How to Clean a Fish Aquarium With a Siphon Hose

Siphoning water can draw unwanted debris quickly and easily from your aquarium. Siphons specifically designed for cleaning aquariums are available at pet stores and often use either water pressure from a faucet or a bulb pump to start the siphon working. However, you can save money by using a simple length of plastic tubing to siphon your aquarium clean. Because siphon cleaning removes some of the water from your aquarium, take this cleaning time as an opportunity to also do a water change.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 gallon bucket
  • 8 foot, 3/4 inch clear plastic hose
  • 2 foot, 1/4 inch dowel rod
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Position the empty bucket on the floor next to the aquarium.

    • 2

      Place the entire length of the plastic siphon hose in the aquarium and fill the length of the hose with water. Clear all air bubbles from the hose.

    • 3

      Hold one end of the hose in the water near the bottom of the aquarium. Place your thumb over the other end of the siphon hose. With your thumb still on the end of the hose, pull that end out of the aquarium and place it in the bucket. Release your thumb. The siphon will begin and water will start to run through the hose.

    • 4

      Hold the end of the siphon hose just off the bottom of the aquarium. Probe and stir the gravel gently with the dowel rod to bring debris up to the end of the hose. Be careful not to suck up any gravel, plants, fish or other items. Work across the aquarium in a back and forth pattern to remove debris.

    • 5

      Kink the hose to temporarily stop the siphon effect. Release it to allow the siphoning to begin again.

    • 6

      Remove the vacuum end of the siphon from the water to stop the water flow. Allow the hose to drain completely. Remove the siphon from the bucket and dispose of the dirty water.