Amazon Aquarium Gravel Vac Reviews: I Bought Them So You Don't Have To! Are They Any Good?

[@batch3052]

After trying a couple different brands I found the python system works best for me. They are great once you get into the larger tanks and get tired of hauling around 5 gal. buckets of water. Well worth the money.

[@jorgealberto6027]

How long does the python take? I use a 17000 GPH submersible pump removes 80% of a 125g tank in less than 10 minutes

[@kimgaither6965]

I use something similar to the Luigi for my snail only tank. I use it with the filter on in case I snag the little snails. It does work quickly to do water changes in smaller tanks. Thanks for the video.

[@phillipbruni2434]

I got some pythons off chewy for about the same amount, I had the same one Jason that you use(from petsmart), my frequent problem was I’d be vacing, and the hose would disconnect at the pump getting water where I didn’t want it. (So delightful) The pythons are great, different sizes for the vacs, hose diameter(they’re all short hoses), which is great for my tanks, even the low to the ground ones. Thanks for a great video

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I hear you - we hose clamp all of ours to avoid that as best we can. 😀

[@alisonnicholson]

Cheap ones are ok for my betta tanks but I have a fluval vac for my main tank. Cheap ones clog easily I find. Great video, thanks Jason.

[@bobschlotterfishing2678]

Spend the extra MONEY and get the Python.... Got a 75 and a 5 gallon in the basement a 29 and a 10 up stairs. they make one with an extremely long hose as well as a flow adjusting valve, and this works great i have sand and gravel tanks so no lost substrate, as well as it hooks up to a faucet. so you can use the faucet to start the syphon process then switch it to use it to fill tank. YUP pricey but all i can say is with MTS ( multi tank syndrome ) its the bomb....

[@liliromero4910]

Well, I have a standard gravel vac without a pump that is 20 years old and still works perfectly, has no cracks or anything. Bought it in a big fish store (don’t remember the brand) and I love it. My Phython is also 20 years old and works great as well. Good to see the newer stuff and what not to buy.

[@dwsnono9104]

I've used the lafoo since I've started in the hobby. Now I use it on my detail cleaning days and use diy pvc versions so each tank can have its own gravel vac. I just disconnect the hose part from the pvc and connect to which ever tank I'm cleaning pvc. To make them I cut three pieces of pvc and two pvc elbows. I then make a u shape. For the hose part I use a barbx thread tubing coupling connected to vinyl tubing and threadx slip pvc coupling. I don't glue any thing. This allows me to twist the U shape so change the water level and so I can make the piece longer by turning the u into more of a straight shape. That allows me to gravel vac the harder to reach spots. For tanks with with fry I either have drilled holes in a pvc cap connected to the pvc or fiber glass window screen rubber band on the u pvc end (side in the tank). To switch tanks I simply remove the slip side of the coupling from the U shaped pvc and attach it to the next tanks pvc.

[@WILDouglash]

I have been using that exact model Laifoo for about a year now on a standard 20 gallon tank. It works well and doesn't fail. I usually just use it for larger volume water changes and use a smaller gravel vac for "detailed maintenance." Though I will say that Laifoo can move some serious amounts of water in a small amount of time.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@jeffhester1443]

Great video. We love product reviews. I've used the topfin vacuums for years and just always apply a large ziptie to all connections. Thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That works well too!

[@oOSSAAMMOo]

Just a point you missed on the Luigi, there’s a little pinch point on the pipe allowing you to adjust the flow making gravel vacuuming substantially easier! Keep up the good content.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point!

[@kerrypitt9789]

I use the 50' python for big changes and vacuum with it. Mostly though I use that cheapest one you showed. I took the bulb off, left the screen on and siphon using my mouth. I drain into a pail and dispose of it. I seldom do much gravel vacuuming. Mostly I just want to do moderate water changes. This works well for me. I still well remember talking to you a few years ago, when you took the kids every Saturday morning and got them changing water with their buckets and hoses. Good memories I bet Jason! ❤️

[@jediwarlord8718]

I made the mistake of getting the Luigi one a few months ago. It’s great for draining a tank due to the water flow, however, as you pointed out it constantly sucks up gravel or sand and you definitely can’t get into the substrate. My advice for anyone looking to get this one, only get it if you’re using it to drain your tank. I’ll definitely be getting the other one based on this review.

[@apss5736]

I use one called a bedee siphon which works really well

[@Toeski]

I've had the Laifoo for about 5 months and really like it for my 10 gallon, works great. The piece you dropped is a clip that goes on the hose and clips perfectly to the lip of a 5 gal bucket. I leave the pump on the end like you did in the video, keeps the hose from sliding out of the clip.

