Editor's Choice - Our Favorite AquaTop Aquarium Gravel Cleaners

1. AquaTop Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Vaccum Cleaner

User Ratings: 35 35

AquaTop First Impressions

"Turned my normal 3."

I wish i had bought this the first time. It kept coming off and made a mess on the floor. I am so glad to have this for my fish care. They more than helped me resolve my situation. Which was why I'm so glad I got this one. It doesn't do as good a job cleaning the gravel like a gravity suction siphon. It did however do a better job than the gravel vac i was using before.

  • AquaTop Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Vaccum Cleaner
  • Recommended for 20-55 Gal Tanks
  • Unique Ball Valve Siphon
  • Integrated Gravel/Fish Guard
  • On/Off Flow Control Valve
  • Length: 8ft (Including hose & gravel head)
  • Manufacture: Aquatop
  • Editor's Impressions Of The AquaTop
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='4']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='3.4']
  • Quality [star rating='4.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.6']

AquaTop Final Thoughts

"Still working great."

So after I received my replacement tool, i did a water change with it. Ignore the orang plastic clip that attaches to a bucket. If, like me, you can't get suction going on a low-tech vacuum, get this thing! I was using a 110 Volt aquarium cleaner before I purchased this one. Next time, I'll lay towels down around the tank. We have a snapping turtle and I was having to clean his tank 2-3 times a month. I had a couple of problems as it was the first time I have used anything like this.

Overall Score
3.3

[star rating="3.3"]
(3 Points)

2. Mcgrady1xm Electric Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, 5 in 1 Automatic Vacuum Fish Tank Cleaning Tool Set,Wat...

User Ratings: 33 22

mcgrady1xm First Impressions

"And it worked great."

This is how I got the NICREW power vac to work with sand and large poop. The hardest thing to do is wrap up the cord to store it after use. I liked the idea of this product when I saw it, and decided to take a chance. I only needed 2 pumps to get the flow going. I had a couple of problems as it was the first time I have used anything like this. This gravel vacuum works very well. The trigger can be pulled on and off and it shakes the gravel for you.

  • Mcgrady1xm Electric Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, 5 in 1 Automatic Vacuum Fish Tank Cleaning Tool Set,Water Changer Sand Washer with Filter Cotton
  • 【Full of Sincerity, Full in Packages】1 handle, 4 sections of extension tubes, 1 switch,1 low suction pump, 1 sand vaccum, 1 shower, 1 debris vacuum, 1 brush head, 1 sand washing head, 1 filter bag and 59in water hose
  • 【Longer and Deeper】Comes with 4 sections of extension tube, which can extend from 19 inches to 46 inches, longer than other products! 4-foot-deep fish tank can be easily cleaned and water changed
  • 【Water Changer】Super strong pump and high heed,flow rate up to 496GPH(8.3 Gallon per Minute), 7ft head, starting water level as low as 1.9in, pumping as low as 0.3in, shallow fish tank can also use, fast and efficient, no need to waste time manually changing water,drop your siphon!
  • 【Upgrade 5 in 1】We can do: ① Quickly suck impurities ② Quickly wash sand ③ Rain mode ④ Pumping mode ⑤ Quickly add water mode to meet all your cleaning and water changing requirements
  • 【Perform their duties】Duckbill suction head is suitable for bare tank use, corner sand washing head is suitable for landscaping sand and stone fish tank, effluent rain shower can bathe turtles, low suction seat can be sucked to low water level, Sand washing head attachment for cleaning coarse gravel , brush head for cleaning on the substrate
  • Manufacture: mcgrady1xm
  • Editor's Impressions Of The mcgrady1xm
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='4.1']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='3.6']
  • Quality [star rating='3.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4']
  • Affordability [star rating='3']

mcgrady1xm Final Thoughts

"I totally recommend this."

