Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Penn-Plax Aquarium Gravel Cleaners

1. Penn-Plax The Super Battery Powered Gravel Cleaner

User Ratings: 32 28

Penn-Plax BV2 First Impressions

"Great price!"

I highly recommend this product for all aquarium keepers. If you've never used a gravel vac, get this product and watch a YouTube video. They more than helped me resolve my situation. Hopefully my replacement works and I can change my review. You fill the chamber with filter substrate. Cleaning a tank is the worst part of the fish owning process. I can't believe a marvelous thing such as this could be so inexpensive!

  • Penn-Plax The Super Battery Powered Gravel Cleaner
  • Suitable Product for your pets; Quality Satisfaction Guaranteed
  • Dimension:6X6X6
  • Weight : 2
  • Manufacture: Penn Plax
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.5 x 15 inches; 12.7 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax BV2
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='2.7']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='2.2']
  • Quality [star rating='3.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.9']

Penn-Plax BV2 Final Thoughts

"At about 2."

Next time, I'll lay towels down around the tank. I have large fish and large fish make large poop! I may modify mine to be more robust. Takes me less than 10min to clean my tank with this method. If it isnt working for you, try without the micro pad in and do a great clean. I do not write a ton of reviews but I HAVE to review this amazing time saver! If you have a HUGE tank, though, it will tank you a while.

Overall Score
3.1

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

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Penn-Plax Aquarium Gravel Cleaners

2. Penn-Plax GV9 Aquarium Gravel Vac, 9" | Makes Cleaner Your Tank Quicker and Easier

User Ratings: 48 21

Penn-Plax GV9 First Impressions

"I totally recommend this."

That said, the results were excellent. It just takes a little bit of trial and error on your part. Returned, but agreed to try another one. I have never cleaned the rocks or changed the water in my aquarium so effortlessly. The filter loads up really fast, so it's not much good for recycling water cleaning. The suction is great as long af you're letting gravity work. It would get clogged with leaves and such but that's expected.

  • Penn-Plax GV9 Aquarium Gravel Vac, 9" | Makes Cleaner Your Tank Quicker and Easier
  • CLEANER, SCRAPER, AND SIPHON: designed to remove waste, dirt, and debris from your tank.
  • PERFECT FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE: it's easy to use and produces great results
  • IT WON'T SCRATCH THE GLASS: you can clean above and below your gravel line without fear of scratching
  • Age range description: All Life Stages
  • Manufacture: Penn Plax, INC.
  • Product Dimensions: 2 x 17.75 x 8.75 inches; 2.88 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax GV9
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='3']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4.7']
  • Quality [star rating='3.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.2']

Penn-Plax GV9 Final Thoughts

"I love it."

In saying this it's nice to not lift those heavy buckets to the top anymore. The bucket clamp also doesn't work very well. This little tool helped so much my bare bottom tank looks great again. This little tool helped so much my bare bottom tank looks great again. The water gets filtered in the chamber and then RETURNED BACK TO THE TANK! Do what I did, and do, and so many others have stated in their reviews. It's well worth reaching out to Nicrew to exchange or find a resolution.

Overall Score
3.7

[star rating="3.7"]
(25 Points)

3. Penn-plax Gravel Vac GVX

User Ratings: 40 14

Penn-Plax GVX First Impressions

"Would def recommend!"

Takes me less than 10min to clean my tank with this method. I knew siphoning would be an issue,. With this 12 Volt aquarium cleaner that apprehension is eliminated. I have large fish and large fish make large poop! Python is good too but this is fast, easy and light. If you've never used a gravel vac, get this product and watch a YouTube video. I knew siphoning would be an issue,.

