Top 10 Aquarium Vacuum Gravel Cleaners Reviews

 

The gravel that you see in your fish tanks requires cleaning just as regularly as the exterior and interior. Routine water changes are needed to ensure the fish remain healthy, and the same goes for gravel.

It must be cleaned on a routine basis, and all the debris must be pulled out in order to maintain a natural balance in the environment. If this is not practiced as frequently as needed, you could end up endangering the life of your fish and aquatic plants.

But how does one clean gravel?

With the help of an aquarium vacuum cleaner, of course!

 

What Is an Aquarium Vacuum Gravel Cleaner?

A gravel cleaner or vacuum is a tool shaped similar to a tube or pipe and is made from plastic. It is used to clean the aquarium gravel by removing unwanted debris. The tube is usually 2 inches in diameter and is attached to a siphon tube on one end. However, not all gravel cleaners use siphon tubes to remove debris.

The other type of gravel cleaner uses suction to suck out the aquarium water and trap organic waste and leftover food particles in a mesh. It may be used between water changes to trap debris while replacing old water with fresh water.

Why Would You Need One?

As already briefly mentioned, the aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner is required for two important reasons, which have been identified as follows:

Debris Removal

Fish tanks are often crowded with debris in the form of uneaten food, organic waste and dead plants which are usually stuck to the substrate within the aquarium. This debris cannot be easily removed from the tank, and neither can it be left to pollute the tank environment. Removal may require removing everything from the aquarium and giving it a thorough cleaning. However, all this effort has been simplified with the help of an aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner.

Water Chemistry

Another reason you may need an aquarium vacuum is to ensure consistent water chemistry within the tank. Your fish and aquatic plants require a certain pH level in order to thrive. A distorted pH level can put aquarium species at risk. With the decomposition of debris in the gravel, pH levels tend to get distorted. Hence, this debris ought to be removed as soon as you spot a chunk of it in there. You may do so with the aid of a gravel cleaner.

How to Use It

Now, for the most interesting part, how does an aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner work? A gravel vacuum churns the gravel around to capture trapped debris and carry it out of the aquarium. A siphon is used to power this vacuum, which is also used to carry off loosened debris away from the gravel.

Basically, you must get the siphon started to have the cleaner up and running. Once the siphon is turned on, you must place one end of the vacuum into the gravel. While doing this, make sure to block the bucket end with your finger and release as soon as the vacuum is as deep in the gravel as it can go.

At this point, water will be released into the tube, which will shake the gravel and initiate the churning process. You will see that debris will start flowing through the tube down the siphon and into the bucket. As soon as the water flowing through the tube becomes crystal clear and clean, stop the flow of the siphon by placing a finger over the bucket end of the tube. Now, the gravel has been cleared of all debris and it will settle down in its place.

Pull the vacuum out of the gravel and insert it into other gravel pieces in the aquarium. Repeat the same process for all gravel pieces and then remove the vacuum carefully from the aquarium in a straight motion. You have successfully cleaned the aquarium gravel!

 

But Why Does an Aquarium Need Gravel?

This is a pretty sensible question. The following reasons make gravel a must-have within aquariums:

Filtration

Gravel provides a home for the useful bacteria that feed on the waste products released by the fish and aquatic plants. Without gravel, your aquarium is likely to need more frequent water changes to sustain a healthy environment.

Fish Habitat

Moreover, gravel provides a natural habitat for the fish species. It helps mimic ocean life for the fish within the tank. As a result, the fish remain healthy, happy and free from stress.

Aesthetics

Gravel also improves the aesthetics of the aquarium. Who doesn’t like an appealing fish tank?

 

Benefits of an Aquarium Vacuum Gravel Cleaner

This section will discuss the importance of an aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner in terms of its many benefits. This is somewhat similar to the purpose of such a vacuum.

You’ll be able to gain the following benefits by purchasing and using an aquarium vacuum:

Clean Aquarium

The first benefit of an aquarium vacuum is the fact that you can create a clean and healthy environment for the fish and other aquatic life within the tank. The aquatic life will thrive in the tank.

Perfect pH Level

By getting rid of the unwanted food leftovers, organic waste and dead plants from the gravel, you can maintain consistent water chemistry without letting pH levels change substantially.

Extend Water Change Cycle

With the timely removal of debris, you can prolong the time between water changes. Furthermore, instead of using a siphon vacuum, you can use a meshed one and remove debris while changing the water. This will save you both effort and time.

