The Best Fish Tank Filters For Keeping Your Aquarium Clean & Healthy in 2023

Many pet enthusiasts are now keeping fish in their homes using small tanks that can fit in small spaces around the house.

To care for the fish and keep it healthy, your responsibilities will include feeding it and cleaning up the mess left behind. Messes might include excess food, algae growth, and dirt or other debris getting into the fish tank.

In order to clean and purify the fish tank properly, you will need the best fish tank filter available on the market today. Choosing the right type of fish tank filter can be difficult because there are so many options available.

However, not all of them can do the job perfectly so it comes down to having the right information. Before you can choose a filter system, it is important to understand how it works and its capabilities.

Luckily, here you will learn all you need to know about the different functions of fish tank filters, the types, benefits, and top models available.

Functions of Fish Tank Filter System 

Before you can learn more about which fish tank filter to buy, it is always better to start from the basics, so we will first discuss the different functions of a fish tank filter.

The functions are categorized into three major classifications to help you choose the right one.

Biological Function

Fish produce ammonia from their gills as they breathe, and also as part of the waste released from their bodies. The ammonia needs to be removed from the tank frequently, as it is quite toxic to the fish.

The use of a filtration system will help in the elimination of the fishes’ bodily wastes from the tank. Sometimes you might find the fish dying from the ammonia accumulation, but this is something that can be easily avoided.

Mechanical Function

It is common to have debris in a fish tank, due to excess food fed to the fish and other dust particles from the room. The mechanical process of a fish tank filter is meant to remove this debris and any other visible waste from the tank.

Once the water is purified, the tank will contain the clean, clear water both you and your fish prefer. Having a clean and well-aerated tank will promote good health for your fish.

Chemical Function

The water that we rely on for drinking and cooking comes from different sources. Some sources might contain hard metals or other materials which might be harmful to the fish. This creates the need for a filter that can remove such materials from the water.

Different types of filters will have different methods for cleaning up the impurities. Once they are removed, the fish will be surrounded by clean water in which they will be able to thrive.

The Best Fish Tank Filters for Small or Large Aquariums

Pictures	Aquarium Filters	For Aquariums	Links
	Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter	Up to 30, 65, 100, 150, 200 Gallons
	Fluval All New 07 Series 107, 207, 307, 407 Perfomance Canister Filter	Up to 30, 45, 70, 100 Gallons
	Marineland Magniflow Canister	Up to 30, 55, 100 Gallons
	EHEIM Classic External Canister Fish Tank Filter Media	Up to 40, 66, 92 Gallons
	Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Cascade® 1000	Up to 100 Gallons
	AquaClear Fish Tank Filter	Up to 20, 30, 50, 70, 110 Gallons
	Fluval Fx Aquarium Canister Filter	Up to 250, 400 Gallons
	Ehm Fltr 2217 Classic Wm 264g	Up to 160 Gallons
	SunSun Hw303B Pro Canister Filter Kit	Up to 100 Gallons
	Polar Aurora Free Media External Canister Filter	Up to 200 Gallons

When shopping for fish tank filters, you can expect to see many different models on the market. These filters are all from different manufacturers, which makes it hard to figure out which is the best filter to choose.

Starting today, however, that should no longer be a problem, as you can simply reference the products included below, a list of the best filters on the market. In the end, you should be able to easily pick the right filter to handle your aquarium needs.

Aquarium Filter Reviews

1. Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter

This filter works with both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks. This broad range of applications is the reason that so many people love and are loyal to this product. This canister filter can handle different types of aquariums, in sizes up to 200 gallons.

The product can provide an impressive 350-gph water flow when in use. Just make sure you keep it well maintained, so as to keep it working efficiently and effectively.

The product starts up easily, with the simple press of a button, and it has a 360-degree rotation for better filtration of the tank. Having a large filter tank means that you can use the system for a long time before replacements are required.

Pros

• The product comes with an impressively large tank, which means longer use before the filter needs to be replaced
• The filter system is built with strong materials that will keep your aquarium looking great for a long time
• The system makes it quick and easy to get set up and start  the filtration process running
• The product can be combined with other media, such as bio-sponges, bio-floss, and activated carbon for a wide range of filtration needs

Cons

• The filter makes a lot of chattering and grinding sounds when in use. This is something that the manufacturer needs to work on improving. In the meantime, some users may be bothered by the noise.