  • Penn-plax Gravel Vac GVX
  • CLEANER AND SIPHON: designed to remove grungy waste, dirt layers, and debris from your tank
  • PERFECT FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE: it's self-starting siphon is easy to use and produces great results
  • LEAVES GRAVEL AT THE BOTTOM: you can clean above and below your gravel line without fear of scratching
  • EXTENDABLE: the tube extends from 9 to 16 inches, so this Gravel Vac is perfect for reaching every spot in your aquarium
  • SHOP PENN PLAX FOR ALL YOUR PET’S NEEDS: Penn Plax is a manufacturer and distributer of top pet supplies, who specialize in creating excellent pet products for animals both great and small
  • Manufacture: Penn Plax, INC.
  • Product Dimensions: 4.75 x 8.06 x 2.57 inches; 2.4 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax GVX
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='2.8']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='3.3']
  • Quality [star rating='2.6']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.1']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.4']

Penn-Plax GVX Final Thoughts

"We shall see."

I highly recommend this product for all aquarium keepers. I like the fact it is not draining the water when you vacuum. Next time, I'll lay towels down around the tank. I may modify mine to be more robust. Idk what other people are talking about that it barely pulls. I fell in love with African Dwarf Frogs when they were in a 10 gallon in my kitchen. Its made the water changes on my 55 gallon and 20 tall so easy.

Overall Score
3.6

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

4. Penn-Plax Gravel Vac Cleaner

User Ratings: 40 23

Penn-Plax GV16 First Impressions

"I love this."

It has adjustable flow as well which helps between my gravel tank and sand tank. I would get suction for a few seconds and then it would trickle to nothing. This electric gravel vac was the best solution for my set up. Anyone giving this product a bad review is not using it properly. I have gone through two others and they lasted about a month. I love the extendable attachments for my larger tanks. I gotta say tho that it's really powerful.

  • Penn-Plax Gravel Vac Cleaner
  • CLEANER, SCRAPER, AND SIPHON: designed to remove waste, dirt, and debris from your tank.
  • PERFECT FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE: it's easy to use and produces great results
  • IT WON'T SCRATCH THE GLASS: you can clean above and below your gravel line without fear of scratching
  • Manufacture: Penn Plax, INC.
  • Product Dimensions: 2.25 x 8.8 x 23.3 inches; 14.4 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax GV16
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='3.1']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='3.1']
  • Quality [star rating='4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='3']

Penn-Plax GV16 Final Thoughts

"I love it."

I knew siphoning would be an issue,. The vacuum power is amazingly strong, yet adjustable. I can't believe how inexpensive this most awesome thing is! It got clogged a few times and i had to take it to the sink and run water through it. I've done the siphon vacuum attempts with 3 different products. I even decimated my snail problem with this thing. I did have to cut one of the tubes to make it a little shorter but that was easy.

Overall Score
3.3

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

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling Penn-Plax Aquarium Gravel Cleaners

5. Penn-Plax GV5 Aquarium Gravel Vac

User Ratings: 77

Penn-Plax GV5 First Impressions

"Hope that made sense!"

The filter loads up really fast, so it's not much good for recycling water cleaning. I fell in love with African Dwarf Frogs when they were in a 10 gallon in my kitchen. With this 12 Volt aquarium cleaner that apprehension is eliminated. I do not write a ton of reviews but I HAVE to review this amazing time saver! Compared to how I was cleaning before, this made cleaning my tanks a breeze. It got clogged a few times and i had to take it to the sink and run water through it. Wasted an entire morning taking it apart, checking everything etc.

  • Penn-Plax GV5 Aquarium Gravel Vac
  • Cleaner, Scraper, And Siphon: Designed To Remove Waste, Dirt, And Debris From Your Tank
  • Perfect For Routine Maintenance: It'S Easy To Use And Produces Great Results
  • It Won'T Scratch The Glass: You Can Clean Above And Below Your Gravel Line Without Fear Of Scratching
  • Package Dimensions: 1.75" L X 8.5" W X 15.0" H
  • Manufacture: Penn Plax, INC.
  • Product Dimensions: 1.75 x 8.5 x 15 inches; 7.04 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax GV5
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='5']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4.3']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4']

Penn-Plax GV5 Final Thoughts

"Very simple."

I only needed 2 pumps to get the flow going. And the price is more than reasonable. Even straightening this it would just close at this point again. Within a half an hour my tank almost looked brand new. It's also pretty slow going, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I've gone though dozens of aquarium cleaning gadgets and products over the years. Cleaning a tank is the worst part of the fish owning process.

