Cleaning your aquarium can be a big task because it can be time consuming and difficult. Sometimes, you don’t even feel like your tank is very clean by the time you finish. Electric gravel vacuums may be the answer to your problems! These products can give a thorough clean and many of them are multipurpose products that allow you to perform different types of cleaning and maintenance in your tank. These reviews cover the 7 best electric aquarium gravel vacs to make it easier for you to find the perfect product for your tank.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Eheim Quick Vac Automatic Gravel Cleaner
Includes batteries
Submersible up to 3 feet
Removes solid waste
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Best Value
NICREW Automatic Gravel Cleaner
Best value
No batteries required
Can be used to remove water
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Premium Choice
Fluval Aqua Pro Vac Gravel Cleaner
Fully submersible
Replaceable filter inside
Built-in LED light
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Upettools Aquarium Gravel Cleaner
6 in 1 feature
Reduces tank cleaning time
Includes five different heads
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hygger 360GPH Electric Aquarium Gravel Cleaner
5 in 1 feature
Replaceable filter foam
Reduces tank cleaning time
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The 7 Best Electric Aquarium Vacuum Gravel Cleaners – Reviews & Top Picks 2023
The best overall electric aquarium vacuum cleaner is the Eheim Quick Vac Automatic Gravel Cleaner. This handy device is intended to be used in between water changes. It is battery operated and includes batteries to get you started. This gravel vac pulls water through the vac, pushes it through a filter, and then returns the filtered water to the tank. This allows you to remove solid waste, plant matter, and leftover food from the water. It’s fully submersible up to 3 feet, which includes the battery compartment. The mesh filter can be removed and is washable, ensuring you get a great clean every time you use it.
Power Source: Batteries
Tubing Included: No
Multipurpose Heads: No
Removes Water: No
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It’s not recommended to use this gravel vacuum with sand or small gravel. It typically is not able to suck up gravel larger than a dime.
Pros
Great for quick cleans between water changes
Includes batteries
Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
Submersible up to 3 feet
Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
Won’t suck up gravel larger than a dime
Cons
Not recommended for sand or fine gravel
The best electric aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner for the money is the NICREW Automatic Gravel Cleaner 2 in 1 Sludge Extractor. This product can be used between water changes to filter out solid waste, but you can also connect tubing to it and use it for water changes. It includes a washable mesh filter that helps remove waste before returning the water to the tank. It pulls water up and pushes it back into the tank through a mesh filter.
Great for quick cleans between water changes
Includes batteries
Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
Submersible up to 3 feet
Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
Won’t suck up gravel larger than a dime
- Great for quick cleans between water changes
- Includes batteries
- Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
- Submersible up to 3 feet
- Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
- Won’t suck up gravel larger than a dime
Not recommended for sand or fine gravel
- Not recommended for sand or fine gravel
Power Source: Outlet
Tubing Included: No
Multipurpose Heads: No
Removes Water: Yes
It has an electrical cord, so an outlet is required to use this vac. The operation level of this gravel vacuum requires it to be at least 8.5 inches underwater.
Pros
Best value
No batteries required
Great for quick cleaning between water changes
Can be used to remove water
Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
Cons
Outlet required
Hose not included
Minimum of 8.5 inches of depth
The premium choice for an aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner is the Fluval Aqua Pro Vac Gravel Cleaner. This fully submersible vac can be used to filter water and return it to the tank or to perform water changes. The mesh filter can be removed and cleaned, and it includes a replaceable filter that provides a separate density to ensure you catch as much waste as possible. It includes an optional long reach nozzle to help you reach the bottom of deep tanks. This gravel vac also includes a built-in LED light to make spotting waste in dark areas easy.
Best value
No batteries required
Great for quick cleaning between water changes
Can be used to remove water
Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
- Best value
- No batteries required
- Great for quick cleaning between water changes
- Can be used to remove water
- Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
- Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
Outlet required
Hose not included
Minimum of 8.5 inches of depth
- Outlet required
- Hose not included
- Minimum of 8.5 inches of depth
Power Source: Battery
Tubing Included: No
Multipurpose Heads: No
Removes Water: Yes
This gravel vacuum can be used to remove water, but you will need to provide the hose. It is battery powered and batteries are usually not included, so you will need to purchase these separately. It requires a depth of 8 inches to function.