2. Fluval All New 07 Series Perfomance Canister Filter

All-new 07 series: Fluval 107, Fluval 207, Fluval 307, Fluval 407

This filter model provides superior filtering capability. It is ideal for all sizes of aquariums made by different manufacturers and will work for either freshwater or saltwater aquariums.

The powerful motor technology helps to speed the filtration process. These varying functionalities make this product far better than its competitors. You simply need to follow the straightforward setup instructions to get the product working as required.

For those who are worried about noise, this product works quietly, with fewer vibrations than other filters. The multi-stage filtration process promises to offer a high level of quality and efficiency for the product cost.

Pros

• The product has an instant start-up option, with no manual siphoning required to get it started
• The product has clamps to easily lock it in place for better operation and strength while working
• The “quiet mode” of operation makes this model appealing to many people looking for filter systems without disruptive mechanical sounds
• The system includes independent modules that allow for easy and mess-free removal of dirt from the filter

Cons

• The product is quite expensive as compared to other products in its category

3. Marineland Magniflow Canister

The canister lids design is something you will always like as it comes with a feature that gives the filter a watertight seal. It is always important to keep leaks from happening especially when it comes to the filtering of the water.

No wants to end up with leaks coming from the filter as it means you would be losing substantial water that should be circulated back to the aquarium.

There is also the use of the polishing filter pad incorporated in the filter. The work of this pad is to remove the fine debris that might affect the quality of the filtered water. You should now end up with cleaned water that can be used by the fish without any problems.

The model is still designed to have the bio-filter balls and ceramic rings. They are important for providing a multifaceted surface area important for growing the bio spires. This means that your aquarium gets to have all the important filtration and replenishment of the bio spires.

You still get the black diamond carbon important for removing the odors, discoloration, and other water impurities. This is in aim to make sure that you get clean water being pumped back into the aquarium.

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Easy filter priming
• Moderately priced
• No leaks

Cons

• It is not sturdy

4. EHEIM Classic External Canister Fish Tank Filter Media

The product has a permo-elastic silicon sealing ring that keeps the product securely sealed while working in the aquarium. You no longer have to worry much about experiencing the leakage that has been reported as occurring with other models of fish tank filters.

This filter is equipped with filter sponges and other types of loose filter media, making it easy to increase the working capability of the product. There are several accessories included with the device, such as a spray bar, hose, inlet hose, and many others.

Pros

• Additional loose filter media can be added for greater efficiency
• It comes complete with all the filter media that you need for your aquarium

Cons

• There are some parts of the filter that should be checked for durability

5. Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Cascade® 1000

This is a heavy-duty fish tank filter that is sure to provide excellent quality and durability in exchange for the cost. This product can pump 265 gallons per hour and is mostly used for 100-gallon aquariums.

It is designed to deliver powerful performance, even when used continuously for a long time. Using this filter system you can expect the delivery of crystal-clear water to both marine and freshwater aquariums.

The product comes with a coarse sponge that will effectively remove the waste and excess food in the fish tank.

Pros

• The manufacturer includes a free filter media with each canister bought
• The whole filter system is built to be strong and sturdy to ensure that the product will continue working for a long time
• The filter will remove many contaminants, such as excess food, ammonia, and many others from the water in the aquarium

Cons

• The product does consume a lot of power when operating, as compared to its closest competitors

6. AquaClear Fish Tank Filter

If you check out several models that are being used as fish tank filters, then you are likely to get a model such as AquaClear Filter.

The reason is that the company has been making the best filters over the years making sure that you get the right models at all times.

This model is one of the best hang on back filters you can buy today for your aquarium today. It is designed to be versatile so that it can end up meeting the needs of most aquarium hobbyists.

The manufacturer offers the model with different variations in terms of flow rates. This means that you should get to pick one that can deliver on the flow rate you feel is appropriate for your needs.

Its unique design is going to give you an impressive filtration capacity. This is better as compared to the other models in the same category.

