Best Aquarium Filters – Top Picks For A Clean Tank

Do you know the secret to having a freshwater tank filled with vivid fish and thriving plants without a lot of extra effort? I’ll give you a hint; it’s not your substrate, lights or water conditioners. When it comes to maintaining your day-to-day water quality, the most important factor is having the best aquarium filter.

Filtration options have expanded over the last few years as new types have come to market and older systems have been refined. Choosing the best filtration system for a freshwater fish tank of any size is easier than ever, and most systems are quite affordable!

Quick Comparisons of the 10 Best Aquarium Filters

Top 10 Aquarium Filter Reviews

Let’s take a look at some of the best filters on the market for freshwater aquariums! These filters were chosen because they are manufactured by popular brands, have the latest in filter technology and are easy to find replacement parts for. I can safely say that I would buy these filters myself and in some cases already have.

1. Fluval FX6 Canister Filter

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If you want a professional aquarium filter for a large aquarium up to 400-gallons, then the Fluval FX6 is an excellent option. It’s so packed with features that I can’t even list them all here. The FX6 is a high-performance filter that is self-priming and practically leak-proof. You can even use it to perform water changes with an accessory kit!

One of the most impressive features are the stackable media baskets. You can customize your filter media, and the seals prevent the water from bypassing the baskets. The auto-stop valves also prevent water from leaking or back flowing into your tank.

PROS	CONS
High-capacity, high-performance filter is professional-grade and quality Has many unique features, like self-priming pump and variable-rate motor to maximize performance Additional kit allows you to use filter motor to pump water out of your tank during water changes	Product also comes at a premium price and is the most expensive on the list Filter is too powerful for tanks under 250-gallons and does not come in smaller designs You’ll still likely need secondary filtration systems for such large aquariums

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2. AquaClear HOB Power Filter

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If you’re looking for an HOB filter for a bedroom aquarium or one in a location where the sound could be bothersome, then the AquaClear power filter could be the best pick for your home. It’s the quietest filter on my list and one of the least-noisy HOB filters I’ve ever used. It would also work well alongside a canister system!

There’s really nothing fancy about this filter, and that’s to its benefit. One reason it is so quiet is that it lacks a “bio-wheel” and doesn’t splash as much water as some HOBs. The flow rate is adjustable and suitable for delicate fish and shrimp aquariums. It’s a surprisingly durable filter and has a great two-year warranty.

PROS	CONS
Extremely quiet motor and limited water splashing makes this the quietest filter on the list Offers 3-stage filtration and comes complete with filter media Flow rate is adjustable, so you can use this in shrimp, Betta and goldfish tanks	Design of filter box allows water to by-pass the biological stage at higher flow rates You may need to cover the intake with a sponge tip to protect delicate species from injury, which will reduce your flow rate May still need additional filtration systems for larger tanks

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3. Marineland Penguin Power Filter

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I’ve personally owned at least 10 Marineland power filters of varying sizes and I certainly think these are some of the best premium HOBs around. They offer reliable 3-stage filtration with an adjustable flow rate, and I’ve rarely had problems with the water by-passing the media.

A signature feature of this filter are their patented “Bio-Wheels” for maintaining colonies of good bacteria. There’s probably no other HOB who does bio-filtration as well. But those wheels dramatically increase the noise and the mess from the splashing water. If you have hard water, you’ll spend a lot of time removing deposits from your tank.

PROS	CONS
Provides 3-stage filtration with “Bio-Wheels” for growing colonies of good aquatic bacteria High-quality design prevents water from passing through without going through each stage Replacement parts are easy to find online and locally in pet stores	”Bio-Wheels” increase noise and evaporation, making this a less-desirable option for bedroom tanks Filter requires priming to start water circulation and may not restart on its own after an outage This filter is awkward to arrange on rimless or custom-shaped tanks

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4. Aqueon Large Filter Quietflow Internal

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One of the best 40-gallon aquarium filters is this internal Quietflow model from Aqueon. It hangs or is suction-cupped to the inside of your tank, sort of like a HOB but hanging inside your tank rather than outside. This is an excellent option for a planted tank that doesn’t have a large number of fish.

