.
I find it endearing from him because I know how much effort they put into coming up with these great products! I’m going to put one in my cart now, so effective too 😆
Yeah. And for us small bucket folks, it's nice to clamp off while keeping enough water in the hose to restart the siphon with zero effort. I use a brick to pinch off between buckets, but it's a tad risky. I'd buy an Aquarium Co-op branded hose clamp any day!
That was literally the best aquarium video I have ever watched in my life. You are a Master Jedi. I feel so slow. I have tanks all my life and never knew that pinch method. So much better cleaning now!!!! Sharing is caring, thx for that great info!!!!!!!
I have a 25' hose on my vac that I can run out the window into barrels, then empty the barrels into the garden or flower beds, but have never thought of pinching the hose.
@@rosemarydudley9954 50 foot throw out window plenty of drop for suction they sell clear flexable at lowes home depot mine is 50 foot long run under toilet seat drop in tub works great just rinse and clean tub after
I went into this video thinking I wasn’t going to learn much. But mind blown 🤯 that was the most informative video I’ve seen and straight to the point.
@@carlosyanezaragon9725 pull your substrate back look under you will be suprised im sure i have mine on custom edge and center support only stand mine is planted i have the advantage i can look underneath to check under the gravel and still have to vaccum perioticly
I can't lie this is the best video to learn how to syphon ! I have been looking for a simple way to do it and you made me so confident...btw it worked a glam! Thank you for your video I have a 70 gallon tank❤
This is so fascinating and helpful! I’ve had an aquarium for three whole days so I’m learning a lot and overwhelmed and hadn’t gotten to researching vacuuming yet. I’m so glad UA-cam recommended this video to me because you break it down so well. Thank you!
Thank you!!!!! I got a mini vac and the only instructions were to move the vacuum up and down to create suction. I only got it to work one time that way in the 6 months I’ve had it. Your methods work every single time.
I've learned so much in more in this video than all the other cleaning tutorials I watched. Thanks so much! I'm in high school and I will use this to clean my betta's tank tomorrow.
Thank you so much for this video, I have been fighting my tank and running out of water and honestly have never heard the pinching the hose tip. You have given me a game changer.
The best video I have seen that fully describes how to do this correctly. Came here looking for if I should move decor and you showed me how to use my vacuum much better than I was. Thank you!
Uh mazing. Best tutorial out there!!!! We have a tank that won’t stop with the bacterial blooming. Had it for a month. 20 gallons, 6 glo fish. It WON’T clear!!!! Even with weekly vacuuming (that we’re probably been doing wrong). We also have an oxygen pump with a bacterial sponge and a thirty gallon tank filter/pump. Out of options. I am hoping the vacuuming is the issue.
Best video on how to clean debris off of the bottom of your tank ever! We have a bunch of debris from our originally planted tank, even though we've done a few water changes. I love the hose pinching technique, we will use it on our sand. Thank you very much. You rock! Corey!!
Thank you so much for this! I have a 10 gallon with only 3 ghost shrimp and 2 snails. I got them in September, but the snails need to be cleaned up after. I bought a small gravel cleaner, but the instructions they gave made the water messy. I bought another one that has an air ball (?) which makes is easier to change the water, but still couldn't figure out how to vacuum the gravel. Thank you again! Going to try it tomorrow 🤗🤗
Thank you so much for this instructional video! I have started a tank two months ago, and my plants and shrimps were dying. Even after fixing my pH issues (tested for everything but only pH was too high). So I looked up online how to save the plants. Bought Seachem Flourite black sand yesterday, rinsed it but I must not have been thorough enough as my water is yellowish and there is some yellow dust on the gravel I put over the sand. I was very scared to buy a tube vacuum as I had no idea to use it. You probably have saved my tank with these few minutes of your time. Thank you again!
Join our Facebook group to ask questions and talk with Cory and other employees and hobbyists: facebook.com/groups/AquariumGroupSupport/
I’ve purchased the marina gravel cleaner doesnt seem to me picking the water up i don’t expect u to know what one but i cant find any videos of it being demonstrated
Id join a discord.... :)
I am shocked at the sheer amount of filth in your gravel,,,,,, that cant be optimal water for your fish to live in,,, the total amount of filth I would collect over 20 full vacuum cleanings of my 40 gallon tank with a dozen fish in it would not add up to one suction with your vacuum in your tank, gross.
