Any Powered Gravel Vacuums That You Recommend?

I do gravel vacs with my python siphon when I do my weekly water change, but I was wondering if there are any tried and tested, compact electric vacuums for this purpose. I see Eheim and Fluval have one each, but the reviews don't seem that great. I guess it doesn't even have to be electrical, just a reliable, compact piece of equipment.

I want something light, relatively small so I can gravel vac each day after feeding time, and the python is way too inconvenient to be hauling every day (got the longest one). I guess the cleaner the aquarium the better right? Or am I being obsessive?

Thanks!

 

Unless you are a commercial breeder, doing WC's everyday isn't neccessary. One 50% WC a week should be sufficient.
Be careful not to over feed and stock a good clean up crew.

 

Unless you are a commercial breeder, doing WC's everyday isn't neccessary. One 50% WC a week should be sufficient.
Be careful not to over feed and stock a good clean up crew.

Thanks! Got 2 mystery snails and 5 baby albino corys, I might get another 5.

 

Try here on how to build a Micro Gravel Vacuum/Water Polisher for small tanks that recirculates the water back into your tank.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/diy-micro-gravel-vacuum-water-polisher.394071/

The interface so no wiring is needed at all. You can build this in about 10 minutes.

 

An invaluable tool of the hobby is a simple turkey baster. In between WC's you can send any gunk and waste towards your filter with a baster. Also you can send it to an open area right before you drop your siphon in as to suck up a lot of waste instead of pulling a lot of water chasing waste around the tank.

 

I bought the Fluval vacuum & I’m not impressed. Used it twice I think

 

Recently acquired "Discus", it is highly recommended to keep tank as clean as possible. I use a Python but as mentioned what to do between water changes? I picked up a EHEIM Quick Vac Pro Automatic. (Caught it on sale)
I like it, could have just a bit more suction but it "Works".
Good Luck on your choice.

 

I do gravel vacs with my python siphon when I do my weekly water change, but I was wondering if there are any tried and tested, compact electric vacuums for this purpose. I see Eheim and Fluval have one each, but the reviews don't seem that great. I guess it doesn't even have to be electrical, just a reliable, compact piece of equipment.

I want something light, relatively small so I can gravel vac each day after feeding time, and the python is way too inconvenient to be hauling every day (got the longest one). I guess the cleaner the aquarium the better right? Or am I being obsessive?

Thanks!

I have a couple small tanks underneath my larger tanks, and just needed something that would get suction when the height to the bucket isn’t ideal (as well as the height above the tanks being a bit cramped). I decided to try the SSRIVER Aquarium gravel cleaner I saw on Amazon () and was amazed at how well it works, and the quality - to say nothing of the great price! I cut off 5” of one tube to better fit the depth of my tanks, and couldn’t be happier with how easy it is to just press the suction ‘button’ at the top to get the flow going. I really didn’t want something electrical, but I did want a WC/gravel cleaner that was easy to get started. I just recently started a Discus tank, and need to do daily cleaning - so I just bought a second SSRIVER gravel cleaner! My Discus tank is 24” high, and with the extension tube that comes with this unit it is so easy to keep their tank clean (I do use my Python every other day, mostly for the water changes, as hauling buckets for this size tank would get old pretty quick). I highly recommend you give it a try, and at this price you can afford multiple ones (I keep separate equipment for my QT tank)!

 

Try here on how to build a Micro Gravel Vacuum/Water Polisher for small tanks that recirculates the water back into your tank.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/diy-micro-gravel-vacuum-water-polisher.394071/

The interface so no wiring is needed at all. You can build this in about 10 minutes.

That looks like a really fun weekend project. And I believe I have one of those pumps laying around from an old desktop fountain that I had. Thanks! Gonna try that.

 

I do gravel vacs with my python siphon when I do my weekly water change, but I was wondering if there are any tried and tested, compact electric vacuums for this purpose. I see Eheim and Fluval have one each, but the reviews don't seem that great. I guess it doesn't even have to be electrical, just a reliable, compact piece of equipment.

I want something light, relatively small so I can gravel vac each day after feeding time, and the python is way too inconvenient to be hauling every day (got the longest one). I guess the cleaner the aquarium the better right? Or am I being obsessive?

Thanks!

I actually bought this gravel cleaner off of Amazon. Figure 13 bucks, looks cheap let's test it out.
I first bought a battery operated one then bought the electric powered one. Electric is better, saves on batteries. Haha
They had bad reviews on amazon, but I have no problems once I got the hang of it.
I use it 2 times a week in my 55 gallon tank to maintain leftover food, waste. Takes me about 15 mins to do a tidy up.

The bags are crappy so I bought fluval vacuum bags and they fit perfect. It was cheap vacuum and it does what I want. I used it on sand & gravel. Suction is good and gets the sludge out.
I also strongly advise to completely break it down after it use. Do not leave batteries in it or assembled. Needs to dry out between uses.
Just a suggestion for a quick clean.