Fluval Gravel Vac Substrate Cleaner
Water type
Freshwater + Saltwater
Part no.
11080
In the box
6 items
Water type
Freshwater + Saltwater
Part no.
11081
In the box
6 items
Fluval Gravel Vac Substrate Cleaner
Self-priming gravel vacuum that cleans substrate while you drain water for a change. The Fluval Gravel Vac Multi-Substrate Cleaner siphons debris out of gravel, sand or rock with a couple of pumps on the Easy Start bulb – no mouth-priming – and a gravel guard stops it clogging mid-clean. It's sold in two lengths, sized to how deep your aquarium is rather than its litre rating, so tank depth is what decides which one you need.
Key features
- Easy Start siphon – a few pumps on the bulb gets flow going, no mouth-priming.
- Gravel guard – a wider intake sleeve stops gravel and rock being pulled into the hose and clogging the tube.
- Thumb-operated flow regulator – slow the flow down over delicate planting or shrimp, or open it up for a fast clean.
- Works on any substrate – sand, gravel or rock, in freshwater or saltwater tanks.
- Bucket clip included – hooks over the rim of a bucket so you're not holding both hose ends at once.
- 20 cm extension tube – reaches further into the tank for hard-to-reach corners.
Specifications
| Spec | Small / Medium (FGV01) | Medium / Large (AA3371) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum tank depth | Up to 50.8 cm (20″) | Up to 60 cm (24″) |
| Extension tube | 20 cm (8″) | 20 cm (8″) |
| Barcode | 015561110808 | 015561110815 |
| Priming | Easy Start siphon bulb | Easy Start siphon bulb |
| Flow control | Thumb-operated regulator | Thumb-operated regulator |
Which size do I need?
Size here is about how deep your tank is, not how many litres it holds – a wide, shallow tank and a tall, narrow one of the same volume can need different lengths.
- Small / Medium (FGV01) – suits tanks up to 50.8 cm (20″) deep, front to substrate.
- Medium / Large (AA3371) – suits tanks up to 60 cm (24″) deep, including most 4-foot and larger display tanks.
Measure the water depth from the surface to the substrate, not the tank's external height, before choosing.
What's included
- Intake tube with gravel guard
- Extension tube (20 cm / 8″)
- Flow regulator
- PVC hose
- Easy Start siphon bulb
- Bucket clip
Care and maintenance
Rinse the intake and gravel guard after use to clear any trapped debris, and check the siphon bulb valve isn't gritty before the next water change – grit in the bulb is the most common reason priming stops working smoothly.
Suitable for
Freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and any substrate – sand, gravel or rock. Not designed to lift heavy decor or plants; move these by hand before vacuuming around them.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by Fluval's standard warranty against manufacturing defects, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Common questions
Can I use this on sand without pulling it all into the hose?
Yes – the gravel guard widens the intake opening so it skims debris off the surface rather than drawing in the substrate itself. Hold it just above the sand rather than pushing it in for the gentlest result.
Do I need to suck on the hose to start it?
No. The Easy Start bulb primes the siphon with a few pumps, so there's no mouth-priming involved.
Which size fits a standard 4-foot tank?
Most 4-foot display tanks are around 45–60 cm deep, so the Medium/Large (AA3371) is the safer choice – check your tank's actual water depth if you're near that upper limit.