 

Drawbacks of an Aquarium Vacuum Gravel Cleaner

No equipment is without a few drawbacks. Similarly, you’ll be faced with the following cons when using an aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner:

Incorrect Motion

The major disadvantage of using a siphon aquarium vacuum is the motion with which it is leveled into and out of the tank. If the motion is not kept absolutely straight, you risk releasing the trapped debris back into the aquarium.

Jamming

This is another problem whereby a tube with a small diameter could be jammed if the debris consists of large stones that cannot pass through the tube. Moreover, you could risk siphoning off small fish, which may then jam the tube and die!

Pricey

These aquarium vacuums are quite expensive for their size and functionality. Hence, if you have a small fish tank, you might want to try manual gravel cleaning. It’s inexpensive and doesn’t take too much effort.

 

Top 10 Aquarium Gravel Cleaners

If you are sure about buying an aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner, you can choose one from the best aquarium gravel cleaners reviewed below. Each one has its specifications, pros and cons identified to help you make a rational and informed purchase decision.

 

1. Python No Spill Clean and Fill

The Python No Spill Clean and Fill has been designed keeping in view the hassle involved in frequent water changes. It has been designed to allow siphoning off debris and changing water within the aquarium without needing a bucket to and from the water basin.

Hence, you can have all those unwanted debris removed while changing the water. It will quietly remove the debris without causing stress to your beloved fish. The gravel tube is large enough to thoroughly clean all areas and corners within the tank.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 15 x 15 x 2 inches
• Hose length: 25 ft.
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Aquarium size: Large
• Faucet adapter material: Brass

Pros

• It’s one of the best-selling gravel cleaners available on Amazon
• It functions in two ways: as an effective water changer and as gravel cleaner
• It is highly flexible, so you may use it with any and all available adapters
• The already 25-foot long hose can further be extended
• It has been made specifically for large fish tanks, making water changes all the more easy and simple

Cons

• It’s quite expensive and if you require it for only gravel cleaning, it’s probably a waste of money unless you also need it for changing water
• It features a complex cleaning process, which can be quite tricky for most consumers

 

2. EHEIM Quick Vac Pro

This model by EHEIM works solely as a gravel cleaner and is not suitable for water changes. It uses 4 AA batteries to operate and allows a usage of up to 4 hours on each charge. Its design, however, requires some alteration to mitigate the prevalent clogging issue.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 2.8 x 1.5 x 24 inches
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Battery-powered by 4 AA (up to 4 hours)
• Aquarium size: All sizes
• Only used for gravel cleaning

Pros

• It’s simple to use and does not work on an intricate process
• It comes with an exceptionally decent battery life, so you can use it for large tanks for as long as 4 hours
• It features a decent amount of suction power, making it suitable for all aquarium sizes
• It uses a fine mesh to capture the debris and unwanted waste, sucking them all out of the gravel
• Mesh cartridge can be easily cleaned once the gravel cleaning process comes to an end. Snap out the cartridge and clean it with fresh water before replacing
• It comes with a 2-year guarantee

Cons

• It’s pricey as compared to other similar gravel cleaners
• The product quality has been compromised as complained by a few customers
• The impeller gets jammed frequently due to large debris and organic waste products

 

3. Fluval Edge Gravel Cleaner

The Fluval Edge has been made specifically for small aquariums like the Fluval Edge tank to conveniently clean gravel and the inside of the aquarium. It comes with an ‘easy-start’ valve that triggers the siphoning process automatically.

It is also equipped with two cleaning attachments that have been designed for precise cleaning. The gravel guard helps prevent large debris from jamming the tube.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 18.7 x 15 x 6.7 inches
• Aquarium type: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Aquarium size: Nano aquarium
• Hose length: 5 ft.
• Included: 1 gravel tube and 1 extension tube

Pros

• It comes equipped with 2 cleaning heads for different aquarium sizes
• It is available at a reasonable price as compared to its counterparts
• An exclusive gravel guard has been added to avoid clogging during gravel siphoning
• It works well with planted as well as decorated aquariums
• It has been contoured such that it allows you to reach the gravel from all angles

Cons

• It has been designed for nano aquariums only
• The hose comes with a small diameter, so cogging can be an issue
• The ‘easy-start’ valve can be tricky to operate for some users

 

4. Marina Easy Clean

The best thing about the Marina Easy Clean gravel vacuum is that it has been designed for all aquarium types and sizes. Even if you own a small tank, you can purchase the mini Marina Easy Clean and get on with the gravel cleaning process.

