The siphon is started by sucking the end of the rubber tubing with the glass tube immersed, or, if preferred, by filling it with water by dipping in the tank. With a little practice, it is possible to start the siphon without getting a mouth full of water. The rate of flow is controlled by pinching the rubber tubing, and the siphon is then run gently over the aquarium bottom like a vacuum cleaner.
The end of the glass tube may also be poked well into the sand, sucking up sample “bores” to see if all is well and to see that underneath the surface the sand is not becoming foul and gray with bacteria. If it is, it is wise to go on siphoning the sand away until the foul patch is removed and to replace it with fresh sand afterwards. With experience, it is possible to remove three-quarters of the bottom of a tank, leaving the plants undisturbed, and to replace it by running clean dry sand down a funnel under the surface of the water. If the sand is wet, it sticks and must be washed into the tank, which of course may be done, or it may be put in by hand and the plants afterwards well shaken to remove sand grains.
Aquarium Fish Information Here…
Aquarium Supply
