If you are a fish enthusiast you will certainly need a water tank filter. Why? A water filter is needed to clean and purify a fish tank to make sure you fish stay alive. A fish tank may accumulate and gather excess food, dirt and grime, or even algae and germ growths that can harm fish. Moreover, if you want healthy and larger fish then a water filter is key to supporting marine life in the aquarium.
Filters for fish tanks are an essential part of any aquarium and any proper filtration. For example, if you got a large gallon sized tank then you can carry a larger variety and stock of fish. A good filter is suitable for all your needs that can accommodate bigger tanks with a very big water turnover capacity.
Top Picks: 10 Water Filters for your Aquarium
- Best Overall Fish Tank Filter: Aqua Clear – Fish Tank Filter “Superior water filter with a re-filtration system that is highly rated and effective as well as an energy efficient pump —- top notch!”
- Most Popular Canister Filter: Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter “Superior water filter with a refiltration system that is highly rated and effective as well as an energy efficient pump —- top notch!”
- Quietest Filter for Large Tanks: Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter with Bio-Scrubber “he Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter is the best-rated filter system for larger aquariums and tanks and known to be quieter than the competition in the marketplace.”
- Best Budget Water Tank: Marineland Penguin Power Filter w/ Multi-Stage Filtration “If you are looking for a working aquarium filter that does the job and stays in the budget, then the Marineland 350 will give you what you need.”
- Highest Rated Sponge System: Jardin Fish Tank 6-Layer Sponge Biochemical Water Corner Filter “Incredible sponge filter that is known to do wonders in smaller fish tanks and clear nitrates at once.”
- Best Internal Water Filter Technology: Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO Aquarium Power Filters “Expect incredible and innovative filter technology that can clean your tank in a futuristic way.”
- Best External Canister: EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter with Media “The EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter is a favorite that is tested and proven to filter and perform when it comes to cleaning. “
- Most Powerful Pump System: Fluval Canister Filter, FX6 Filter (400 Gal) “The most powerful pump in the marketplace that has a 400 gallon capacity for cleaning and filtration efficiency.”
- Most Practical UV Sterilize: Polar Aurora Free Media “A filter combining traditional filtration with an ultraviolet sterilizer with a more normal sized capacity of up 75 gallon for tanks.”
- Most Popular and Customer Approved: Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter “A superior and flexible tank filter that manages to allow multiple stream rates and filtration standards for a variety of tanks.”
Types of Fish Tank Filters
There are a variety of Fish Tank Filters so learn about the different types of filtration and tank systems. The types of filters below will let you know more about the filters so that you have more knowledge when you go shopping.
Internal Filters
The internal filters are attached at the top of the tank with the help of suction cups. These filters rely on air to force them up so that the water can pass through it. They have sponges or activated carbon and are more suited to smaller tanks.
Canister Filters
The body of the canister filter is larger compared to other filters. All in all, these filters are easy to set up without any extra effort for its maintenance.
Power Filters
Power filters are popular and used more often in many aquariums. The power filtration and construction is as such that it can be placed in the back of an aquarium in different types of fish tanks. Overall, these filters are easy to maintain these filters because the cartridges are replaceable.
Wet/Dry Filters
This is also known as a trickle filter or a bio-tower, as it is an anaerobic filtration method.
The name of the filter represents the filter media’s ability to face the exposure of both air and water.
Fish Tank Features
1. Recommended Aquarium Tank Size
The aquarium filters and size should be of the same size. Make sure to always have a tank that is of the same size that can enhance rather than restrict the performance of the filter.
2. Filtration Technology
Every piece of filtration technology differs due to the brand or model. The multiple types of filtration technology include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, alkaline/water ionizers, UV filters, and infrared filters.
3. Water Flow Rate
To measure the water flow rate normally gallons per hour is used is a very important way to determine a filter and its quality overall. Buy a filter that fills up the tank faster, so search for the flow rate before you make your purchase.
4. Brand Name Recognition
You should go for brands that have made their names through consistency and reliability. For example, Marineland is a respected brand with popular appeal and critical acclaim, so know your market.
5. Price
You don’t want to spend too much money so do comparison shopping. Compare prices online to retail price tags and make sure you will need to spend so much for a small tank because there are more options depending on the aquarium tank size.
6. Ease of Installation
Filters that are easy to install and manage will always be more appealing. Consider what you can do before buying any filter because this could be a big drawback. For example, internal filters especially the wet/dry filters are more difficult if not installed the right way to function correctly in larger tanks.
