Fluval Aqua ProVac vs. DIY Gravel Vac (Who Will WIN?)

In this video, I used inspiration from ‪@thekingofdiy‬ 's video
• HOW TO: DIY gravel vac...
To create a gravel vacuum to help keep my substrate clean without the need to drain water. I compare the ability of this DIY version to the store bought Fluval Aqua ProVac and you won't believe the outcome!
Contact Info:
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Camera Equipment Camera (Main)- Canon M50
Equipment Computer- MacBook Pro
Editing Software- Adobe Premiere Pro
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Aquarium, fish, catfish, bass, crappie, pond, ponds, water, finatic, tank, Paul Cuffaro, Texas, Fishing, Fish Trap, tank scaping, scaped tank, black water tank, DIY, DIY fish tank, 100 gallon aquarium, river rocks, guppy breeding tank, aquatic animals, aquatic plans, reptiles, flex seal, repairing a boat with flexseal flex seal, front yard pond, backyard pond, walmart, petco, petsmart, raw fishing, jon b, peric, googan, minecraft, rescuing fish, saving fish, saving dying fish, betta, betta tank, betta fish, brenten, brenton, walmart fish, fish breeding, animal abuse, dying, duck, rabbit, guinea, guinea hens, chickens, chicken coop, build a chicken coop for free, cheap, snails, best, gar, turtle, reptiles, toad, frog, snake

[@christopher_scott]

Yes I know - I left a part that should have been cut, I have removed it but it takes over an hour for YT to process the video! Thank you for watching! Hopefully this video helps you! It made a huge difference in cleaning my tanks! If you haven't subscribed, please consider doing so before you leave!

[@FishinMichigan1]

Christopher Scott Haha yep I saw it live 😂 keep it up with the amazing Uploads!!

[@MC-sg6dz]

Hey there Christopher👋!The fluval vacuum does work with actual gravel, such as the rocks and pebbles, excluding sand. I moved it around the pebbles in my freshwater 40 gallon tank and it picked everything up but that was because it was easier for it to pick up the lighter waste like the poop not the rocks. I also left it on in the tank over night and the next day my tank bottom was clear.

[@TKTrooper]

Did you ever do a follow up video, i couldn't find it if you did. Did the bigger airstone improve the suction even more? Also does the length of PVC pipe affect the poswer of suction ?

[@christopher_scott]

@@TKTrooper I didn’t do a follow up; however, I will add it to the list! This video was way more successful than I could have ever imagined and I think a follow up is justified!!

[@TKTrooper]

@@christopher_scott i only asked as i bought a gravel cleaner from amazon (not this one) www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07LF7ZW7C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . It worked once, then packed in on the second use. So total of about 15mins use. The battery compartment started getting hot and the contact spring on the inside of the cap was even too hot to touch. I did consider this Fluval ProVac, but given its price and some sketchy reviews i've been hesitant to spend that kinda money

[@richarddube3290]

I had planned on buying one of these electric ones until I saw your video. I went out and bought everything at Lowes and Petsmart, and made the DIY one except I bought the Whisper 60 pump instead of the 40 and a 4 inch stone. It worked fairly well, without sucking up too much sand. I think I need a different stone though, maybe a shorter fatter one as the bubbles came out the top of the stone and too far away from the opening. **edit I cut the stone down to about 2 inches then put a screw in the hole that it left. It works great! I love that I can take my time to really clean the sand without draining any water. When I'm done, that's when I will do a water change without the need to vacuum at the same time.

[@jagotiberan2181]

Fluval is meant for gravel. I’ve used it for months on my gravel substrate and it’s perfect. Great vid!

[@MyBizarreCreativity]

Awesome tutorial, can’t wait to see how it does with the bigger stone! When the Fluval one picked up the waste it basically just sat there around the plastic “filter” and plugged up/reduced the suction which past experience with these type of cleaners is once they are shut off it can no longer suction due to being plugged then the waste just falls back down. The one you made actually pulls the waste up, away, and completely removes it into the bag. Can’t wait to make this and try it out but I will wait for your follow up with the different stone incase you changed up anything further or have some other thoughts. Thanks for sharing!

[@kristanoble3472]

Really awesome!!! we went out & actually found the pipe & nut all in one in the plumbing section & put it together. works like a Champ!! thank you for the video!!

[@jamesjustanothergakoiguy1692]

Very interesting video. I think that the commercial unit is designed to remove very small waste from gravel substrate or a tank with an undergravel filter. That requires less suction than your DIY, it also requires a finer mess filter, which of course restricts the flow rate. An interesting comparison would be to remove the filter from the commercial unit and zip tie the same mesh bag you used in the DIY onto the output tube and see how it works. I'm guessing it would likely be very comparable at that point, just way more expensive.

