by Jaimela King

Created on: May 26, 2007

The larger the aquarium, the more difficult the task of cleaning the sand and gravel becomes. I know that in many homes with aquariums, this is something that is rarely done and really, it doesn't need to be done weekly, but it should be cleaned at least every two or three months. Having cleaned many aquariums over the years, I will share with you some tips on cleaning the sand and gravel in your aquarium.

1) Put on a pair of long rubber gloves, if you so desire. For me I go in with my bare hands.

2) Ensure all the electrical connections, filters and pumps are disconnected and removed.

3) Scoop out the gravel or sand and transfer to a bucket. You will wash the sand and gravel separately.

4) Wash the larger rocks, plants and decorations separately, by running water over them. I use an aquarium brush to remove the algae and other stuck on debris.

5) If you have a large amount of gravel or sand you will need to do a portion at a time.

6) Place in a colander, or a strainer with holes that are slightly smaller than the gravel. This would be a colander that is reserved for this purpose only. You don't want to use your kitchen colander for both straining noodles and aquarium gravel.

7. For the sand, the colander won't work. You will need to place in a bowl.

8. Run water over the gravel several times while using your hands to turn over and sift through the gravel and pick out by hand any larger pieces of debris. For sand wash in the same way and carefully pour off the water taking care not to lose too much of your sand.

9. Empty into a second clean pail to be returned to the aquarium after the aquarium has been thoroughly cleaned.

The easier way, but not necessarily the most efficient, is to use a siphon. You can buy one at your pet store as there are several types available. These work by siphoning water directly into your sink, or by moving the water through your filter and and then back into the aquarium. The problem is that in some cases all the debris may not be removed. Nothing beats, getting your hands all dirty in the name of maintaining your aquarium.

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