Gv
Great video on vacuuming. Any tips on how to make sure you don't vacuum baby shrimp, fish or snails? :P
15 years, 15 bloody years vacuuming my aquarium and NOW you show me how to do it properly?!! Really the most educational aquarium video I've seen in ages, thank you Cory! 👍👍
Yes
I just realized I need wheels on my buckets. Lol
Hahahaha 35 years here and feeling the absolute same doh!!!!
Something so basic.
Tell me about it..! this is genius.!!
that was probably the most educational video i've seen in a long time. How did I not know this until now?
@Keane Mahony That's not what he meant
I've just added an almost identical comment I cant believe I've been doing it the hard way for so long lol
I just said the same thing to my girl, been doing tanks for yrs and never thought to do that technique
I feel the exact same way!! I’ve watched hundreds of hours of aquarium videos over the years and I have two tanks (10, 75). This is even making me rethink my approach to substrates! Good stuff
Same here buddy😂😂
Pinching to allow the gravel to settle was a great PRO tip.
Can ubdo this with sand
@@Tonyinterviewz yes, you can see it done with sand later in the video
Kinda common sense really
DUDE! This is the best instructional video (aquarium vacuuming...cooking...car care...golf swing...guitar tabs..whatever the topic) I've ever seen on UA-cam!
I've been keeping fish & turtles for close to 40 years on and off, and never realized that I was vacuuming wrong until just now! What a GREATLY INFORMATIVE VIDEO!!! You are a genius Sir! Subscribed in the hopes that you give me some more gems like this in the future!
Just like everyone else, can’t believe I was doing wrong all these years!! Thank you so much
Cory, I’m an educator and this was a really great video. Great pacing and clear demonstration of process. I also appreciate showing multiple scenarios and how it can be different. The balance of reaching the hardcore audience and the newbies is very hard, I teach Freshman through Seniors in a single class, I get it. This content is invaluable as you continue to try to make the hobby better, more friendly, and educated. Well done!
What a meaningful and lovely comment. I agree, he is very good at this and provides a great value to the hobby and the hobbyists!
Cory is that rare combination of a fanatical hobbyist, a fantastic teacher, and a savvy businessman, which is what has led to his well deserved success. Add "excellent work ethic" to that list too, he works extremely hard as well!
Right!? Oration takes skill and this guy has that in spades. Can’t wait to catch some of his more in depth talks about advanced subjects.
I agree, thankyou for putting into words the effect of this great 👨🏫 educator
Everybody else is just showing off how they know how to use a gravel vacuum. You actually taught me how from scratch, and every tip in these 10 minutes was valuable.
I can't get this right no matter what I do
@@maverickworld8192 took me some time to get a feel for it but finally did
Legit aye. Tiny ass video and I’ve learnt everything and it’s like the 3rd video I’ve watched. This man is the greatest
Never did I think that watching a video on gravel vacuuming a fish was this engaging.
Finally someone explaining in detail how to use this thing, I’ve spent more than 1 hour looking for someone explaining how to use this, I did a mess in my aquarium trying different useless tutorials, but now I know how to use it, thank you so much you’re the best
Really
whats the name of that tool im looking for it everywhere cant find the name
@@vinayurs4123 siphon for fish tank
@@vinayurs4123 siphon for fish tank
@@vinayurs4123
Gravel syphon/gravel vacuuming tool.
Almost 2 years into the hobby and I just now learned the proper way to vacuum my gravel. I tried this today with my water change and it worked so well! Thanks!!
“And nobody likes poopy water on the floor”... Truer words have never been spoken! 🤣😂😄
Pinch is a pro tip, thanks
Did not expect to see you here at all, you should make a video on your tank :)
My tube is very stiff and hard, I can’t pinch it the way it’s done here….