I wouldn’t use this filter with delicate species, however, because you can’t adjust the flow rate to the gentle currents they prefer. In some tanks, it may be awkward to reach into the filter to change the media as well. It’s still the option I’d likely go with for a plant-focused tank up to 40-gallons, and it’s very reasonably priced too.

PROS	CONS
Easy to install securely in the upper part of your tank with hanger or suction cups Offers 3-stages of filtration and even has a biological stage Provides high-capacity flow rate of up to 290 GPH, so it’s suitable for planted tanks	Depending on your hood or lid design it may be awkward to change the filter pad and media It’s nearly a foot tall and will likely be noticeable unless hidden behind your tank’s decor The motor is rather loud, so probably not ideal for a bedroom aquarium

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5. Penn Plax Cascade HOB Filter

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For the best 100-gallon aquarium filter, consider this HOB-style device from Penn Plax. It’s actually a surprising workhorse of a filter when you consider its budget price. Like many HOBs, the Penn Plax offers 3-stage filtration but unlike most, they have a separate compartment that slowly cleans the water biologically.

This filter has a high 300-GPH flow and the rate is easily adjustable, so you can turn it down during mealtime and prevent the food from being sucked into the intake. It has a fairly quiet motor as well, though not as quiet as the AquaClear. This is an all-around solid choice for a large aquarium!

PROS	CONS
3-stage filtration with a separate compartment for the biological stage High-capacity, adjustable flow rate of up to to 300 GPH is suitable for delicate species An ideal filtration system for planted and fish-only tanks	The motor isn’t as quiet as some models and the splashing sound of water is noticeable Branded filter pads and replacement parts may not be as widely available in local pet stores You may still need another filtration system for large or densely planted tanks

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6. Penn Plax Premium Undergravel Filter

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I don’t generally recommend undergravel filters very much these days since we have so many other options that work as well or better. But for planted tanks, sometimes an undergravel is the least expensive and easiest option. This model from Penn Plax is a typical undergravel system for a new aquarium. Just add an air pump for power!

While undergravel systems leave debris behind in your substrate, this is less of a problem for planted tanks that don’t have many fish. As long as your bio-load isn’t too heavy, the Penn Plax will provide enough filtration and circulation to keep your plants happy. You won’t have problems with dead zones in your substrate, either!

PROS	CONS
Offers 2-stage filtration for 20 or 29-gallon tanks Filtration covers the entire bottom of the tank, preventing dead zones in your substrate and around your plants Once installed, there is very little maintenance to an undergravel system	Does not provide enough filtration for most fish-only set-ups You’ll have to rely on your substrate and it’s population of good bacteria to biologically filter your water Low-cost filtration system still requires an air pump for power

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7. Dennerle Internal Corner Power Filter

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I wish this type had been available when I was a child because I would have loved to have had this internal corner power filter from the German company Dennerle! It’s an internal submersible filter that discretely hides in the corner of your tank and has an adjustable spray bar for the outflow.

The Dennerle is very quiet and the 40 GPH is suitable for Bettas and shrimp. But the 3-stage filtration is also adequate for raising goldfish and planted aquariums. While you do have to reach into your tank to change the pad and media, it’s really easy to do and you don’t have to remove the entire thing to access the innards!

PROS	CONS
Submersible filter hides discreetly in the corner of your tank Is delicate enough for Bettas and shrimp, and an aftermarket screen makes it safe for raising fry as well An excellent premium filter option for tanks 20-gallons and under	Is pricier than many internal filters and on-par with the typical HOB filter You have to reach into the tank to access the filter pad and change the media Replacement parts are not as easy to find and may need to be shipped from Europe

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8. Hydro 3 Sponge Filter

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Sponge filters are usually simple single-stage devices but this option from Hydro also offers biological filtration on top of the mechanical for longer term use. It’s an excellent option for raising fish and shrimp fry, and while you don’t need bio-filtration in hospital tanks you can still use the Hydro for them as well.

