Having fish, turtles, or other aquatic wildlife as pets is a fun and fulfilling hobby that also spruces up your home. However, aquariums require a lot of attention and work to keep them clean and running properly – that’s where having the right equipment comes into play. Whether you’re just getting your aquarium set up or you’re a seasoned fish parent, StudyFinds did the research, consulting 10 aquarium and pet expert sites in an effort to bring you a consensus list of the best aquarium filters. Our list comprises the seven most frequently listed filters from across these sites. Think the experts missed a quality filtration system? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
The List: Best Aquarium Filters, According to Reviews
1. Aqueon QuietFlow Aquarium Filter
Keeping your aquarium sparkling clean and your fish happy doesn’t have to break the bank, according to reviewers who love the Aqueon Quietflow filter. Modest Fish recommends it as a perfect option for beginners dipping their toes into the world of canister filters. It’s budget-friendly, making it a great choice for those who want to experiment with a new filtration system without a hefty investment. It’s ideal for tanks between 40 and 55 gallons.
These aquarium filters feature a five-stage filtration system designed to remove debris and waste while reducing harmful chemical compounds such as ammonia and nitrates. Family Handyman highlights the positive impact a strong filter can have on your fish’s health. The Aqueon Quietflow’s high flow rates keep your aquarium water circulating, promoting a healthy and active environment for your finned friends.
The affordability of this aquarium filter varies by individual, but any aquarium filter under $100 is a pretty good deal, especially if it works to keep your aquarium clean and healthy. Hepper dives into the specifics, mentioning the Bio-Holster design that keeps noise and splashing to a minimum. An LED indicator light takes the guesswork out of filter maintenance by letting you know exactly when it’s time for a cartridge change or cleaning. Hepper also mentions the self-priming function, a lifesaver in case of power outages, and the gentle water flow that’s perfect for delicate fish like Bettas. While the filter itself is quiet, Hepper cautions that the motor might be slightly noisier than some other options. But overall, the Aqueon Quietflow seems to be a crowd-pleaser for those looking for a reliable and affordable canister filter.
2. MarineLand Penguin Bio-Wheel Aquarium Filter
Keeping your aquarium sparkling clean can feel like magic, but with the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter, it’s closer to reality than you think. Bad Man’s Tropical Fish calls it an exceptional device that keeps your tank crystal clear with its three-stage filtration process. Imagine this: the Bio-Wheel acts like a tiny cleaning crew, utilizing different filter media to target various impurities in your tank water. Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon tackles nasty odors and toxins, wet-dry biological media combats harmful ammonia and nitrites, and a fine cartridge traps larger debris before it can wreak havoc on your aquatic world.
The Penguin Bio-Wheel is also available in five different sizes to meet your fish tank needs. Pet Keen gets more technical, explaining that it combines mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, ensuring a well-rounded cleaning process for your tank. The Bio-Wheel itself deserves special mention – it rotates and provides a surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize, creating a mini ecosystem that breaks down waste naturally.
The result is a sparkling-clean fish tank and a healthy habitat for your aquatic pets. Hepper says this filter is versatile and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater tanks. Just keep in mind that the Bio-Wheel itself needs periodic replacement, and since it’s unique to Marineland, you’ll need to find the correct replacement for your specific filter model. But with its powerful cleaning capabilities and versatility, the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter seems like a great option for keeping your fish happy and their home sparkling clean.
3. Fluval C-Series Aquarium Filter
The third spot on the list of the top filters for your aquarium belongs to the Fluval C-Series filters. Fluval is a big brand in the world of aquariums and the C-Series filters are some of the best you can find. Pet Keen breaks down the filter’s multi-stage approach, explaining it tackles both freshwater and saltwater aquariums with ease. The first line of defense is a two-stage mechanical filtration process. Imagine a double whammy for debris – a foam mat traps large and fine particles, keeping your tank looking its best. This handy mat is also easy to remove and clean whenever needed. The chemical filtration stage incorporates activated carbon, a hardworking component that removes toxins from the water, ensuring a healthy environment for your fish. Finally, the biological stage utilizes a bio-screen pad. This clever pad not only blocks large debris but also provides a haven for beneficial bacteria to flourish. These microscopic friends break down waste naturally, keeping your aquarium crystal clear.
These Fluval C-Series filters clip onto your aquarium for easy maintenance and cleaning. Fluval offers the C-Series filters in 30-gallon, 50-gallon, and 70-gallon capacities so you’re sure to find the right model for your aquarium needs. If you need a champion for keeping even the most challenging tanks clean, Hepper says the five-stage filtration process isn’t the only impressive feature. The Fluval C3 boasts a telescoping intake tube for added convenience, adjustable water flow for precise control, and a water recirculation function that ensures water is processed multiple times through the filter for maximum cleaning power. Hepper also mentions the user-friendly design – a draw tab and filter media basket make cleaning and maintaining this filter a breeze. So, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile filter to keep your aquarium sparkling clean, the Fluval C Series Power Aquarium Filter seems like a great catch.
4. Tetra Whisper Internal Aquarium Filter
Keeping your betta fish happy and healthy can feel like a balancing act, especially when it comes to filtration. They need clean water, but strong currents from a filter can stress them out. The Tetra Internal Power Filter might be the sweet spot you’ve been looking for, according to reviewers who love its gentle flow and customizability. The Spruce Pets says it’s a lifesaver for betta tanks. While the filter media itself might not be the most high-tech, they mention it’s easily replaceable. So you can enjoy the gentle filtration and swap out the media for something that perfectly fits your needs.
The Tetra Whisper Power Filters are available in various models to fit the size of your aquarium. The best part is Tetra’s three-stage filtration system that filters your aquarium using chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration systems. Hepper gets into the specifics, highlighting the Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter’s budget-friendly price tag and its versatility. It comes in three sizes and GPH (gallons per hour) options, so you can find the perfect fit for your aquarium.
Find This Best adds to the chorus of praise, mentioning the Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter as another great option for betta tanks. This filter is whisper-quiet (living up to its name!), thanks to a sound shield that keeps noise levels below 40 decibels. It’s also self-priming, so you don’t have to worry about manual priming, and it uses large Tetra Whisper Bio-Bag filter cartridges (sold separately) that help maintain healthy pH levels in your tank. This translates to easier maintenance and a healthier environment for your betta fish.
5. AquaClear Fish Tank Filter
Keeping your aquarium clean and your fish happy shouldn’t be a chore, and the AquaClear Fish Tank Filter might be the answer to your prayers. Pet Keen calls it their “premium choice” for a reason – it’s easy to install and tackles cleaning duties from all angles thanks to its three-stage filtration process. Imagine this filter as your aquarium’s very own cleaning crew, equipped with various filter media to keep the water sparkling clear. Plus, it comes in five different sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your tank, whether it’s a cozy five-gallon nano tank or a sprawling 110-gallon aquatic paradise.
The Spruce Pets loves the AquaClear’s versatility. This hang-on-the-back filter boasts a clever design that adjusts to fit all aquarium sizes. They also praise the customizable filter media basket – you can choose the media that works best for your setup, or use the pre-loaded options that come with the filter. These pre-loaded goodies include a durable sponge filter (that can apparently last for almost a decade!), a small bag of activated carbon, and zeolite media. The Spruce Pets even says the sponge filter on its own is enough to keep your tank clean – that’s some serious filtration power!
Sources:Â
- Bad Man’s Tropical Fish
- Hepper
- Pet Keen
- The Spruce Pets
- Find This Best
- Family Handyman
- Aquarium Store Depot
- Fish Keeping Advice
- Modest Fish
- Aquarium Genius
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.