Pros
Fully submersible
Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
Replaceable filter inside
Can be used to remove water
Great for quick cleaning between water changes
Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
Includes long reach nozzle
Built-in LED light
Cons
Doesn’t include batteries
Minimum of 8 inches of depth
Hose not included
- Upettools Aquarium Gravel Cleaner
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Power Source: Outlet
Tubing Included: Yes
Multipurpose Heads: Yes
Removes Water: Yes
The Upettools Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is a 6 in 1 gravel cleaner that can also be used to perform water changes, wash sand, filter water, improve water flow, and serve as a shower over your tank. It includes five head attachments and a mesh filter bag that can be detached for cleaning. This gravel cleaner can remove up to 360 gallons of water per hour, so it can greatly reduce the time it takes you to clean the tank. It comes with four extension tubes measuring 8 inches each.
Fully submersible
Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
Replaceable filter inside
Can be used to remove water
Great for quick cleaning between water changes
Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
Includes long reach nozzle
Built-in LED light
- Fully submersible
- Mesh filter can be removed and cleaned
- Replaceable filter inside
- Can be used to remove water
- Great for quick cleaning between water changes
- Removes solid waste from the tank and returns clean water
- Includes long reach nozzle
- Built-in LED light
Doesn’t include batteries
Minimum of 8 inches of depth
Hose not included
- Doesn’t include batteries
- Minimum of 8 inches of depth
- Hose not included
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Power Source: Outlet
Tubing Included: Yes
Multipurpose Heads: Yes
Removes Water: Yes
This gravel vacuum requires an outlet for use but has an easy-access on/off switch on the cord. If turned on before being put in the water, it will fill with air and may take a few minutes to create suction underwater.
Pros
6 in 1 feature
Includes five different heads
Mesh bag is removable and washable
Reduces tank cleaning time
Includes four 8-inch extension tubes
Cons
Outlet required
Will fill with air and take time to regain suction if started out of water
- hygger 360GPH Electric Aquarium Gravel Cleaner 5 in 1
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Power Source: Outlet
Tubing Included: Yes
Multipurpose Heads: Yes
Removes Water: Yes
The hygger 360GPH Electric Aquarium Gravel Cleaner 5 in 1 comes with five different heads and four extension tubes that measure 7 inches each. It can be used to clean gravel or remove water in water as shallow as 2 inches. This gravel cleaner can also be used to filter water, wash sand, and clean in the corners of the tank. The filtration function contains replaceable filter foam. It’s powered by an electrical outlet and includes an on/off switch. It can remove water at 360 gph, reducing tank cleaning time.
6 in 1 feature
Includes five different heads
Mesh bag is removable and washable
Reduces tank cleaning time
Includes four 8-inch extension tubes
- 6 in 1 feature
- Includes five different heads
- Mesh bag is removable and washable
- Reduces tank cleaning time
- Includes four 8-inch extension tubes
Outlet required
Will fill with air and take time to regain suction if started out of water
- Outlet required
- Will fill with air and take time to regain suction if started out of water
Does require an outlet within 9 feet for use. It may drain water too quickly and too powerfully for small tanks, making this a better option for large tanks.
Pros
5 in 1 feature
Includes five different heads
Replaceable filter foam
Includes four 7-inch extension tubes
Reduces tank cleaning time
Cons
Outlet required
Drains too quickly for small tanks
May be too powerful for small tanks and delicate plants and animals
- Boxtech Upgraded Electric Aquarium Cleaner 6 in 1
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Power Source: Outlet
Tubing Included: Yes
Multipurpose Heads: Yes
Removes Water: Yes
The Boxtech Upgraded Electric Aquarium Cleaner 6 in 1 is made to be used with tanks from 10-200 gallons. This product’s features include water changing, gravel cleaning, sand washing, filtration, showering, and increasing water flow. It comes with five heads, a removable mesh filter bag, and tubing for water changes. The filtration and water flow features include an adjustable water flow.
5 in 1 feature
Includes five different heads
Replaceable filter foam
Includes four 7-inch extension tubes
Reduces tank cleaning time
- 5 in 1 feature
- Includes five different heads
- Replaceable filter foam
- Includes four 7-inch extension tubes
- Reduces tank cleaning time
Outlet required
Drains too quickly for small tanks
May be too powerful for small tanks and delicate plants and animals
- Outlet required
- Drains too quickly for small tanks
- May be too powerful for small tanks and delicate plants and animals
It is not recommended to use this pump for vacuuming or water removal in tanks with substrate that is smaller than 3mm. If started outside the water, it will take time for it to begin working correctly when placed in the water. It does require a nearby electrical outlet for use.
