There are several reasons why fish make such great pets. Apart from being incredibly low maintenance, they, along with their aquariums, can make a beautiful and colourful addition to your home.
Whether you’re an experienced fish owner or you've just bought your first fish, there are a few key components when it comes to maintaining a healthy environment for your fish, one of which is an aquarium filter.
When it comes to aquarium filters, there are different kinds, particularly depending on the aquarium you have. For instance, whether you have a smaller or a larger fish tank will impact what type of aquarium filter you need.
That's why we've searched far and wide for the best aquarium filters for every fish tank, from saltwater to freshwater, 40 to 300 gallons; our roundup has got you sorted.
If you do have any burning questions on this subject, make sure to read our FAQs section, where we will discuss the different types of aquarium filters, as well as how often you should clean them.
The best aquarium filters
Editor's pick
This aquarium filter by Tetra is efficient and compact, making it ideal for smaller aquariums. It's seamless to set up and works by using two large carbon filters cartridges, so it goes to work quickly. We also love that it boasts a silent filtration technology, so there won't be any annoying background noise.
Size: This filter fits aquariums between 45 to 70 gallons
If you've got a larger fish tank, this aquarium filter might just be the one for you. What makes it stand apart from its competitors is the AquaStop valves, as it allows for seamless maintenance and cleaning. In terms of noise levels, it's fairly quiet. We also love that it features multi-stage filtration.
Size: This filter fits aquariums between 33 to 110 gallons
Recommended
We know that this is a tad expensive but hear us out... this aquarium filter filters large amounts of water very quickly thanks to its Smart Pump Technology. Additionally, it's particularly easy to maintain and clean, and can be used for both freshwater and saltwater tanks, making it a versatile option.
Size: This filter fits aquariums between 329 to 506 gallons
Best aquarium filter for freshwater
Although freshwater tanks aren't quite as difficult to maintain as saltwater ones, you're still going to need an excellent aquarium filter, just like this one from Penn-Plax. As well as being very robust, it's straightforward and easy to use thanks to its push-button primer.
Size: This filter fits aquariums between 50 to 100 gallons
Best budget aquarium filter
If you've got a relatively small fish tank and you don't need a state-of-the-art filter that can filter hundreds of gallons of water, this aquarium filter from Tetra might just be the one for you. It's compact, efficient and carries an attractive price tag.
Size: This filter fits aquariums between 6.6 to 13.2 gallons
Best undergravel aquarium filter
When it comes to aquarium filters, there are several different types, including an under gravel filter. This will be placed underneath the tank's substrate and will help encourage the growth of healthy bacteria, whilst also filtering out the water. Thanks to its integrated clips, this aquarium filter will be securely kept in place, and the reinforced outer plastic casing ensures that it's scratch-resistant.
Size: This filter fits aquariums between 40 to 55 gallons
FAQs:
What are the different types of aquarium filters?
There are six different types of aquarium filters:
• Sponge - this utilises mechanical and biological forms of filtration.
• Canister - these are incredibly powerful and efficient as they use mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. An example of a canister filter would be the Fluval FX6.
• Undergravel - this sits underneath the gravel of your aquarium and uses biological filtration.
• Trickle - it uses a biological form of filtration, and it gets its name from the filtering process as the water will trickle through the filter.
• Hang-on back filters - these quite literally hang on the back of your aquarium and can either use chemical, mechanical or biological forms of filtration.
How often should you clean your aquarium filter?
This usually depends on the filter you have as well as the size of your filter. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should clean your filter every few weeks, and if you have a larger aquarium filter, then ensure you do it fortnightly.
Which is better - internal or external aquarium filter?
Generally, external filters are more powerful than internal ones, and can therefore filter copious amounts of water very efficiently. They're best suited for larger aquariums. Internal ones are much better suited for smaller aquariums with less water capacity.