Gravel cleaning is a laborious task but yet important in keeping a healthy aquarium. Filtration systems and protein skimmers are not enough to maintain a healthy environment inside the tank. Cleaning gravel is also necessary to ensure that fishes, as well as marine plants, thrive in an ideal aquatic environment.
For first-time aquarists, cleaning gravel inside the aquarium may seem like a difficult task. Some may even attempt to completely empty the aquarium to replace water and then manually clean the gravel by hand. It is hard to believe that this really used to be how hobbyists used to clean their tanks. Thank god for recent developments which have made gravel cleaning easier and more efficient.
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Importance of Gravel Cleaning
The floor of your tank will accumulate an array of different organic materials. Pieces of fish food, fish waste, and organic matter will be caught in between the gravel substrate. To remove this debris you will need a gravel cleaner, or the quality of the aquarium water will suffer.
1. 25-Foot Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System
This product has dual purpose in that aside from being an effective gravel cleaner, it serves as a water-changing system too. This product is ready to use as it can be connected to almost all faucet types making water changes hassle-free.
The 25-foot Python No Spill Clean and Fill Gravel Cleaning system is ideal for small, frequent water changes as this promotes optimum health for your fishes. It prevents the buildup of toxins inside your aquarium overtime, These compounds not only affect water chemistry but are known to be detrimental to its inhabitants.
Your routine aquarium maintenance is going to be a breeze as cleaning gravel and changing water can both be done with the use of just one efficient system.
The 25-foot Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System is a complete system out of the box made up of the following parts:
- Faucet adapter
- Female connector
- Switch
- Gravel Tube for No Spill Clean and Fill System in 6 different sizes
- Brass adapter
- Male connector
- Universal adapter
- Brass snap connector
- Replacement pump
2. EHEIM Quick Vac Pro Automatic Gravel Cleaner
If grabbing a bucket and hoses isn’t your thing, the EHEIM Quick Vac Pro may be for you. This battery-operated gravel cleaner allows you to vacuum all debris into a super-fine mesh cartridge that functions to trap even the smallest particulates and debris with a click of a button.
The EHEIM Vac Pro Automatic Gravel Cleaner and Sludge Extractor is very easy to assemble as well. It is also relatively easy to remove the parts for a quick and easy cleanup process.
The suction power is great on the EHEIM is quite powerful, so be extra careful if you have a small tank. The manufacturer recommends a minimum 12″ inch depth tank.
3. Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner
The Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner features a self-priming tube that utilizes an up and down motion that initiates continuous water flow.
The debris then is pulled out from the aquarium so your fishes and plants end up with a cleaner and healthier aquarium environment.
The Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner comes with:
- 10-inch intake bulb
- Hose clip
- 6” flexible hose
4. Fluval EDGE Gravel Cleaner
Another famous tool used by many aquarists is the Fluval EDGE Gravel Cleaner. This product is undoubtedly an effective gravel cleaning tool that enables you to conveniently perform your gravel cleaning chore fast.
Although it’s made especially for the Fluval EDGE aquarium, it’s still quite effective in larger-sized tanks. It just requires more time to clean your aquarium as the suction power is limited due to it’s size.
If you have a small sized tanks either a nano or even a desktop tank, I would recommend you look into using the Fluval EDGE gravel cleaner.
Let’s take a closer look at what this tool has to offer:
Easy Start Valve – This mechanism automatically starts the siphoning by simply moving the device up and down in the water. The gravel cleaner generates continuous water flow which in turn sucks up dirt and debris. Consequently, the clean gravel is placed back to the aquarium bed.
Two Cleaning Attachments – The Fluval EDGE gravel cleaner comes with two attachments that facilitate precision and efficient cleaning.
- The GRAVEL HEAD is used for deep cleaning
- The SLIM NOZZLE is used to clean hard-reach areas and corners
The two cleaning attachments are perfect for cleaning decorated and well planted aquarium setups.
Gravel Guard – The Fluval EDGE Gravel Cleaner comes with a unique gravel guard which effectively prevents gravel from clogging the tube.
5. TOM Mr. Cleaner Battery Operated Gravel Siphon
TOM Aquarium Maintenance Mr. Cleaner Battery Operated Gravel Siphon is a highly regarded product due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The company has always been successful in coming out with superior quality and innovative products for pet owners.
Through the TOM Aquarium Maintenance Mr. Cleaner Battery Operated Gravel Siphon, aquarists are sure to have an easier time in the cleaning and maintenance of healthy aquarium environments. Gravel Siphon, aquarists are sure to have an easier time in the cleaning and maintenance of healthy aquarium environments.
This battery-operated gravel cleaner is perfect for nano tanks. It is a helpful device which effectively removes waste materials and particulates without having the need to remove valuable water inside the aquarium.
Other features:
- Easy flow rate allows for spot cleaning and reaching into difficult areas
- Highly reliable and very easy to operate
- Battery operated so you feel extra secure when using the product on the water
What’s Your Gravel Cleaner of Choice?
Do you already have a gravel cleaner? What do you make of it? What’s your choice to be dubbed as the best aquarium gravel cleaner?
Share it with us in the comments section below.
