If you want to keep the aquarium look clean, then there is the need to have the best aquarium vacuum cleaner starting today.
There are many models of vacuum cleaners on the market today that can all come in handy for making sure you keep the aquarium substrate great.
With the best environment, the aquarium inhabitants will always have an easy time staying in such a good environment. You no longer have to just settle for any other model.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need an Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner?
If you own an aquarium, it is your responsibility to maintain a clean environment for your fish. This includes cleaning the substrates all the time. The best way to do so would be the trough the use of a vacuum cleaner.
Removing stubborn debris is a common use for a vacuum cleaner. The debris can be the dirt, waster, or uneaten meals in the tank.
They always end up in the substrate and start decomposing while others become an environmental hazard. Cleaning using the traditional methods of removing the whole water or everything from the aquarium is not always the answer.
This is how you get to use the vacuum cleaner. This method helps also with removing the large quantities of ammonia and nitrate that might be accumulating in the tank.
A vacuum cleaner could also come in handy to help maintain consistent water chemistry.
For some fish and other plants, they only survive in certain environments. It is the reason you have to maintain the pH in the important range.
You can always see why more people would want to use the vacuum cleaner after this. With the pH maintained in the right range, you should not have any problems with the aquatic life.
The 10 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Your Aquariums
Pictures | Vacuum Cleaners | For Aquariums | Links |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System | Small & Large Aquariums | |
![]() | TERAPUMP Genuine Aquarium Pond Fish Tank Cleaner | Small & Large Aquariums | |
![]() | SunGrow Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Kit | Small Aquariums | |
![]() | Python Pro-Clean Gravel Washer Siphon Kit | Up to 10, 20, 55 Gallons | |
![]() | Luigi's Aquarium Siphon and Gravel Cleaner | Up to 50 Gallons | |
![]() | Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner | Up to 15, 20, 35, 40, 75 Gallons | |
![]() | SSRIVER Aquarium Gravel Cleaner | Small & Large Aquariums | |
![]() | NICREW Automatic Gravel Cleaner | Medium & Large Aquariums | |
![]() | Marina Easy Clean Gravel Cleaner | Nano, Small & Large Aquariums | |
![]() | LL Products Gravel Vacuum for Aquarium | Medium, Large, Extra Large Aquariums |
Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
1. Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System

The health of your aquarium is always important. This calls for having the right maintenance system and this product should help you with doing that. So, why do people like this model?
One thing is for sure, you will always have the best performance when it comes to using this type of product. It is easy to set up and anyone with an aquarium can use it.
Mostly setting up can scare some people to think that a model might not be great. All that changes when you have this as the maintenance system.
There is no need to assemble this model. The manufacturer sends you this model already assembled. You simply have to set it up on the aquarium for cleaning.
No more spills, which is a good thing for many people. You do not have to worry about spilling into the room when cleaning the aquarium.
The quality of the model is quite unbeatable. It comes with amazing construction that is worth every penny that you spend on it. The best part is that you get this model is made of materials approved by FDA.
Pros
- It is time-saving
- Environmentally friendly
- It has the best quality
- It cleans with ease
Cons
- Not easy to use for newbies. It needs a bit of learning
2. TERAPUMP Genuine Aquarium Pond Fish Tank Cleaner

This is another top model that you could use today when it comes to cleaning your aquarium. Its performance has made it one of the best you could choose today.
It is the reason find it is quite popular among many people. They will always want to pick up and use it for cleaning their aquariums.
The best part about this model is that it is multipurpose. You can use it for cleaning sand and gravel. No need to have two different types of cleaners when this one is available today.
It offers you a good suction important for cleaning your aquarium with ease. It is a manual squeezing pump, so no more worries that you might have to get batteries at some point.
For many, they feel it is ideal when replacing your aquarium water and still maintain the best aquarium life. You will get up to a total of 1.5 gallons per minute. This is quite a fast transfer rate when compared to other top models on the market.
Pros
- Good to use when doing a water change
- BPA free construction
- Easy to operate
- Highly versatile
Cons
- The manual operation does not appeal to all people
3. SunGrow Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Kit