PROS	CONS
Offers mechanical and biological filtration with a low, gentle rate of circulation Adjustable design is ideal for raising fish fry and shrimp Minimal maintenance required and rarely need replacement parts	Only offers 1 to 2-stages of filtration and only a single stage if used short term Tubing is awkward to clean if algae grows inside it Not a very durable design and replacement parts may be difficult to source

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9. Marina Internal Power Filter

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One of the best uses for an internal filter is in a nano tank, and this system from Marina is a classic! Similar to the Aqueon, the Marina hangs inside your tank and is accessible from the top. It slowly filters your water through a multi-stage one-piece replaceable cartridge and gently returns it to your tank.

This is an excellent option for tanks up to 6-gallons. I doubt the level of biological filtration is very high since it gets replaced along with the other stages. But this durable little filter gets the job done and it’s nearly as easy to use as a sponge filter.

PROS	CONS
Provides 3-stage filtration for small nano tanks under 6-gallons Snap-in single-piece cartridges are easy to change with one hand You’ll never need to cut padding or mess with bags of media for this filter	Unlikely that it provides a lot of biological filtration given the media is replaced so frequently Flow rate is not adjustable and it’s difficult to modify with a baffle without affecting the filtration Not fully submersible, so you’ll need to be able to fit this in the top part of your tank

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10. EHEIM Classic External Canister Fish Tank Filter Media

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I wouldn’t usually recommend a canister system for a small 20-gallon tank but there’s always exceptions to the rules. Sometimes, you really do need a high level of filtration for a small tank. If you have goldfish or a planted female Betta sorority you’ll likely love this canister filter from the top-quality brand Eheim.

My favorite feature is the built-in canister stand which prevents the filter from tipping over. I’ve had canister filters leak when tipped, so this is a definite bonus. The silicone seals offer a durable and long-lasting water-tight closure, and they are easily replaced when they wear out. This is a very customizable and flexible system.

PROS	CONS
3-stage canister filter is customizable so you can use the filter pads and media you prefer Silicon seals are durable and prevent leaks and noise from the motor Built-in base prevents filter from tipping over when stored next to or beneath your tank	Older model filter is harder to find replacement and accessory parts for It’s a pricey filtration system and may be out of the reach of some hobbyists Flow rate is not adjustable, although the spray bars and intake can indirectly be adjusted to slow the flow

Guide to Aquarium Filtration Systems

Modern filtration systems are an efficient and easy way to keep your water free from debris and neutralize biowaste without having to do weekly water changes. Before I can pass on my tips for choosing the best freshwater aquarium filters, we need to talk about their features and which types are ideal for different aquarium set-ups.

How Filters Clean Aquariums

There are three ways a filter can function to keep your aquarium water clean. Think of these as stages. Some filters have multiple stages and clean your water in two or three ways, while others use a single stage.

Stage 1–Mechanically Collects Debris Floating in Tank

Filters mechanically remove debris by passing the aquarium water through a fine mesh or wadding of cotton, called the filter pad or sponge filter. This is the action most associated with filters, and nearly all types have this primary stage.

Stage 2–Chemically Neutralizes Toxins Using Filter Media

Many filters use chips of activated carbon or a resin to absorb toxins from your aquarium water. Filter media are replaceable and usually sit in a bag, cartridge or internal basket inside your filtration system. This is the second most common function you’ll see available in aquarium filters.

Stage 3–Biologically Converts Fish Waste into a Safer Form

This one sounds complicated, but it really isn’t. Some filters have a stage designed to promote the growth of “good” aquarium bacteria. This bacteria consumes the dangerous ammonia and nitrites in your water and converts it to a safer form, so your fish don’t get stressed or sick (your substrate is a reservoir of healthy bacteria too).

These biological stages come in many forms. Some HOB filters have a “bio-wheel” for the bacteria to grow on, while others use inert ceramic rings in a stage inside the filter. This used to be the least common stage and only found in premium filters, but these days many budget filters offer them as well!