Moreover, the hose it features has a no-kink feature, so the problem of incorrect motion has been mitigated by default. However, you’ll need the special up-and-down motion to initiate the siphoning process.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 6.4 x 2.1 x 26.4 cm
• Cleaning tube length: 15 inches
• Tube diameter: 2.5 inches
• Hose length: 6 ft.
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Available in 4 sizes: Mini, small, medium & large

Pros

• Based on its superior functionality, the price seems quite reasonable
• Its quick-start feature makes the siphon process all the more simple and easy
• It comes with a gravel guard that prevents the gravel from being sucked out of the fish tank
• It works exceptionally well in decorated and planted aquariums
• It uses a non-kinking hose, so the motion remains straight during the cleaning process
• It has an oval shape to reach all corners within the tank

Cons

• Quick-start can be tricky for some users to initiate the siphoning process
• It has a poor suction power

 

5. Koller Products TOM Mr. Cleaner

Koller Products has manufactured the TOM cleaner to enable spot cleaning. It is powered by 2 C-sized batteries that are not included as part of the purchase.

A removable filter bag has been featured within this gravel cleaner that requires frequent cleaning between uses. However, suction has been a problem for a few customers, so it is deemed unfit for large aquariums.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 35.6 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm
• Cleaning tube: Extendable from 8 to 16 inches
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Battery-powered (C-size)
• Aquarium size: Nano aquarium

Pros

• It comes at a reasonable price, neither too expensive nor a cheap bargain
• It has been specifically made for spot cleaning small aquariums
• It features an extendable tube, so you can reach all corners easily
• A nylon bag has been used as a mesh to trap debris and organic waste
• It uses a 3-in-1 cleaning system, where it siphons water, cleans fish gravel and removes algae simultaneously

Cons

• The angling is tricky and may not work properly at incorrect angles
• Positioning must be perfect so as to avoid water dripping all over the flow

 

6. Lee’s Ultra Gravel Vac

This Ultra Gravel Vac from Lee’s comes at an affordable price and in a manageable size. This one has been made specifically for mini aquariums, but if you own a larger fish tank, you can order a large size. It comes with a self-starting siphon that makes the startup process all the more easy and simple.

Moreover, the wide nozzle makes cleaning all corners within the tank much easier. You get 20 percent more coverage while cleaning fish gravel with the aid of Lee’s Ultra Gravel Vac.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 2.1 x 6.5 x 15.5 inches
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Aquarium size: Nano aquarium
• Wide mouth nozzle
• Included: Ultra hose clip

Pros

• It helps separate debris and remove them from the aquarium
• It’s quite affordable
• It comes with the functionality to drain and fill water as required
• It comes with a self-starting siphon, so the process is pretty much automatic
• It also features a wide mouth nozzle to reach the unreachable corners within the tank and thoroughly clean it
• It has been designed to ensure faster and more efficient cleaning while saving water

Cons

• It’s available in a single size to be used for mini aquariums only

 

7. Aqueon Siphon Gravel Cleaner

If you are fed up with using heavy buckets for bringing water back and forth, it’s time to switch to Aqueon’s Siphon Gravel Cleaner for a simplified and quick water changing process and gravel cleaning.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 6.3 x 18.3 x 1.5 inches
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Aquarium size: All sizes

Pros

• It has been designed to allow quick water changes
• Its quick-start feature makes the siphon process hassle-free
• It has made the gravel cleaning process more efficient and much less of a hassle
• It works exceptionally well in decorated and planted aquariums
• It has been made for all aquarium sizes. You can choose from 4 different sizes

Cons

• It has a poor suction power

 

8. Aqueon Aquarium Water Changer

If you are looking for a gravel cleaning tool that helps maintain water consistency while successfully removing unwanted debris from the gravel, there is no matching the Aqueon Aquarium Water Changer. It’s quick and simple to use and makes changing the water a breeze.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 16 x 20.3 x 3.7 inches
• Hose length: 25 and 50 ft.
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Aquarium size: Large
• Included: 11-inch gravel tube and control valve (for water flow)
• Multi-connection faucet adapter

Pros

• It has been designed for use by all types of aquarists
• It enables thorough cleaning of the fish tank without the hassle of using buckets
• It features a water flow control that prevents spillage and water loss from the aquarium onto the floor
• It features flexible hose lengths, so you may use it for small and large aquariums

