python siphon

[reef tank 2.0]

I currently use a Python siphon for my 130 gallon DT. I've got a 25ft hose set up. It could be about 4 ft longer, but that's besides the point.

When using the python, I have both cold and hot water at the faucet on full blast to create the most suction I can get for cleaning the sand bed. I have no where else to plug this system up to, to get more suction.

So, while cleaning my sand bed, I have noticed that it will pick up bristle worms, and other debris on the sand bed. The power/suction in the hose is not strong enough to completely take the bristle worm(s), and debris up and out of the tank. It take is half way up the sifting tube and then it tumbles back down and on to the sand bed. The suction isnt strong enough to completely remove it.

My question is this. Should that suction be strong enough to remove a bristle worm? Or is my suction perfectly normal? If it needs to be a tad stronger, is there anything I can do to increase it? Is there a "vacuum" of some sort that can be placed in line of the hose that would help suck?

(I tend to think this is a contributor to my high nitrates that never go away, 50ppm (NOT .50))

 

[AlSimmons]

I think the suction should be strong enough to remove a bristle worm if need be, but this is definitely not what you want. Debris is a different story altogether, but the larger the particles the more often your Python will get clogged IME. You'll just have to find some sort of happy medium between the two.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

I can't tell if it's actually doing good, or just moving sand around.

 

[AlSimmons]

If the water your removing is anything other than crystal clear then it's definitely doing something good IMO.

 

[Timfish]

You could use a smaller diameter tube on the end of your Python but as AlSimmons pointed out you're going to have more problems with it getting clogged. The internal holes of the siphon assembly won't take very big particles and my guess is just a moderate sized bristle worm probably will completely clog it.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

ok, thanks for the input.

ya, the water isnt crystal clear, clear, but not crystal.

then that brings me to the topic of high nitrates. No dead spots on the sand but I cannot get these nitrates to decrease. Cut back feeding to a correct amount. I can't figure what else to do. I do not want to remove the sand. Not even sure that's where it's coming from.