Types of Aquarium Filters

What’s the best type of aquarium filter? It depends on your tank size, substrate, and the type of aquatic organisms you’re keeping. Filter styles have undergone a lot of refinement over the last 15 years and many hybrid systems have been introduced.

One thing that may be confusing for novice fish keepers is the term “power or powered” filtration system. It simply means the filter runs off electricity rather than using an air pump to move the water through the stages. The types of filters you’ll most likely see for sale include:

Sponge Filters

Sponge filters were once the simplest type, used mostly for hospital and breeding tanks and raising fry. They are a very gentle filtration system powered by an air pump that sucks your dirty water through a fine sponge-covered intake. Their primary job is to remove large visible debris and waste from your aquarium water.

Modern sponge filters can also include a biological stage, which may only be helpful if you’re using it in a tank longer-term rather than for a sick fish. Their ability to filter out debris is limited and they require weekly cleaning to prevent them from being clogged. It takes a month of use to cycle your water and establish healthy bacteria.

I keep sponge filters on hand for emergencies, but they don’t offer enough filtration for my planted tanks or large community set-ups. Since they can’t chemically neutralize ammonia I don’t rely on them as my primary form of filtration. But they are a very good option for small Betta or freshwater shrimp aquariums!

Pros	Cons	Ideal Filter For:
Inexpensive Simplest type to set-up, use and maintain Powered by an air pump with a natural low-flow rate	Limited filtration ability, so you’ll still have to do weekly water changes May offer biological stage but it’s only useful when the filter is used long-term The sponge also requires weekly maintenance to prevent clogging	Short-term use in hospital, breeding or fry tank Nano, Betta and shrimp tanks

Internal and Submersible Filters

One of the newer types are the internal and submersible filters that fit inside your aquarium. These may be simple 1 or 2-stage devices perfect for fish bowls and nano tanks, or more robust 3-stage filters that can be hidden in a lower corner of your fish tank. They may be either electrical or powered by an air pump.

Depending on their size and number of stages, they can offer a lot of filtration power to the right set-up. They are ideal for smaller tanks that don’t have the surrounding space to fit an external HOB or canister filter, or for larger low-current goldfish and shrimp aquariums.

Some of the 3-stage electrical models have a sufficient flow rate to work well for planted aquariums, as long as there aren’t too many fish or bottom feeders in the tank. The simpler air-pump powered models are usually inadequate for planted or larger community fish tanks but do well in small set-ups.

Pros	Cons	Ideal Filter For:
Space-saving filter sits inside your aquarium More efficient and provides a higher filtration level than sponge filters Comes in both air-pump powered and electrical models	Filtration ability varies widely between models High-quality versions may be as expensive as equivalent HOB filters You may have to reach into the aquarium to change pads and filter media	Nano, Betta, goldfish and shrimp tanks Planted tanks with a low to moderate number of fish/shrimp

Undergravel Filters

There are three parts to an undergravel filter: a plastic mesh screen which is placed under your gravel substrate, an outflow tube with a replaceable cartridge holding the filter pad and media, and an air pump connected with plastic tubing to power the filter. You’ll usually have to buy the pump and plastic tubing separately from the filter.

Undergravel filters provide limited 2-stage filtration by drawing the dirty water through your substrate before it passes through the filter pad/media. Larger particles and debris are caught in your substrate and broken down by the bacteria or may be removed by your bottom feeders or when vacuuming gravel during water changes.

Undergravel filters were once considered the ideal entry-level model for novice aquarists, and many of us started with these simple systems. But budget internal and submersible filters provide better filtration at a similar cost and are much easier to maintain. I can’t honestly recommend undergravel filters over the other options.

HOB Filters

HOB or “hang on back” filters are one of the most popular types on the market and a really good option for fresh or saltwater fish tanks. They hang externally on the side or rear of your tank and have an intake tube that carries the water up to the filter for cleaning. It’s easy to maintain these types without putting your hands in your tank!