Cons

• Customers have complained about the plastic fittings, which seem poor in quality
• The pump seems to be leaking for a few customers
• The curve at the end makes it difficult to adapt to all types of sinks

 

9. Cobalt Aquatics Power Gravel Cleaner

Cobalt has designed this gravel cleaner to simplify the process of cleaning tanks. It features an intake screen that helps isolate gravel from the water and initiate the process of cleaning. Thus, you won’t be required to remove the gravel from the aquarium in order to clean it. Furthermore, you don’t cause any stress to the precious fish species within. It’s a win-win for all!

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 9.8 inches
• 1-micron sock
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Aquarium size: All sizes (30-125-gallon capacity)

Pros

• It features a 3-year warranty
• It allows gravel cleaning without the need to remove it from the tank
• The debris is easily pulled out of the gravel with the aid of its cartridge which is equipped with a micron sock
• The micron sock is used to pull out water, clean it and then replace it with fresh water in the aquarium, allowing you to keep the inside environment healthy
• The motor can be easily cleaned in the kitchen sink, as it is entirely sealed

Cons

• It’s an expensive purchase when compared to other similar gravel cleaners

 

10. Python Pro-Clean Gravel Washer

The Python Pro-Clean has been manufactured to take care of large aquariums that can hold up to 50 gallons of water. In order to reach all corners within the fish tank, a 72-inch heavy-duty tube has been attached to this gravel vacuum cleaner. It can even be converted into a hand pump by attaching a squeeze starter bulb to it.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 20 x 8 x 2 inches
• Heavy-duty tube: 72 inches
• Aquarium types: Freshwater and Saltwater
• Battery-powered (C-size)
• Aquarium size: Large (20- to 50-gallon capacity)

Pros

• It features flexible tubing that can clean unreachable surfaces within a large aquarium. Plus, it’s sturdy and durable
• It seamlessly cleans the gravel without the need to remove it from the tank, causing no disturbance to the fish
• It is most suitable for large tanks that are more difficult to clean
• It comes at an affordable price, considering the exceptional durability, superior material, and cutting-edge performance

Cons

• You will be required to do some pumping action on your own as the suction isn’t very powerful

 

How to Clean the Fish Tank Gravel

This section has been dedicated to providing a detailed step-by-step guide to cleaning the fish gravel manually. If you don’t have gravel cleaner, this guide will come in handy.

Step 1

Before you get started with cleaning the tank, you need to fetch a bucket and fill it halfway with dirty fish tank water. Now, fill the remaining half using fresh and clean tap water. This step is necessary to avoid harming the fish by changing the water condition drastically.

Step 2

Next, you need to remove the fish from the tank and place them in this bucket for the time being. Now, unplug the aquarium kit from the power socket.

Step 3

Remove all the remaining water from the fish tank and make sure it’s completely drained.

Step 4

Now, take a small portion of the dirty fish gravel out of the tank in a small container and keep it aside. Since using chlorinated water to wash this gravel would kill the waste-eating, useful bacteria, you need to save some gravel and use it to re-colonize the tank afterward.

Step 5

Remove all the remaining gravel and place it into a bucket. Once this is done, place a garden hose into the bucket and turn it on. Manually clean the bucket full of gravel and rinse intermittently until the water runs crystal clear.

Step 6

Now, it’s time to clean the fish tank using warm water, reaching inside and cleaning each corner thoroughly. Avoid using soap as it would alter the pH level. While you are at it, clean the filter, thermostat, and all the attached tubes in the aquarium kit.

Step 7

Wipe the inside of the fish tank dry using a paper towel and place the clean gravel back into the aquarium. Mix the dirty gravel as well and refill the tank with clean water.

Step 8

Add some de-chlorinating agent to the water. Then, plug in all electrical equipment and turn on the power.

Step 9

Lastly, place all aquatic plants and fish species back in the water, and you are good to go!

You have successfully cleaned the fish gravel as well as your entire fish tank. Manual cleaning can be time-consuming, but it sure saves you from that extra investment! However, do you really have much time at hand to clean manually as frequently as needed? Maybe not.

Final Thoughts

Given the various options, you can choose a gravel cleaner that suits your tank size and has sufficient features to get the job done easily, quickly and without causing too much stress to the fish.

Have more questions?  Be sure to visit the community forums.