The model employs the use of the flow control technique important to help in reducing the effect of water flowing. This is great for making sure that the impellers are not harmed.

Its design also works great for the multistage filtration process. This ensures that the beneficial bacteria needed in the aquarium are not affected due to depletion.

Pros

• Ease of installation
• Great design for biological filtration
• No harm on the motor and impeller

Cons

• Not easy to clean

7. Fluval FX Aquarium Canister Filter

The filtration system is made to start automatically once the canister fills with water. No siphoning of the water is necessary in order to get the product started.

This model has a purge valve drain at its base. The valve’s purpose is to help to empty the canister so that maintenance can be easily performed. The spout attached to the system can be adjusted to send multiple streams of filtered water to different corners of the aquarium.

The intake of the canister is wide and round-mouthed, and such a feature helps with faster action to siphon more water into the canister more quickly.

Pros

• The canister’s intake valve is covered with a fine screen to help prevent debris from getting in
• The product is designed to offer quiet operation when in use
• The multidirectional nozzle will spray cleaner and purified water to all parts of the tank
• The system works at high efficiency and is designed to be clog-proof

Cons

• The system has giant sponges attached that do not provide improved removal of bacteria in the fish tank

8. Ehm Fltr 2217 Classic Wm 264g

The product comes from a company known for making the best aquarium filters. First of all, it is the pump unit, which has been seen to be a highly reliable module that requires minimum service.

If you are looking for a model that doesn’t require a lot of attention, this is one you can purchase with peace of mind, knowing it will do its job reliably for you.

This model has all the qualities a person would want from their aquarium filter: better technology, improved performance, and a high level of efficiency. The use of a one-chamber design makes it easy for the user to install the different types of filters with ease.

You simply and easily swap them out for newer filters when it’s time to change them. For optimum operation, the manufacturer recommends you give your filter a maintenance overhaul after three to six months.

Pros

• The pump unit requires minimum service
• The one-chamber design makes it easy to set up
• Easy to perform maintenance

Cons

• It loses its spraying capability after a while

9. SunSun Hw303B Pro Canister Filter Kit

This is going to be quite useful for most people looking to filter the large-sized aquariums. The model is designed to work with various aquariums up to 100 gallons of water capacity with ease.

The model will easily deliver a great job important for making sure that the large supply of water is maintained clean at all times. Having an overall capability of 370 GPH, you should find this model being faster than most models you know.

The water filtration of this model should easily live up to the standards of most people. It comes with a three-stage filtration process important for increasing the chances of cleaning the water effectively. These stages include mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.

As part of making sure you get to enjoy using the model, there is the 9W UV sterilizer that comes with this model. This should help further with filtering the water by killing the harmful algae and bacteria that might be in the water.

The low noise operation is something you can always look forward to when buying this model. Many people would feel comfortable having such a model in the room they are relaxing in and still clean the water in the aquarium. Being easy to use further makes it common among many people looking for a great filter for their aquarium.

Pros

• Easy to setup
• It has a UV sterilizer
• Operates quietly
• It can handle 370 gallons per hour

Cons

• A few issues with filter motors

10. Polar Aurora Free Media External Canister Filter

There is no doubt that the filtration rate of 525 gallons per hour is going to be something that you like about the filter. Many people would find it useful as it gives them the power to deliver on better performance at all times.

It should be able to clear the dirty water from the aquarium in less time as compared to some other models. It is still great for large aquariums up to the size of 200 gallons.

The five stages of filtration are important to make sure that you get to remove more dirt and other types of impurities from the water. The five stages should give you more confidence in the type of model you are getting for yourself. It also features a 9 W sterilizer important for killing the algae in the water.

The model on overall is designed to be easy to set up and install. It comes as a complete kit with all the things you will need to make sure that it is working properly.

You will not have to buy anything extra when you have such a model. It is still possible to adjust it to fit the larger tanks thanks to the mounting options.

Pros

• More filtration stages
• Impressive filtration capacity
• Eliminates viruses and bacteria

Cons

• Long UV exposure can be harmful

Types of Fish Tank Filters

Here are the different types of fish tank filters you can expect to find on the market.

