Best Aquarium Filter: Your 2023 Trusted Guide [TRIED & TESTED]
Quality aquarium filtration is necessary for keeping healthy fish. But when it comes to choosing good aquarium filters, the sheer amount of options available can leave fish owners overwhelmed.
You have to consider numerous factors including the tank’s size, the inhabitants, your budget, and personal preferences…and this can be quite difficult, especially for novices.
So to help you out, I compiled a comprehensive list of the best aquarium filters I’ve come across and personally tested over many years of keeping fish. This list contains different types of aquarium filters in various sizes for small, medium, and large tanks, so we’ve got something for everyone.
How To Choose The Best Aquarium Filter
Before we dive deeper into the best aquarium filters for 2023, here’s a brief guide to choosing the best aquarium filters to guide you:
Filtration Needs
Your aquarium’s inhabitants may require various filtration types such as chemical filtration, biological filtration, or mechanical filtration. Because of this, you’ll need a tank
Capacity
An aquarium’s
Generally, we can classify aquarium tank filters into internal or external filters. Internal filters usually have less capacity than external filters like canisters. A small aquarium can do well with a suitable internal
As for the fish’s needs, we mainly consider the following:
- Population: A higher population of fish or a larger total fish mass translates to an increased requirement for filtration capacity.
- Display: Because a display tank is constantly seen, you won’t want clunky internal filters that can steal the show from your beautiful fish, making the aquarium less appealing. Instead, you may prefer HOB filters or canisters that are out of the fish’s view.
- Specialist pets: Other aquatic pets like turtles can create a lot of mess in short periods and can benefit more from filters with faster filtration.
Flow Rate
The flow rate is a crucial factor in determining which aquarium
We measure a tank
For example, a small 10-gallon tank should have a
Maintenance Levels
Aquarium
But keep in mind that the
Ease Of Setup
When
Preferences
Some people prefer aquarium filters with an in-built
Other preferences may include whether you want an internal or external tank based on display preferences.
Best Aquarium Filter for Small Tanks (1-10 Gallons)
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Small tanks usually have a low biological load, and thus, less filtration needs, so they’ll do quite well with small filters that take minimal space. Depending on the exact size and fish’s filtration needs, you can go for anything from a small internal
Below are my 3 picks of aquarium filters that would be great for your small 1-10 gallon tanks.
AquaClear 20 Power Fish Tank Filter (Top Pick)
As I said, small tanks don’t need a powerful
Also, I like that it hangs on the back and doesn’t take up any space inside the small
Pros
- Best for small tanks of 5-10 gallons
- Great capacity and flow rate for optimal filtration
- Provides all 3 stages of filtration
Cons
- Not as compact as I’d like for small tanks below 10 gallons
- Not self-priming
Marina S10 Power Filter
The Marina S10 Power Filter is a slim HOB
But, I must add that its transparency can support algae growth. So, my trick is to keep it in a cool and dry place.
I also like that it’s self-priming and can easily be used with reusable
My close friend and fish hobbyist has been using this model for many years without problems.
The downsides for me are its vibration and noisiness plus its increased maintenance costs compared to the AquaClear.
Pros
- Highly durable
- It’s self-priming
Cons
- It vibrates and can be a bit noisy
- Maintenance can be a hassle
Tetra Whisper Internal Tank Filter
The Tetra Whisper Internal Filter is a small but mighty
Tetra also produces mesh filter cartridges for you to slot into your
However, the Tetra Whisper Internal Filter has an incredibly strong intake. So, I’d recommend using a strip of pantyhose to avoid hurting your aquatic life.
Pros
- Ideal for nano tanks
- Small and compact
Cons
- Not suitable for tanks above 5 gallons
- May need a mesh to protect small fish from accidents.
Best Aquarium Filter for Medium Tanks (20-40 Gallons)
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Medium tanks can accommodate any type of aquarium
Here are 3 of my favorite aquarium filters for medium tanks between 20-40 gallons:
Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter (Top Pick)
My top pick for 20-40 gallon tanks is the Penn Plax Cascade Canister because my medium tanks are usually highly stocked and this canister has the right flow rate and capacity while remaining small and affordable.
