Top 15 Best Aquarium Vacuum Cleaners To Buy 2021

Keeping an aquarium clean can be tough if you don’t have the best aquarium vacuum cleaner for your aquarium. If you maintain the aquarium properly, the aquarium inhabitants, fish, and plants will live longer.

To do so, you need a high-quality and an easy-to-use aquarium vacuum cleaner. Buying this device for the first time can be a bit challenging, but keep reading to find out more about the best models and their best features on the market.

Before I move on to the list, let’s learn more about aquarium vacuum cleaners.

Benefits of Using Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

Manually cleaning the aquarium is time-consuming, exhaustive and can result in potential damage to the aquarium environment. Also, you will probably skip some parts unintentionally, and mess up the Ph range.

Therefore, the primary benefit of using an aquarium vacuum cleaner is to remove the sturdy dirt from the bottom. The food waste, dirt, and debris can pile up on the bottom of the aquarium, and the vacuum cleaner will remove it efficiently.

Cleaning without a vacuum cleaner sometimes affects the clean water on the top, leaving the dirty one on the bottom. If you decide to get a model with a suck-up function, you can extend the time between two water changes by keeping the aquarium clean.

Additionally, there are models you can find on the list that ease the process of changing the water and cleaning at the same time.

What Are The Best Aquarium Vacuum Cleaners?

Here are my picks of best aquarium vacuum cleaners. For more information on each model, keep reading the article.

• Best Overall – Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Complete aquarium maintenance system, suitable for water changing and cleaning, time-saving and hassle-free system for clean aquarium.”
• Best Budget – Lee’s 6-Inch Self-Start Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Affordable and easy to use, excellent for fish bowls and designer aquariums, small diameter of the tube.”
• Best Automatic – Nicrew Automatic Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “2in1 aquarium maintenance kit for vacuuming and water changing, easy to use, removable filter, powerful.”
• Best Electric – Eheim Battery-Operated Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Convenient, battery-operated, powerful suction, wide sucking tube, no assembly, comes with a 2-year warranty.”
• Best for Gravel – Aqueon Siphon Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Powerful suction, easy to ensure water flow, great cleaning performance, assists in the water changing.”
• Best for Sand – Terapump Large Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Comes with two nozzles, suitable for quick cleaning and extensive maintenance, BPA-free plastic, has a suction tube and filter for preventing clogging.”
• Best for Algae Removal – Koller Products Battery-Operated Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Convenient tool for small aquariums, excellent suction power and simple operation, battery-operated and suitable for entire tank or spot-cleaning.”
• Best for Nano Aquarium – Terapump Nano Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Narrow suction tube, compact, yet powerful, suitable for precise cleaning, won’t harm fish and plants even in smallest areas.”
• Best for Betta Fish Tank – SunGrow Betta Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Easy to use due to the operation bulb, great for smaller tanks, safe for use around betta fish, simple assembly.”
• Best With Attachments – Boxtech Electric Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
  “Multipurpose device for cleaning and water changing, useful attachments and four different heads of different size, high suction power.”

Best Aquarium Vacuum Cleaners Comparison Chart

Some of these best aquarium vacuum cleaners feature similar performance but have a variety of different elements. Therefore, check the table for a brief comparison of all models I reviewed.

Top 15 Best Aquarium Vacuum Cleaners Reviews 2021

Choosing the best aquarium vacuum cleaner is nearly impossible without in-depth reviews, so here there are! Read my reviews of the greatest models on the market and choose for yourself!

1. Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Overall)

When it comes to the aquarium equipment, Python is a category for itself. This multipurpose kit from Python is easy to use and you can use it for water changing and vacuuming.

Attach the tube to the faucet and let the tube do the work for you. It is compatible with the majority of the standard faucets and does a great job when it comes to vacuuming dirt and debris from the bottom.

Use it to drain and refill your aquarium without worrying that it will disturb the aquarium decor. The kit includes a 25” hose, one gravel tube, a faucet pump, and a switch.