I love vacuuming my tank. There's something so satisfying about seeing the water go from brown to clear
Hello. I wanted to ask a question 🙋♂️ and I really really need help. I have a 75 gallon tank and to be honest I don’t know what else to do with this tank. I personally think it’s curse or something. This the problem I have been having with this tank, ammonia spike like big time. All of my fish died like literally all of them. I than thought ok well I’ll do an 80 percent water change and than try again. Same result a second time. I put one fish dead 💀 as well. I than said ok maybe the gravel is holding the ammonia and I literally threw out the gravel and put a new one in and put in two new sponge filters and a 350 marine filter as well. The same result again happen. I have literally put everything in the tank water conditioner, stress coat, fluvial that battle s ammonia and brings it down. Just yeasterday I did a 100 percent change
I literally rinsed the whole tank wipe it down and basically started it like a new tank. I have two heaters in there and the water temperature is at 78 . I don’t know what else to do . I really need help it’s the only tank I have problems with. I have a 125 and it’s fine and I have a 40 gallon Also fine and a 20 long also fine but this 75 one is no go.
@@anthonym6202 I would assume that the nitrogen cycle hasn’t settled properly. My understanding is that you shouldn’t try to change more than 40%, in extreme cases no higher than 60% at once. Also changing the gravel completely and cleaning your tank entirely clean with new sponge means you’ll have got start the cycle process, which takes weeks at least. Sound like not enough bacteria for the tank.
I would recommend buying nitrifying bacteria bottles and check you water parameters of your WATER SOURCE. Whether using tap water with conditioner, or RO water, they still might contain ammonia level too high. And lastly to make sure you buy a good conditioner for your water, one that neutralizes ammonia and everything bad (cuz not all bottles eliminate ammonia).
I hope it helps. Good luck. 👍
@@anthonym6202 you’re not letting the microorganisms that eat ammonia and nitrite grow. You’re making huge changes to the tank. I would never do an 80% water change, nor would I just throw out old gravel, nor would I completely switch around the filtration. Set the tank up, do weekly 20% water changes. Stop dumping chemicals into the water if you don’t know what they do.
@@jencycarranza4957 you’re making horrible recommendations to someone who doesn’t have the skill level to keep one tank alive.
That bottled bacteria? It’s just food for the bacteria, largely those bacteria are dead and aren’t useful to anyone. It’s just snake oil. RO water? Do you even know what his water parameters are? If he has soft acidic water what good will that do? There’s too many ifs ands or butts. Keep it simple, you don’t have to be a chemist to enjoy fish.
@@anthonym6202 Pinch some media from your established tanks, and use that in your 'new' tank. Almost an instant cycle. I say almost, because you still have to grow the bacterial colonies to handle the bioload of the tank. Don't add any more fish yet. Make sure you have a good water testing kit - the liquid ones are the most accurate, dip strips are pretty useless, especially when establishing a cycle for the first time and accuracy is important. Don't touch or clean the filters for eight weeks - give the bacterial colonies time to grow and establish.
If you already have fish in the tank, test daily. If ammonia or nitrites go above zero, water change until they're at zero. If nitrates go above 20ppm, do a smaller water change. Water changes aren't the problem here (so long as you use water conditioner and temperature match the new water to the tank temp), the beneficial bacteria don't live in the water, they live in the filter and on hard surfaces. The substrate, decor, plants, tank glass etc.
You added too many fish, too soon, by the sounds of it. Or before your tank was cycled. Then ammonia spike, and you're playing catch up. Resist the temptation to add new fish. Once it's cycled - meaning ammonia and nitrites are always at zero, and you are getting nitrate readings, then you can begin adding fish - but do it slowly. Add a few fish, feed lightly, since more food in means more ammonia waste coming out - give the tank bacterial colonies time to adjust to this increased bioload, before making sure ammonia and nitrite stay at zero again, then adding a few more. Spaced weeks apart.
Read up more on the nitrogen cycle, Big Al's has a fanastic video here called The Nitrogen Cycle - watch that one. Plus a video Cory did on this channel about optimising filters, one about the nitrogen cycle, and ones about water changes. Don't panic, the tank is not cursed, you just rushed things too quickly and that led to disaster. Learn from this, you're not the first nor the last to make these mistakes!
I can't believe I've been water changing for 8 years and never thought to crimp the tube to help... Thank you SO MUCH! You are the best!!!!
