Best Aquarium Cleaners of 2025

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Aquarium cleaners are essential for maintaining a healthy and clean aquatic environment for fish and other aquatic creatures. These products come in various forms, including filters, gravel cleaners, and algae scrapers. Filters remove debris and impurities from the water, while gravel cleaners eliminate waste and leftover food particles from the substrate. Algae scrapers, on the other hand, remove unsightly algae buildup from the tank walls and decorations. Regular use of aquarium cleaners ensures that the water remains clear and odorless, promoting the overall health and well-being of the aquatic inhabitants.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Aquarium Cleaners
Aqueon Aquarium Algae Cleaning Magnets
The Aqueon Aquarium Algae Cleaning Magnets are designed to make cleaning the inside of your aquarium easier from the outside. The scrubber is weighted to prevent it from floating away and can be used on both glass and acrylic aquariums. The curved pad is useful for cleaning flat and curved surfaces, and if separated from the magnet, the scrubber falls straight down for easy retrieval.
Tetra Water Cleaner for Aquariums
The Tetra Water Cleaner is an aquarium cleaner that makes water changes easy. This gravel siphon is compatible with aquariums up to 55 gallons and only takes 30 minutes to replace 30% of the water every 30 days. The siphon makes it easy to remove debris from gravel by moving the water cleaner throughout the gravel. The Tetra Water Cleaner comes with a gravel siphon, priming bulb, and clip for the bucket, making it easy to set up.
SLSON Aquarium Algae Scraper
The SLSON Aquarium Algae Scraper is a double-sided sponge brush cleaner with a long handle, designed for cleaning glass aquariums and home kitchens. The sponge is made of high-quality material that can quickly and effectively remove algae, keeping your fish tank inhabitants in a clean environment. The brush handle is sturdy and durable, with a non-slip surface that makes cleaning work easier. The brush has a hole on the end of the handle for easy storage and drying after use. Please note that it is not suitable for use on acrylic or plastic fish tanks. Rinse the brush pad with tap water before and after each use, and keep the brush head clean and dry before storing.
API SAFE & EASY Aquarium Cleaner Spray 8-Ounce Bottle
The API Aquarium Cleaner Spray is a safe and easy solution for keeping your aquarium clean. This 8-ounce bottle is designed to clean both the inside and outside of glass and acrylic aquariums. It effectively cuts through white, crusty mineral deposits, leaving your aquarium glass sparkling clean. The best part is that it is safe for both fish and plants, so you don't have to worry about any harmful chemicals harming your aquatic pets. With the API Aquarium Cleaner Spray, cleaning your aquarium has never been easier. Say goodbye to dirty glass and hello to a crystal clear view of your underwater world.
enomol Gravel Vacuum for Aquarium Water Changer
The enomol Gravel Vacuum is a semi-automatic water changer for medium to large fish tanks. With only two valves and a long hose, it allows for quick water changes and uses tap water pressure to drain water. The 16.5-inch cleaning tube has a built-in filter to remove debris while gently agitating the gravel. It comes with multiple faucet adapters and is easy to install and operate without the need for buckets, spills, or noise. This 2022 upgraded version promises higher quality and comfort, with customer satisfaction as a top priority.
Tetra No More Algae Tablets
Tetra Algae Control Tablets are designed to help you maintain a clean and clear aquarium. These tablets effectively eliminate existing algae from the water while preventing new growth, ensuring your tank stays healthy. You can use them in both glass and acrylic aquariums, giving you flexibility in your setup. Each fizz tab is convenient and ready to use, making it easy for you to incorporate into your regular maintenance routine. For best results, simply apply these tablets once a month or as soon as you notice algae appearing in your tank.
Luigi's Aquarium & Fish Tank Siphon and Gravel Cleaner
Luigi's Aquarium & Fish Tank Siphon and Gravel Cleaner is a simple yet effective solution to drain and replace tank water, clean aquarium gravel, and remove fish waste and toxins. Its one-way valve ensures there are no messy drips and its attached filter prevents small fish and shrimp from getting sucked up.