7. Noise
Some filters are loud and some have noise cancelling so insure what types of sounds that filters make overall. The motors that drive the filters make noise,so be aware of what you are buying and how it will affect you in your home.
Top 10 Water Filters for Tanks Reviews with Positive & Negative Side:
<Best All Around and Top Brand Fish Tank Filter>
Aqua Clear – Fish Tank Filter
The AquaClear Power Filter is a particularly special and popular filter that is highly rated. This water filter is considered one of the most flexible hold tight filter frameworks that is available and accessible on the market.
The five models that come with this Aqua Clear filter are accessible and effective. For example, you can adjust stream rates for most types of mainstream sizes of aquariums. One of the great advantages of this tank filter is the filter, which is essentially a large filter media box. The AquaClear stream control will decrease the stream by up to half without hurting the filters engine or impeller. The re-course framework enables water to go through a filter media more than once when slower stream rate modifications are chosen. This will allow better contact time and then contributing in a positive way to the water quality.
The filter works well to keep the balance of useful microbes, which are fundamental in the expulsion of dangerous alkali and nitrite in your tank. The AquaClear multi-organize filtration framework is extraordinary. Just one of three filtration segments changes at once. This guarantees large measures of gainful microscopic organisms remain. There will never be an abrupt consumption of microbes, so natural filtration stays at very powerful dimensions.
Overall, this is a superior water filter with a refiltration system that is highly rated and effective as well as an energy efficient pump. You will not be frustrated, however be prepared for issues with some noise and initial set up time for maximum results.
Positive: The filter is easy to install and set up as well, the filter will efficiently clean your aquarium at a price that will not be too high.
Negative: The water filter is not perfect so you will encounter some noise and processing issues.
<One of the Most Popular Brands for Best Canister Filters>
Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter
The Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Aquarium Filter is a reputable and popular tank for aquariums up to 100 gallons and pumps 265 gallons for each hour. Increasingly, this popular brand offers innovative features like mechanical, substance, and natural filtration, which produces effectively clears water in many types of marine aquariums.
There are a lot of advantages to this water filter for tanks. For example, there is an involved organic filtration, which by elevating bacterial development will effectively keep your tank germ or bacteria free. How? Basically, by removing waste viably, picking up excess nourishment and as well destructive smelling salts and nitrates. Moreover, the tank has cool features that like fast detach tubing connector, which can contribute to control the filter's stream rate. You will be guaranteed a secure and water-tight tank fit that will ensure a clean and filtered environment. In addition, expect filter media that easily accessible and incorporated free with every canister filter. Unfortunately, on the flip side it is a difficult filter to clean up, which can cause build up germs and bacteria in the long term. However, overall, this is a powerful and intuitive filter that somehow manages to be quieter than other filtration systems and brands. Also, this particular model is easy to set up and install.
Positive: Overall, this is a very well rated product that manages to produce power without a minimum of noise and inconvenience.
Negative: This particular filter is hard to clean and may cause a build up of dirt, grime, and debris to be stuck in your tank.
<One of the Quietest Filters for Large Tanks on the Market>
Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter with Bio-Scrubber
The Whisper In-Tank filter highlights the best of many water tanks all in one. The tank can be modified effectively to high or low water levels, so it is an effective filtration system. This is one of the best aquarium filters on the market because it can be used if desired for tanks that are as large as 20 gallons.
In general, the main purpose of the filter is to be an affordable filter that is silent. So, this is an ideal filter for customers that is specially designed for small aquariums that are up to 10-gallons. The Tetra utilizes medium bio-bag filter cartridges that clean the aquarium quickly. The tank is usable for both aquariums as well as even turtle tanks. Tetra has more of a reputation for being well regarded as a brand in the fishing and seafood industry. Historically, Tetra has been associated with producing highly rated and acclaimed fish food and aquarium products for many years. The filters are inexpensive, but don’t expect many features that are more common with other pricey options.
In summary, this is a great filter and tank that is reliable and durable for long term use. The Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter is the best-rated filter system for larger aquariums and tanks and known to be quieter than the competition in the marketplace. The negatives are more centered around with the quality of the filtration.
Positive: Easy to install and sold at a reasonable price for many customers to be able to buy. This is a strong and sturdily built filter.
Negative: This is not a filter that has the most features compared to many other brand options as well the tank is not ideal for much larger aquariums.