I'm a teacher, and this is one of the most informative and educational videos on UA-cam I've ever watched. And I've watched lots of UA-cam videos! Maybe you're a teacher also, because you seem like a natural at it. You explain things clearly. You preview what you're going to say and you review what you just said. You're very good teacher
At 59 years of age I finally learnt how to do this the proper way. Thanks Cory.
42. Same. I now realize I've been dumping poop water back into the column and making my filter dirty faster. Haven't done much sand either, so that was nice to learn.
I’m 58 and it’s a first for me
@@amandacooper7975, so I guess they can teach ole dogs new tricks. 🙌🏼
Nice
I’m new to aquarium keeping, this guy and a channel called fish for thought have helped me more ways than literally anybody else including stores. These two are amazing
Saaaame
Love fish for thought! You should also check out girl talks fish! Shes run into A LOT of the same problems i have with my first tank and has taught me a TON of tricks for dealing with it.
I love that you call aquarium keeping. It shows such a level of knowledge for the community. Perhaps it’s more aquarium than fish eh?
Not me shaking the gravel out instead of PINCHING THE TUBING I feel like such an idiot 🤣
Jody Jansa ... ha ha ha ha ha. Me too.
… 😶
Aww, don't beat yourself up Jody. An idiot is someone who sees a better way yet refuses to learn how to do it. I don't have a tank anymore but when I did it was all about shake Shake SHAKE🤦 If I tank again it will be all about *PINCH* 👌
just like you 😀
So simple & so helpful 🙂 Pinching the hose and allowing the gravel to settle is such a great tip! I have tiny nano tanks (1.5g & 3.5g). It can be very tricky to gravel vac thoroughly without pulling off too much water, especially when working on such small tanks. I'm sure this advice is going to help me tremendously. Awesome THANKS!
Wow. After watching countless videos on how to clean gravel, I stumbled into this video. THE BEST EVER. Thank you for explaining everything so so well!!!!!!! This like literally asnwered all questions I had!
I've been in the hobby about ten years and I never realised I was gravel vaccing improperly. Seriously, thanks for this video! I am a dedicated betta keeper so they're a bit hardier than a lot of other fish, but I still want to do right by my guys!
I knew how to properly start it, but it turns out I wasn't actually vacuuming most efficiently. Thanks Cory!
You explain things in a way that every one can understand and I appreciate that SO MUCH!!
Thanks so much for a great beginner's guide to cleaning my tank! I have all of those tools but had no idea how to use them (I inherited them from my father who recently passed away). I'm totally going to dive into this hobby and wish now I had paid more attention to my dad when he was doing of of this. Now I can learn from you!! Thanks so much!!!
My wife is new to dealing with fish of any kind. I don't know anything about fish myself. This video is extremely helpful. Last time we were using an actual gravel vacuum and took forever with the stopping and starting. This time after watching this was so much faster and easier. Great video!
Thank you so much! I'm 15 and have a 30 gallon tank in my room, and didn't quite have the ropes on vacuuming the substrate. You guys have helped me to learn a lot. Thanks!
"You could be derping around cleaning your tank and all of a sudden you have water all over your floor" Pfff as if I have ever done that, ever... 😬😩
hahaha I just love that phrase "derping around"
Nice
We screamed at the TV watching the "pinch the tube to not suck up sand" trick. Absolutely amazing, thank you Cory for bestowing this knowledge upon us.
Thank You for the step by step instructions. I was getting frustrated with trying to work this simple piece of plastic to clean the nasty tank. Very educational and I thank you for your time in teaching.
Omg. I'm really new to the hobby and have watched SO many videos about aquariums, aquascaping, etc. But THIS video, by far, has been the MOST useful! I can't even thank you enough! I can't wait to get home and try it out!! THANK YOU!!
There are VERY few UA-cam channels I actually enjoy watching. This is one of them. You are an excellent teacher, Cory! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. I definitely have wasted A LOT of water while gravel vacuuming. Oops!
Nice
Thank for this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve demonstrated this over my very long career in the hobby. Pinching the hose is a MUST and so glad you showed this. Thanks Cory.
been into freshwater gravel tanks 30 plus years never knew sand was actually cleaner substrait than gravel or the pinching tecnique
Thank you so much for doing these basic “how to” videos! I always find I’ve forgotten an easy tip one way or another (like just vacuuming the sponge filter if I’m in a rush). Always useful and informative!