I also really like the design of the Penn Plax. It’s transparent so you can see what’s happening inside. The valves can rotate 360° making them flexible and easy to fit under the tank. Also, there’s a big handle on top that makes opening it and maintenance easier.
Pros
- Affordable while providing great value
- Ideal for medium tanks with high bioload
- Convenient design
Cons
- Not self-priming
- Chemical and biomedia are sold separately
Fluval C2 Power Filter
Fluval is known for making great products and this C2 model doesn’t disappoint. The Fluval C2 Power Filter is a perfect choice for medium tanks of 20-30 gallons. And like other Fluval products, this one also offers their signature 5-stage filtration for optimal filtration performance.
The C2 is thoughtfully designed with a separate chamber for each
Pros
- Efficient mechanical filtration
- Thoughtfully designed
Cons
- Needs to be primed
- Biomedia space is kind of small
AquaClear 50 Power Filter
I’ve come across different brands over the years, and AquaClear has always been highly reliable and durable. This AquaClear 50 Power Filter is made for 20-50 gallon tanks, so it’s more than enough for medium aquariums.
This
Also, you need to fill the
Pros
- Ideal for all medium tanks between 20-40 gallons
- Large
filter media compartment - Highly reliable and durable
Cons
- The impeller can get stuck
- Needs to be primed
Best Aquarium Filter for Large Tanks (50-150 Gallons)
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The best aquarium filters for large tanks should have a high flow rate, plenty of room for
Below are my top 3 picks for large tanks:
Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter (Top Pick)
It’s not the cheapest
The manufacturers say this model is 25% quieter than its predecessors and noise level tests on this canister put it at just 51.9 decibels. Another thing I like is its ease of maintenance. But the installation is a hassle, and I wish it was self-priming so I wouldn’t have to check up on it from time to time.
Self-priming filters don’t require you to fill up the
Pros
- It’s quiet
- Has immense biomedia capacity
- Maintenance is simple
Cons
- Installation can be a hassle
- Not self-priming
Aqueon QuietFlow 155/400 Canister Filter
Those looking for an aquarium
Besides its high filtration capacity, I like how easy it is to install and maintain. But a huge turnoff for me is the stress of getting the
Pros
- Great for very large tanks
- Cost-effective
- It’s very quiet
Cons
- Priming is manual and the process can be time-consuming
- Starting it up can be stressful sometimes
Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin Aquarium Filter
The Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin Aquarium Filter has been a top seller for many years. It features the regular 3-stage filtration, but its patented bio-wheel tech provides excellent wet/dry biological filtration.
Although this HOB
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Superb biological filtration
Cons
- Not for tanks above 75 gallons
- Not self-priming
- A bit noisy
Best Canister Filter
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Canisters are all about more power and higher filtration capacity. But in the long term, you’d want to consider its versatility, energy consumption, and maintenance cost. Here are 3 canisters that I recommend:
Fluval FX6 High Performance Aquarium Canister Filter (Top Pick)
The Fluval FX6 High-Performance Aquarium Filter might be the mother of all canisters. It’s powerful, yet surprisingly quiet and easy to maintain. The canister boasts of up to 400-gallon support, but I think it’s better suited to 100-200-gallon tanks.
The Fluval comes with mechanical, chemical, and biological
Pros
- Great for very large tanks and can handle up to 400 gal.
- Quieter than most canister filters out there
- Maintenance is easy
Cons
- Installation is challenging
- Takes up space
- No spray bar(You can use a spray bar to agitate the water’s surface and increase oxygenation)
EHEIM Classic 2215 External Canister Filter with Media for up to 92 US Gallons
The Eheim Classic 2215 Canister is another powerful
In addition to its overall simplicity, the Eheim Classic stays quiet throughout and you’ll hardly notice it running. There’s almost nothing to dislike about this canister except its very limited mechanical
Pros
- Simple to install and maintain
- Quiet and hardly noticeable
Cons
- Comes with very limited mechanical media
- Needs to be primed manually
Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter
I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of the Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter due to its challenging installation process and noiseness, but it gets the job done and comes at a decent price. So I included it for those looking for a canister with similar features to the Fluval FX6 but at a lower price.
