Lees Gravel Cleaner
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Lees Gravel Cleaner
Start the siphon with a pump of the handle, not a mouthful of tank water. The Lee's Gravel Cleaner is a self-starting siphon vacuum that lifts waste out of the substrate during a water change, separating debris from gravel as the water drains. It comes in five barrel lengths — Mini (5"), Small (9"), Medium (10"), Large (16") and Large (24") — so you can match the cleaner to the depth of the tank you're servicing.
Key features
- Self-start siphon — a few pumps of the barrel gets water flowing, no priming by mouth and no separate pump needed.
- Wide-mouth nozzle — the 5" barrel's nozzle is built to increase surface coverage over a plain tube, so fewer passes get the job done.
- Hose clip included — holds the drain hose over the edge of your bucket so it doesn't slip out mid-siphon.
- Five barrel lengths — from a 5" nano-tank size up to a 24" barrel for deep tanks, sold as separate variants.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Self-start siphon, hand-primed |
| Barrel diameter (5" Mini) | 1⅝ in |
| Included | Hose clip; wide-mouth nozzle on the 5" barrel |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
Which size do I need?
| Size | Barrel length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 5 in | Nano and small tanks |
| Small | 9 in | Small to medium tanks |
| Medium | 10 in | Medium tanks |
| Large | 16 in | Large tanks |
| Large | 24 in | Deep or very large tanks |
The manufacturer publishes an exact barrel diameter only for the 5" Mini, at 1⅝ in. The longer barrels step up in diameter to keep suction effective over a longer reach, but Lee's doesn't list an exact figure for each size, so we haven't guessed one — go by tank depth rather than barrel width when choosing.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for routine gravel and sand-bed cleaning in freshwater and marine tanks during a water change. Choose the barrel length that reaches your substrate comfortably from above the waterline.
Not a substitute for mechanical or biological filtration — it removes settled debris during a water change, it doesn't filter the water in between.
Care and maintenance
Rinse the barrel and nozzle in clean water after use so detritus doesn't dry inside it. Check the hose clip periodically for wear if it's used weekly.
Goes well with
- Seachem Prime — dose your top-up water while you've got the bucket out.
- Seachem Algae Scraper — clear the glass in the same maintenance session.
- API Freshwater Master Multi Test Kit 5 in 1 — check parameters after your water change.
Warranty and delivery
No fixed manufacturer warranty term is published for this accessory; your purchase is covered by the consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law. Ships standard parcel freight.
Common questions
Do I need to suck on the hose to start it?
No. The self-start mechanism gets the siphon flowing with a few pumps of the barrel — no priming by mouth.
Which size should I buy for a nano tank?
The 5" Mini is the shortest barrel in the range and suits nano and small tanks best.
Can I use this in a planted tank without disturbing the roots?
Hover the nozzle just above the substrate surface rather than pushing it in deep, and you'll lift loose debris without pulling up root systems.
Does it work in saltwater?
Yes, it's suitable for both freshwater and marine aquariums.
