Cleaning gravel.

Can someone please tell me how they clean their gravel? The only way I know how is messy, yucky, difficult, and potentially dangerous to my young fish.

I use a python brand gravel vacuum. You can find them at most aquarium stores including Drs. Foster and Smith Petsmart ect. They can attach to your faucet and a vacuum is created from the water flow which starts a siphon. The end attachment is large enough to reduce the siphon in a way that will not suck up your fish and rocks yet is strong enough to pick up lighter waste. You can also use it to fill your tank. I never completely clean my gravel. I don't want to kill any good bacteria. I only vacuum out the excess waste. Hope this helps.

yes, i have one of those, but it DOES suck up my fish, and how do i attach it to a sink? ugh its so confusing.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp? productId=2752298

this is what i have, but the mouth of it is longer.

that won't hook to the sink, what you need is...
http://www.aquariumguys.com/aqueon-water- changer25.html

That last one posted is very similar to mine. The one you have looks like it would have a faster flow which would suck up your fish. I am not familiar with the other brand that was posted before me, but if it is anything like the Python brand then it is easy to use and will not suck up any fish.

Also, both models have a control valve that allows you to shut off the water flow at the suction end should any fish accidentally swim up. Yes I have had that happen. Also, most fry are still not strong enough to swim against the current. They too may get siphoned. Once a fish gets past the larger opening into the hose it is pretty much game over unless you shut the valve.

Fish can be attracted to the syphon tube because of the movement. One way to keep them out is to push the intake tube slightly into the gravel.

For years I used the syphon and bucket method to clean aquariums, and starting the syphon was always interesting, especially before somebody got the idea of enlarging the uptake tube. Then, of course, there was a sloshing bucket to carry. It's still OK if you have only one or two small aquariums, but the faucet pump system is one of the best ever innovations in the hobby....that and the discovery of the nitrogen cycle.

Thank you all so much, you have really helped. I'm going to save up and buy one :]