In saying this it's nice to not lift those heavy buckets to the top anymore. It has adjustable flow as well which helps between my gravel tank and sand tank. It's also pretty slow going, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. It doesn't do as good a job cleaning the gravel like a gravity suction siphon. Prolly also easier to use with larger hands. Compared to how I was cleaning before, this made cleaning my tanks a breeze. I don't use the sponge and filter pad that came with the device.

Overall Score
3.3

[star rating="3.3"]
(33 Points)

3. HEEPDD Aquarium Water Changer, 59inch Length Fish Tank Manual Cleaning Tool Gravel Sand Cleaner Vacu...

User Ratings: 24 25

HEEPDD First Impressions

"It really helped a lot."

It got clogged with a small plastic container that got caught in the disposal. Wasted an entire morning taking it apart, checking everything etc. Next time, I'll lay towels down around the tank. Python is good too but this is fast, easy and light. Wasted an entire morning taking it apart, checking everything etc. I also found that the angled attachment clogged way easy. Ignore the orang plastic clip that attaches to a bucket.

  • HEEPDD Aquarium Water Changer, 59inch Length Fish Tank Manual Cleaning Tool Gravel Sand Cleaner Vacuum Siphon Tube for Water Changing and Sand Cleaner (AS-999)
  • Easy to Use---This aquarium water changer is easy to use, you just need to put the tube head immersed into the water and move up and down to produce pressure in the tube, then the water will automatically flow through the pipe due to the siphon effect.
  • Multi Purpose---This aquarium water changer not only can change water, but also can clean up small gravel and remove excrement at ease.
  • Qualitative Materials---The soft long pipe of this aquarium water changer is made of PVC, which is eco-friendly, non-toxic and flexible.
  • Special Tube Head Design---This aquarium water changer adopts special tube head design, makes it more convenient than other products to change the water at the aquarium manually.
  • Suitable for Small Sized Aquarium---This aquarium water changer is mainly suitable for family small sized aquarium or fish tank.
  • Manufacture: HEEPDD
  • Editor's Impressions Of The HEEPDD
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='2.4']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4']
  • Quality [star rating='2.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='2.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.5']

HEEPDD Final Thoughts

"That's all i want."

I'm thinking of other ways this could be used! I got a bunch of sludge out of the bottom of my aquarium. It did however do a better job than the gravel vac i was using before. This is how I got the NICREW power vac to work with sand and large poop. It just takes a little bit of trial and error on your part. It just takes a little bit of trial and error on your part. Maybe I'm using it wrong, but I got water EVERYWHERE.

Overall Score
3.1

[star rating="3.1"]
(8 Points)

4. Water Tech Fish Tank Cleaner, Cordless Battery Powered Aquarium Cleaner Vacuum Gravel Cleaner & Siph...

User Ratings: 44 18

Water Tech AquariumVac First Impressions

"Just saying."

I am very satisfied with how the aquarium cleaner operates and highly recommend it. Needless to say there was a lot of muc on the bottom. Suction is amazing and I don't have any issues. I lose about 5 gallons a week due to evaporation. It's well worth reaching out to Nicrew to exchange or find a resolution. I would recommend this due to the fantastic job it has provided for my needs. I love the extendable attachments for my larger tanks.

  • Water Tech Fish Tank Cleaner, Cordless Battery Powered Aquarium Cleaner Vacuum Gravel Cleaner & Siphon Vac. Adjustable Water Flow, Ideal for Quick Gravel Cleaning and Water Changing
  • CORDLESS: Ideal for quick and easy cleaning of Fish Tank gravel. Vacuums food, fish waste and toxins that build up in the tank. Powered by 3 C-cell batteries. (batteries not included)
  • 2-STAGE MICRO-FILTER: Unique 2-stage micro-filter can remove the finest debris from gravel substrate without disturbing aquarium water. Includes connection to be used as Siphon.
  • FISH-SAFE QUIET DRIVE MOTOR: Low-speed motor performs efficiently without stress to the fish. Includes control to adjust vacuum power.
  • MAINTAINS WATER LEVEL: Incorporating in-tank Filtration & Exhaust, the Aquarium Vac cleans the tank without emptying and changing the chemistry or balance of the water.
  • WHATS INCLUDED: (1) Aquarium Vac. Siphon tube, 2-Stage Filter, (2) Vac Head extensions
  • Manufacture: Water Tech
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Water Tech AquariumVac
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='3.1']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='2.9']
  • Quality [star rating='2.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.1']

Water Tech AquariumVac Final Thoughts

"Hope this helps someone."

