The Best Goldfish Filters For a Healthy Aquarium

If you’re a new pet fish owner, you may be a little bit confused as to which filters are the best for your fish and which ones you should avoid.

You may even be wondering if having a filter is even necessary for your tank. It definitely is.

Making sure that your goldfish tank is sparkling is one of the best ways you can ensure they have a healthy life. Keeping the water they live in clean is an easy alternative to paying later on with vet visits and expensive medicine to help them feel better.

Does a Goldfish Tank Need a Filter?

Is it important to get a filter for your tank?

Yes, because changing the water once in a while can only do so much, but having a filter that’s constantly turning over the water does so much more. Filters are an affordable and easy way to keep the water moving and prevent any bacteria buildup in the tank.

Aside from keeping the water from becoming stagnant, a fish tank filter also takes out any waste and leftover food from the tank. If these things were allowed to just sit in the water, they would quickly become a buffet table for harmful bacteria.

Not only that, but this kind of waste increases the ammonia levels in the water. These rising levels of harmful ammonia can cause a whole host of problems for your fish, like skin burns, swim bladder problems, and general sickness.

Finding a good filter can be difficult, but it’s an effort you must make to help your fish live a happy and healthy life.

The 10 Best Filters For Your Goldfish Tanks

To find a good filter, you need to understand what your fish requires to live a healthy life. You want a filter built to meet their needs, whether that’s with wave creation or a fast turnover rate. Check out these filters to get an idea of what to look for.

Pictures	Goldfish Filters	For Aquariums
	AquaClear Fish Tank Filter	Up to 20, 30, 50, 70 Gallons
	MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter	Up to 97 Gallons
	Marina Power Filter	Up to 10, 15, 20 Gallons
	MarineLand Penguin 200 BIO-Wheel Power Filter	Up to 50 Gallons
	Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter	Up to 20, 30, 45, 70 Gallons
	Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter	Up to 7, 10, 20, 35, 55, 100 Gallons
	Whisper IQ Power Filter	Up to 10, 20, 30, 45, 60 Gallons
	Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber	Up to 3, 4, 10, 20, 40 Gallons
	Fluval C Power Filter	Up to 30, 50, 70 Gallons
	MarineLand Emperor Bio-Wheel Power Filter	Up to 80 Gallons

Goldfish Filter Reviews

1. AquaClear Fish Tank Filter

First up is the impressive Aqua Clear Filter. This filter is a small, but efficient product ready to be used almost directly out of the box. It’s ideal for use in fish tanks that hold 5-70 gallons of water.

Despite its small size, this filter has about seven times the capacity and volume of comparable filters. This filter also comes fully loaded with many different layers of filtering agents inside to give your tank thorough filtering every time.

The only problem with this filter is that the level of maintenance required is more than other filters. Because of the different layers of filtering agents, you would need to change out all of those filters once every two to three months. That can become time-consuming if you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it type of filter.

Pros

• Lots of different filtering agents to get a good clean
• Has more capacity than other filters its size

Cons

• More maintenance required than normal

2. MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter

Next up is the MarineLand Magnum water filter. The MarineLand filter has a good maximum rate of 290 GPH and a three-stage filtration system. This filter is also ready to be installed right away because no priming is necessary.

Another good feature of the MarineLand filter is the fact that it already comes with a Black Diamond activated carbon cartridge for filtration. There’s also a dual-chamber media container that you can use customized filtering agents in.

One negative point that’s worth mentioning for the MarineLand Magnum filter is that making the switch from a three-stage filtration system to a water-polishing system can be difficult.

Both of these features are included in the filter, but switching from one type to the other can get confusing. While instructions are included on how to do this, no one wants to have a confusing filter.

Pros

• Versatility between three-stage filtration and water polishing
• Dual-chamber allows for customization

Cons

• Slightly confusing set up for different systems

3. Marina Power Filter

Third on the list is the Marina Power filter. This filter is the most cost-efficient one on this list. It’s got a slightly below-average rate of just 20 gallons, comes with a multi-step filtration process, and has four filtering cartridges.

A good feature that the Marina Power filter has is a customizable water flow option, making it perfect for turning the flow higher or lower depending on your fish’s needs.