You also get hose connectors and brass faucet adapters.

This Python system comes ready-to-use and simplifies the maintenance of your aquarium.

Key Features:

• Complete aquarium maintenance system
• Suitable for a variety of aquariums
• Comes with necessary attachments

Product Specifications:

Brand	Python
Tube diameter	10 inches
Extended length vacuum tube	Yes (sold separately)

Watch a simple and easy-to-follow tutorial on how to get the best out of Python No Spill System:

2. Lee’s 6-Inch Self-Start Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Budget)

Lee’s aquarium cleaner is a budget-friendly option with great performance. It is suitable for smaller aquariums, including fishbowls and designer aquariums.

It features a self-start assembly and a 72” vinyl hose. The vacuum is very easy to use and get used to, it won’t harm fish and plants.

The diameter of the tube is smaller, but it makes it perfect for compact spaces.

You can use it for smaller gravel and sand as well.

Key Features:

• Effective in smaller aquariums
• Produced for designer aquariums
• Self-start assembly

Product Specifications:

Brand	Lee’s
Tube diameter	¼’’
Extended length vacuum tube	No

3. Nicrew Automatic Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Automatic)

This aquarium vacuum from Nicrew is everything you need for a perfectly clean aquarium. It can easily gobble the debris from the bottom of your aquarium and put the clean the gravel back on its place.

What I like about it is that you can remove the filter and wash it after every use. Regular maintenance of this Nicrew Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner will improve the longevity of the product.

Also, it is environment-friendly and you can use it to change the water as well. I like that there is no siphoning and that the device doesn’t leave a mess, like some other models.

With this one, you get a great value for the money and you won’t regret buying it when you discover how quickly and easily it does all the work.

Key Features:

• 2-in-1 device – cleaner and water changer
• Removable and washable filter
• Changing water hose included

Product Specifications:

Brand	Nicrew
Tube diameter	1 1/2″
Extended length vacuum tube	Yes, up to 24’’

4. Eheim Battery-Operated Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Electric)

 

The aquarium vacuum cleaner from Eheim will become your best ally in maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium and your fish. The cleaner has an impeccable performance and is easy to use. Because it will efficiently clean all dirt, debris, food waste, etc., it can extend the time between two water changes.

What I like the most is that it is an electric cleaner, but there are no cords because Eheim acknowledged that the use of cords around the water isn’t the best idea. The device uses four AA batteries, which are suitable for four hours of use.

The Eheim cleaner doesn’t require complex assembly and comes with a two-year warranty.

Key Features:

• Works for cleaning complete tank or as a spot treatment
• Battery-operated
• No assembly

Product Specifications:

Brand	Eheim
Tube diameter	3″
Extended length vacuum tube	No

5. Aqueon Siphon Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Gravel)

This convenient Aqueon cleaner is a budget-friendly option that does an amazing job when it comes to cleaning through thick gravel. It has a built-in clip that you attach when you want to drain the tank.

It separates dirt and debris from gravel. I like how it has a self-priming feature, and the up and down movements are much easier and don’t disturb the water flow.

The sucking power is exceptional, and I recommend getting the fish out when cleaning. Just to make sure you won’t harm them in any way.

Key Features:

• Suitable for 15-35 gallons tank
• Self-priming feature
• Powerful suction

Product Specifications:

Brand	Aqueon
Tube diameter	1″
Extended length vacuum tube	Yes

Check how easy is to use Aqueon Vacuum Cleaner:

6. Terapump Large Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Sand)

This Terapump vacuum cleaner features a powerful pump that keeps the dirt and sand away from the aquarium bottom. The device is easy to use and provides hassle-free, one-handed operation.

The cleaner has two different nozzles suitable for various cleaning tasks. You can use the shorter nozzle to drain the water, and you can attach a longer nozzle to clean food leftovers, fine gravel, sand, and all other dirt.

The product is made from BPA-free plastic and the filter attachment makes it impossible for the tube to get clogged.

