Aquarium Cleaning Machine: power micron gravel siphon; clean aquarium.

Aquarium Cleaning Machine, Model APVG-100:
Power Aquarium Siphon and Micron/Polishing Filter for a Clean Aquarium

HOW I USE THIS MACHINE; I prefer this cleaning machine over the Python or similar devices I have used over the years. I have also used the extensions for the Cleaning machine too for reaching the bottom of deep tanks over 30 inches (76 cm), although I personally prefer the control of the standard vacuum bell even if my arm gets wet.

I use this unit as another tool for proper aquatic husbandry, not as a cure all or magic bullet. I still change 20% + water, the difference is I will use this machine to vacuum and while doing so drain water into a toilet or into the yard (FW). Then after I have changed the desired amount of water, I will then switch the cleaning machine to re-circulate (polish water similar to older Vortex Filters) and continue to clean ALL the mulm and debris that will add to high nitrates if left during a normal cleaning.
Please click on the picture above for a larger view of how I connect a garden hose for easy switching between water changes and then further water polishing.
After this I clean the micron cartridge with a bleach solution and I am ready for the next time. All this without the wasted water of Pythons and a vastly cleaner aquarium without the stress to fish of 80% water changes (due to the change in chemistry and other parameters bring) to remove all the mulm.

In freshwater tanks with sand or marine tanks with fine oolite sized aragonite deep sand beds I only thoroughly vacuum the top 1/2" so as to not "aerate" the de-nitrifying bacteria in the sand bed, with occasional “deep” vacuum bell penetrations to prevent mulm buildup or sulfur reducing bacteria buildup.

In these tanks with sand, I will also set the flow valve VERY slow to make it easier to vacuum in sand without pickup by the machine. Once finished in the sandy areas or simply running the machine to polish the water after completion of vacuuming, I generally will turn the valve to a higher flow rate again.

See the expanded tips section after the shopping cart for more ways to utilize this cleaning machine in tanks with fine sand as well as more tips for general use, care, cartridge care, etc.

Please see this article for more:
"Aquarium Cleaning"

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE USE OF THIS MACHINE (Tips, pictures, video link), Please see this Page:
Cleaning Machine Tips, Instructions, & Videos

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For Replacement UV Bulbs to keep your aquarium clear in between Water Changes:

UV Bulbs
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(By Ancient Mariner; We are the Original Authorized Retailer/Distributor of this unique & awesome product!)

"Not just a filter, but a monthly maintenance miracle" Better; A useful tool (cleaning machine) for good aquarium husbandry! Probably the best innovation since the Python!

Please see our Tips, Instructions and Videos Page for more in depth Information:
Cleaning Machine Tips, Instructions, & Videos

A Commercial Machine is also available, Please follow this link for further information:
APGV-400 Commercial Cleaning Machine

Please scroll down to purchase.

*Winner of the Pet Trade Aquarium New Product of the year: 2006
* Cleans both Fresh and saltwater aquariums.
*Useful for FW aquariums with high DOC (dissolved organic compounds) where a large water change to remove organic mulm would cause osmotic shock, as a large water change is not necessary with this machine to remove mulm.
Vastly superior at DOC removal over regular gravel vacuuming or cleaning with Python Vacuum
* Great for Nitrate removal in marine aquariums, after changing 20% or more of your water, close the valve and keep cleaning your aquarium until the water is clean, thus removing debris before it goes through the nitrogen cycle.
* Color coded components for error free use.
* Continuously cleans without removing essential bacteria.
* Easy set-up and easy to use.
* Convenient drain plugs for easy clean up.
* Compact and easy to store.
* Heavy duty flexible hoses.
* Increased suction with unique micro valve.
* Unit tested and sealed at factory.
* Vented motor for optimal performance.
* Cartridge can be washed off. OR for further cleaning, soaked in a bleach solution (I recommend a 1 part bleach to 5 to 10 parts water), then re-rinsed and soaked in a chlorine remover/ water solution to remove bleach.
We have found over 20 uses out each cartridge if cleaned immediately after use.
* Machine can also be used to pump water from container (such as pre-mixed SW or RO water) back into the aquarium.
* Easily handles aquariums up to 300+ gallons with the standard cartridge (Based on my experience using my method of use- See Below).
* 1100 GPH
* 1/23 HP
* Vertical rise 12 feet
* Return and intake hose are each 8 feet long (2.25 m)
* 70 Watts
* Two year limited warranty
*To be bluntly honest, although this machine can be a time saver for large or multiple tanks, the MAIN REASON to purchase is that you will get no where near as clean (where it counts in water chemistry) in any other method, INCLUDING Gravel Vacuum Systems (Pythons, Lees, etc.), or Diatom Filters (this is based on 32 years aquarium maintenance experience)!

OUR PRICE $199.99
Coming Soon, further information further down the page

AQUARIUM CLEANING MACHINE;
ACCESSORIES:

Most pictures below click to enlarge, please scroll down to purchase via the Pay Now drop down menu/button.

*Aquarium Cleaning Machine - $199.99
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(Machine is complete and ready to run with cartridge, carbon, & lubricant)

*Replacement 9 inch 20 & 50 Micron cartridges (twin pack-2) -$24.99
Includes one 20 micron (black top/bottom) & one 50 micron (blue)
Currently not available, consider the Starter Kit which includes a larger cartridge & is actually a better value as we are selling the Starter kit near cost)
(we should have more available in Mid October)

*Replacement Pelletized Carbon (twin pack-2) - $9.99
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*Garden hose Adapter - $3.99
(recommended)
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*Silicone Lubricant - $3.99
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*24" Vacuum Tube (Bell) extension- $13.99
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*50/20 Micron Starter Kit - $37.99
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For extra dirty aquariums; includes 14”- 50 micron cartridge as well as additional 10” -20 micron cartridge.
For extra dirty aquariums; remove carbon container cap & add 14”-50 micron filter & tower to allow for max filtration. After this initial use, add carbon container and 20 micron cart in order to polish water.
Additional equipment; not required for normal operation

*Extension Tower - $37.99
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(use this for additional capacity during cleaning process, this allows for two 20 micron cartridges and double capacity for large aquariums before the micron cartridges would normally “clog” with debris).

*Also available, Ultimate Gravel Vacuum Pump Kit and faucet adapter (replaces Python Pump as well) -$8.99
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We also have a Commercial Vacuum (APVG-400) for professional aquarium maintenance companies (or those preferring a super heavy duty machine) Please click on the picture/link for a separate web page with more information about this product and to purchase the APVG-400

APVG-400 Commercial Aquarium Cleaning Machine

Please Note; The Manufacturer of the Standard Aquarium Cleaning Machine is re-tooling for an even better machine (in part because the original die cast was broken and replacing this will cost over $50,000, so they are using this opportunity o design a new machine).

From the Manufacturer (as of 2/03/12, the Cleaning Machine appears to finally be in production):
"The "New" APGV-100 will be available by end of first quarter. It will be made in the U.S; every unit overseen and pressure tested by me.

The "New" APGV-100 will be much more powerful and allow the consumer to have U.S.A. sources for replacement parts"

Best Regards,
The Ancient Mariner

In the mean time the Heavy Duty Commercial Aquarium Cleaning Machine is still available (see link in the left side bar)
We will update this page as often as new information becomes available from the manufacturer, so please do not email us requesting further updates as we are providing the best information we can on this web page (emails requesting notifications of back order availability can be sent).
Believe us that we wish this great product could be made available sooner and that the manufacturer would keep us better posted!

Also consider the Eheim Sludge Remover

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