Pros
6 in 1 feature
Can be used for tanks from 10-200 gallons
Includes five heads and removable mesh bag
Adjustable water flow
Cons
Not recommended for substrates smaller than 3mm
Will fill with air and take time to regain suction if started out of water
Outlet required
- HiTauing Aquarium Gravel Cleaner
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Power Source: Outlet
Tubing Included: Yes
Multipurpose Heads: Yes
Removes Water: Yes
The HiTauing Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is a good pick for tanks with sand substrates. It includes three heads, filter sponges, two extension tubes, and a water change hose. It can be used to perform water changes, wash sand, vacuum fine substrate, and vacuum coarse substrate.
6 in 1 feature
Can be used for tanks from 10-200 gallons
Includes five heads and removable mesh bag
Adjustable water flow
- 6 in 1 feature
- Can be used for tanks from 10-200 gallons
- Includes five heads and removable mesh bag
- Adjustable water flow
Not recommended for substrates smaller than 3mm
Will fill with air and take time to regain suction if started out of water
Outlet required
- Not recommended for substrates smaller than 3mm
- Will fill with air and take time to regain suction if started out of water
- Outlet required
This electric vacuum gravel cleaner is prone to leakage with water changes and works best with tanks that are 20 gallons or smaller. You will need to be close to an outlet to use this product. The filter canister on this vac is small and becomes clogged easily, which may make this difficult to use for heavy bioload tanks.
Pros
Includes three heads, filter sponges, and water change hose
Includes two extension tubes
Can be used to vacuum fine and coarse sand
Cons
Prone to leakage
Works best for small tanks
Outlet required
Filter clogs easily
Includes three heads, filter sponges, and water change hose
Includes two extension tubes
Can be used to vacuum fine and coarse sand
- Includes three heads, filter sponges, and water change hose
- Includes two extension tubes
- Can be used to vacuum fine and coarse sand
Prone to leakage
Works best for small tanks
Outlet required
Filter clogs easily
- Prone to leakage
- Works best for small tanks
- Outlet required
- Filter clogs easily
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the Right Electric Aquarium Vacuum Gravel Cleaner for Your Tank
Tank Size: Choose an electric gravel vac that suits the size of your tank. Some vacs are intended for large tanks, making them a poor pick for a 5-gallon or 10-gallon tank. Ensure you are choosing a size appropriate product to keep your plants and animals safe.
Substrate: Many electric gravel vacuums are not compatible with sand and other fine substrates. If you attempt to use a non-compatible gravel vacuum with your fine substrate, you may end up ruining the vacuum. Small substrate can lead to burning the motor out or clogging the vacuum, so ensure you choose an electric vacuum gravel cleaner that is compatible with your substrate type and size.
Plants and Animals: Consider what is living in your tank before you purchase an electric gravel cleaner. Many electric vacs won’t be a great pick for tanks with small fry or invertebrates, like dwarf shrimp. If you choose a vac that produces too much suction for the plants or animals in your tank, you may end up with injured, or even dead, plants or animals.
What Kind of Options are There?
Battery vs Outlet: Battery powered electric vacuum gravel cleaners are much more convenient since they don’t require you to be near an outlet to use them, and you don’t have to worry about water dripping down the electrical cord to the outlet. However, batteries may run out quickly in some vacs, leading to frequent battery changes. Outlet powered electric gravel vacs can be more difficult to manage since you are connected to the wall, but they do not require updates to the power source over time.
Attachment Heads: There are multiple types of attachments that come with electric aquarium vacuum gravel cleaners. You can find some vacs that only provide the ability to vacuum or vacuum and perform water changes, but others will come with multiple attachments that allow you to do things like wash sand, create a shower over your tank, and even increase the water flow within your tank.
Filtration: Most electric gravel vacuums provide some type of water filtration within your tank. If you are just looking for a quick clean up of solid waste, then a basic vac with mesh filter is a great option. If you are hoping to use your vac as a filter for your tank, then choosing a vac that allows for filter media to be used in the filtration setting is the better option.