How to fill a tank is next mine overflows everytime
@@aniketpatil1452 it's simple watch it don't let it overflow LOL 😆
I just bought one of those substrate cleaners. I just sat down to read up on how to work it. I need to buy a large trash container. I was ready to use one of my 5 or so gallon mop/garden buckets. Glad that I found this video first. Well, Monday is only two days away. Meanwhile, I am warming up the dechlorinated treated water. I am using the old small 1.7 gallon tank heater to warm up each gallon of water waiting to be switched as I do my partial water change.
I have an acquired brain injury that is still healing and I really really appreciate how to talk a bit slower as you show how you are doing this.
Thank you. GOD Bless you.
Someone give this man a prize. Amazing video, simple, objective, informative. Really liked it thumbs up.
I love seeing Cory’s friendly face and learning from this channel it just makes my day
Ive been getting fish water in my mouth this whole time 😂🤣😂🤣 thank you for showing me the way 🙏
hannah09958 - and doesn't it taste awfull? Now we two have learned a good lesson from Cory.
yes
Brilliant
Hannah09958... same 🤣🤣🤣
me too hahahahaha
Thank you! Have liked siphon tubes since whenever they came out but your teaching how to start flow and how to clean, especially in different substrates, or in planted tanks, was so clear and to the point that I will never forget this video. Bravo!
Such an awesome video!!! As a first time brand new tank owner you just saved me what I'm sure would have been Years of learning curve. My fish are going to live happier and healthier because of this video. THANK YOU!!!
I’ve been on UA-cam over 12 years now give or take. I’ve left maybe 20 comments in that time. Just not a chatty person on YT, but bro? You taught me a lot in a short time about stuff I thought I already knew about. I’m so glad I clicked this!! Excellent tutorials and delivery. I could learn a lot from the likes of you. Thank you!!
I’ve been vacuuming my tank all wrong for years. Thank you for this video. I’m actually excited for my next water change/tank cleaning 🤘🏼
I've been cleaning my gravel wrong all these years. Just tried this and the amount of crap that came up was astounding.
I like the practical tutorials that you produce for beginners, accessible and light-hearted.
Subscribed.
This video was very helpful for me as I was struggling to figure it out the first time (despite having used a siphon filter many times while camping).
THANK YOU!!! All the videos I watch show you these tools based on they've been doing it all the time; forgetting basic steps, 'us' knobs, or beginners don't know.
I've been frustrated with the entire cleaning process.
2 days later, after trying to do this, my water is still slightly cloudy from stirring up all the substrate.
Thank you again for explaining your technique for beginners.
What a great teacher! Not only knowledgeable but knows how to spread his knowledge!
I'm so happy I found this video! I just got my first aquarium and became frustrated trying to clean my gravel, because yes... I drained half my water and barely cleaned my gravel! Also, the way I was told to get the siphon started was ridiculous. I'm looking forward to trying it this way, this weekend! Thank you!!!
How did it work for you? I don't have a tank right now so am eager to know how it went for your first time. 🐠😃
Wow. Planned on just learning my tank, had no idea I’d be able to enjoy the video as much as I did. Great instructions and fun to watch! Great job.
Been doing planted tanks for over 15 years now. Thought I had a good way of cleaning out tank…not! Thank you for showing the little tricks of the trade. Some stuff I knew about, but others, never knew about it. Love the pinch method on that larger python hose. I went to a smaller size hose to avoid filling bucket up faster, never thought about pinching the hose 🤦♂️. Thanks again 👍😎
You could also get a little MacGyver ingenuity and put a open/shut off valve Incorporated into the hose😊
Thank you..I'm new to this and haven't mastered cleaning my tank. Video helped alot !
The most frustrating thing about cleaning my planed tank just got 100% easier. Thank you soooo much!
This is like the third time Aquarium Co-Op has dropped a video on gravel vacuuming, but I’ll watch again every time just to refresh and maybe learn something new.
Hands down the best video I've seen on aquarium keeping that I've seen in the last 3 years. And I've watched like a million videos. Love Cory overall but this was the best one!!