On the upside, the Marineland Magniflow canister is easy to maintain, and priming this
Pros
- Decent bargain in terms of price and quality
- Easy to maintain
- Nice quick connect/release valve
Cons
- A bit difficult to install
- Slightly noisier than other options
- Doesn’t have enough mechanical
filter media
Best HOB/Power Filter
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The best hang-on-back filters tend to have an equal balance of high capacity, compact size, energy efficiency, and cost efficiency. This allows them to be versatile enough for small, medium, and large tanks.
Here are 3 high-quality HOB/Power Filters I recommend:
Seachem Tidal Power Aquarium Filter (Top Pick)
When it comes to HOB/Power filters, I find it hard to beat the Seachem Tidal Power Aquarium Filter. I love that it has an amazing amount of room to fit as much
The Seachem is self-priming so it will start itself without any assistance even after power outages and water changes. And I must mention that the Seachem
My only problem with the Seachem is the slots on the skimmers are too big and allow for shrimps and fry to easily pass. So you’ll have to find a DIY solution like gluing a mesh to cover the slots.
Pros
- Huge
filter media capacity - No priming is needed
- Stays very quiet
Cons
- Not friendly for shrimps and fry
- Sometimes the surface skimmer can suck in fish food
Fluval C4
Coming in close second is the Fluval C4 HOB Filter. The C4
When it comes to the actual filtration, this Fluval C4
Pros
- Efficient filtration
- High biomedia capacity
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- It requires priming
- Can be a bit loud
Aquaclear Power Filter
Another high-quality HOB
It doesn’t have the self-priming feature of the Seachem and is not as quiet. But the Aquaclear is a solid, reliable, and easy-to-maintain HOB
Pros
- Lots of space for
filter media - Comes in sizes for small, medium, and large tanks.
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Needs to be primed
- Sometimes it can be difficult to get started
Best Sponge Filters
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Sponge filters are best for small tanks. For larger tanks, they can work alongside a more powerful aquarium
Here are 3 of the best sponge filters around:
Lustar Hydro-Sponge Filter (Top Pick)
The Lustar Hydro-Sponge Filter is my favorite sponge
I must say the Hydro-Sponge can be loud as large bubbles shoot through the lift tube. But you can add a diffuser to make it quieter,
Pros
- Comes in different sizes for tanks of up to 10-125 gallons
- A diffuser can be added
- Weighted foot design allows for convenient repositioning
Cons
- Noisy without a diffuser
- May be unattractive inside the tank
Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter
Sponge filters usually aren’t great for multi-stage filtration, but the Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter is an exception. It contains a sponge
As for its downsides, they aren’t much. But for one, the
Pros
- Bio ceramic
filter media included - 2 extra sponges included
- Super easy to assemble
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy when spouted below water
- A diffuser cannot be added
Pawfly Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter
The Pawfly Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter might be the most affordable sponge
Although the Pawfly isn’t quiet, the sound is manageable but can be made less noisy with air stones. I also find that this sponge
Pros
- One of the cheapest sponge filters
- Suitable for nano tanks
- Comes in different sizes for up to 60 gallons
Cons
- It may float
- It’s fragile and can easily break
- Can be noisy
Best Underwater/Undergravel Filter
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Undergravel aquarium filters sit under the
Undergravel filters are not as popular as the rest and I personally don’t like them. But if you’re interested, here are my top 3 picks:
Penn-Plax Premium Undergravel Filter (Top Pick)
The Penn Plax Premium Undergravel filter is a high-quality UG
Every component you need comes right out of the box except an air pump which is sold separately. Make sure to purchase an air pump that’s suitable for your tank’s volume, however, because a mini air pump won’t do well for a 50+ gallon tank.
Pros
- Comes in sizes for small, medium, and large tanks
- Easy to set up
- Good price
Cons
- The plate’s plastic clips are fragile and may break easily
- An air pump is not included
Lee’s Premium Undergravel Filter
Don’t let the low price tag fool you. Lee’s Premium Undergravel Filters are among the best and deserve every right to be on this list. They’re made from a highly durable plastic that won’t crack under the
Lee’s Undergravel
Pros
- Made with crack-resistant plastic
- Compatible with parts from other brands
Cons
- The price is affordable but slightly higher than other under
gravel filters - No air pump included.