This makes a good starter filter because it’s easy to install and has customization options until you know what works best for your fish.

One thing going against the Marina Power Filter is that it has a pretty low maximum gallon capacity.

Although it’s alright for the price and size, it’s still a bit on the lower side as far as this list goes. If you have a bigger tank than 20 gallons, you definitely want to pick something else.

Pros

• Cost-efficient
• Easy to understand and use
• Customizable flow

Cons

• Low flow rate

4. MarineLand Penguin 200 BIO-Wheel Power Filter

Next is the MarineLand Penguin Power Filter. This filter comes in many different sizes, starting at 20 gallons and going all the way up to 70 gallons. Depending on the size you get, you can have a filtering rate of up to 350 GPH.

The different sizes are a good feature to have because it means that one model or another is bound to be a good fit for your tank. The MarineLand Penguin Power filter is also built to perform a three-step filtration process for your fish tank.

The only downside of this filter is the fact that it’s not as quiet as other filters. When you first install the filter, it takes some time for it to adjust and get good water flow going, causing it to be a little loud. Similarly, when it’s close to the end of its life, the filter also makes loud sounds due to extensive use.

Pros

• Excellent flow rate
• Many different sizes

Cons

• Not very quiet

5. Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter

Tetra is a well-known brand when it comes to aquarium supplies and this multi-stage power filter is a great example of why. Its simple design is easy to use and maximizes the oxygenation and agitation in the water while also filtering impurities from the water.

This product uses continuous flushing action to prevent debris buildup so the water continues to flow through the system unobstructed. The filtration system uses varying floss densities, carbon, and a bio-scrubber to provide mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.

Pros

• Multiple sizes are available for tanks ranging from 10 to 70 gallons.
• This filter is ready to go right away with no priming required for setup.
• No-mess filter cartridges are easy to change and don’t drip as much as some other filter media.
• Timestrip technology tells you the carbon is used up and it’s time to change the filter.

Cons

• There’s no room for additional filter media.

6. Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter

This hang-on filter from Penn Plax uses a quad-filtration system that includes anaerobic bacteria, increasing the efficiency of ammonia and nitrate removal.

It also includes an activated charcoal cartridge to remove the impurities you can’t see and an internal sponge to catch large pieces of debris and provide a home for beneficial bacterial colonies.

An adjustable flow knob lets you increase and decrease the flow. Slow it down during feeding time or simply adjust as needed. Set up is simple, too, just place it over the back of your tank, add the filter media, and get started cycling your tank.

Pros

• It operates very quietly and can be used in freshwater or saltwater.
• This filter is available in a wide range of sizes, for tanks ranging from seven to 100 gallons.
• The adjustable intake tube is easy to use and works with a variety of different tank shapes.
• Maintenance is super easy. Just remove the old filter and pop in a new one.

Cons

• Operation tends to get louder over time.

7. Whisper IQ Power Filter

The Whisper IQ filter from Tetra uses StayClear technology which makes maintenance super easy. It uses a sound shield between the motor and the filter and has vibration dampening technology to run whisper quiet.

This filter uses a bio scrubber to eliminate ammonia and nitrates from the water and has a special spillway to oxygenate the water as it comes out of the return spout and agitates the water. Maintenance is easy and the filter cartridges are a snap to change.

Pros

• The upgraded impeller and materials are designed to last a long time.
• This filter is available in multiple sizes. You’ll find one for tanks ranging from 10 to 60 gallons.
• The self-priming, submerged motor makes setup super easy.
• A flow control knob allows you to adjust the speed to the needs of your tank.

Cons

• It can be difficult to find the right-sized filter cartridges.
• Despite all of the features to dampen the noise, some people still found this filter a little too loud.

8. Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber

For those of you who prefer an in-tank filter to one that hangs off the back of your tank, this product from Tetra is a great choice. Installation is easy and the aquarium clip is included. With this pump, your tank can be placed right up against the wall which comes in very handy if you have limited space.

This filter uses a dual-sided dense mesh filter to catch large pieces of waste and debris which also provides the perfect place for beneficial bacteria to grow. Because the filter is located in the tank, it’s much quieter than other types of filters.

