How to Make Your Own Gravel Cleaner Vacuum for an Aquarium Water Change

Fish keepers must regularly clean waste and bits of uneaten food out of aquarium gravel to maintain the tank's healthy environment. They do this with a simple siphon device made with tubing. Suck on one end of a tube until water starts flowing, and then work the larger end of the device around the aquarium gravel to pull out debris. You can find these vacuums at any well-stocked pet store, but it's also easy to make your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Empty 20-ounce plastic soda bottle
  • Sharp blade
  • Clear, flexible tubing at least 3 feet long; diameter should fit fairly snugly inside the top of the bottle
  • Aquarium-safe silicone glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Thoroughly rinse the soda bottle. Remove the label.

    • 2

      Evenly cut off the bottom of the bottle.

    • 3

      Push the tubing about an inch into the bottle. Hold it in place and put a bead of silicone glue around the seal to create an airtight bond.

    • 4

      Allow the glue to thoroughly dry before using the vacuum.