Cory is a game changer for us newbies to learn from. Thank you so much!
So glad I found your channel. Just stood up my very first planted tank not too long ago and have the exact same vacuum coming this weekend. My little 5-gallon project needs a good cleaning already and I'm so glad I know how to do it right!
Thank you for this amazing video and detailed explanation! I am the cleaner and keeper of my son's three tanks and we went from using buckets to garden pipe to drain water but gravel cleaning still the orthodox and inefficient way. This is super helpful
I've totally flooded my floor more times than I can count..love the "suctioner" though. Pinching the tubing..what a concept. Thanks
This was a great video! I have been keeping fish on and off for 30+ years and I learned some new things. Thank you!!
Man Cory you saved the day again! I’ve been teaching these techniques to all of our staff here at multiple Petco’s!! It’s improved the quality by so much thank you!!
Many thanks from the UK this is the only video that shows you step by step on how to do it correctly including the LARGE bucket to save the carpet!!! anyone can follow it and learn, brilliant 😁😁😁😁
Wow. I've been gravel cleaning wrong for close to a decade. You made it seem so easy to do I subscribed just because of this video. Thank you so much
Thank you so much for this! I just cleaned my betta tank before I saw this and now I feel like I should clean it again with this new knowledge! 🙏🏽
Such a great explanation, thanks! This style works really well, sometimes it’s hard to follow instruction videos with just words or people who are really familiar with what they’re explaining, because they miss smaller details newbies don’t know
I'm a bit mad at how simple that pinching technique is. I can't believe I didn't think of it.
This was the best video I’ve ever watched showing how to actually do this I’ve been struggling for months trying to learn this and I can do it with ease of pausing the video for 2 min and trying it out and just that simple it works I’m new to the channel and I can’t wait to start learning way more 😁🙏🏼
I can't even express how grateful I am for all you taught me here!
This couldn't have come at a better time! Just introduced my female koi betta into her tank today
I work at a pet store mainly in the aquatics department so I do lots of water changes daily. You have no idea how much this just helped me
Im so freaking glad i found this BEFORE even starting upp my first tank ever 😅 Thank you for brilliant educational content, keep it up 🐡🐠🐟
Finally I did it..... After so many tries following other videos I was not able to siphon... Lost the hope, use to take out whole gravel n clean the whole tank... Huge n tiring job..
But after watching ur video I did it... Thank u soo much for the information n details. ❤
I thank you so so so so much. My dad did the tank but it got green in like 4 hours or so and he was so tired he couldn’t do it again so I decided to clean it. The vacuum wasn’t working with me and I watched like a million tutorial and none of them helped but yours did. Thank you so much and you just gained a follower, keep going 🤍🤍.
I've learned so much from you it's really unbelievable. I swear I feel like I owe you money. G.O.A.T.
NICE! As many years as I've been taking care of aquariums I never thought to do it like that. Thank you for sharing!
Really wish I had watched this before syphoning and swallowing some gravel 😂 Thank you, I'll remember this for next time!
This video really helped me to Vaccum my aquarium perfectly. Very helpful and simple.
I've been doing this for a tank since 1952. How easy. learn something new every day. Thank you!
Easy planter, buy it now 🤣
Smooth shameless self-promo 🤣
I find it endearing from him because I know how much effort they put into coming up with these great products! I’m going to put one in my cart now, so effective too 😆
I've got like $50 worth of stuff in my cart from these videos. Only Cory can make this advertisement effective!
i was about to go out and buy a new one because I was using it wrong and thought it was broken. seriously thank you
I've always wondered by these siphons don't come w/ a hose clamp for easier control. GET ON IT PYTHON!!!!!
Yeah. And for us small bucket folks, it's nice to clamp off while keeping enough water in the hose to restart the siphon with zero effort. I use a brick to pinch off between buckets, but it's a tad risky. I'd buy an Aquarium Co-op branded hose clamp any day!
That was literally the best aquarium video I have ever watched in my life. You are a Master Jedi. I feel so slow. I have tanks all my life and never knew that pinch method. So much better cleaning now!!!! Sharing is caring, thx for that great info!!!!!!!