Overall Score
4.8

[star rating="4.8"]
(3 Points)

6. Aquarium Fish Tank Cleaning Kit Algae Scrapers Set 5 in 1 & Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner - Siphon Vacuum...

User Ratings: 50 9

GreenJoy First Impressions

"No spills and SO easy!"

I love this setup and how easy it was to use. Putting the thing together is really intuitive and easy. I may modify mine to be more robust. Python overkill for that size but it has it's place. Using a bucket to remove old water and then fill up bucket with new water. I don't use the sponge and filter pad that came with the device. I gotta say tho that it's really powerful.

  • Aquarium Fish Tank Cleaning Kit Algae Scrapers Set 5 in 1 & Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner - Siphon Vacuum for Water Changing and Sand Cleaner(25-65 gallons)
  • Including: Aquarium Fish Tank Clean Algae Scrapers 5 in 1 and Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner Siphon Vacuum for Water Changing and Sand Cleaner.
  • Aquarium Fish Tank Clean Algae Scrapers 5 in 1 includes: fish net, gravel rake, scraping algae, fork and sponge brush, can be easily assembled and disassembled with the strap.
  • Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner: Easy-to-use water change and sand clean, keep your fishes safe.
  • Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner: The soft hose can reach everywhere without difficulty, the gravel washer can be easy to clean the sand and sweep up the trash at the bottom of the fish tank.
  • Note: Please wash the product after cleaning the fish tank.
  • Manufacture: Cool Cool Shop
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 3 inches; 3.2 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The GreenJoy
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='4.5']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='3.2']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.4']

GreenJoy Final Thoughts

"Fantastic."

As you can see from the photo, it works great! Easy peasy and clean up is a breeze. I have never cleaned the rocks or changed the water in my aquarium so effortlessly. Returned, but agreed to try another one. In saying that I get build up of solids in certain parts of my tank. Suction is amazing and I don't have any issues. This one doesn't lose suction, and is easy to use.

Overall Score
3.9

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

7. Aqueon Water Changer Tube 18 Inches

User Ratings: 65 3

Aqueon 100106091 First Impressions

"No biggie."

Returned, but agreed to try another one. I'm thinking of other ways this could be used! I even decimated my snail problem with this thing. So after I received my replacement tool, i did a water change with it. I gotta say tho that it's really powerful. The water gets filtered in the chamber and then RETURNED BACK TO THE TANK! The water gets filtered in the chamber and then RETURNED BACK TO THE TANK!

  • Aqueon Water Changer Tube 18 Inches
  • Has a longer reach for deeper tanks
  • Easy and efficient for any level aquarist
  • Easy to clean
  • Manufacture: Central Garden & Pet
  • Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 8.7 x 2 inches; 4.8 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Aqueon 100106091
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='3.5']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='3.6']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Aqueon 100106091 Final Thoughts

"Would def recommend!"

Python is good too but this is fast, easy and light. I lose about 5 gallons a week due to evaporation. It has adjustable flow as well which helps between my gravel tank and sand tank. I love this setup and how easy it was to use. I don't use the sponge and filter pad that came with the device. Once you get the tank water flowing out of the tubing. It kept coming off and made a mess on the floor.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(54 Points)

8. Aqueon Medium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner

User Ratings: 61 7

Aqueon 100106229 First Impressions

"Cleaning is so EASY!"

It filters out the solids and returns the water to the tank. 20 gallon long also means more ADFs! I like the fact it is not draining the water when you vacuum. I can't believe a marvelous thing such as this could be so inexpensive! The assembly instructions for this unit are unquestionably clear and precise. With this 12 Volt aquarium cleaner that apprehension is eliminated. Needless to say there was a lot of muc on the bottom.