With this Terapump vacuum cleaner, your fish will stay safe and you don’t have to remove them from the tank.

Key Features:

• Has two different nozzles
• BPA-free plastic construction
• Has a suction cup

Product Specifications:

Brand	Terapump
Tube diameter	5.5″
Extended length vacuum tube	No

7. Koller Products Battery-Operated Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Algae Removal)

This simple and reliable device from Koller Products is suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks. It is great as a tool siphons water; it can remove algae quickly, and clean gravel as well.

The device has a nylon bag that can trap the dirt and debris. The unit works on two C-size batteries and is relatively easy to operate.

The tube is extendable from 8 to 16 inches. Also, you can attach the hose to make it assist you while watering changes. With this Koller Products cleaner, you can spot a clean targeted area or completely clean the entire aquarium. Also, it is excellent for using with nano tanks.

Key Features:

• Uses C-size batteries
• Comes with a nylon bag for debris and dirt
• Extendable up to 16 inches

Product Specifications:

Brand	Koller Products
Tube diameter	½ “
Extended length vacuum tube	Yes

8. Terapump Nano Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Nano Aquarium)

Cleaning a small-scale aquarium can be tough, but if you have appropriate tools, it doesn’t have to be. Maintain a nano aquarium is challenging because you have to be extra careful not to harm any aquarium inhabitants.

This Terapump cleaner features a manual siphon vacuum pump. You can use it for both gravel and sand. The narrow suction tube is precise and suitable for smaller spaces. The water flow is 1 gallon per minute, and you won’t need more than ten minutes to clean the entire aquarium.

The operation is fast and efficient and it offers great value for the money. Overall, an excellent cleaning tool will allow you to maintain your tank properly.

Key Features:

• Squeeze to siphon operation
• Narrow tube
• Suitable for gravel and sand

Product Specifications:

Brand	Terapump
Tube diameter	0.7″
Extended length vacuum tube	No

Find out more about how filter keeps the large gravel from entering:

9. SunGrow Betta Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Betta Fish Tank)

Betta fish tanks are suitable for beginners, and if you are considering getting an aquarium, I recommend starting with this type. Bettas are beautiful fish, and it is easier to care for them, compared to some other fish, but you still need to keep their aquarium clean.

SunGrow Betta Tank Cleaner will work like a charm and even if you have never used such thing, you won’t have trouble getting used to it. Betta fish require frequent water changes, and this SunGrow device has a convenient short nozzle, which makes it easier and less time-consuming.

The fish won’t get hurt by any chance, and it will make your routine much simpler.

The assembly of this device is very simple, and won’t take more than two minutes. What I like about this one is the operation bulb or the hand starter, which makes it much easier to work with, especially if you haven’t done it before.

You can use it to replenish or drain the water in a mess-free way. You have to press the operation from five to seven to get the water flow out of the nozzle. The operation is simple and pretty effective.

Key Features:

• Suitable for cleaning and draining
• Mess-free operation
• 2-minute assembly

Product Specifications:

Brand	SunGrow
Tube diameter	Not specified
Extended length vacuum tube	No

10. Boxtech Electric Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best With Attachments)

This Boxtech device is an excellent multipurpose unit suitable for a quick water change, and gravel, sand, and debris cleaning. It is an electric device with a power of 28W and features a strong water pump which ensures the maximum water flow of 256 gallons per minute.

The suction power is suitable for cleaning food leftovers, fish poop, wash sand, filtering, etc.

Also, you can use it to feed the coral fish, to provide medicine to fish and to increase oxygen.

I like the flexibility of the hose, which means that you can easily adjust it to match the depth of any aquarium in the range from 1.97” to 3.94”.

Because it has a soft water hose, it is simple to work with when you need to drain or add water to the tank.

The device comes with four replaceable heads – sand washing head, cleaning brush, rotatable duckbill head, and convenient gravel washer. I also like how it comes with the 45 degrees corner suction inlet, which is an excellent addition when changing the water.