[@johnrgrillot9901]

You are a genius!!!! I did this exactly as you demonstrated and it works perfectly. now I don't have to drag out my whole python system just to vac some fish poop. In fact, even the python did not do as good of a job as your fabulous, tremendous invention. I truly am amazed. Thank you so much for sharing this. I subscribed, clicked the bell and like icons.

[@Luttrj]

Nice! Thanks to this video I don't think I'm gonna waste my money on the Fluval Vac. I've also considered the Ehiem vac but I am guessing they are very similar. Unlike your sand, I do have gravel (CarubSea Eco-Complete to be exact) and capped with Black Diamond sand. Gonna give your DIY set up a try. Do you think a higher GPH or PSI air pump would make more suction or did the larger air stone substantially ramp up the suction power? Thanks again.

[@goingfastdraggina7167]

I'm glad I just ran into this. I just bought a fluval aqua vac and haven't did the instore pickup. Needless to say I don't plan to. I have 11 tanks setup on a big pond pump, so I'm going to set this setup you have going and hook it up to my big pond pump with a long enough air hose to go around my whole fish room. Excellent video sir, hats off!

[@Bonjovicrzy]

Thank you so much for this Thank you, Christopher, I was thinking of buying Aqua Pro Vac you saved me money ... I went to the Home Depot and got the pipe and a female screw lid (adapter thing) sorry I do not do home improvements and I already had everything else. And my Brother who drilled the hole for me thought I was nuts. This thing works so well with my aquarium sand . Love how it does the cleaning . Without sucking all the water or sand up .. Like my retail one, and it takes me less time to clean the sand ... I have a long piece of tubing, so I can move around with it without moving the air pump ... I will be telling my niece about this, who is setting up a aquarium for her sons. . . There are 3 recommendations, I have one 1: make sure you have a powerful air pump I use one for 100 -125 gallons 2: make sure you have a nice size air stone I have a 4-8 inch long one that does fine. 3 : We cut it the size Christopher recommended first but measure pipe before cutting with your aquarium .. We had to cut the pipe down to fit better When you use it make sure both ends is in the water it works better & makes more bubbles and suction .. then, if one end is stuck out of the water. thank you so much have a good day ..

[@denniss7805]

Dude.. That DIY is AWESOME. I’m gonna make one with an clear tube, maybe Two air stones! Thank you so much!

[@eisbaer1361]

Cut the 1 1/2 PVC tube length down to 7" for my Biocube 16. Copied everything else the same. Works like a champ! Thanks for the tip!

[@Whey2010]

Consider modifying instead of the pvc tube, why not do a clear tubing to also see the action in transparency?

[@derekfagerwold4024]

The clear tubing costs a fortune

[@devastator44]

Because gravel cleaners suck up sand. The fluval is way better than a basic siphon unless you're running complete sand or fine particles. But your DIY one would be the best route if you are handy.

[@aqua_bauer]

Is it possible to use a pipe with a smaller diameter for planted tanks?

[@Yikkoofficial]

I’m so confused why your electric fluval doesn’t work. Mine works amazing! It literally turned my tank crystal clear. It picked up all the poop and even pieces of plants that fell off. Great power suction. Sucks yours wasn’t good. Ps. I got mine this year & I have gravel ! Maybe this makes a difference.

[@kellylynch3775]

Thanks!! Just saved me 60 bucks!!! 😊🙏

[@martintrj5620]

I wish I would’ve watched this vid before getting rid of my 3 red ear sliders. Tons of waste to clean, no filter was enough. This would’ve been a great solution. Thanks for sharing.

[@joec2174]

Put a t fitting up top. Attach the bag to the 90 degree side and fully cap the top. Then drill your airline hole at the capped end.

[@kkishore6882]

Thanks for this awsome tutorial ❤

[@elizabethG633]

I have the same Fluval gravel vac as you used, but mine seems to do great in my tanks, mind you I only have a 5.5 gal and a 10 gal tank. But I may get my husband to make me one like you showed in the video. That is so cool.

[@cesarcossio1778]

I bought the fluval and I'm not happy with it at all. For the price you would expect it to do better so I'm gonna put it back in its box and return it and try making my own like you did thanks for your help

[@TheFlutterrbye]

I'm definitely going to give that a try. I use Joeys bottle and batting to super floss my water. When my water is cloudy, I put it together, put it on my intake and within a few days I have nice clear water for pennies. I really like how you put that together, like I said I'll be giving it a try. I would like to see them demonstrated with gravel as well for a full comparison. 🌹🦋🐟🦋🌹

[@smashthevolume]

I remember the Gravel vac days ..

