Lees Slim Gravel Cleaner
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Lees Slim Gravel Cleaner
A narrow siphon built for tanks too small for a full-size gravel vac. The Lee's Slim Gravel Cleaner is a self-starting siphon vacuum sized for nano and small aquariums, sold in two barrel lengths — Junior (6") and Standard (12") — so it reaches the substrate without dwarfing a small tank.
Key features
- Self-start siphon — a few pumps of the barrel starts the flow, no priming by mouth.
- Slim barrel — narrower than a standard gravel cleaner, built to work in nano and small tanks without disturbing more substrate than needed.
- Hose clip included — keeps the drain hose secured over the edge of your bucket.
- Two lengths — Junior at 6" for the smallest tanks, Standard at 12" for small to medium tanks.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Self-start siphon, hand-primed |
| Barrel diameter (Standard, 12") | 1¼ in |
| Included | Ultra hose clip |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
Which size do I need?
| Size | Barrel length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 6 in | Nano tanks and fish bowls |
| Standard | 12 in | Small to medium tanks |
Lee's publishes an exact barrel diameter for the Standard (1¼ in) but not for the shorter Junior, so we've left that figure out rather than guess it.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for routine substrate cleaning in nano and small freshwater or marine tanks during a water change, where a full-size gravel cleaner would be too wide or too long.
Not suitable as a general-purpose cleaner for larger tanks — the narrow barrel moves less water per pass than Lee's standard-width gravel cleaners.
Care and maintenance
Rinse the barrel and hose clip in clean water after use so detritus doesn't dry inside the tube.
Goes well with
- Seachem Prime — dose top-up water during the same maintenance session.
- Seachem Algae Scraper — clear nano-tank glass while you're in there.
- API Freshwater Master Multi Test Kit 5 in 1 — check parameters after the 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
What's the difference between this and the standard Lee's Gravel Cleaner?
The Slim range uses a narrower barrel, sized for nano and small tanks rather than the wider barrels in Lee's standard gravel cleaner range.
Which size suits a fish bowl or nano tank?
The 6" Junior is the shortest and narrowest option and is sized for exactly that use.
Do I need to prime it by mouth?
No. It's self-starting — a few pumps of the barrel gets the siphon flowing.
Can I use this in a saltwater nano tank?
Yes, it's suitable for both freshwater and marine aquariums.