The maintenance of the device itself is simple because you can detach the motor to clean the unit and prevent any mold build-up. The assembly can be challenging for first time users, but after a few times, you will get used to it.

You can use it for fish and turtle tanks maintenance, with both salt and freshwater.

Key Features:

• Multiple attachments for different uses
• Can be used for changing water and cleaning
• Filter the water quality in the tank

Product Specifications:

Brand	Boxtech
Tube diameter	2’’ (gravel washer head)
Extended length vacuum tube	Yes

11. Python Pro-Clean Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Medium Tanks)

Medium tanks are considered those with up to 20 gallons capacity. To clean such an aquarium, you will need something reliable and efficient. Python proved to be excellent for these units. The set comes in different sizes; just make sure that you get the best one for your aquarium.

The tube is flexible, yet sturdy. It can withstand heavy-duty cleaning. The suction part is high-quality, and with a convenient design that allows the dirt and debris to be sucked up, without harming plants or even the smallest fish.

The process can be challenging if you haven’t used it before. After you learn how to properly set the apparatus, it will become much easier.

With this one, you can vacuum the entire aquarium without taking too much water, which is quite important for medium-size tanks. If you remove too much water, you can disturb the environment for your fish and cause stress to them.

It operates without a pump and uses air pressure form siphon when you are done with sucking, you can control the airflow with your thumb and continue the process if needed.

Key Features:

• Efficient vacuum cleaner
• Gravel tube won’t crack
• Flexible tube

Product Specifications:

Brand	Python
Tube diameter	2’’
Extended length vacuum tube	No

12. Python Extra Large Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Large Tanks)

Python makes these kits suitable for aquariums of different sizes. If you have a large aquarium, for example up to 55 gallons, you need something powerful and efficient to clean it regularly and keep your fish and plants healthy.

This kit form Python is specifically designed to meet the needs of extra-large aquariums, and help the owner complete the water changing process and cleaning much quicker and thoroughly. It can separate and remove dirt and debris from gravel while changing the water.

Also, I like this device comes ready to use – there is no assembly! To make the water flow, you can use your mouth to start the siphon process, but be careful. It takes some time to get used to it.

Also, even though it is labeled for tanks up to 55 gallons, you can use it with a large aquarium as well. Maybe you will have to buy an additional hose, but the performance will be the same.

It is relatively pricey for the aquarium vacuum system, but the performance justifies it.

Key Features:

• Flexible tube
• Suitable for aquarium of 55 gallons and larger
• An additional hose can be attached

Product Specifications:

Brand	Python
Tube diameter	2’’
Extended length vacuum tube	No

13. Upettools Handheld Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Power)

The Upettools device is an advanced aquarium vacuum cleaner capable of doing more than just sucking the dirt. The device assists you in water changing routine, cleans the sand and gravel, filters water, and ensures proper water flow. It can work as a water shower for your turtles as well.

It is an automatic and electric cleaner, with a 110V/28W powerful water pump. The pump provides a maximum water flow of 1700 liters per hour. It means that with this cleaner, you will need approximately half an hour to pump the entire 180-gallon aquarium.

Also, I like how you can adjust the pump flow to be less powerful for smaller tanks and better control.

The device comes with a filter bag and several attachments. You can use the filter bag to add oxygen, adjust the flow, or to filtrate water.

To maintain the best performance, you can clean it regularly and detach the motor for cleaning.

Key Features:

• Comes with useful attachments
• 1700 L/H pump
• Adjustable pump flow

Product Specifications:

Brand	Upettools
Tube diameter	2’’
Extended length vacuum tube	Yes

14. Jeeco Siphon Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Multipurpose)

Jeeco Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner is excellent for air pressing and water flow control. It comes with a simple one-button operation, and you can use the air-pressing button to start the suction.

Because of the convenient flow clamp, you can balance the water flow as you need.

You can use it when you change the water, clean the sand, and scrape algae. With this one, you don’t have to soak your hands during the entire water.

I like the aquarium inhabitants get minimally disturbed during cleaning how low the risk for harming the fish is.