The main unit houses the electrical pump (impeller) and filtration stages. The water is pulled up the intake tube and cycled through the stages, and then returns to the tank through the outflow vent. HOBs offer 2 to 3-stages of filtration and a flexible set-up that is easily modified to suit most any aquarium.

HOBs are more complex to set-up and maintain than sponge, submersible and undergravel filters. Cheaper models closely resemble simple internal types and provide about the same level of filtration. Premium 3-stage HOBs may be as effective as canister filters and they are often used in tandem for large or planted tanks.

Pros	Cons	Ideal Filter For:
Provides cost-effective 2 or 3-stage filtration suitable for tanks of nearly any size Easier to maintain than canister or sump filtration systems Filter pads and media set-ups are flexible and can be easily customized	Increases aquarium evaporation more than sponge, internal and canister systems Powerful intake/outtake flows can accidentally injure delicate fish/shrimp and may require modifications for their safety May be noisier than other systems due to electrical pump and the sound of water returning to your tank	Community aquariums of all sizes Planted and aquascaped tanks As a secondary filtration and water circulation system for large canister-cleaned aquariums

Canister Filters

Canister systems used to be the filter-of-choice for professional and experienced fishkeepers who kept large 50 to 500-gallon aquariums. These powerful electric filters are usually placed underneath your aquarium and are hidden by the stand. The water is pulled from the intake into the canister, which houses the filter pad and stages.

One advantage of a canister filter is their ability to move a lot of water through the stages, which make them ideal for very large tanks. Since the canister is sealed closed, less water is lost to evaporation and the noise level is lower than with HOBs. The outflows are adjustable to minimize the current and splashing.

Canisters often have multiple filter pads to polish the water and remove microscopic debris. You can usually customize the other stages to provide the exact mix of chemical-neutralizing and biological media that your tank needs. But they are more complicated to operate and maintain, and usually cost more than other types.

Pros	Cons	Ideal Filter For:
Powerful motors offer the highest flow rate of any filtration system Multiple layers of filter pads polish the water and remove microscopic particles and debris Media stages and intake/outtakes are customizable and offer a lot of flexibility in your set-up	Usually more expensive than HOBs, and premium systems may be very costly to install More complicated and messy to maintain, since canister must be unhooked and opened to adjust the pads and media Out-of-sight filters can do a lot of damage if they leak and often go unnoticed until the tank level drops	Larger aquariums from 20 to 500 gallons in size Densely planted community tanks and aquascaped aquariums Tanks with a large number of fish or species like goldfish or cichlids that produce a lot of waste

Wet/Dry Filters (Sumps)

I’m only going to cover wet/dry filters, also known as sumps, briefly here because you rarely see these complex systems used in freshwater aquariums outside the professional world of aquascaping. They can be an important part of maintaining a saltwater or reef tank, however.

A sump system is a slow, gradual way of providing biological filtration to a large aquatic system. A sump usually sits directly under or next to a saltwater aquarium, and holes or a siphon overflow allows water to trickle into the sump via gravity. As the water moves through the stages it is oxygenated and cleaned by bacteria.

Sumps are complicated to set-up, take up as much room as your aquarium and provide mainly passive biological filtration, though some systems also have slots for filter media. They are also quite expensive. I don’t recommend them for freshwater aquariums. For external fish tank filters, I’d go with an HOB or canister instead.

Pros	Cons	Ideal Filter For:
Offers a high level of biological filtration Passive, gravity-fed system usually only requires a small pump to return water to the tank, reducing noise Some sumps also have stages for holding filter media	Filtration is not adequate enough to be used alone in most aquariums Most sumps require special tank modifications to install and take up a lot of space Too expensive and complex for many hobby aquarists to bother with	Marine and reef tanks of all sizes Professionally aquascaped aquariums

Tips for Finding the Best Freshwater Aquarium Filter

Now that you know all about the types of filters and their benefits and disadvantages, let’s talk about how you can go about selecting the best option for your aquarium. How much filtration does your tank need? It depends, and as you add species and adjust your aquarium set-up your filtration needs may change.

