Aquarium filters are essential to providing your fish with clean and healthy water. When it comes to choosing a filter for your aquarium, you have lots of options, and many fish owners can become overwhelmed. Regardless of the size of your tank, its inhabitants, and your personal preferences, we can guide you to the best options available.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compared the best filtration systems available on Amazon. We've evaluated each filter based on filtration capacity, flow rate, ease of maintenance, noise level, durability, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Our Top Picks
If you're in a hurry, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Hagen AquaClear Power Filter - Durable, long-lasting, comes in many sizes, ideal for freshwater and saltwater
- Best Budget: MarineLand Power Filter - Easy setup, sufficient filtration for most fish systems
- Best for Small Tanks: Fluval Underwater Filter - High-quality sponge filter, adjustable flow, easy to maintain
- Best for Betta Tanks: Tetra Whisper IQ - Quiet operation, gentle flow perfect for bettas
- Best for Large Tanks: Fluval Aquarium Canister Filter - Powerful filtration for large aquariums
What to Look For in an Aquarium Filtration System
When choosing a filtration system for your aquarium, consider these important factors:
Filtration Types
Aquarium filters work by providing mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. Mechanical filtration removes particulates from your tank water produced by inhabitant waste. Biological filtration allows beneficial bacteria to convert ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate. Chemical filtration, such as activated carbon, changes the chemical composition of various compounds in your water.
Filter Types
Hang-on filters hang on the side of your aquarium and are easy to install and maintain. Canister filters are external and self-contained, using hoses to run water back and forth from your aquarium. Internal or box filters remain in the aquarium and must be fully or partially submerged. Under-gravel filters are plastic mats that reside under your substrate. Sponge filters use an airlift from an air pump to circulate water slowly through a dense sponge.
Tank Size
The bigger your aquarium, the more water you will need to filter. Most filters are designed to turn over the entire volume of the tank within 30-60 minutes. Any longer than that could have serious consequences for your fish and invertebrates.
Flow Rate
Depending on your species and setup, you may need lower- or higher-powered filtration. Bettas, for example, will require a lower flow, whereas some corals will require a higher flow due to their placement and anatomy.
Noise Level
Your filter should not be overtly noisy. However, the larger your filter, the more powerful the motor needs to be, so you may notice some noise. Never attempt to muffle the noise by covering or insulating your filter because this will cause it to overheat and malfunction.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Tank Size | Flow Rate | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AquaClear Power Filter | Hang-On | 5-110 gallons | 150 GPH (max) | $$ |
| MarineLand Power Filter | Hang-On | 10-75 gallons | 75-350 GPH | $ |
| Fluval Underwater Filter | Internal | Small tanks | Adjustable | $$ |
| Tetra Whisper IQ | Hang-On | Small tanks | Low flow | $ |
| Fluval Canister Filter | Canister | Large tanks | High | $$$ |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Hagen AquaClear Power Filter - Best Overall
The best choice for your aquarium filtration system is the AquaClear. This filter is a hang-on-the-back with a cleverly disguised foot brace to accommodate all sizes of aquariums. It has a basket that can contain any type of filter media you choose and comes preloaded with a durable sponge filter, a small bag of activated carbon, and zeolite media.
The sponge filter works well on its own, and we can attest that it can last up to 10 years. Remember: you NEVER want to replace your filter media! The AquaClear comes in a wide variety of sizes at a reasonable price point and is relatively quiet. It's also a great option if you have a saltwater fish tank. However, the flow may be too much for delicate finned fishes, such as bettas and fancy goldfish varieties in a small tank.
Sizes: 5-20 gallons, 10-30 gallons, 20-50 gallons, 40-70 gallons, 60-110 gallons | Output: 150 GPH (maximum) | Filter Media: Sponge, carbon, zeolite
2. MarineLand Power Filter - Best Budget
Need a quality filter with a low price tag? Then the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel is the best choice for your aquarium. Most models run under $30 and can suit many mid-size aquariums.
These filters feature a rotating paper filter, which is a pain to keep clean, so clogs are common. They also contain a mesh filter media packet, which should be replaced with a more solid sponge for better performance. Overall, this filter will provide your fish with adequate filtration for a low price.
Sizes: 10 gallons, 10-20 gallons, 20-30 gallons, 30-50 gallons, 50-75 gallons | Output: 75 GPH, 100 GPH, 150 GPH, 200 GPH, 350 GPH | Filter Media: Paper, mesh, sponge
3. Fluval Underwater Filter - Best for Small Tanks
When we tested internal filters, we found the Fluval U2 Underwater filter to be the best compact option. It features a high-quality sponge filter with adjustable flow, making it easy to maintain and perfect for small tanks.
The filter is easy to set up and provides excellent mechanical and biological filtration. The adjustable flow allows you to customize the water movement for your specific tank and fish needs.
4. Tetra Whisper IQ - Best for Betta Tanks
The Tetra Whisper IQ is designed for quiet operation with StayClean technology, offering flow control for planted tanks and sensitive fish like bettas. It's perfect for small tanks where gentle filtration is needed.
The filter operates quietly and provides gentle water flow that won't stress delicate-finned fish. It's an excellent choice for betta tanks and other small aquariums housing sensitive species.
5. Fluval Aquarium Canister Filter - Best for Large Tanks
The Fluval Aquarium Canister Filter provides powerful filtration for large aquariums. These external filters offer high-capacity filtration with multiple media baskets for customizable filtration setup.
Canister filters are ideal for large tanks requiring powerful, efficient filtration. They keep the filter out of the tank, maintaining a clean appearance while providing excellent filtration performance.
Final Verdict
Our best overall selection, the AquaClear Power Filter, comes in a wide range of sizes, contains filter media that is almost indestructible, and has been successfully cleaning tanks for almost 10 years. When it comes to filters, you really can't beat AquaClear overall.
Remember that proper maintenance will keep your filter working long and hard. Never replace your filter media unless it's broken or literally falling apart - doing so removes beneficial bacteria and essentially starts you from scratch!