Water-change tools · Gravity siphon

Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner, Medium 9 in

Aqueon makes the Medium 9 in size for aquariums of 15 to 35 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 15 to 35 gallon tanks. The water goes into a bucket, so a big water change means several trips.

US version, item 100106229. Check what’s in the box before you buy.

Drawing of a gravel siphon and bucket (not a photo of the Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner, Medium 9 in)

Specifications that affect fit

Made for tanks of
15–35 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.