I was today years old when I learned how to properly gravel vacuum a fish tank….. and I have had tanks for years! Thank you!!
I have a 25' hose on my vac that I can run out the window into barrels, then empty the barrels into the garden or flower beds, but have never thought of pinching the hose.
A great reason to get a floppy hose instead of using a sturdy canister filter hose!
Good idea taking water to outside barrels BUT I have my tanks in the kitchen which is in the middle of three storeys........
@@rosemarydudley9954 50 foot throw out window plenty of drop for suction they sell clear flexable at lowes home depot mine is 50 foot long run under toilet seat drop in tub works great just rinse and clean tub after
I’m gonna be honest I went into this thinking “psh it’s a water change what more could there be to it” but I learned a lot so glad I clicked the video
I've definitely durped around and flooded my floor
I adopted my daughter's aquarium when she left home. This channel has been very helpful! Thank you!
I went into this video thinking I wasn’t going to learn much. But mind blown 🤯 that was the most informative video I’ve seen and straight to the point.
I feel like some of Dean's speech mannerisms and humour have been rubbing off on Cory.
All my tanks are planted, i don't need to clean the bottom
Oh, but you should... The baster / hose thing...
@@suzanak5197 don't need it, all i need is to change the water every other week, tanks are pretty healthy
@@carlosyanezaragon9725 pull your substrate back look under you will be suprised im sure i have mine on custom edge and center support only stand mine is planted i have the advantage i can look underneath to check under the gravel and still have to vaccum perioticly
hello, that’s a very dangerous weapon to nitrates.
No it's to poop nitrates dissolve in the water
I can't lie this is the best video to learn how to syphon ! I have been looking for a simple way to do it and you made me so confident...btw it worked a glam! Thank you for your video I have a 70 gallon tank❤
This is so fascinating and helpful! I’ve had an aquarium for three whole days so I’m learning a lot and overwhelmed and hadn’t gotten to researching vacuuming yet. I’m so glad UA-cam recommended this video to me because you break it down so well. Thank you!
Thank you!!!!! I got a mini vac and the only instructions were to move the vacuum up and down to create suction. I only got it to work one time that way in the 6 months I’ve had it. Your methods work every single time.
I've learned so much in more in this video than all the other cleaning tutorials I watched. Thanks so much! I'm in high school and I will use this to clean my betta's tank tomorrow.
Thank you so much for this video, I have been fighting my tank and running out of water and honestly have never heard the pinching the hose tip. You have given me a game changer.
The best video I have seen that fully describes how to do this correctly. Came here looking for if I should move decor and you showed me how to use my vacuum much better than I was. Thank you!
This is genius! I've been connecting mine to the water hose for years and had no idea it was this easy. Thanks for uploading this video!
Uh mazing. Best tutorial out there!!!!
We have a tank that won’t stop with the bacterial blooming. Had it for a month. 20 gallons, 6 glo fish. It WON’T clear!!!! Even with weekly vacuuming (that we’re probably been doing wrong). We also have an oxygen pump with a bacterial sponge and a thirty gallon tank filter/pump. Out of options.
I am hoping the vacuuming is the issue.
Best video on how to clean debris off of the bottom of your tank ever! We have a bunch of debris from our originally planted tank, even though we've done a few water changes. I love the hose pinching technique, we will use it on our sand. Thank you very much. You rock! Corey!!
Thank you so much for this! I have a 10 gallon with only 3 ghost shrimp and 2 snails. I got them in September, but the snails need to be cleaned up after. I bought a small gravel cleaner, but the instructions they gave made the water messy. I bought another one that has an air ball (?) which makes is easier to change the water, but still couldn't figure out how to vacuum the gravel. Thank you again! Going to try it tomorrow 🤗🤗
Thank you so much for this instructional video! I have started a tank two months ago, and my plants and shrimps were dying. Even after fixing my pH issues (tested for everything but only pH was too high). So I looked up online how to save the plants. Bought Seachem Flourite black sand yesterday, rinsed it but I must not have been thorough enough as my water is yellowish and there is some yellow dust on the gravel I put over the sand. I was very scared to buy a tube vacuum as I had no idea to use it. You probably have saved my tank with these few minutes of your time. Thank you again!