I did add a hose from an old gravel cleaner to reach my bucket. Ohh I also use it to add water to my system. Ignore the orang plastic clip that attaches to a bucket. It's easy to put together, easy to use, easy to clean. Idk what other people are talking about that it barely pulls. I have several divided tanks and I struggle to get the normal syphon in to clean. So, I bought a 20 gallon long and transferred them from the 10 gallon.

Overall Score
3.6

[star rating="3.6"]
(6 Points)

5. Marina Suction Pump for Marina AquaVac

User Ratings: 61

Marina 11046 First Impressions

"It's so easy."

Takes me less than 10min to clean my tank with this method. It would get clogged with leaves and such but that's expected. It's also pretty slow going, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Product arrived really quick and is packaged nicely. I may modify mine to be more robust. Wasted an entire morning taking it apart, checking everything etc. Gravel cleaning has become so easy and mess free.

  • Marina Suction Pump for Marina AquaVac
  • Suction Pump attachment for use with the Marina AquaVac
  • Includes brass and garden adapters for female connectors
  • Includes rubber O-Rings
  • For use with the Marina AquaVac's 11040 and 11041
  • Manufacture: Marina
  • Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 4.9 x 8.7 inches; 4.8 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Marina 11046
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='5']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4.3']
  • Quality [star rating='3.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.5']

Marina 11046 Final Thoughts

"Finally, I found this."

You fill the chamber with filter substrate. Next time, I'll lay towels down around the tank. Easy peasy and clean up is a breeze. Next time, I'll lay towels down around the tank. This thing does both at the same time and quickly. I would recommend this due to the fantastic job it has provided for my needs. Like I said can splice more hose on to reach to the outside or wherever.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(13 Points)

6. Lee's The Ultimate Gravel Vac 25' Kit

User Ratings: 61 7

Lee's 11570 First Impressions

"The primer pump works."

Wasted an entire morning taking it apart, checking everything etc. Ignore the orang plastic clip that attaches to a bucket. It's well worth reaching out to Nicrew to exchange or find a resolution. I got a bunch of sludge out of the bottom of my aquarium. As you can see from the photo, it works great! It just takes a little bit of trial and error on your part. I'm thinking of other ways this could be used!

  • Lee's The Ultimate Gravel Vac 25' Kit
  • Ultimate Gravel Vac attaches directly to most faucets and allows water to drain directly into sink
  • Includes Fish-Saver cleaning assembly
  • No more need for heavy ,messy, un-wieldy buckets
  • Water changes refresh your aquarium with precious nutrients and remove excess debris.
  • Manufacture: Lee's Pet Products
  • Product Dimensions: 4 x 9.63 x 14.25 inches; 3.4 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Lee's 11570
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='4.5']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4.6']
  • Quality [star rating='4.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.4']

Lee's 11570 Final Thoughts

"Again this item is great."

It siphons the water out of the aquarium very quickly. I was worried I would have to keep unplugging and plugging in through out cleaning. I can't believe how inexpensive this most awesome thing is! This little tool helped so much my bare bottom tank looks great again. I got a bunch of sludge out of the bottom of my aquarium. The only draw back, wish it came with a longer hose or attachment to make it longer. The assembly instructions for this unit are unquestionably clear and precise.

Overall Score
4.2

[star rating="4.2"]
(27 Points)

7. SunGrow Aquarium Water Change Gloves (18"), Keep Hands & Arms Dry, Ensures Regular Fish Tank Mainten...

User Ratings: 68

SunGrow First Impressions

"No suction."