[@cjjw7622]

Thank you! I have a 20 XL high, because I have tetras and snails.

[@Phoenix7PT]

To late already have the green one 😅 Yeah, you can't gravel vacuum like it's supposed, but for a small tank with plants and rocks, it's easy for vaccum the surface of the gravel and change the water

[@Stargazer3131]

I use a combination of things; my goldfish tank is HUGE! 5ft long, 2ft high and 18" depth. The tank is 85kg without water so yeah!...😉😅 I have the Marina Easy Clean Large Aquarium Gravel Cleaner 60 cm, I extended the hose and added a pump squeezy thing to get the water flow going that I had from an old vac. I fill my tank using a flexi garden hose attached to my kitchen faucet, I also have a pond pump connected to a corrugated 15 metre hose which runs to my toilet, i use this after I've done the gravel vac as its great for the large volume of water.

[@apss5736]

Excited to watch the video

[@theresaabshire711]

Thanks for the excellent review ! It's always good to see different products. I use the TOPFIN one from PETSMART. It works great for me but I only have 5 gal tanks w/ 1 betta in them. Not a lot of waste & hardly any uneaten food in them. I keep on top of things so my tanks are never filthy & the TOPFIN does a good job for me.

[@keepamerica2astrong280]

Congrats on the 163k subs, 200k is right around the corner...You guys rock...

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you 😀

[@CricketsMa]

I have the cheap one for a 10 gallon tank, and find the same disadvantages you have mentioned. When cleaning the gravel, I need to be particularly vigilant of otos locations, as they aren’t as wary of the upheaval as the platys are. They aren’t easy to get out of the tube, either! I keep re-learning the same lesson. “Buy cheap, buy twice!”.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Oh my gosh! I bet that would be tough!

[@beastly727]

More of these !

[@susyclau7433]

I've used those two for years and years, little advice, on the second one you have to cut the hose and insert it into the pump, so the pump will have hose from both sides and will be closer to your hand and higher, that could even give it a stronger water flow. And for the cheaper one, you really have to leave the cap screwed on to avoid ir from sucking the substrate.

[@joewwilliams]

I love how the fish (especially the goofy livebearers) are always checking out the crap going up the gravel vac, wondering how to get in there and try to eat it!

[@tastyfishsauce4410]

A would go with Python gravel vacs-the hose makes all the difference and is same price or cheaper depending where you buy. It does not have the little filter inside so I would just stick a coarse foam inside the pipe, flow is excellent and you can control it by pinching/kinking the hose. The old Marina easy clean oval shaped tube was also decent if you can still find one-a little pricey though.

[@amymandeville8342]

I bought a cheap vac from Amazon that also came with a long handle and some attachments. I like the vac and only two of the attachments are useful with the handle. I don't think I paid even $10 for it, but it serves it's purpose.

[@wendytaylor8216]

I have the Lugi and it’s been the one that works best for me. I don’t try to get deep into the substrate, and I only have 10g and under tanks so that’s probably part of it. But the others never seem to quite work. I put a piece of stocking over the end to prevent sucking up any shrimp in that tank. The water flow is great and it has held up well for a year. I’m sure I’ll keep trying others though.

[@nopetsallowed6399]

Thanks, learned that I was using it wrong.

[@cosmoplakat9549]

I have a little tiny cheap one without a pump. It's tedious in the 20L but I only vac about 1/4 at a time. I have so many tiny platy fry as well as areas of different color substrate to keep separate. When I had my 45 I also had a cheap, but larger, siphon with no pump. In my 5 gal shrimp tank I use a turkey baster and do a small area every other day.

[@mr.joiner4721]

Just ordered one, thank you for taking the time to do reviews like this, very helpful! Love to see more!

[@ragnos28]

I have destroyed a gravel vacc like the one you first tested, to save a small cory that got caught in the hose :P

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I could totally see that!

[@fayzurrahman4243]

already got the luigi one. now i use it just for water changes not cleaning substrate. Wish this video was out b4 i bought it😂

[@sergeiz.5815]

I bought one of those gravel vacuums that you plug in/electric from PetSmart. Even has a flashlight

[@faithb8723]

i use the Luigi with my 40 gallon with large pebbles and it works great!

[@scottpancher7702]

Thanks for that man Great Video

[@tobiasblack1749]

I have had my python water changer for five years. Never had an issue or had to replace a single part.

