Laifoo Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Cleaner

The Laifoo Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Cleaner is a hand siphon for routine cleaning of gravel and sand beds. It is sold with a 5ft hose, with a 7ft version and a 5ft-S version listed as the same item in other sizes. All share the same parts: a siphon ball, a clear hose and a weighted gravel tube.

Starting the flow

There is no need to suck on the hose. Pinch the siphon ball several times and water begins flowing out by itself. Once it is running, gravity does the rest as long as your bucket sits below the tank.

Gravel tube and screen

The gravel tube sinks rather than floats, so it stays where you put it. Inside is a detachable filter screen that helps keep small fish, shrimp and gravel from being pulled into the hose. Laifoo says the tube will not disturb fish or decor while it works, which makes it a calm option for community tanks.

The hose

The hose is clear, so you can see what is being removed, and made from an elastic plastic meant to resist kinking. Laifoo states it has no odd smell and is harmless to fish. Pick the 7ft length if your tank sits higher or the bucket has to stand farther away.

Using it well

• Push the tube into the gravel, let debris rise, then lift and move on.
• On sand, hover just above the surface so sand is not drawn out.
• Rinse the screen after each use.

Warranty and fit

Laifoo covers quality problems for a period of 3 months after purchase with a replacement or refund. The siphon suits small to medium freshwater and saltwater tanks. For a bulb siphon with a bucket clip, compare the Tetra Water Cleaner, and for a motorized option see the AKKEE electric gravel cleaner.

Because the hose is clear, you can also judge how dirty the substrate is as you go and spend more time where waste is heavy.