  • Aqueon Medium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner
  • Perfect for quick water changes
  • Efficiently separates debris from gravel
  • Self-priming, using up and down motion, to start water flow
  • Includes a clip for attaching the drain hose to the inside of a bucket
  • Suggested for Aquariums: 15-35 Gallons
  • Manufacture: Central Garden & Pet
  • Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 18.3 x 1.5 inches; 9.6 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Aqueon 100106229
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='3.4']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='3.9']
  • Quality [star rating='4.6']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='4']

Aqueon 100106229 Final Thoughts

"We shall see."

I am so glad to have this for my fish care. Like I said can splice more hose on to reach to the outside or wherever. They more than helped me resolve my situation. If, like me, you can't get suction going on a low-tech vacuum, get this thing! The suction is great and the valve at the end is perfect. I like the fact it is not draining the water when you vacuum. Definitely not for the common colored gravel found at pet stores.

Overall Score
4.2

[star rating="4.2"]
(4836 Points)

9. LALEO Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, Battery Powered Fish Tank Washer Siphon Water Change Cleaning Tool fo...

LALEO First Impressions

"We shall see."

Product seems to be well made and should work a long time with reasonable care. As you can see from the photo, it works great! 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. Product seems to be well made and should work a long time with reasonable care. The only draw back, wish it came with a longer hose or attachment to make it longer. So I use the NICREW power vac in between water changes and it works great!

  • LALEO Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, Battery Powered Fish Tank Washer Siphon Water Change Cleaning Tool for Aquarium Fish Tank - Adjustable
  • INLET AND EXTENSION TUBE-- Comes with a water inlet tube and two extension tubes, it's convenient for you to adjust the height according to fish tank size or the water level.
  • SAFETY DESIGN-- Designed with cleaning head with inner mesh, which can reduce suction and prevent water plants or small fish from being sucked up with water.
  • ALL-PURPOSE USE-- Aquarium gravel cleaner is used to clean gravel, siphon the fish excrement and other debris by the filter mesh bag, then the clean water will permeate from the bag and flow into tank, also can drain out water through outlet pipe.( Please kindly read the product size before you buy)
  • EASY TO PLACE--The top handle part can be hung on the rim of fish tank after used, the cleaner helps to free your hands and clean the tank effortlessly.
  • SWITCH BUTTON-- Powered by 2 pcs "C" type batteries, with switch button to control on / off.
  • Manufacture: LALEO
  • Editor's Impressions Of The LALEO
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='4.6']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

LALEO Final Thoughts

"Still working great."

This electric gravel vac was the best solution for my set up. It's easy to put together, easy to use, easy to clean. You won't go wrong with this product. I've gone though dozens of aquarium cleaning gadgets and products over the years. Within a half an hour my tank almost looked brand new. This thing does both at the same time and quickly. Wasted an entire morning taking it apart, checking everything etc.

Overall Score
5.0

[star rating="5"]
(1 Points)

10. Lee's Squeeze Bulb Ultra Gravel Vac

User Ratings: 28

Lee's 11544 First Impressions

"So I gave it a shot."

The trigger can be pulled on and off and it shakes the gravel for you. You won't go wrong with this product. The only draw back, wish it came with a longer hose or attachment to make it longer. Easy peasy and clean up is a breeze. I would definitely recommend this product. It did however do a better job than the gravel vac i was using before. It's also pretty slow going, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

  • Lee's Squeeze Bulb Ultra Gravel Vac
  • It also contains a efficient squeeze bulb
  • Water changes are a -inch snap-inch
  • Siphoning is easy no matter what the level of water in the aquarium
  • Includes a strainer to protect precious fish and plants from harm during water changes
  • Manufacture: Lee's Pet Products
  • Product Dimensions: 9.88 x 2.88 x 17 inches; 9.6 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Lee's 11544
  • Cleaning Ability [star rating='4.5']
  • Cleaning Speed [star rating='3.7']
  • Quality [star rating='4.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.8']

Lee's 11544 Final Thoughts

"If so hit helpful."

I'm thinking of other ways this could be used! I have a 20 gallon long tank at floor level. I have been looking for this for years. I have gone through two others and they lasted about a month. Easy peasy and clean up is a breeze. Once you get the tank water flowing out of the tubing. I've done the siphon vacuum attempts with 3 different products.

Overall Score
3.9

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

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