[@stevensharpe3182]

My son got me the one with pull trigger to activate pump I love it for sand, terrible on gravel it gots bad reviews but it works wonders on my cichlid sand

[@denisethompson3]

I use the Petsmart gravel vacs. I have all the sizes and they seem to work great for me.

[@FishRfun]

I got a hand pump one off amazon I use for my 15g. It's a Vivosun. It came with a net and a filter to keep gravel from being sucked up. I also bought the cheap version of the Python after my Python I use for my 55g broke. The cheap version is better. It's easier to attach to my faucet, there's no leaks or sprays, sturdy tubing...firm but flexible enough not to crack

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Hi Jason, I tried several different gravel vacs. I liked the one I got at Petsmart.

[@eaf3782]

I have a very small tank and only need a little light vacuuming. Therefore, I just use a good length of standard airline tubing and to initiate the siphon, I'll use a 60mL oral syringe to pull the water through to start. Does the trick.

[@jonas2431]

I feel the lugi could be used only for water changes or tank transfers

[@superpaul4245]

I have the Lugi and now I specifically only use it for water transfers. It grabs substrate but it doesn't create "suction" to grab poop. It makes it look like you're grabbing some stuff, but if you compare it with a real solid gravel vac, you'll know how much you've been missing. TLDR: I ended up having a Shrimpacolypse because I trusted this device which ended up having an anerobic ammonia pocket that ended up spiking my tank.

[@bonnieeden228]

Great video Jason. I use top fin. They work well. They last pretty well and I have 16 tanks. All Nano size Thank you for the video. Enjoy Aquashella

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@markhunter2244]

Excellent review. Think I would have the Luigi broken in no time, it seems a bit to flimsy. The Laocoon looks better value for money.

[@KaneWrestlingFan999]

Have the laifoo one and quite like it, so your positive response checks out. 👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@fishdaddyjackaquatics664]

I have the python water changing system. I was doing water changes with buckets, but after nearly putting my back out of commission I decided I had to quit that. Not to say that the python doesn't have it's problems. First of all, it's expensive for what it is. I find it too be wasteful when you have it hooked to your faucet. Also, I have tanks that sit really low and you can't use the python connected to your faucet because it's not going to work. When it comes to draining the water from your tank I end up running the hose outside and starting my siphon. Other than that it saves stress on my back.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Your new way is definitely easier!

[@MartinMShorty]

I should’ve watched this video before purchasing the Luigi gravel vac!

[@andrew24601]

I was really surprised by the quality of my cheap-o AQQA gravel vac (in a good way!). Kinda expected leakage or just general flimsiness or difficult use but I was pleasantly surprised. I don’t personally need a python for one thirteen gallon tank; I just use my lil cheap-o siphon and a 5gal water cooler jug for spill-free carrying.

[@robdawson8186]

Hi, here in the uk, the smaller ones are primarily advertised as syphon kits, i assume for water changes etc?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep!

[@joejones56]

Please do the electric fluval one

[@TEW-pp9vb]

Hey, Jason, I just bought a Laifoo but haven’t used it yet

[@djaric]

The Laifoo looks like the same thing you get get Petco for $20. I find the pump restricts flow quite a bit and it doesn't really suck up stuff as well as you'd like. Removing the pump seems to work a little better but flow still seems low. I use it on a turtle tank.

[@randyjones1618]

I have been using the python and find its suction is terrible. I don't know if it would benefit from a smaller diameter suction tube or a smaller diameter line out. I have always been curious about how good the powered gravel vacuumed are. For example Eheim and Fluval. Although expensive, I'd like to see that comparison.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They do a little better I think.

[@randyjones1618]

I would think so too. Question is, are they worth the expense. I guess that depends on the individual and the application. Thank you for replying. I respect that

[@austin_shock]

The one I got off of Wish for $1 worked great for a long time, but did eventually wear out lol 😅

[@jawjagrrl]

I've used the Luigi (loo-eee-gee) for a year on my nano tanks successfully. I took the end piece off entirely so I could get it in tiny spaces as my tanks are heavily scaped. Great flow when you want it, and you can press on the smooth section to lighten flthe flow when needed. I use on sand and aquasoil. I do wish it was about a foot longer and that the pump was closer to the middle - many of my tank are on counters so pumping into a bucket while holding the other end in the tank can be awkward. I looked at the other brand but didn't buy because the barrel was so large in diameter. I still use my 90s python system on my big tanks though!

[@McGD4]

I just bought top fin sand, starting first ever tank. Can u gravel vac this sand without it getting picked up it seems very fine.

