Big Blue Frog Posted March 5, 2015 Report Share Posted March 5, 2015 Hi, I need help with my search for a dip tube. Back in the day before Big tanks,power filters, etc. we frequently used these simple devices to spot clean our tanks. I found the info as to what they are, but no source of supply. Any leads out there? Thanks for any help you can give. BBF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazyfishlady Posted March 5, 2015 Report Share Posted March 5, 2015 I am not sure what a dip tube is? I tried to google it but not sure it showed me what you are talking about. For spot cleaning I have used a turkey baster or airline tubing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted March 5, 2015 Report Share Posted March 5, 2015 Wow. There's a name I haven't heard of in years. LOL A dip tube folks is a piece of plastic/glass tube about 12-18" long. You put your finger/thumb over it and insert it into the water over an area to be cleaned on the substrate. Remove the finger, the water rushes in taking the dirt with it up the tube. I don't think it's even available in the hobby much anymore with all the new fangled devices. The advantage is it is small, self contained and uses no outside source like running water or electricity. Big Blue Frog, your best bet would be to check sites selling vintage things. Wait.... here's one from Ebay for ya. Only has a day left though if you want it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-LONGLIFE-Aqua-Matic-Dip-Tube-Charcoal-Filter-Cartridges-/251858915916?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aa3f6124c Crazyfishlady and eozen81 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chibikaie Posted March 5, 2015 Report Share Posted March 5, 2015 So it's just a long plastic tube? Can you use the end off of a siphon kit or a lift tube for an undergravel filter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Blue Frog Posted March 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2015 Looks like the Turkey baster may be the default dip tube.FYI they had a wide chamber towards the opening near the bottom to hold a "payload" of debris. Thanks for all the interest and help. BBF Crazyfishlady 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roborep1 Posted March 6, 2015 Report Share Posted March 6, 2015 I use a racking cane. Buy one from a beer supply store for five bucks or order some plastic tubing and bend it yourself for a custom job. Mine is probably 3/8 or so. Put tubing over the other end and use mouth to start siphon. Works great for me for uneaten foods or a quick spot clean and too small for shrimp. I remove that black piece. T Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roborep1 Posted March 6, 2015 Report Share Posted March 6, 2015 You can also hook up some tubing and a 100ML syringe and pull up a little at a time. In total that would be like ten bucks for the cane, tubing, syringe. Just a thought instead of searching for something long lost. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Blue Frog Posted March 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2015 Thanks for the ideas Roborep1. I guess my vintage idea of what was needed has been answered by less costly and diverse tools. BBF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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