The 7 Best Fish Tank Gravel Vacuum For Water Changes And Cleaning

When you need to have your tank cleaned, having the best fish tank gravel vacuum is a great investment. There are a variety of tank vacuums to choose from and making sure you have the right one can come in handy when it’s time to change the aquarium’s water.
With the right care and treatment, the plants and fishes in your tank will thrive in the best environment. We have the top seven best tank vacuums you can choose from:
Comparison Chart
A Detailed Review Between The 7 Best Fish Tank Gravel Vacuum
Aqueon Medium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner

Tank maintenance is a necessary part of keeping a clean aquarium, and the Aqueon Medium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is the best fish tank gravel vacuum to have during routine water changes.
Product Highlights
The Aqueon Medium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner helps maintain the natural balance in the aquarium’s environment by making cleaning easier and in less time.
The Good
It is ideal for quick water changes for tanks between 1 to 15 gallons. It effectively separates debris from gravel. Debris is pulled away through flowing water and is rid of while gravel falls back in the tank. It is self-priming and can be used in an up and down motion to start the water flow.
The Bad
It is ideal for tanks between 1 to 15 gallons, but it may suck the water out too fast for tanks that are less than 5 gallons. You will need to monitor the water flow when cleaning smaller tanks.
PROs
CONs
Eheim Quick Vac Pro - Automatic Gravel Vacuum Cleaner

If you are looking for the best electric aquarium vacuum that has a super-fine filter, then the Eheim Quick Vac Pro - Automatic Gravel Vacuum Cleaner is ready to start cleaning for you.
Product Highlights
The Eheim Quick Vac Pro - Automatic Gravel Vacuum Cleaner is easy and safe to use. It is designed with a super-fine filter sieve that captures the smallest dirt particles while letting the water flow back into your tank.
The Good
The great thing about this cleaner is that it is specially designed to pick up fine dirt without disturbing your aquarium’s gravel. When done cleaning, the filter is easy to remove and clean.
The Bad
It is easy to use in tanks without changing the water and cleaning rocks, but if you have a tank that is much larger, it will take some time to clean.
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CONs
LONDAFISH Electric Fish Tank Vacuum Cleaner

The best fish tank gravel vacuum is suitable for both shallow and deep tanks, and the LONDAFISH Electric Fish Tank Vacuum Cleaner has that very same multipurpose feature.
Product Highlights
The LONDAFISH Electric Fish Tank Vacuum Cleaner is easy to use. It can clean gravel and siphon dirt effectively without changing the water. It is ideal for complete tank cleaning or quick maintenance.
The Good
It is easy to use in ten-gallon tanks up to sixty-gallon aquariums. There are seven filter bags in the package that can be cleaned after gravel cleaning.
The Bad
The product includes a blue hose with a water siphon and filter bags but does not include two size C type Alkaline batteries to operate the device. You may want to purchase more filter bags when you use the device regularly.
PROs
CONs
Aquarium Gravel Cleaner

