So far, I’m hoping that I can use a brass, threaded, 3/4″ T fitting, all female ends, which I plan to attach to the male end of a brass shut off valve ( exactly the same as what you would use for a garden hose). Because gravel vacuums (also called aquarium vacuum cleaner) are a fairly inexpensive product, I decided to round up and test all the most commonly used gravel vacuums on the market. Like Lee’s Ultimate Gravel Vac, if the Marina Aqua Vac was more affordable, these minor flaws would be less of an issue. But at this price, it competes directly with the Python water changer, and the decision between the two is a no-brainer. Deep Blue Hydromaxx Water Changer What really separated them was the build quality – the hosing in particular. When using a gravel vacuum, you control the flow of water draining from your aquarium by kinking and unkinking the hose.

The components to make an improved Python water changer are available separately and I will help to show you how to put one together. Here is your shopping list: Full disclosure: Gravel vacuums are little more than a tube and hose, a design repeated by every brand tested. Because of this, all gravel vacuums tested were able to both clean gravel and siphon water to some degree of effectiveness.Me? I want to spend as little time maintaining my tank as possible. It leaves me with more time to stare at my lovely little fish.

The next size up that Python offers features a 2-inch opening. Unless your tank bottom is sparsely covered, I found this opening to be too large for precise and effective gra I've been keeping fish for over 30 years and currently have 4 different aquariums – it's an addiction. I'm here to teach you everything there is to know about fishkeeping. The Aqueon water changer is available in two kits. The only difference between them is the length of the hose: ThePython 7.5m No Spill Clean and Fill Gravel Cleaner will drain as well as fill aquariums whilst ensuring that fish and other tank inhabitants remain undisturbed, The Python No Spill Clean and Fill Gravel Cleaner includes gravel tube, switch, hose, faucet, hose connectors and pump as well as faucet adapter.Before I continue, I want to stress that cold water changers come with a slight learning curve. If you have never operated an aquarium water changer before, read over our how to use an aquarium water changer guide. It will help you avoid common mistakes that many beginners make. It might seem like a simple piece, but this small adapter is responsible for keeping your water changer securely connected to your faucet. Additionally, it features a 20-inches long gravel cleaner that is especially meant to aid in tidying each corner of the aquarium without the need to wet your hands. This could also assist in immediately draining untidy water in the tank.