[@aquaauthentica7653]

Have you (or anyone else) found a gravel vac with a good screen/guard? I have danios and the wife has fancy goldfish. They both LOVE to hang out around the sucker and I was hoping I could replace the head of my water changer with a protected one. The luigi one looked promising but I don't think that's a great solution.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The laifoo and top fin have a guard before the water travels into the hose (inside the gravel vac part). If fish get into the gravel vac part I just let the water drain back into the tank and out they flow.

[@dinkywinkydog1311]

I have the cheesy one but only paid 5.98 for it and its my favorite pump. I use the filter on it though unless I am try to suck out guppy fry to donate. Whatttttt? You don’t think they enjoy the water slide? But in all seriousness for my small aquariums with the filter it cleans really well and if it sucks up a little sand I just pour the water out and put the sand back its not very much unless I am really overboard with it.

[@Matthew_Does_To_Many_Things]

I use so random gravel vac piece that I got somewhere and some clear tubing from menards which works good because I use buckets. Also there is a typo in the paragraph where you have linked Joanna’s channel at the beginning. Also how was the drive to Florida?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Drive was good!

[@Jerm-Digs]

I bought the first one you reviewed. Its nice, and has lasted so far but the "screen" should be inside the cup

[@xxxxel6736]

Wish I saw this before getting the green one 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@justincase733]

😭 So you just adding more packages to the Prime vans.

[@lynnthompson6796]

Thank you for sharing this video 🖐️⭐😂

[@johnmknox]

I have a Luigi. It is good for water changes but not for gravel vacuuming.

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

I have never tried anything but the python brand. I know this was a product review, but how would you go about cleaning the hoses (as you mentioned, you modified yours to reach the waste water area) mine always turn black with algae/mold.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don’t worry about it. Haha

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I LOVE that answer!!!

[@jaliel4968]

I still haven't figured out how to use the pump part. I just use the house

[@pablovonduckbill7802]

you need to look at that laifo one again. because the hand pump pulled off the tubing on me and also the the hand pump piece that connects to the tubing pulls off the hand pump its self. i was going to clamp the tube to the hand pump but then tube connector pulled off the hand pump any ways. would have been fine if the connector piece screwed on the hand pump rather than simple pushed on and held in place with a ridge. the whole thing is now in the trash.

[@MissCaylen]

I think it's LOO-EE-JEE like Mario and Luigi!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, I was thinking that too after I made the video - haha

[@MissCaylen]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Haha you should hear how I ordered minestrone soup once. My brother won't let me live it down!

[@Silver_Creek_Aquatics]

If you take the pump off the Laifuu(?) It will increase the flow if you need more.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For sure

[@fishpond6654]

Nice bro

[@gb9926]

What kind of plants are growing on the surface and hanging down? Beautiful!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hornwort!

[@phreakerbythespeaker9902]

I honestly want to know about your wastewater system through your floor drain.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I’ll have to do an update on it.

[@TusharKarmokar99]

In India the same 14$ vac costs under 1$ 😉

[@livy_rose372]

Hi

[@dollchristopher]

I imagine it's pronounced LOO-EE-JEE, as in the Super Mario Brother. Looks like garbage! Thank you for the review.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I thought about that - haha

[@darkehorse71]

Luigi, like Mario's brother.

[@faithb8723]

Question: Instead of changing water using a bucket with wheels (I'm 65 and can't lift till I get to the toilet) if I put fresh water in my 5 gallon bucket do I put the squeezing end in the tank, the other in the bucket?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A python water changing system might be better? It would allow you to go from the tank directly to the sink?

[@TheMonkIsMad]

I use the "hygger Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, New Quick Water Changer with Air-Pressing Button Fish Tank Sand Cleaner Kit Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Cleaner with Water Hose Controller Clamp" with great success. I purchased it on Amazon and the current price is $24.99. It is well-made and gets the job done. It works well in small and larger tanks.

[@xxxxel6736]

Also what fish would you recommend for an 80 litre/17 gallon tank ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hey - check out our 10 gallon and 20 gallon stocking ideas videos. Those should be a big help!

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

💪🏽💪🏽

[@jhonjohnjonjondoe5011]

Okay that was horrible to not show use the one that had a guard on it to show us with the guard since you didnt use it with the guard

[@coribellanoche]

The number of your followers *subscribers) does not reflect the value of your videos or the thoughtful information you provide. I have a question that is off topic. Do you or any of your followers have any comments regarding the use of plenums or the concept of "anoxic filtration" as championed by one of the KZbinrs? Greetings from Rapid City, South Dakota

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! It can work, but is most effective in lightly stocked tanks.

[@theycallmetheboss]

Loo Gee