Pros

• Filter can function in as little as two inches of water which makes it ideal for reptiles or creating a waterfall feature in any tank.
• One pre-assembled Bio-Bag filter cartridge is included.
• It can be mounted using simple suction cups or a bracket.

Cons

• The mounting clip can break easily and it’s not easy to get a replacement.

9. Fluval C Power Filter

Nearing the end of this list is the Fluval C Power filter. This filter is different from the rest because it has not three, but five, different stages of filtration in its cleaning process.

It’s great for aquariums of up to 70 gallons (Style C4), making it capable of handling large-sized tanks. Another unique feature for the Fluval C power filter is that it comes equipped with a cleaning indicator that lets you know when it’s time to rinse out the polyfoam cartridge.

One problem you might face when using the Fluval C power filter is that it also tends to be a bit louder than most filters. You can definitely get by if you don’t mind extra noise, but the loud sounds definitely make it stand out.

Pros

• Five-step filtration
• Great flow rate
• Cleaning indicator

Cons

• Louder than most other filters

10. MarineLand Emperor Bio-Wheel Power Filter

Last, but not least, is the MarineLand Emperor Filter. Another great option by MarineLand, this filter packs a punch with an amazing flow rate of 400 GPH, and is also one of the largest ones on the list, with twice the filter cartridge capacity as most other filters.

It also has an extra-large BIO wheel filtration system, meaning you can trust that the water in your tank is thoroughly cleaned and treated with each use.

A common problem that users face with this filter is that it’s also a little loud. Usually, this isn’t a problem with these types of filters, so it’s pretty unusual to see this in this one.

If you don’t mind having a little extra background noise though, this is still a great option.

Pros

• High-performance flow rate
• Large filter cartridge capacity

Cons

• Noisier than most filters

How to Choose a Filter for Your Goldfish Tank?

Now that you have a bit of an understanding of different types of tank filters, you can turn your attention to finding one that fits your specific needs.

There are a few different things you need to keep in mind when shopping for the right filter.

Goldfish Tank Size

The size of your goldfish tank is one of the first things you should note before buying a filter. A goldfish tank is measured by the amount of gallons of water that it can hold at a time.

This amount is important when buying a filter because if the filter doesn’t have an accommodating maximum flow rate, your tank won’t get cleaned properly, and you run the risk of getting your fish sick. Figuring out how many gallons of water your tank holds is the first step in buying the appropriate filter.

Check your aquarium gallon here.

Water Flow Rate

The next thing to pay attention to is the water flow rate in your tank.

This is related to the size of your tank, so if you have a fish tank with 30 gallons of water in it, you want to get a filter that can turn over about five times that amount, or 150 gallons, in an hour.

A good water flow rate ensures that your tank is getting cleaned at a pace that’s not too fast or slow.

Types of Aquarium Filters for Goldfish

There are many different types of aquarium filters you can try, like sponge filters, power filters, and canister filters.

A sponge filter is normally used in breeding tanks and is powered by an air pump that forces the water through a sponge-like material. This allows beneficial bacteria to also take root and promote water health.

A power filter utilizes electricity to pull the water through the different types of filtration cartridges. These types of filters are also known as HOB or hang on back filters because they usually hang on the edge of your aquarium.

Lastly, there’s the canister filter. Canister filters use electricity and utilize a ‘water bar’ to spread the outflow of clean water along the bar. This type of filtration is good for saltwater and planted aquariums.

Filtration Technology System

There are three main types of filtration that occur in a healthy aquarium. Mechanical filtration is when the water is forced into a filter that’s designed to catch any waste particles during the transfer.

Chemical filtration refers to when toxic chemicals pass through a filter. This filter has been specifically designed to attract those kinds of molecules and remove them from the water.

Finally, biological filtration occurs when different bacteria are dissolved with the help of good bacteria. A biological filter promotes the growth of good bacteria and stops the appearance of harmful types.

All three of these methods of filtration are necessary for a healthy aquarium, so getting a filter that has equipment for all three is the best option.

Conclusion

After all of this information, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of buying a filter for your tank. The good news is that you can enlist the help of the experts at your local aquarium store to figure out any details you may be confused about.

Once you find your perfect filter, you can continuously use the same brand and model, and your fish can continue to lead happy lives because of it.