It comes with two inlet and outlet tubes, you can combine them or extend and use them together. The hose has a useful clip that prevents the water from spilling.

The device comes with a filter basket, so the cleaner won’t jam the check valve or suck the tiny fish.

It is suitable for all tank sizes, as long as you can keep the drainage bucket lower than the tank.

Key Features:

• Two tubes
• Suitable for all tanks
• Won’t harm fish

Product Specifications:

Brand	Jeeco
Tube diameter	Not specified
Extended length vacuum tube	Yes

15. Marina Small Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Small Tanks)

Some of the cleaners from the list require some time to get used to it, to find the proper balance, to assemble them, change the suction head, etc. It isn’t the case with this Marina Small Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner.

The device is very easy to use and has a hassle-free start-up and you don’t have to use your mouth to ensure water flowing. What separates it from other similar units is a soft tube and specific shape of the suction head. Because it is soft and oval, it can reach the areas, you might struggle to clean, such as tank corners.

Also, the high-quality won’t kink, which is sometimes hard to achieve with standard water hoses. Also, the unit has a comfortable grip on it and is an excellent choice for small aquariums.

Key Features:

• Non-kinking hose
• Oval shape
• Simple start-up

Product Specifications:

Brand	Marina
Tube diameter	2’’
Extended length vacuum tube	No

Learn more about this model and check how powerful the suction is:

Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide

If you are a first-time buyer or you want to improve your aquarium equipment, there are a few things to know before you buy your aquarium cleaner.

Let’s start with different types of aquarium vacuum cleaners.

Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner Types

There are two primary categories of aquarium vacuum cleaners. The proper choice depends on your preferences and aquarium.

• Siphon Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner

The siphon vacuum cleaner has a tube and a hose. It is suitable for both beginners and experts.

There are a variety of models on the market, those are cheap and can have excellent performance.

However, the possible downside is that they can drain too much water when cleaning. For some models to work, you need to drain the entire aquarium.

These siphon-style cleaners don’t use batteries or any power, the gravity is all you need. However, some models need a bit of practice to start working correctly.

• Electric

Electric vacuum cleaner uses a pump to suck up the dirt and fish poop. They don’t drain the aquarium; just filter the gravel for dirt and debris.

These can get clogged or skip on some small parts, but they are easier to work with and takes less time.

Also, they come with a higher price-tag.

Electric models can be too powerful for smaller tanks or still need a siphon to drain the water for a routine water change.

Aquarium Size

Choose the vacuum according to the size of your aquarium.

For example, aquarium up with capacity less than 10 gallons are considered mini or nano models. Next, there are small aquariums around 10-20 gallons, medium with the capacity of 20-55, and a large aquarium with a capacity larger than 55 gallons.

Most of the models on the market are specially designed to fit the needs of the appropriate size aquarium. Therefore, always check the label on the product to see if it meets your needs.

The Design of the Aquarium

If your aquarium is tall, you might need an extendable tube to make it work. If the tube is too short, you might not be able to make it work. Sometimes, extendable tubes come in the package, but can also be sold separately.

Effect on Aquarium Inhabitants

If possible, find the aquarium cleaner that doesn’t disturb your fish too much. For example, some models don’t have a net and have too powerful suction, and your fish can get sucked in the tube.

Another example of the aquarium cleaners you want to avoid is those that can suck too much water and change the aquarium environment while cleaning. Sometimes, fish, such as betta, after being stressed out can start fighting.

Check reviews to find out whether people complain about these things and whether it is safer to remove the fish before cleaning.

FAQs

There are a few things we need to talk about when it comes to cleaning your aquarium.

My Top Pick

For the best aquarium cleaning and changing water, I strongly recommend getting Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner.

It meets all standards when it comes to the best aquarium vacuum cleaner and does even more. The price is fair and the performance is excellent.

Have you tried any of the models from the list? Tell me your experience, and share your thoughts on other models, you might help someone decide.