[@whitechin99]

Fluval called. They said they hate you.😂. Good video bud

[@scott3028]

I made my own and it's flawless!!! Thanks man. So easy to make

[@vasilekikanellos5332]

I bought one and today I’m going to use it, I’m thinking from your demonstration it won’t pick up goldfish poop! I’ll let you know. Thank you.

[@christianfernandez3216]

Fantastic video definitely trying this out keep up the great work

[@Hallcrysr]

So glad you did this post! Not gonna buy one but make my own!

[@morganalabeille5004]

Man, the size of pvc pipe you use is surprisingly hard to find in Canada. On the Canadian Lowe’s website the only length of pvc pipe they have is ten feet

[@elizabethG633]

Well, I made my own gravel vac, but I won't see just how efficient it is for another week, I just cleaned my tanks earlier in the week. Actually I made 2 of them. My husband bought me ABS pipe instead of the PVC but all else is the same, and that one will only work in my 30 gal. So, I made another one with the old Top Fin small wand, drilled the hole in that and inserted the tubing and the air stone for use in the 10's and 5's I have. One more thing, I punched out the grating in the top of the small wand, to let more yuck get into the media bag.

[@pruebj3553]

I’ve got the cheap chinese copy of this Fluval vac, and that one’s really good ..... but I’ve also made my own electric gravel vac using a powerhead.

[@harryfisher2089]

I'm going to try this thank you

[@jardin1001]

Really the best video to do your own vac, Easy to do and not expensive. Thanks

[@chrisperkins1553]

Made my own, works well. Thankyou

[@Knoxtolen]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@myevilgummybear]

Literally went out today to go buy all this stuff because you're right I bought the pro back fluval and it sucks not as intended so I'm going to return it and I have everything that I need to build what it is that you have and I even got the longer bubbles air stone just in case and I bought a 60 for up to 60 gallons pump I don't know if that makes a difference or not

[@georgebranham]

Works.i already had put.p and all other stuff..I only had to go to local hardware to buy 12in PVC pipe...68¢

[@rickneifert9182]

I no Its 2 Yrs later but I just seen your Vid and it looks like a great idea and I'm going to try it. I did buy a P.O.S Fluval sucker and its JUNK! I didn't like it because it made my tank more disgusting than it already did and the filter clogs up to fast. Top it off the pleco shit doesn't go up through the holes in the fluval anyway

[@tinyt6330]

I use the eheim gravel vac around the same price. Love it!!

[@mingtang9203]

Wow. efficient and simple. Great ideal.

[@michonmcgill2652]

What size diameter tubing fits on the aerator whisper 40? Does the whisper 40 come with its own tubing?

[@katholden1728]

i missed tht video of joeys but i will be building one of these i think u solved my problem in my goldfish tank

[@bradleytomlinson7174]

About to make one but I really like flival

[@Cupcake_Murder]

Not sure if I get an answer...i have small stones (not sand) with the DIY work? and the pump works on high? (I have the same pump for my tank but has a regulator valve for the bubbles)

[@MrRenoman2011]

I think the dyi one is best

[@pillingthemsoftly4738]

This is exactly why I use larger size gravel and never sand or small gravel. The quartz I use looks nice. I'm not sure why you're using sand for a salt water tank in a fresh water tank.

[@christianharnisch3936]

looks like pool filter sand, don't get too crazy

[@brettcoyle2399]

Damn glad u made this build more simple I love king of diy but my bad adhd I can’t focus with as many parts as he had with gravel vac went got all the parts I need just pvc and cap thingy got air stones and pumps might try my pump I use for sponge filters it’s for a 60 or 75 gallon pump but loved how it vacs it and spits water back out into tank plz do more of his builds in this simplistic way u got SUBBED

[@christopher_scott]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Rayray80591]

If you read the box and instructions like you’re supposed to it says it’s not meant for sand substrate

[@lianashomeandgarden]

Ive broken one when i started using it on sand. Works great on gravel though.

[@lululady6848]

Most things you make yourself are better than store bought stuff.

[@Alw337]

do you think this is strong enough to pull from a gravel bottom.

[@RidgeLife]

Hey! Saw you on 5M Family LIVE tonight and subbed you. Take care!

[@NEIADFVP]

I just did this and it worked amazing thank you so much

[@christopher_scott]

death_by_games glad it worked out. Thanks for watching!