Laifoo 5ft Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Cleaner
The Laifoo 5ft Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Cleaner is a great tool to keep your fish tank clean. With an easy-to-control function, it is convenient to siphon fish faeces, impurities, and turbid water out of the fish tank. The 5 feet hose is made of clear and elastic plastic, which makes it durable and anti-kinking. The sinkable gravel tube has a detachable filter screen inside, which will not disturb fish or decor during use. The siphon ball is easy to use, and with just a few pinches, water will flow out automatically without striking or blowing.
AQUANEAT Fish Tank Cleaning Tools
The AQUANEAT Algae Scrubber is a handy tool for keeping your fish tank clean. Made of high-quality sponge, it effectively removes algae, maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. The sturdy plastic handle with a non-slip surface makes cleaning easier. The convenient hole at the handle's end allows for easy hanging and storage. Suitable for glass fish tanks, this tool is not recommended for acrylic or plastic tanks. The sponge's dimensions are 3”x2.5” and the handle is 12.5” long.
QZQ Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Vacuum Fish Tank Cleaner
The QZQ Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is a mufti-functional cleaning kit that adopts siphon design principle allowing for aquarium sand washing, algae scraping, fish excrement cleaning, debris removal, and water changing. It has a wide range of accessory combinations with 2 inlet pipes that can be combined according to the fish tank size. The new upgrade function provides convenience and pleasing appearance without electricity. It is easy to use and assemble, and comes with a flow regulator. The Aquarium gravel cleaner kit is designed to be attached to the tank with a filter system to protect fish and gravel from suction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you use Dawn soap to clean a fish tank?
No, it is not recommended to use Dawn soap or any other soaps or detergents to clean a fish tank. These substances can be harmful to fish. Instead, rinse the tank with warm water and wipe it out with a paper towel if necessary.
2. How do I reduce sludge in my fish tank?
To reduce sludge in your fish tank, it is important to regularly maintain the aquarium. Additionally, you can use a product like Sludge Buster every 2 weeks to break down sludge before it becomes a problem. Controlling feeding and removing any uneaten food, as well as avoiding overstocking the aquarium, can also help prevent sludge buildup.
During our aquarium cleaner research, we found 24 aquarium cleaner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 303,332 customer reviews through our big data system to write the aquarium cleaners list. We found that most customers choose aquarium cleaners with an average price of $12.72.
The aquarium cleaners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of aquarium cleaners, including Aqueon, Tetra, SLSON, API, enomol. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.
Aquarium Cleaners Comparison Table
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Brand | Aqueon | Tetra | SLSON | API | enomol | Tetra | Luigi's | Laifoo | AQUANEAT | QZQ |
Item Weight | 4.6 ounces | 9.5 ounces | 0.704 ounces | 9.6 ounces | 3.64 pounds | 1.44 ounces | 2.82 ounces | 9.6 ounces | 1.76 ounces | - |
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 7.15 x 4.25 x 2.4 inches | 14.25 x 5.67 x 2.4 inches | 15.75 x 3.54 x 1.57 inches | 8.11 x 1.85 x 1.77 inches | 15 x 11.95 x 3.03 inches | - | - | 12.56 x 8.86 x 2.05 inches | 15.71 x 3.03 x 1.73 inches | - |
Brand Name | Aqueon | Tetra | SLSON | API | enomol | - | - | Laifoo | AQUANEAT | - |
Target Audience Keyword | fish | fish, Fish | fish | algae-eaters, bottom-feeder-fish, mollusks, goldfish, octopuses, snails, fish, cichlid-fish, sharks, invertebrate-fish, rays, betta-fish | fish | - | - | fish | - | - |
Size | Small | 55 gallons | - | 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) | 30ft | - | - | 5ft | 1pc | - |
Model Name | Aquarium Algae Cleaning Magnets | Tetra Water Cleaner Gravel Siphon | - | SAFE & EASY AQ. CLEANER 8 OZ | ENOMOL023 | - | - | Aqua | - | - |
Color | Black | - | Blue | Black | BLACK | - | - | Clear | - | - |
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