Conclusion
The best overall electric aquarium vacuum gravel cleaner is the Eheim Quick Vac Automatic Gravel Cleaner, which is highly functional and affordable. The best value is the NICREW Automatic Gravel Cleaner 2 in 1 Sludge Extractor, which suits any budget and provides great substrate cleaning. The premium choice is the Fluval Aqua Pro Gravel Vac Cleaner, which lives up to the Fluval product name, but for a premium price.
Tank Size: Choose an electric gravel vac that suits the size of your tank. Some vacs are intended for large tanks, making them a poor pick for a 5-gallon or 10-gallon tank. Ensure you are choosing a size appropriate product to keep your plants and animals safe.
Substrate: Many electric gravel vacuums are not compatible with sand and other fine substrates. If you attempt to use a non-compatible gravel vacuum with your fine substrate, you may end up ruining the vacuum. Small substrate can lead to burning the motor out or clogging the vacuum, so ensure you choose an electric vacuum gravel cleaner that is compatible with your substrate type and size.
Plants and Animals: Consider what is living in your tank before you purchase an electric gravel cleaner. Many electric vacs won’t be a great pick for tanks with small fry or invertebrates, like dwarf shrimp. If you choose a vac that produces too much suction for the plants or animals in your tank, you may end up with injured, or even dead, plants or animals.
- Tank Size: Choose an electric gravel vac that suits the size of your tank. Some vacs are intended for large tanks, making them a poor pick for a 5-gallon or 10-gallon tank. Ensure you are choosing a size appropriate product to keep your plants and animals safe.
- Substrate: Many electric gravel vacuums are not compatible with sand and other fine substrates. If you attempt to use a non-compatible gravel vacuum with your fine substrate, you may end up ruining the vacuum. Small substrate can lead to burning the motor out or clogging the vacuum, so ensure you choose an electric vacuum gravel cleaner that is compatible with your substrate type and size.
- Plants and Animals: Consider what is living in your tank before you purchase an electric gravel cleaner. Many electric vacs won’t be a great pick for tanks with small fry or invertebrates, like dwarf shrimp. If you choose a vac that produces too much suction for the plants or animals in your tank, you may end up with injured, or even dead, plants or animals.
Battery vs Outlet: Battery powered electric vacuum gravel cleaners are much more convenient since they don’t require you to be near an outlet to use them, and you don’t have to worry about water dripping down the electrical cord to the outlet. However, batteries may run out quickly in some vacs, leading to frequent battery changes. Outlet powered electric gravel vacs can be more difficult to manage since you are connected to the wall, but they do not require updates to the power source over time.
Attachment Heads: There are multiple types of attachments that come with electric aquarium vacuum gravel cleaners. You can find some vacs that only provide the ability to vacuum or vacuum and perform water changes, but others will come with multiple attachments that allow you to do things like wash sand, create a shower over your tank, and even increase the water flow within your tank.
Filtration: Most electric gravel vacuums provide some type of water filtration within your tank. If you are just looking for a quick clean up of solid waste, then a basic vac with mesh filter is a great option. If you are hoping to use your vac as a filter for your tank, then choosing a vac that allows for filter media to be used in the filtration setting is the better option.
- Battery vs Outlet: Battery powered electric vacuum gravel cleaners are much more convenient since they don’t require you to be near an outlet to use them, and you don’t have to worry about water dripping down the electrical cord to the outlet. However, batteries may run out quickly in some vacs, leading to frequent battery changes. Outlet powered electric gravel vacs can be more difficult to manage since you are connected to the wall, but they do not require updates to the power source over time.
- Attachment Heads: There are multiple types of attachments that come with electric aquarium vacuum gravel cleaners. You can find some vacs that only provide the ability to vacuum or vacuum and perform water changes, but others will come with multiple attachments that allow you to do things like wash sand, create a shower over your tank, and even increase the water flow within your tank.
- Filtration: Most electric gravel vacuums provide some type of water filtration within your tank. If you are just looking for a quick clean up of solid waste, then a basic vac with mesh filter is a great option. If you are hoping to use your vac as a filter for your tank, then choosing a vac that allows for filter media to be used in the filtration setting is the better option.
All of these reviews cover some of the best electric gravel vacuum products on the market. This allows you to find a starting point to identifying what your tank needs and then choosing a product. This type of convenient product can make caring for your tank incredibly easy.
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Featured Image Credit: M-Production, Shutterstock