It has adjustable flow as well which helps between my gravel tank and sand tank. If for some reason this one fails, I'll just buy it again. I am very satisfied with how the aquarium cleaner operates and highly recommend it. This thing does both at the same time and quickly. I have a 29g aquarium and it does suction quickly as others have said. Gets under decorations between plants and in corners. I would definitely recommend this product.

  • SunGrow Aquarium Water Change Gloves (18"), Keep Hands & Arms Dry, Ensures Regular Fish Tank Maintenance, Elastic forearm seals, Heavy-duty construction, 1-Pair
  • TAKING SMALL STEPS IS EVERYTHING --- Every aquarium owner knows how sensitive fish and aquatic life is. A direct contact of your skin with them or the water that they live in, may make their inhabitants ill. To avoid this unfortunate situation, use SunGrow Aquarium Gloves whenever you perform aquarium tasks, be it shifting the fish or just playing with them with your hands in water.
  • PERFECT MATCH FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED AQUARIUMS --- A unique blend of latex and PVC creates a durable waterproof exterior while a soft fine Cashmere lining provides a warm, comfortable interior. Please note that the purple part of the glove is not waterproof. The pair of gloves is perfectly fit for using in small aquariums ranging two to ten gallons.
  • ARM LENGTH WITH SEAMLESS STITCHING & ELASTIC CUFF --- Keep your hands, arms and sleeves dry with the extra long 18 inches (45 cm) SunGrow Aquarium Gloves with superior seamless stitching. A secure elastic cuff around the wrist of each glove ensures that the SunGrow Aquarium Gloves won’t slide down or fall off while you are wearing them.
  • NO SKID DESIGN --- The non-skidding surface of the SunGrow Aquarium Gloves makes the task very convenient when handling sensitive aquatic life such as coral, sea anemone and crustaceans.
  • DIFFERENT ALTERNATE USES OTHER THAN AQUARIUM MAINTENANCE --- Beyond standard aquarium maintenance, the versatile SunGrow Aquarium Gloves are also useful for a variety of other household tasks such as hand washing your cars, scrubbing the bathroom and dish washing.
  • Editor's Impressions Of The SunGrow
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='4.9']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='3.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

SunGrow Final Thoughts

"Would def recommend!"

I had a couple of problems as it was the first time I have used anything like this. It siphons the water out of the aquarium very quickly. Maybe I'm using it wrong, but I got water EVERYWHERE. Hard for small hands like mine to grasp and use easily. So, I bought a 20 gallon long and transferred them from the 10 gallon. The water gets filtered in the chamber and then RETURNED BACK TO THE TANK! Prolly also easier to use with larger hands.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(31 Points)

8. Hagen Marina Betta Waste Remover for Aquarium

User Ratings: 52 10

Marina 11056A1 First Impressions

"Works great."

It's also pretty slow going, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. This hose would be over kill for 20 gals or less but I have 40 gal tanks. It got clogged a few times and i had to take it to the sink and run water through it. I hope that I do not need another but I would purchase again without hesitation. It siphons the water out of the aquarium very quickly. It has adjustable flow as well which helps between my gravel tank and sand tank. The only draw back, wish it came with a longer hose or attachment to make it longer.

  • Hagen Marina Betta Waste Remover for Aquarium
  • Waste Remover for betta kits
  • Easy to use
  • Helps provide your betta with a fresh environment to live in
  • Manufacture: Marina
  • Product Dimensions: 2 x 2.8 x 13.5 inches; 1.41 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Marina 11056A1
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='3.5']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4']
  • Quality [star rating='4.6']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.1']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.7']

Marina 11056A1 Final Thoughts

"It cleans itself!"

I also used this LinkinsLegacy cleaner in my kitchen sink. I only needed 2 pumps to get the flow going. It just takes a little bit of trial and error on your part. I hope that I do not need another but I would purchase again without hesitation. Cleaning a tank is the worst part of the fish owning process. I can't believe how inexpensive this most awesome thing is! That said, the results were excellent.