<The Best Deal and Budget Water Tank to Meet Your Needs>
Marineland Penguin Power Filter w/ Multi-Stage Filtration
This is an ideal water tank that utilizes filtration technology. Exclusively, the Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin power filter features three stage filtration for freshwater and saltwater tanks.
Now, what sets this tank apart from the competition? Basically, the Marineland Penguin Filter can be used for aquariums somewhere in the range of 50 and 70 gallons, so this is a rather large and distinct category. In addition, the Rite-Size filter cartridge is able to trap and remove debris and nearly fully conceal odors and discoloration, providing mechanical as well as chemical filtration. Another great feature is that you can use activated charcoal in each cartridge for cleaning purposes, which makes things more natural and less toxic for sanitation. Lastly, if you are concerned about noise then this particular filter has noise reduction.
In conclusion, this is a highly rated water filter that does get the job done naturally with activated carbon in addition to being available in a multitude of sizes to fit a large variety of tanks. If you are looking for a working aquarium filter that does the job and stays in the budget, then the Marineland 350 will give you what you need. The negatives associated with this tank have been limited to very specific customer incidents.
Positive: The biggest advantage is that this filter can clean up to 60 gallon tanks, so the flexibility is quite attractive.
Negative: There have been reports of incidents in regards to the wheels of the filter getting stuck and other remote problems.
<Water Filter with the Highest Rated Sponge System>
Jardin Fish Tank 6-Layer Sponge Biochemical Water Corner Filter
The Jardin fish tank filter is unique in that it works with a sponge filter. The process does make this wank tank filter stand alone in its process and technique. This is an incredible sponge filter that is known to do wonders in smaller fish tanks and clear nitrates at once.”
How does the filter work exactly? Basically, the Jardin is a sponge filter works connected at the hip with a vacuum apparatus that destroys water through the sponge to remove soil. In terms of its function and usefulness, the sponge filters works with the account mechanical filtration for good microscopic organisms to live on the sponge to help your fish. The Jardin is a great filter with an ingenious method of removal and tank filtration. All in all, this sponge filter can handle up to 20 gallons and is a great choice for keeping your Betta fish tank clean. The Jardin fish tank works reliably and well to keep your fish tank clear and germ free. Also, the Jardin fish tank filter is easy to clean and manage, you can wash and squeeze the sponge under running water and then reuse.
The bio-sponge needs to be replaced two times every year, so set-up, use, and up keep are easy. The downside of this system is that you have less surface area in terms of how much can be cleaned and maintained in a tank.
Positive: Easy to install, clean, set up, and maintain. The washing and cleaning is not time consuming.
Negative: You have less surface area in terms of how much can be cleaned and maintained in a tank, so the sponge is not effective for larger tanks.
<Best Internal Water Filter Technology and Best Performer>
Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO Aquarium Power Filters
Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO is an aquarium filter that has the best internal technology, which uses all the latest cleaning features, then this is the aquarium filter you should get. In this case, Aqueon Quiet Flow LED Power Filters features five phases of filtration-mechanical mixing to guarantee clear and clean water.
This particular Aqueon filter contains 25% that causes the break down natural waste materials and a cleaner ecosystem. In terms of the filter tank itself, the inside pump configuration hoses removes germs and grime through cleaning in the pump cycle. Another positive feature is that the fish in your tank will get a fresh stream of crystal clear water. Furthermore, there will be increased oxygen levels, which will make your marine life healthier. One of the more notable things about the Aqueon filter is the auto start pump is easy to maintain and automatically restarts. Another very innovative factor is that the Aqueon filters offers higher stream rates that will bring about cleaner water. In terms of the quality process of the filter tank, there is an inward pump helping to make it quiet and more peaceful.
This filter tank is ideal to use for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Moreover, this water filter has the ability to make your tank crystal clear as well as increasing oxygen levels that create healthier fish. Overall, the problems with this machine are minimal, so it has great reviews.
Positive: The best tank for higher flow rates that is able to have a better biological filtration along with wonderful pump design.
Negative: At times the water tank filter does heat up and is liable for not working properly.
<Best External Canister for any Water Tank on the Market>
EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter with Media
One of the best filters on the market with a canister this is a tank that is worth your time. Why? Because Canister filters are for huge tanks, so you'll have to guarantee that the filter you get is suitable enough for your specific aquarium.
