Fishtank Filters

Cindy Garner
11 min readSep 21, 2024

If you're a fish enthusiast, you know the importance of a good fishtank filter. It keeps the water clean and your fish happy. In this article, we've rounded up some of the best fishtank filters available in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Dive in and discover the perfect filter for your aquatic friends!

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Reviews

FishKeeper 3-in-1 Aquarium Filter for 40-100 Gal

FishKeeper 3-in-1 Aquarium Filter for 40–100 Gal | Image

Say hello to your new fish tank's best friend, the Fishkeeper Submersible Aquarium Filter. This clever little device takes care of filtration, oxygenation, and circulation in one go, ensuring a healthy and happy environment for your fishy friends. With an adjustable air regulator and efficient 3-layer filter cotton design, impurities and odors are a thing of the past. Plus, it's easy to disassemble and clean, making maintenance a breeze. So why wait? Give your fishtank the love it deserves with the Fishkeeper Submersible Aquarium Filter.

Top Fin Silenstream 30-Gal Fish Tank Filter

Top Fin Silenstream 30-Gal Fish Tank Filter | Image

Keep your fish happy and your aquarium clean with the Top Fin Silenstream Power Filter. This filter boasts a powerful 4-stage filtration system to keep your water fresh and clear, perfect for those looking for a top-notch filtration system for tanks up to 30 gallons. With a flow rate of 150 gallons per hour, it efficiently removes impurities and debris, and its internal power location ensures that the water stays clean and healthy. Reviewers rave about its strong, condensed charcoal filter and the ease of use, all while maintaining a quiet noise level.

Whisper Internal Power Filter for 4-Gallon Fish Tanks: Elegant and Effective

Whisper Internal Power Filter for 4-Gallon Fish Tanks: Elegant and Effective | Image

Say hello to Tetra Whisper, the whispering power filter for your 4-gallon aquarium. This compact filter, featuring a hinged lid for easy cartridge swapping, offers both mechanical and chemical filtration to keep your fish tank in tip-top shape. Designed to cycle over six times per hour, the 27 GPH pump eliminates odors and discoloration while filtering out fish waste and debris, thanks to its activated carbon and cartridge floss designed to trap the mess. Just adjust the clip to fit your tank and let this whispering buddy work its magic in the shadows.

Ultra-Quiet Internal 4-Stage Fishtank Filter - High Performance for Clear Aquatic Conditions

Ultra-Quiet Internal 4-Stage Fishtank Filter — High Performance for Clear Aquatic Conditions | Image

Experience a quiet and effective filtration system with the VEVOR 20-gallon Aquarium Filter. This powerful 4-stage filter features an internal pure copper brushless motor for silent operation, ensuring a clean environment for your aquatic pets. With a maximum flow rate of 396GPH and multiple sealing designs for versatile application, you can enjoy a maintenance-free tank and crystal-clear water.

Whisper Power Filter: Advanced 30-60 Gal Fish Tank Water Filter

Whisper Power Filter: Advanced 30–60 Gal Fish Tank Water Filter | Image

Dive into crystal-clear water with the Whisper Power Filter 30-60 Gal, designed to keep your fish tank clean and healthy. With a quiet 3-stage filtration process, your aquarium will thank you for this reliable addition. The dual-sided mesh and ultr-activated carbon work together to provide an efficient and odorless environment for your underwater friends. Not to mention, it requires no moving parts, making it a reliable choice for a long-lasting filtration solution. Its whisper-quiet operation won't disturb your aquatic life or nearby family members. Plus, it's simple to change the Tetra Whisper Bio-Bag Cartridges and easy to install, keeping your tank looking its best.

Tetra Whisper Aquarium Filter: Sleek 10-30 Gallon Internal Power Solution

Tetra Whisper Aquarium Filter: Sleek 10–30 Gallon Internal Power Solution | Image

Experience a quiet and efficient way to keep your aquarium clean with this Tetra Whisper Filter. Designed for internal use, it offers a convenient and quiet 3-stage filtration system, effectively removing debris, odors, and maintaining water quality. The dual-sided bio-bag mesh catches fish waste, while the activated carbon absorbs discoloration, providing a healthy environment for your aquatic pets. With easy installation and mounting suction cups, this filter is perfect for aquariums up to 30 gallons, ensuring optimal water flow and performance.