If you need an aquarium gravel vacuum that is safe to use and prevents water plants and small fish from entering the filter, the Aquarium Gravel Cleaner ticks that box.
Product Highlights
The Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is an all-purpose cleaner that can safely filter dirt and other water impurities. It has a safety design built-in through an inner mesh that reduces suction and prevents small fish and plants from flowing through the suction.
The Good
The cleaner set includes a water inlet tube and two extension tubes. The adjustable tube fits for large and small aquariums. It is convenient to adjust the height according to fish tank size or the water level and can be easily stored and hung on the tank’s rim if you want a quick cleaning.
The Bad
The whole set also includes a cleaning head and a cleaning bag but does not include two C-Type batteries. If you have a tank that is much larger, it will take some time to clean as it may not be powerful enough to clean bigger aquariums.
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CONs
Songway Aquarium Gravel Cleaner
When you need the best fish tank gravel vacuum that makes sure that gravel and plants stay in place while cleaning, you may want to consider the Songway Aquarium Gravel Cleaner.
Product Highlights
The Songway Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is designed with a filter pump, and water flow control valve that cleans debris, changes the tank’s water and cleans sand while the fish, plant, or gravel stays in place.
The Good
The amazing thing about this product is its shut off valve design that controls the water flow speed at any time. It ensures water won’t spill to the ground when you’re busy cleaning the tank.
The Bad
The product is easy to use. Simply squeeze the hand pump, and the siphon will get to work, but the tube may not bend well because of its awkward shape when you are targeting every nook and cranny.
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CONs
Luigi's Aquarium/Fish Tank Siphon and Gravel Cleaner
Maybe you are looking for the best aquarium gravel vacuum cleaner that can clear 30 liters of water in five minutes. Then the Luigi's Aquarium/Fish Tank Siphon and Gravel Cleaner is ready to do the job!
Product Highlights
The Luigi's Aquarium/Fish Tank Siphon and Gravel Cleaner is a robust product that can effectively siphon a tank at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it is fish and invertebrate safe. Its safe filter design prevents fish and shrimp from getting into the tube.
The Good
It operates without the messy drips and spills. Using the one-way valve suction system, you can effectively drain a 30 liters or an eight-gallon tank in five minutes. It is made of high-quality, durable material and is even suitable for oils and other liquids.
The Bad
It does the job effectively and extremely fast. It may suck the water out too fast for tanks that are smaller. You will need to monitor the water flow when cleaning smaller tanks. It takes a long time cleaning tanks, and the vacuum doesn’t allow you to get into crevices in your gravel.
PROs
CONs
Lee's 12-Inch Slim Jr. Ultra Gravel Vacuum Cleaner
If you want something that is safe to use on smaller aquariums and fish bowls, Lee's 12-Inch Slim Jr. Ultra Gravel Vacuum Cleaner is designed for smaller tanks.
Product Highlights
The Lee's 12-Inch Slim Jr. Ultra Gravel Vacuum Cleaner comes with a cylinder that is 12-inches long and is designed to separate debris and water pollutants from gravel, and it is ideal for smaller tanks.
The Good
It is precisely engineered to clean smaller aquariums. It is a basic gravel washer, and the 1.25-inch in diameter hose does not suction gravel too quickly. It can clean a five to ten-gallon tank.
The Bad
The vacuum is fast, and it is ideal for small fish bowls but may not be safe for tanks smaller than five gallons. The cylinder may suction the water too fast, and you may need to monitor it closely.
PROs
CONs
Things To Remember When Buying Fish Tank Gravel Vacuum Cleaners
If you need something that will simplify the cleaning process, investing in the right fish tank gravel vacuum can make quick work. What usually takes hours removing water, sifting gravel and cleaning rocks can be done in minutes if you have the right product. To help you decide on the best one, the best fish tank gravel vacuum should have these qualities:
- Durable - Cleaning tanks can be a weekly occurrence, and some enthusiasts would spot check daily. You will need a cleaner that can withstand multiple uses and will not leak or spill every time.
- Safety filters - Fish and plants should be safe from any device being used in the tank. Cleaners should filter or safe meshes installed to prevent our fishy friends from getting suctioned in accidentally. It should also have safety devices installed so that plants and gravel will stay in place while you’re cleaning.
- Easy to operate - Most cleaners need to be assembled before using them. It should be easy to install and easy to use, so you will spend more time cleaning the gravel, tank sides and rocks, instead of focusing on making sure the moving and non-moving parts of the device are functioning.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for the best fish tank gravel vacuum but you’re not sure about which one to choose? The best cleaner should give you a worry-free experience whenever water-change and routine maintenance rolls around. If you’re ready to remove stubborn debris and dirt safely, remember this guide. Take time to find the model that works best for you and your fish friends. Find that perfect cleaner for you and enjoy cleaning tanks without the mess! Find out more about aquarium care.