Aquarium Size and Type of Occupants

For smaller aquariums 10-gallons and under, you’ll most likely be choosing between the inexpensive and low-flow sponge, undergravel, internal or submersible systems.

Submersible and internal types provide better mechanical and chemical filtration for healthy Betta, shrimp, and plants than sponge or undergravel systems.

HOBs are a great option when you need more filtration, such as for goldfish and planted tanks. They come in the widest range of sizes of all the systems and are suitable for tanks from 5 to 500-gallons. There are so many brands and price points that I recommend reading the aquarium filter reviews before selecting your model.

Canister filters are usually way too powerful for tanks under 20-gallons. You can definitely have too much current and circulation for your fish’s comfort, especially if you’re keeping Bettas or goldfish. But for planted tanks and large community aquariums over 50-gallons a canister can be a great cost-effective option.

Flow Rate

Powered filtration systems are usually rated by their flow rate, or the number of gallons cycled through the filter every hour (gallons per hour or GPH). These are approximate rates, and the way you set-up and maintain your filter will directly impact the flow in your tank. If your filter pads are clogged with debris it will dramatically reduce your rates.

There is a lot of argument over the ideal flow rate for an aquarium, and truthfully it really depends on your tank. Some sites recommend getting a filter with a GPH that’s up to 6 times the capacity of your tank. Personally, I’ve found this to be too much for most of my tanks. A 20-gallon set-up usually does not need a filter rated at 120 GPH.

My rule of thumb is to choose a filter that provides 2 to 4 times the GPH of my tank, so around 20 to 40 GPH for a typical 10-gallon tank. For larger aquariums, I usually get better results from using multiple filters with lower rates spread throughout the tank than a single high-capacity filter. You’ll have to see what works best for you.

Filtration Technology

Choosing the best filtration system for fish tanks doesn’t necessarily mean picking the newest or most advanced model. Afterall, sumps operate on a very old and simple principle even if they are complicated to set-up and maintain. The fancier your filtration system the more than can also go wrong with it.

Instead, I look for proven systems that have already stood the test of time in many tanks around the world. A good, basic filter can often do the same or even a better job as one packed with technological features. Rather, focus on filters with features that make them easy to maintain, like silicon seals and accessible pads and media.

Brand

I’m not a very brand-loyal person in my day-to-day life, but years of aquarium keeping have definitely made me wary of some aquatic companies. I avoid off-market filters or those made by unknown brands for a few reasons.

First, it’s safer to go with a brand you can easily find replacement parts and filter pads/media for locally and online. I once had to wait for 8-weeks for a small shipment of cartridges from Asia from an off-brand filter company and my fish were miserable.

Products and known brands with a proven track record also often turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run. Parts like the impeller tend to last longer so you don’t have to replace them as often. You can also find advice for modifying your filter in online forums. A cheap filter that leaks can do a lot of damage to your floors, too.

Conclusion

The secret to maintaining a sparkling clean aquarium without a lot of extra effort is having the best fish tank filter you can afford. The best option will depend on your tank’s size and set-up, and many do best with more than one type of filter. You can always add another filter as your tank and fish mature.

For nano tanks and small aquariums under 20-gallons the Marina, Hydro, Penn Plax and Dennerle are all viable options.

• It just depends on whether you prefer an internal, sponge, undergravel or submersible system.
• I’d probably opt for the Dennerle if it would work for my tank.

For the mid-size range from 20 to 75 gallons the Eheim, Penn Plax, AquaClear, Marineland are all solid picks depending on the features you need and the type of fish and plants you plan to keep. Steer clear of the Marineland if you have really hard tap water, though, or you’ll have a lot of build-up to clean from your tank.

For larger tanks over 75-gallons you’d do best with the AquaClear or the excellent, premium Fluval FX6 for tanks from 250 to 400-gallons. I’m tempted to start a 400-gallon aquarium just to justify getting the Fluval myself.