Water-change tools · Gravity siphon
Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner, Medium 5 in
Aqueon makes the Medium 5 in size for aquariums of 5 to 20 gallons.
A gravel vacuum you start with a few quick up-and-down strokes of the tube in the water: the old water runs down the hose to a bucket, and the tube lifts the dirt out of the gravel while the gravel falls back.
Consider: Sized by Aqueon for 5 to 20 gallon tanks. The water goes into a bucket, so a big water change means several trips.
US version, item 100106228. Check what’s in the box before you buy.
Specifications that affect fit
- Made for tanks of
- 5–20 US gal
- Hose length
- 6 ft
Before choosing this model
- Set the bucket lower than the tank: the water only runs downhill.
- Clip the hose to the inside of the bucket so it can’t jump out when the flow starts.
What Aqueon doesn’t publish
- Aqueon publishes the tank sizes and the 6 ft hose, not the tube’s width.
Before you buy, see which tools make water changes easier.
Check it against your tank → Something not working? See the troubleshooting guide.
Included items & upkeep
- self-priming intake tube
- 6 ft flexible hose
- hose clip
Plan for the routine work
- Move the tube up and down in the water a few times to start the flow.
- Push the tube into the gravel and lift it: the dirt goes down the hose and the gravel drops back.
- Watch small fish and shrimp near the tube while it runs.
- Add a water conditioner when you put new tap water in, as Aqueon says; its label gives the dose.
To budget for replacement media and supplies, use the first-year cost calculator. For how often and how to clean it, follow the maker’s manual.