It used to suck out at a good rate, but in the last two water changes it has been at about half the amount of fluid coming out.

The only changes I have made is to raise the water level in the tank by an inch or two, though I doubt that is the problem. It seems like maybe the water isnt flowing through as easily, but when I tried washing it out there didnt seem to be a problem as the water flowed through fine.

I have tried to pull it apart, but it doesnt seem to want to separate so I cant clear the filter bit before the tubing, do I just need to pull harder?

I know it is a wierd question and I hope I havent put it in the wrong section.

Thanks for helping in advance

I assume you mean the simple gravel vacuum thingy, that runs off a syphon type setup.

I have to clean mine out every other week or so cos a bit of plant gets suck in there or something. The wider bit should just slide out, maybe run it under some hot water or something to see if you can loosen it.

It that doesnt work then try filling a bucket up with really hot water and syphoning that through it. the hot water might dislodge whatever is blocking it.

Okay thanks, I thought it may work like that, just didnt want to break it unneccessarily

hot water will sort it. it will come apart easy when hot

unfortunately I have yet to come across a good gravel cleaner that will help clean my sand substrate or gravel substrate in my three tanks, so i prefer mounting two 9 foot long air line tubes on to a 2foot stainless steel ruler. then while other end is in bucket i slowly wave the ruler with air lines attached gently over the sand and the dirt and debris is slowly pulled up the tubes and out into the bucket.

if your worried about any small fry being sucked up then a old piece of stocking over the end is usually sufficient to keep the fry and any young out... or just be careful is usually my motto... lol

what gravel cleaners would you recommend for a 22-30 gallon tank, i have tried gravel vacuums in the past and not too keen
on past one's purchased...