VEFOR Aquarium Canister Filter 100 gallons, 317 GPH, 4-Stage Gray

VEFOR Aquarium Canister Filter 100 gallons, 317 GPH, 4-Stage Gray | Image

Elevate your aquarium experience with the VEVOR Canister Aquarium Filter. This 4-stage filter is designed for 100-gallon freshwater tanks and turtle tanks, ensuring efficient water filtration and a clean aquatic environment. With a noise level of less than 50 decibels, it operates silently while maintaining high flow rates - perfect for keeping your home life undisturbed. Enjoy a user-friendly experience with an upgrade UV lamp timer and flow adjustment valve, and easily clean and maintain the filter with its quick-release design.

Advanced Undergravel Filter for 40/55 Gallon Aquariums

Advanced Undergravel Filter for 40/55 Gallon Aquariums | Image

Introducing the Penn Plax Premium Under Tank Filter, designed specifically for 40 to 55-gallon fish tanks. This innovative filter combines a traditional undergravel system with maximum viewing benefits, as it hides from sight for a seamless aesthetic look. Utilizing mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, it effectively removes pollutants from your aquarium, providing a thriving environment for your fish. The filter plates come with extra-large 1-inch adjustable lift tubes that carry bubbles from the bottom of the tank to the surface, ensuring a gentle flow of water. The unique design ensures gravel won't fall through the filter cartridge, while two carbon filter cartridges work to remove odors and water discoloration. Perfect for both freshwater and saltwater tanks, this Penn Plax filter is a must-have for creating a happy and healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Whisper IQ Fish Tank Filter: Silent, Adjustable, and Easy to Clean

Whisper IQ Fish Tank Filter: Silent, Adjustable, and Easy to Clean | Image

Experience a quiet, reliable, and efficient solution for your 30-gallon fish tank with the Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter. Perfectly designed for easy maintenance with StayClean Technology, this filter ensures cleaner water, healthier fish, and a peaceful atmosphere with its soft barrier and low noise operation. With flow control and a submerged motor, your aquarium will thrive even when power outages strike, all while utilizing filter cartridges for optimal performance.

Fluval 107 Canister Filter for Aquarium Care

Fluval 107 Canister Filter for Aquarium Care | Image

Experience the ultimate water clarity with Fluval's 107 canister filter. A game-changer in the aquarium world, this filter boasts new performance upgrades, including a quieter motor, ergonomic valves, and easy-to-access media baskets. Its powerful motor delivers constant pressure and pressure, making it a reliable choice for all your fish care needs. With Fluval's 107, you'll enjoy crystal clear water and a hassle-free maintenance experience.

DOMICA Inner Aquarium Filter for 5-15 Gallon Tanks

DOMICA Inner Aquarium Filter for 5–15 Gallon Tanks | Image

The DOMICA Internal Aquarium Filter is a small yet powerful option for keeping your aquarium clean and well-aerated. With a ceramic ball and bio sponge for mechanical and biological filtration, this filter ensures your tank remains waste-free and oxygen-rich. Easy to install with detachable parts and mounting suction cups, it's a hassle-free solution for maintaining the perfect aquarium ecosystem.

Whisper Internal Power Filter for 4-Gallon Fish Tank

Whisper Internal Power Filter for 4-Gallon Fish Tank | Image

Experience the ultimate in quiet, convenient filtration with the Tetra Whisper internal aquarium filter. This 3-stage filter features a dual-sided mesh Bio-Bag that catches debris and removes fish waste, while the activated carbon absorbs odors and discoloration. The Bio-Scrubber provides biological filtration with an anti-clog design for easy maintenance. Perfect for small tanks, the submersible filter is designed for use with 4 gallons and up to 24 GPH, using a S Cartridge. Keep your aquarium clear and healthy with the Tetra Whisper.

Buyer's Guide

Welcome to our buyer's guide for the best fishtank filters. In this section, we will cover the important features to consider when purchasing a fishtank filter, as well as provide general advice for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. While this guide does not list specific product picks or external resources, it will ensure you are well-informed when making your purchase.

Importance of a Fishtank Filter

A filtration system for your fishtank is essential in maintaining a healthy ecosystem for your fish. Without proper filtration, water quality can deteriorate quickly, leading to health problems for your fish and an overall unhealthy environment. The right filter for your fishtank will facilitate efficient water circulation, oxygenation, and the removal of waste products, promoting beneficial bacteria growth and maintaining a stable pH level.

Types of Fishtank Filters

There are three primary types of fishtank filters on the market: hang-on-back, canister, and internal. Hang-on-back filters are easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for beginners. Canister filters offer more features and capabilities but are typically more expensive. Internal filters are compact and ideal for small fishtanks or fish species that require less space.

