Am I retarded? -Gravel Vacuum

[bamsuddenimpact]

I read the instructions on mine and tried multiple times... I cannot develop the suction people (and the package) talk about. UGH Any tips??

[SinX7]

Stick the suction part down near the gravel, and keep squeezing the ball till water starts flow and keep doing it till you get a full continuous flow. Also don't point the vacuum up too high, if you want, angle it a bit.

[Eggbert]

We're all a little retarded =D

[registereduser]

http://www.r-word.org/

[bamsuddenimpact]

Idk if mine has a ball.. Not even sure what brand it is haha Got it at the local pet store.

[Meggie6347]

If it doesn't have the little squeeze thing in the middle, the easiest way for me is to syphon the other end..make sure that the bucket you're draining the tank into is lower than the tank!

[bamsuddenimpact]

What do you mean by siphon? Stupid question I know haha

[Meggie6347]

No, it's fine! Not stupid!

you put the vacuum end in the water of your tank, you put your thumb most of the way over the end that it will be coming out of, put your mouth on it, and SUCK! As soon as the water starts coming down the tube put it straight into the bucket and it should start the vacuum going

There are several ways to start a gravel vacuum, but I always had trouble with the other way where you fill the vacuum end with water, tilt it up, then put it back in the tank..never worked for me. Of course, there's always the risk of getting tank water in your mouth....but...haha You'll get the hang of it

Did I explain it well enough? I can probably find a video if you want and link it

[vilmarisv]

Search Youtube for tutorials. You need to fill your tubbing with water the plug the hose with you fingers and aim it at a bucket placed lower than tank level.

[thekinetic]

What kind is it because I know with mine you shake the siphon up and down to start the suction and stop when the water begins to flow.