Air-driven internal fish tank filter

These filters are small, making them great for compact aquariums kept in a hospital or home. Their size makes them suitable for easy integration with a wide variety of fish tanks.

Even though they are small, they can still be very sturdy and well constructed. It will help to keep your small aquarium inhabitants healthy and free from any harm in the water.

Undergravel filters

These filters are placed in the bottom of the fish tank underneath a layer of aquarium gravel. They move the water through the gravel to create conditions for biological filtration to occur, where beneficial bacteria break down the wastes in the fish tank.

Although the filters are designed primarily for biological filtration, some models also have replaceable cartridges. These cartridges have activated carbon to help with chemical filtration.

Power filters

Power filters are a type that is widely used in many aquariums. They are relatively easy to set up and last for a long time. Many people love them, as they provide the best performance for biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration.

They are designed to easily hang on back of the aquarium for convenience, and can be used for many different types of fish tanks. The replaceable filter cartridges make maintenance very easy, as compared to other types.

Canister filters

The canister filters offer all the functions you need in a fish tank filter. You can expect them to deliver on all fronts—mechanical, chemical, and biological functions.

The body, which is often called the canister, is significantly larger for these filters than it is for other types of filters. Each canister will have locations to hold each different type of filter media, and the large canisters will have more filter media. This type of filter does take more effort to set up and maintain, in exchange for its power and flexibility.

Wet/Dry filters

These are known to be the best in biological filtration. They are designed to be a great fit for saltwater aquariums that demand effective biological filtration.

These filters get the name “wet/dry” because the filter media can be exposed to both air and water. This type of filter, in general, will help to increase the beneficial bacteria that lead to effective processing of waste materials.

How to Choose the Right Aquarium Filter?

With the following considerations, you should be able to make the right decision and buy the correct quiet fish tank filter for your aquarium.

Recommended Aquarium Tank Size

Not all filter systems will work with all the tanks. Some have the capability to handle more than one tank size, but others will be fixed.

The manufacturer will always indicate the recommended tank size in the description. Once you have the right fish tank size in mind, it should be easy to make a decision on the filter system to buy.

The Filtration Technology

The filtration technology will differ from one brand or model to another. Each company always wants to be rated as the best, depending on the filtration technology.

This will prompt some companies to come up with a number of “best features” they could use for filtering the water, and some methods might not be suitable for all types of fish tanks. Take the time to learn about the different filtration systems and see what works for your current fish tank.

Water-Flow Rate for the Filter

The water flow rate is measured in gallons per hour. You want a filter that will fill your fish tank faster. Research to find this rating before making the purchase.

It is better if you can compare different brands to see which offers the best water flow rate. Some brands will have a higher flow rate than others do, so always choose wisely among competitive brands.

Fish Tank Filters Brand

Brands matter a lot when choosing the right fish tank filter for your aquarium. Some brands, like the ones mentioned above, are known to offer more sustainability than the others.

Using products from a brand should be a sure way of knowing that other products of the same brand will work effectively. Such top brands include companies such as Fluval, Penn Pax, and many others.

Sometimes it is easy to find the top-rated brands by sorting the products by rating. This will give you the best products that are seen to deliver according to user needs.

The Fish Tank Filters Reviews

Any filter review will help to identify a good fish tank filter that you need for your aquarium. Some filter manufacturers might exaggerate the filter features that do not end up meeting the user needs.

From the reviews, you can know more about the filter and decide whether it works for you or not. Some of the users of such filters will offer useful information on helping other users to identify the best filters in the market.

Make sure that you read the reviews from top-rated stores and review sites as a way of finding honest reviews about the products.

Conclusion

As you can see, several things actually affect how the filter will work. There are new models coming to the market each other day, so make sure that you can choose the right type that works for your pet care model. The design is quite important, as it will determine if the product can fit in your aquarium or it can be adjusted for a perfect fit.

Set up and installation process is sometimes a deciding factor. Sometimes it is hard for new users to operate the filters even with manuals supplied by manufacturers. If the product is designed to easily fit on the fish tanks, it should be easy to set up and install. Now that you know more about the best fish tank filter systems, you can choose the correct one easily.