There is no point of being messy when it comes to cleaning your aquarium. No more scooping the dirty water into a pail when this model is available. The kit comes with all the equipment needed for cleaning the aquarium.
You get a hand controller that is effective for removing the dirt in the aquarium with ease. Within a few minutes of cleaning, you should start to see the difference in your aquarium water.
The model is good for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. If you have these two tanks in the house, you may not necessarily have to buy two different types of vacuum cleaners. Each of the parts is constructed to meet the needs of the user all the time.
With this model, you should find that routine maintenance just got easier. You can use the short nozzle that comes with the model to clean the gravel and any other type of substrate. The flexible tubing allows you to reach the different areas where the dirt might be.
The overall operation should be amazing for many people always. You will not have to worry about dirt accumulating in the aquarium anymore.
Pros
- Easy to work with
- Takes less time to set up
- Compact for hassle-free storage
- Easy for maintenance
Cons
- A few quality issues
4. Python Pro-Clean Gravel Washer Siphon Kit

This Pro-Clean Gravel Washer and Siphon kit from Python will effectively remove debris from your aquarium gravel. You can use it each time you change the water.
The device is made with high-quality, flexible tubing, and it has a gravel tube that is extra tough, so it will not chip nor crack. It is large, so you can use it for any aquarium ranges from 20 to 55 gallons in size.
You can use this right out of the package, and there is no assembly required. Even a beginner can use this kit, as it’s easy to use and much more affordable than other options. It has good suction, and it drops any sand that might be present.
This kit siphons slowly, too, so you can pay attention to what you are doing without rushing. It also is gentle enough so that it easily separates the debris from the gravel.
Pros
- Suction is powerful, but not overly fast
- Narrow tube won’t allow for large pieces of gravel to come up
- You can get into tight spaces
Cons
- Some report that the hard plastic part easily cracks
- No hand pump to get it started
5. Luigi’s Aquarium Siphon and Gravel Cleaner

This is the perfect option for when you do regular water changes in your aquarium. You don’t have to worry about dripping, and this is a sturdy option.
When you use this siphon and gravel cleaner, you can filter through all of the gravel on the bottom of the tank. It easily pulls up uneaten food, waste, and even other debris that begins to build up over time.
There is a filter on this cleaner, which means you don’t have to worry about accidentally sucking up small shrimp or fish. Other cleaner vacuum tubes do not have this feature. However, the holes are a little small, so you can’t suck up larger pieces of debris.
You also get a great value for your money when you choose this option, as it is affordable, and it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. So, you can buy this one with confidence.
Pros
- Filter stops you from sucking up small fish or shrimp
- Affordable price makes it a good value
- Hand pump
Cons
- No instructions come with the device
- The holes are a little small
6. Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner

If you have an aquarium, you know that a good, clean tank is a big necessity. You must clean the tank to ensure your fish survive, and the Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner helps you do that, perfectly.
To do this, you simply need to place the tube in the tank, and then make a few wrist motions in order to push the water through the tube. Once the water begins to flow through, you can easily suck up debris from around the gravel.
Though the suction from this vacuum cleaner for aquariums is strong, it will not such up any gravel. Instead, the gravel falls back down to the bottom of the tank where it belongs.
You can use this vacuum device for tanks of all sizes, but keep in mind that it drains the water quite quickly.
Pros
- Works well to separate gravel from debris
- Includes a clip to attach the hose to a bucket
- Fast draining
Cons
- Could be too quick for small or nano tanks
- No filter, so you could suck up small fish
7. SSRIVER Aquarium Gravel Cleaner

This aquarium gravel cleaner has a handy design, which you can use to clean different size fish tanks. It is also very easy to operate.
With a filter, you can easily avoid sucking up gravel or even small fish or animals like shrimp. It also helps to easily separate the debris from the things that are supposed to stay in your tank.
To use this aquarium vacuum cleaner, you simply press the air-pressing button to begin to pump water out. There is also a flow adjuster, so you can go as fast or as slow as you wish as you remove the water from your tank.
This comes with a number of amazing accessories that other vacuums don’t have. These include a glass scraper, flow clamp, valve, and filter.
This also comes with a guarantee, so if you aren’t happy with the purchase, the company will replace it or offer a refund.
Pros
- Adjustable flow
- Many accessories, including a glass scraper
- Air-pressing button begins the flow of water
Cons
- No seals, so air can escape making suction weak
- Leaks may occur
8. NICREW Automatic Gravel Cleaner

