Best Aquarium & Fish Tank Filters

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 30, 2024
If you want your fish to swim safely, one of the first things you need to install is an aquarium filter. Here you can find the top-quality ...Read more
PROS

The Vertical Pre-filter with a volume of 803 cm2 traps different impurities and prevents clogging. It provides efficient mechanical water filtration.

CONS

The included tubing seems flimsy.

OUR VERDICT

The Fluval 307 is an energy-efficient device that boasts a great pump performance. This canister filter operates quietly and is a great choice for filtrating sea- and freshwater at home. It is functional and very durable.

detailed parameters
Type

External

Aquarium Capacity

40-70 gallons

Pump Performance

303 gal/h

Extras

Vertical Pre-filter, Single action dual locking clamps, Aquastop valve, EZ-lift baskets

Warranty

3 years limited (plus 2 more years upon registration)

PROS

Thanks to an impressive pump performance of 500 gal/h, this filter will effectively purify water even in very big aquariums.

CONS

Instructions are a bit unclear.

OUR VERDICT

The Aqua Clear filter has a Multi-Stage Filtration system that ensures high-quality biological, mechanical and chemical filtration. The set includes all the necessary extras like activated carbon and allows you to use the filter straight out-of-the-box.

detailed parameters
Type

External, mountable

Aquarium Capacity

60-110 gallons

Pump Performance

500 gal/h

Extras

Patented Re-filtration system, AquaClear foam, Activated Carbon and BioMax, Cycle guard

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The filter has 3 capacious media baskets that allow you to use different types of fillers. Plus, these baskets are very easy to reach and to fill.

CONS

The intake and outflow hardware is a bit bulky.

OUR VERDICT

The Penn Plax Canister filter is an advanced tool that can thoroughly purify the water in the fish tank. It suits for fresh and seawater alike, has a robust construction and durable pads that prevent leakage.

detailed parameters
Type

External

Aquarium Capacity

Up to 100 gallons

Pump Performance

265 gal/h

Extras

360-degree Art Flow valves, Extra-large media baskets, Easy-push button primer, Pray bar, Tubing, Directional spout, Filter medium 

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The innovative BIO-Wheel® technology ensures thorough water purification and efficiently removes toxic elements like ammonia and nitrites.

CONS

The cartridges get clogged quickly.

OUR VERDICT

The MarineLand Power Filter will provide not only water filtration but also water aeration. In addition to this, the filter is compact and can act like a waterfall, which looks really lovely.

detailed parameters
Type

External, mountable

Aquarium Capacity

Up to 20 gallons

Pump Performance

100 gal/h

Extras

BIO-Wheel® technology, Rite-Size™ filter cartridge

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

The filter has a pump that can start filtration with a push of a quick prime button. The quick-release valve significantly simplifies maintenance.

CONS

Not very quiet.

OUR VERDICT

This external canister filter from MarineLand Magniflow is a great option for home use. It thoroughly purifies water in the fish tank thanks to a 3-level filtration, has a robust construction and is easy to install.

detailed parameters
Type

External

Aquarium Capacity

Up to 100 gallons

Pump Performance

360 gal/h

Extras

3-stage filtration, Quick-release valve, Top sealing gasket, Spill-free setup, Easier-to-remove top to access media baskets

Warranty

3 years limited

Silent and Energy-Efficient Filter

The Fluval 307 Performance Canister Filter is one of the best aquarium filters you can find on the market. It is functional, efficient and will always keep your pet fish in clean water.

To begin with, this filter offers mechanical filtration. It is fitted with a Vertical Pre-Filter cartridge that boasts a volume of 802 square cm. Hence, it covers more surface for better results.

As for aesthetics, this model has an ergonomic design with a raised Aquastop valve that provides smooth operation. The bottom of the device is fitted with non-skid rubber feet that provide extra stability.

In addition to this, the unit is easy to maintain. It has EZ-lift baskets for fillers that can be easily removed with just one finger. Plus, the Lift-Lock motorhead clamps provide quick release and attachment.

What also makes this model so great is that it is quite powerful yet energy-efficient. Actually, it consumes no more electricity than an average lightbulb. With that, it boasts a decent pump performance (303 gal/h) and works really quietly. So, it won’t disturb you, your housemates, and your fish.

In all, if you want to create the most comfortable environment for your fish, the Fluval 307 Performance Canister Filter is what you need. It is one of the quietest models available for sale. It is a bit expensive but the price can be easily justified by the amazing purification results.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $174.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07JH4JHTC

Impressive Pump Performance

With the Aqua Clear Fish Tank Filter, you will be able to always keep the water in your aquarium fresh, clean and comfortable for your fish. This functional model is a runner up in our list for a good reason.

To begin with, this external model has a convenient design and can be mounted directly on the aquarium, which makes it more space-saving. The installation will be very easy even for inexperienced users. Although the instructions included in the box are a bit unclear, the mounting process is pretty intuitive.

