Dawn T Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Anyone on the forum know how an easy DIY to make one? I've been using just a piece of airline for sucking up debris from my 1.5g jarrarium, but the flexibility of the airline results in frustration because I can't direct it easily without sticking my whole hand in there, which causes issues with the hardscape and plants. I need a non-flexible end, like on gravel vacs, but I'm not sure how to accomplish that. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biotope Biologist Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 hardware stores have some see through 1/4" I assume either PVC or Vinyl tubing that is clear. This is the same material as normal gravel vacs. Then you can buy a PVC reducer coupling to make a mini gravel vac. Although there are nano specific gravel vacs on the market if you don't want to fuss with that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 If you can find the right sized pipette then you might not have to get your hand wet. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT_ Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Irene has a video where she zip ties air line to a chopstick for regidity. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Streetwise Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Are you sure that you need to change water in your jar? Your ecosystem might be taking care of everything. Can you please share some photos? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn T Posted March 2, 2021 Author Share Posted March 2, 2021 @Streetwise, I'm not concerned about a water change. I want to be able to quickly and easily remove debris sitting on top of the substrate. Just to tidy things up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakenstein Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Yes to the zip tie thing! I have one of those giant barbeque skewers zipped tied top and bottom to airline tubing. I can scoot the skewer up and down a bit to change how much the skewer sticks out past the end of the tube. Longer for when I'm trying to gravel vac, shorter for when I'm vacuuming leaves or hardscape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Have you tried a turkey baster? The key to not spilling is to 1) squeeze bulb as much as possible to get the most air out before putting it in; 2) release pressure on the bulb slowly and evenly as you vac, making sure not to re-squeeze; 3) ensure it is as full as it can be (bulb completely reinflated) before removing it; 4) lift carefully and do not put any pressure on the bulb; and 5) have a container right there to empty it, again put no pressure on the bulb before it is over the container or it makes a mess. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn T Posted March 2, 2021 Author Share Posted March 2, 2021 @Maggie, I tried that. Even bought one that has a valve in it so it won't backwash when you pull it out of the water. Just too thick to work in my jar well. I'll be uploading updated photos to that the jar's thread in a bit and will link it here, so it'll be easy for all of you to see what kind of space I'm working with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn T Posted March 2, 2021 Author Share Posted March 2, 2021 @Streetwise Got updated photos uploaded, along with an overall update on the jar. Made sure to catch some close-ups to show the unsightly mess I'm not liking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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