This automatic gravel cleaner from NICREW is a great option for those looking for an upgraded version of an aquarium vacuum cleaner.
This vacuum is an ideal option for those looking for a complete aquarium cleaner, or it is good for quick maintenance.
You can use this automatic gravel cleaner to remove all of the debris, uneaten food, and waste that your fish leave behind. It easily picks up the mess without disturbing the bottom layer of gravel.
You can use this in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and it can be used in aquariums with depths up to 28 inches.
When you use this, you will be removing the harmful toxins that can collect at the bottom of the tank, and it can reduce the stress on your aquarium’s filter. This is also an eco-friendly option, made with environmentally friendly materials.
Pros
- Hose is included in the purchase
- Powered by electricity, so it has a lot of power
- Extension tubes and nozzles are available
Cons
- Can’t use on tanks that are too shallow or deep
- Can clog with debris
9. Marina Easy Clean Gravel Cleaner

This Easy Clean Gravel Cleaner from Marina has been designed to be a hassle-free option for those looking to clean their aquarium gravel.
This device comes with a hose that will never kink. It also has a comfortable grip, and the tube has an oval shape, which allows you to get the hose easily into the corners of the tank.
The cleaning tube is 15-inches in length, and it has a diameter of 2.5 inches. It also comes with a 6-foot tube. It works quickly at sucking up debris, and it is hassle-free. It also has a guard attachment, so you won’t have to worry about sucking up gravel or fish.
The tube is soft and pliable, so it makes it easy to use. It also has a flow valve, which allows you to control the speed of the flow of water.
Pros
- The non-kinking hose that is soft and pliable
- Comes with a 6-foot tube, perfect for large tanks
- Comes with a guard attachment
Cons
- Lack of power
- Small pieces of gravel can get through the gravel guard
10. LL Products Gravel Vacuum for Aquarium

This gravel vacuum from LL Products is a BPA-Free gravel cleaning kit. The kit helps you to clean up the area around the gravel, and it does this quickly and easily.
The vacuum has one-way flow control, so that you don’t have to worry about water spilling out onto the ground or back into the tank.
This kit also comes with a shut-off valve, which allows you to adjust the flow of the water. You can also totally shut off the flow altogether, which is convenient when you are done cleaning the gravel.
There is a hand pump to get the flow started, and there is also a filter, which ensures you won’t suck up any of your fish or the gravel at the bottom of the tank.
You can cut the rigid pipe part of this kit, which means you can use it in fish tanks of any size, from 10 gallons up to 100 gallons.
Pros
- Comes with a filter
- You can easily adjust the flow
- BPA-free design
Cons
- Joints can leak water
- It is big and bulky when compared to other vacuums
What is the Best Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner?
After going through the reviews, this might be the question going through your mind right now. Well, not to worry, all the models reviewed above are good and can appeal to many people.
That being said, the Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System is the best of them all. The product has some amazing features that make it one of the best on the market right now.
The model’s design allows for fast cleaning and will not disturb the fish or décor already in the aquarium. You can always schedule routine maintenance and it will perform just as well.
No more buckets, siphons, or mess. You can be sure it will give you the performance you have always wanted and that is a good value for money.
How to Use an Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner?
It is not easy to fully explain how to use an aquarium vacuum cleaner as it can vary from one model to another. It is therefore important for you to check instructions from the manufacturer of the vacuum in learning more about using the vacuum cleaner.
For most models, you will not have to spend a lot of time learning about how to use the aquarium vacuum cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer settings if you want the cleaner to work great.
Python No Spill Water Change System Video Guide
How often Should You Vacuum the Gravel in the Aquarium?
When it comes to how often to vacuum the gravel, it all comes down to the type of aquarium you have. Some aquariums might have more fish or plants so it means vacuuming more often is important.
It is time that you took the time to analyze more on your aquarium needs. For most people, vacuuming once a week should be enough.
Conclusion
There you have it. It is possible to have the best aquarium vacuum cleaner starting today. The models mentioned above are good in most ways. This is to help you have a model that works great to give you the performance you have always wanted.
You can take your time to ensure that you get a model that works great always. With a proper cleaner, no more worries of dirt building up in your aquarium.
I have a question.
I love my python, but I can’t use it in my 20tank fish room.
It works perfectly on my big tanks in other parts of the house.
I have waterworks in my fish room, and…although it fills all the aquariums with water, it won’t vacuum them.
Most of them are higher than the water tap. Does that make a difference?
Thankyou
Where can I find that sunken ORCA ship?
I’m a new aquarium owner, so I’m learning along the way. It has become very dirty, with a lot of debris in the gravel. So I opted for the Laifoo aquarium vacuum cleaner. I always use this whenever I do a partial water change.