Next, this aquarium filter boasts a huge pump performance of 500 gal/h. Therefore, it is suitable for fish tanks with a capacity from 60 and up to 100 gallons, meaning it filtrates much more water than similar models.

This product features a patented Re-filtration system that provides 3-step filtration: biological, mechanical and chemical. The set includes all the necessary fillers including AquaClear Foam, Activated Carbon, BioMax and Cycle Guard. Hence, you will be able to start using this fish tank filter right after unpacking.

In a word, if you seek an easy-to-install and functional device for your large aquarium, the Aqua Clear Fish Tank Filter won’t leave you disappointed. It will thoroughly clean water without using much energy.

Last updated price $79.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B000260FV6

Capacious Media Baskets

The Penn Plax Cascade is a simple aquarium canister filter that still does its job perfectly. It is durable, safe in use, and has a pretty honest price considering its good performance.

This device will suit those who have large fish tanks (up to 100 gallons). To be more precise, this filter can pump up and purify up to 265 gallons of water per hour. In addition, the model comes with 3 big media baskets. Hence, you can use 3 different filters for extra-thorough purification.

Also, the set includes all the necessary tubing that lets you connect the filter to the aquarium and start water purification straight after unboxing. The filter also has a push primer button that allows for an effortless and quick prime of the filter.

As a nice touch, the aquarium filter system features 360-degree Art Flow Valves that allow for maneuvering in any aquarium cabinet. The overall size of the system makes 11.5 x 17 x 10 inches.

In conclusion, if you seek a moderately-priced filter for a big fish tank, you should seriously consider the Penn Plax Cascade Aquarium Canister Filter. It can thoroughly filter out and improve the quality of the water in your fish tank and it barely requires any maintenance.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $138.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0002DJ9NY

Stylish Water Filter

Those who need not only a functional but also a stylish filter that will beautifully complement the design of their aquarium should take a close look at this model. The MarinLand Power Filter is a decent appliance that can beautifully match your home decor.

Starting off with the aquarium filter system, we would like to say that this model features a special Rotating Wheel technology the ensures deep wet/dry biological filtration. By pushing the water further in the device, the filter also provides mechanical and chemical filtration. As a result, it removes such harmful elements like ammonia and nitrites. Also, it fills the water with air so that your fish feel much more comfortable.

Design-wise, the model is pretty compact (5.5 x 5.5 x 8). It can be mounted on your fish aquarium and act like a waterfall. It works best on small tanks with the capacity of up to 20 gallons and has a pump performance of 100 gal/h. What we really liked is that the Rite-Size cartridge (included in the set) comes already ready for work.

To wrap the whole thing up, the MarinLand Power Filter is not only a functional but also good-looking model. It provides an efficient 3-step filtration and makes the water in the tank perfectly clean for your fish.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $15.20
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0007ZS230

Thorough 3-Stage Filtration

The Magniflow Canister Filter is another device for your aquarium from MarineLand company that is powerful, durable and long-lasting.

The most impressive thing about this canister filter is its pump performance of 360 gallons per hour, which makes it a great choice for a capacious aquarium (up to 100 gallons).

Next, we would like to note that the filter has a robust construction that prevents any leakage. The top lid of the filter is easy to remove and provides quick access to the filler baskets.

This external filter provides fast and thorough 3-stage filtration. It removes bacteria, unpleasant odors and captures small debris that can be found in the water.

To turn the unit on, all you need to do is push a prime button that will start a pump. Do note that its operation is not completely quiet. But unless you're going to use this device in your bedroom, it won't cause any inconveniences.

Lastly, it's worth emphasizing that this fish tank filter is supported by a 3-year warranty that speaks a lot about its high quality and guarantees a long service life.

All things considered, the MarineLand Magniflow Canister Filter is a fairly good choice for large aquariums. It is convenient to use and easy to install, plus it is robust enough to serve you for a long time even if you're going to use it heavily.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $129.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B010PLGI5O

What Is an Aquarium Filter?

Having a fish may not be as easy and effortless as it seems. Despite having the right food and a fish tank spacious enough for your pet fish, you also should pay a lot of attention to the water. It should not only have the right temperature but also always stay clean. Even if it seems completely transparent, it still may contain microbes and bacteria that threaten your fish’s and plants' life.

There is a huge variety of different water filters you can find. The first difference lies in type: you can purchase internal and external ones. The internal type may be a bit tricky to install but it has a better performance. The external type provides decent results (though, not as good as internal) and is less expensive and easier to maintain. Apart from placement, these tools can vary in the type of filtration: mechanical, chemical and biological.

To help you with your choice, we have selected the top-ranked aquarium filters that can fit different budgets and needs. If you are interested in other gear for fish tanks, check out our review of the best aquarium heaters that will help you maintain the proper water temperature.

Other reviews