[@NEIADFVP]

I watched made it and instantly subed to you. Thank you again. Big time money saver as I almost bought the fluval. It worked great on my gravel with a tetra whisper 60 air pump. Those are on sale right now at petsmart for 15.99 on there website if you go to the store they will price match it from almost 35 bucks to 15.99 I now have 3 of them haha

[@NEIADFVP]

@@christopher_scott thank you again

[@fredflintstone1547]

ther air pump CFM volume, length of airline hose, vacuum pipe diameter as well as length of pipe are directly related to efficiency and the proper combination

[@clownfishdab8935]

You’re a saint

[@tatianagonzales7473]

Is this just sand or will the diy work this well for gravel too???

[@teeny007]

Thanks. Very cool.

[@DSBP1]

Do you need to do this and water changes or does this replace doing water changes?

[@austinmiller4436]

Great video bro, very helpful!

[@whatdomuslimsknowii9165]

Most of commercial units of that kind don’t work well cause of the obstruction threw them. Yours was open all the way to the bag 👍

[@bjdonohue6704]

nice diy ty. Luv the great shots of brenton. Awesome snot-locker kid! Lol

[@davidburns4845]

Thanks works great

[@sharronmiller451]

Such good info, thanks.

[@AIIZREVIEWS]

Two different designs on the tip equal two different results. Not an apples to apples comparison

[@delgadojr512]

Why bother with the airstone?

[@TheListyRayne]

Gonna try that!

[@nyssafenske635]

What size/kind of stone did you use after that was better?

[@joey_ricciardi117]

I have one it works good on gravel/stones...but it's not worth the $ as most of the stuff gets stuck on plastic filter..

[@wowdubz]

Actually really surprising

[@weld4200]

Bro THE ANSWER IS IN THE NAME BROTHA GRAVEL VAC ..THOSE HOLES ARE FOR THE GRAVEL .

[@elizabethG633]

The Fluval electric gravel vac works great in a gravel substrate, on sand it would be as you demonstrated. But I have wanted to build my own like the one you did, and I will probably be very happy.

[@sailorz3334]

The one time I used one of those fluval electric vacs, it was on a bare bottom tank and it didn’t pick up anything. I ended up just using a net, I’m gonna make a diy vac one day when I get tanks again.

[@bigdweeb7829]

Guess what I am doing this weekend? thank you :)

[@davidhartman2081]

Im gona totally do this instead of buying that vaccum i was about to go buy it this morning lol

[@crystalbrady7565]

How did you cut the pipe ? With what ?

[@scott3028]

Pvc pipe cutters. Just a hand tool not that expensive, essentially a giant sharp pair of pliers

[@DavidGarcia-dm1dx]

The Fluval does not work. Did my own test and used the same setup as in video.

[@billieduncan6261]

I just bought the fluval and not having much success

[@floatzy1959]

Gtg sorry I wanted to watch it all live

[@ShayAndCay]

This is so useful

[@smithpianoservicing3421]

Thanks for saving me $75 and having to refill my tank every time I siphon!

[@pbking442]

I'm deffinitly building this. Just got 2 new bushynose plecos, and we all know how plecos are just massive poop factorys.

[@jasonramsay6113]

Awesome video. very informative. I was about to buy the Fluval gravel cleaner. not not. I have all the pieces laying round to make a gravel cleaner! I have turtles (3 x Australian Shortneck Murray River Turtles) they poop constantly. they eat the guppies, suckerfish, catfish and snails. so need to do a gravel clean once to twice a week. this is such an awesome idea and so cheap to make.

[@timg7317]

Kinda obvious, a gravel cleaner is for..........gravel!!.......... not sand 😃

[@faseto818]

I have the aquavac+ works great wkth gravel

[@ammarmik3719]

Amazing bro good job 👍

[@lynnbonica4342]

Pretty cool. Who'da thunk? 👍😃

[@GenerationStratos]

Omg I should have watched your video before I got a vac :(

[@michaelkovarik9940]

Wow that's nice

[@gabrielmiranda6557]

Just tried it....didn't work

[@mike75479]

Now fluval is going to build same one

[@PYROTOAD]

Dope

[@christinebrookes4586]

OK so I have crushed coral substrate that I need to get clean, I was looking at purchasing a vac and then someone pointed me this way, I didn't know if this is a daft question but what stops the substrate from being sucked into the bag and filling it up?

[@marciesocal7553]

👍🏻

[@braveniner3720]

I got a Fluval Gravel Vac, it's a piece of 💩, good feature about it for me is I can drain the water out my tank for water changes. I'm gonna try the diy mechanism. Thanks

[@oscarrobles5771]

Do you have to cut the pvc shorter like you did ? Or can we leave it longer ?

[@gsbk66]

That's a male adapter not female.

[@onetwoxplore]

Not effective with sand.

[@simonpidgeon949]

💯👍👍

[@uc5815]

its not good because its for gravel not for sand

[@mariot.5178]

fluval?