In terms of general reviews, the EHEIM gets great reviews and is popular with aquarium fans. The tank filter in question is significant because this model has a high limit contingency that is quite far reaching. In essence, this water tank has a limit ranging from 40 gallons to as far reaching as 300 gallons. Using steel clamps you are able to utilize more durable and high quality for removal of germs and dirt. This filter in question consists of energy that is effectively and efficiently used to consume less power and still put out a high flow rate. A lot of other brands and other competitors don’t have the same success rate for cleaning and removal. IN sum total, the filtration is completed successfully with a Substrat Pro media and EHEIM Mech, which are very good in removing and enclosing bigger debris, dirt, and dispersing water.
The EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter is a favorite that is tested and proven to filter and perform when it comes to cleaning.
In closing, the filter is made to be incredibly productive and proactive with less power, but still displaying a high stream rate. Overall, this is very well regarded and highly praised tank filter that nearly satisfies most of their market and clientele.
Positive: Highly effective tank filtration with a large tank potential that is unique. The tank filter is easy to install and built and designed to last.
Negative: This is a tank filter that generally gets satisfactory reviews, but complaints have come from bad packaging and missing parts.
<Powerful Pump System that Works as a Large Capacity Water Cleaner>
Fluval Canister Filter, FX6 Filter
This is a multi stage filter that showcases innovative pump technology for great filter results. You will be happy to have this filter to create clean aquarium water, freshwater, and more for your home.
The Fluval is a powerful pump system with superior technology. Expect perfectly optimized filter performance for a complimentary and effective cleaning. Overall, the self starting filter is managed by adding water and plugging in, so set up and installation is easy and convenient. Compared to the competition, there is more efficiency with filtration and precision engineering to eliminate germs and debris. There is an electronic
Circuit board that monitors the pump and guarantees a strong and robust output of energy for cleaning. Another interesting feature, the Fluval pump fits and is able to be operable under most aquariums, so it is very flexible.
Therefore, the technology in the Fluval pump separates it from so much of the competition among filters. Overall, many have been satisfied with this product especially considering the price.
Positive: A wonderfully high tech multi-stage filter with superior pump technology and power.
Negative: The pump filter is not ideal for larger tanks as well some parts may be missing in packaged items of the product.
<An Inexpensive and Practical UV Sterilizer that is Perfect for Everyday Customers>
Polar Aurora Free Media
The Polar Aurora filter is a large capacity that is based on a three stage canister filter.
A filter combining traditional filtration with an ultraviolet sterilizer with a more normal sized capacity of up 75 gallon for tanks.
This is an advanced and high performance that guarantees high water quality and clean tanks. You will have organic grime and debris from coming up on a water level and surface that is removed by this filter. The water canister filters are able to work in a directly intuitive and traditional matter, so it is not a technologically operative device. The Polar Aurora filter utilizes activated carbons to cleanse the tanks as well mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration removal.
In conclusion, there is a simple design element that is advantageous to this filter because it is easy to use and very straightforward. There have been very few complaints about this filter overall.
Positive: A straightforward and easy to use filter that is quick to set up and start operating to clean your tank.
Negative: The filter has very little negative feedback, so it is worthwhile for the price.
<Popular Filter and Well Known and Regarded for Best Customer Service and Quality>
Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter
Marineland produces an incredible and reliable filter technology that has been respected for many years in the aquarium industry. Also, by choice, this brand has managed to keep ahead of the competitors with scientific research and innovative approaches.
The Magniflow 360 Canister Filter is designed to make and offer multi-stage filtration for freshwater or saltwater aquarium in a quicker and more efficient way. You will get a powerfully designed filter that displays a larger top sealing gasket to help keep clean and remove debris from any tank. The simplicity of the filter is the main appeal as it is utilizes an easy process of expelling debris from the water. It is a working mechanism that works quite well for tanks prone to bigger issues of floating debris and grime. In terms of the way this tank is used you will notice that the water is well-filtered, and that the canister is very quiet. The unit itself for filtration is available in four sizes and easily outfitted to various degrees. Marineland over has a great reputation, so this machine will not disappoint because it is able to remove tannins even out of the water.
In closing, the pump motor system does clean your tank in a very organized manner. The negative factors to consider are more related to understanding the mechanism of the filtration pump and motor system.
Positive: Set up is relatively easy and the system filter does thrive in getting bigger debris out of surface water.
Negative: The filter can be very strong and powerful and if it is not installed properly it can create a mess, so make sure to install this carefully.