Overall Score
3.9

[star rating="3.9"]
(466 Points)

9. Matala Gravel Vacuum Suction Head

User Ratings: 37 20

Matala First Impressions

"Etc etc etc."

The vacuum power is amazingly strong, yet adjustable. Suction is amazing and I don't have any issues. Definitely not for the common colored gravel found at pet stores. I don't use the sponge and filter pad that came with the device. I should have believed the other reviews. Cleaning a tank is the worst part of the fish owning process. I have a 29g aquarium and it does suction quickly as others have said.

  • Matala Gravel Vacuum Suction Head
  • the matala gravel vacuum head is designed to clean gravel bottom ponds without sucking up the gravel. Suitable gravel sizes are between 3/8" to 1" size. The gravel vacuum head can be used to clean the surface of the rock or it can be pushed down into the gravel up to 2 inches deep for a deeper cleaning.   click here for information
  • Manufacture: Matala
  • Item Weight: 1.05 pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Matala
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='3.7']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4.2']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.3']

Matala Final Thoughts

"And it keeps flowing!"

This one doesn't lose suction, and is easy to use. At first I was furious with this thing. The vacuum power is amazingly strong, yet adjustable. Most of the poop just sits on the top the sand substrate in my tank. The last two pictures display the suction cup with its perforated screen inside it. Best gadget i bought for cleaning tanks! My tank was beyond maintenance work with alot of decay and algae.

Overall Score
3.6

[star rating="3.6"]
(14 Points)

10. Unigift Aquarium Water Changer with Airbag and Water Flow Controller - 8.2ft

User Ratings: 63 8

Unigift First Impressions

"It has two connectors."

I just left the spongy looking one. The assembly instructions for this unit are unquestionably clear and precise. At first I was furious with this thing. It just takes a little bit of trial and error on your part. I also used this LinkinsLegacy cleaner in my kitchen sink. 20 gallon long also means more ADFs! Compared to how I was cleaning before, this made cleaning my tanks a breeze.

  • Unigift Aquarium Water Changer with Airbag and Water Flow Controller - 8.2ft
  • EASY TO USE- Simply insert the filter of the Aquarium Cleaner Vacuum into fish tank and gently squeeze the pump. Spot clean by inserting the filter into the gravel and squeezing the pump to create a siphon then slightly lifting up so you don’t remove fish tank gravel.
  • NO MESS SHUT OFF VALVE- Our fish tank vacuum cleaner has a shut off valve that will ensure water does not spill on the ground when you’re done cleaning. The aquarium siphon pump can used around carpet with no worries of spilling water.
  • RIGID PIPE SECTION- The aquarium vacuum cleaner hose is designed with an 8.2Ft rigid filter and pipe section to make cleaning the aquarium quick and easy. The total length with flexible hose is 8 feet (96 inches).The fish tank vacuum parts are made so you can attach even longer sections of hose if needed.
  • FILTER –Place the filter of the fish tank gravel cleaner on to gravel to clean gravel bed while making a regular water change. Water will flow quickly thru and the filter will separate gravel from debris. With this filter attached you will not be able to pump out larger gravel, plants or fish.
  • Safety: protect your fishes from scare while replacing the water.
  • Manufacture: UniGift
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Unigift
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='5']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='3.3']
  • Quality [star rating='3.1']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Unigift Final Thoughts

"Happy customer."

Python is good too but this is fast, easy and light. I was worried I would have to keep unplugging and plugging in through out cleaning. I even decimated my snail problem with this thing. It has adjustable flow as well which helps between my gravel tank and sand tank. I have a 29g aquarium and it does suction quickly as others have said. Gravel cleaning has become so easy and mess free. If you've never used a gravel vac, get this product and watch a YouTube video.

Overall Score
4.1

[star rating="4.1"]
(35 Points)

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