Features to Consider

When shopping for a fishtank filter, consider the following features: filtration rate, media trays, air pumps, flow adjustments, and ease of use. Filtration rates vary depending on the size of your fishtank and the number of fish it holds. Media trays hold mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media that removes debris, chemicals, and bacteria from the water. Air pumps improve oxygenation, while flow adjustments allow you to control the water flow rate.

General Advice

To ensure the longevity of your fishtank filter, clean and maintain it regularly. Replace worn-out filtration media, and ensure your filter is properly positioned to achieve the best performance. Additionally, consider the specific needs of your fish and aquatic environment, such as temperature, water type, and the presence of live plants, to determine the most suitable filter for your fishtank.

FAQ

What are fishtank filters and how do they work?

Fishtank filters are devices designed to help maintain a clean and healthy environment for aquarium fish. They work by physically filtering out solid waste, such as uneaten food, fish feces, and dead plant matter, from the water. Some filters also have biological functions that support the growth of beneficial bacteria, which assist in breaking down these waste products and making the water safer for fish.

Other features of fishtank filters include chemical filtration to remove dissolved chemicals and pollutants, and mechanical filtration to remove fine particles that other filter media may miss. Overall, fishtank filters play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of aquarium fish and their surrounding ecosystem.

What types of fishtank filters are available on the market?

There are several different types of fishtank filters available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most common types include hang-on, canister, and internal filters. Hang-on filters are easy to install and typically have a lower capacity than other types. Canister filters are enclosed, submerged units that can be concealed under water. Internal filters are designed for use inside the aquarium and are often less expensive than other options.

Additionally, there are specialty filters like protein skimmers, which are specifically designed to remove organic debris from the water, and coil filters, which utilize a series of tightly wound hoses to create turbulence and increase water flow rates. It is essential to choose a filter that is appropriate for the size and type of your aquarium and the needs of your fish.

How often should I clean or replace my fishtank filter?

The frequency at which you need to clean or replace your fishtank filter depends on several factors, such as the size of your aquarium, the number of fish it contains, and the specific type of filter. Generally, it is recommended to clean or rinse your filter media every two to four weeks. Some types of filters, like canister filters, may require more frequent cleaning or maintenance.

Additionally, it is essential to monitor your filter's performance and replace any damaged or worn parts promptly. This will help ensure that your fishtank remains clean and healthy for your fish. Most filter materials, such as activated carbon and ceramic, should be replaced every 3-4 weeks or when they become visibly soiled.

Do I need a special filter for my tropical fish, cold-water fish, or saltwater fish?

While the basic requirements for a fishtank filter remain the same regardless of the type of fish you have, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your aquarium's inhabitants. Tropical fish and cold-water fish, for instance, may require different levels of water temperature and humidity, depending on their natural habitat. This can affect the stability of the fish's environment and may impact the effectiveness of certain types of filters.

Similarly, saltwater fish will have different environmental requirements due to their natural habitat, which may require specific types of filter media to maintain proper water chemistry and acidity levels. Saltwater fish are generally more sensitive to changes in water conditions than freshwater fish, so a high-quality filter that helps maintain a stable water environment is crucial for their health and well-being.

What are some tips for maximizing the effectiveness of my fishtank filter?

To get the most out of your fishtank filter, there are several things you can do. First, ensure that the filter is appropriately sized for your aquarium and that it is properly installed. This will help ensure that the water is being adequately filtered and that the fish are receiving the clean and healthy water they need.

Another important tip is to maintain the proper water chemistry for your fish. This includes monitoring and adjusting parameters such as pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels to fall within the ideal ranges for your specific fish species. A high-quality filter can help maintain these levels by providing efficient mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.

Can I use multiple filters in my fishtank?

While using multiple filters in your fishtank may seem like an effective way to provide extra filtration, it is essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks. Over-filtering can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels, which can be hazardous for your fish. Additionally, using multiple filters can create a competition for resources, such as water flow and space, which may compromise the effectiveness of each filter.

Instead of relying on multiple filters, it is essential to choose a high-quality, appropriately sized filter that can effectively maintain the water quality in your fishtank. Make sure to clean or replace the filter media regularly to ensure optimal performance. In some cases, adding additional decorations or plants to your fish tank can help create more surface area for beneficial bacteria growth, which may help improve water quality without the need for multiple filters.

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