CORISRX Aquarium Undergravel Filtration Bottom Circular Bar
The CORISRX Aquarium Undergravel Filtration Bottom Circular Bar is a unique type of undergravel
I like the flexibility of the
Pros
- Very affordable
- Flexible pipe design
Cons
- Assembly can be confusing
- Not suitable for medium to large tanks
Tips for Maintaining Your Aquarium Filter
It may already be obvious, but a good number of people still ask:
- Should I clean my aquarium
filter ? - Is it safe to clean aquarium filters?
- And how often should I clean my aquarium filters?
The answers are:
- Yes, you should clean your aquarium
filter , - Yes it’s safe to clean aquarium filters, and
- How often you clean it depends on how often it needs to be cleaned.
We go into more details in our aquarium filter cleaning guide, but here are four tips to get you started on
- Clean regularly: Aquarium filters should be cleaned regularly to keep them working properly.
- Change
filter media: Mechanical, chemical, and biological media lose efficiency as they get clogged with debris over time. So, they need to be changed every three to four weeks. - Keep the
filter moist: Don’t allowfilter media to dry out during cleaning to prevent helpful bacteria from dying. - Check for leaks: Over time, your
filter may begin to develop faults and start to leak which can cause filtered water to waste or cause unfiltered water to return to the tank.
Common Aquarium Filter Problems and Solutions
Noisy Filters:
- Check the water level: Some filters can start to make noise when the water level is too low.
- Add a diffuser or air stones: A diffuser or
air stone can significantly reducefilter noise. Keep in mind that not allfilter types can work with a diffuser orair stone . - Clean the impeller: A clogged impeller can start to make noise. Unclog and clean the
filter regularly to prevent clogging. - Check for air bubbles: make sure the
filter is properly sealed and check the tubing for any air leaks.
Leaking Filters:
- Check for damage: Check for any cracks or signs of damage that can cause a leak. Replace the necessary parts.
- Examine the O-rings: The O-rings can wear out over time and start to leak. Swap them out If necessary.
- Check the tubing: Loose tubing will most likely leak. So ensure the tubing is connected and tightly.
Filters Not Working:
- Check the power source: Ensure the
filter is connected to a working power source and plugged in correctly. - Try priming it: Some filters need to be primed to work and re-primed to continue working after a power disruption.
- Check for clogged impeller: An overly clogged impeller can prevent the
filter from working altogether. So, inspect the impeller and remove any dirt or debris you find. - Check for air leaks: Inspect the tubing for air leaks which can prevent the
filter from functioning properly.
The Right Aquarium Filter Can Make All the Difference
As you can see, there are more aquarium filters than you can keep track of. And with a lot of overlapping similarities and identical models, it can be hard to decide which one is best for your fish.
That’s why we created this comprehensive guide with the best aquarium filters listed in multiple categories to help you make an informed choice before splashing your cash. Whether you want a
Finally, if you have any suggestions or decide to purchase one of these filters, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the product in the comment section. And if you found this guide to be helpful, be sure to share it with fellow fish enthusiasts.
Best Aquarium Filter FAQs
What is the most effective type of aquarium filter ?
The most effective type of aquarium
What is the best filter for crystal-clear aquarium water?
Depending on your tank size and fish population, most aquarium filters with an appropriate flow rate and filtration capacity will be enough to provide crystal-clear water. But more powerful filters like canisters and HOB filters may be more efficient at providing and maintaining crystal-clear water in your aquarium.
How do I choose a filter for my aquarium?
When choosing an aquarium
- Filtration needs: Consider whether your aquatic inhabitants require mechanical, chemical, or biological filtration.
- Capacity: Bigger tanks or aquariums with a high fish population will need more filtration capacity.
- Flow rate: Aquariums need a flow rate of about 4-6 times their size. So a 20-gallon tank will need a flow rate of 80-120 GPH.
- Maintenance levels: Filters with high maintenance requirements are less desirable. However other factors determine how frequently a
filter needs to be maintained. - Ease of setup: An easy-to-set-up
filter allows for easy installation and easy disassembly and reassembly in times of maintenance and repair.
Is a canister filter worth it?
Yes, a canister