Best Aquarium Filter

The Marineland Penguin Power Filter e is our best aquarium filter which is capable of handling aquariums with a minimum capacity of 50 gallons a maximum capacity of 70 gallons overall. The aquarium filter is ideal for freshwater as well as marine aquariums out there and the 3 stages of filtering that is provided by this aquarium filter involves mechanical filtration, chemical filtration and biological filtration. The aquarium filter can take up to 350 gallons per hour of filtering power.

Our step-up pick is the Marineland Emperor 400 Pro Series Filter and this aquarium filter is very helpful when it comes down to all of its aspects. The aquarium filter also gives a lot of great filtration processes and it has a flow that is unmatched in comparison to other aquarium filters out and there the aquarium filter also uses a bio-wheel mechanism that is spray bar driven in its design which is capable of filtering the water biologically in both dry and wet operations. As for the cartridge of this aquarium filter, it uses the Rite Size E for its size of cartridge.

The budget pick is the Aqua Clear Power Filter 110 V and the pump of this aquarium filter is very energy efficient so the operating costs of this aquarium filter is very low. The Cycle Guard technology of the aquarium filter also adds great biological filtration in keeping the water of the aquarium as high quality as possible and Activated Carbon is included with this handy aquarium filter to help filter out dirt and other residue. The contact time of the aquarium filter’s media is very sufficient so that it operates very well and this aquarium filter is ideal for aquariums with a capacity of 5 gallons up to 20 gallons. The pump output of this aquarium filter is at 100 gallons per hour and it is ideal for 20 gallons sized aquarium tanks out there.

A Little Background

An aquarium is a sanctuary for fishes and also some marine life and sea creatures. Not all the time do fishes need to be put in an aquarium – sometimes people keep turtles and other animals from the sea or from freshwater. Aquariums need to be filtered on their water content so that the whole content of the tank will be truly safe for fishes and all of the other aquatic life.

How We Picked

The best aquarium filter should have one or more of the following:
It should be just the right size for your aquarium, whether it is small or a big one. You have to know the size of your aquarium first before buying a filter.
It should operate smoothly without much noise at all so as not to disturb the fishes and the rest of the people at home.
It should be very natural in its filtration process as much as possible so as not to disturb the marine life and also not to intoxicate them by cleaning the aquarium.

Our Pick

Marineland Penguin Power Filter
The Marineland Penguin Power Filter is our best aquarium filter which is capable of handling aquariums with a minimum capacity of 50 gallons a maximum capacity of 70 gallons overall. Two filter cartridges with the Rite Size C are used for this particular aquarium filter to make it function. The filtration process of this aquarium filter goes on a very biological level as it goes through a lot of stages for filtering in a very easy method and the aquarium filter can take up to 350 gallons per hour of filtering power.
Three stages of filtering provided by this aquarium filter involve mechanical filtration, chemical filtration and biological filtration. You also do not have to look elsewhere for the cartridges need as the aquarium filter comes with filter cartridges that are ready to use right off the bat. The aquarium filter is ideal for freshwater as well as marine aquariums out there and the aquarium filter also uses a patented BIO Wheel Technology for its biological filtration which is a very natural process of filtering the aquarium as needed. You can also choose from various sizes and capacities for the aquarium filter in different GPHs or gallons per hour.
A very safe, healthy and clean environment will be rest assured for your aquatic plants and aquatic creatures such as fish. The bio load of this aquarium filter makes the use of African Cichlids as well as Fish Oscars from the Tropical Community and maintenance is a breeze due to the very fact that the aquarium filter only needs a good initial set up and that’s it. The mid level strainer is all you need for this aquarium filter to adjust the aquarium’s overall water flow.
The cartridge of the aquarium filter only needs to be replaced after one month and the aquarium filter can also be easily cleaned when you absolutely need to and when it is applicable. The aquarium filter is ideal for small to medium sized aquarium tanks out there and if you are a beginner at taking care of aquariums and fishes then you should go for this awesome aquarium filter. This particular aquarium filter also uses a type of filter that hangs on the tank instead of a canister type.
The mechanical filtration process of the aquarium filter uses a ribbed back part of the cartridge to keep the screens cleaned from dirt and the chemical filtration method of the aquarium filter is designed for removing odors using its black diamond premium activated carbon material which can also stabilize the colors of your aquarium.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

The Marineland Penguin Power Filter may have a few cons but believe us – they are not really relevant and are not deal breakers at all. For example, it should be set up and connected carefully so as not to produce a lot of noise. Some people also complained that is slightly noisier than canister filters but it depends upon your level as an aquarist.

Step-up Pick

Marineland Emperor 400 Pro Series Filter
This aquarium filter, the Marineland Emperor 400 Pro Series Filter, is our step-up pick which is very helpful when it comes down to all of its aspects. As for the cartridge of this aquarium filter, it uses the Rite Size E for its size of cartridge and it also accommodates 2 of these filter cartridges. The flow rate of this aquarium filter amounts to 400 gallons per hour so it is ideal for aquariums that have a typical capacity for up to 80 gallons of water and the aquarium filter has a design that uses two pumps at the same time to make it very revolutionary in its entire build.
The aquarium filter also gives a lot of great filtration processes and it has a flow that is unmatched in comparison to other aquarium filters out there and the capacity of the filter cartridges of the aquarium filter gives you more than its overall value. The aquarium filter also uses a bio-wheel mechanism that is spray bar driven in its design which is capable of filtering the water biologically in both dry and wet operations. The aquarium filter also has the capability of performing chemical filtration in the process to keep your fishes healthy and clean and all of the marine life and aquatic life lively and safe. This aquarium filter also has the capability to remove the toxins that are found out in the aquarium as fast as possible.

Budget Pick

Aqua Clear Power Filter 110 V
For those with smaller sized aquariums, this aquarium filter, the Aqua Clear Power Filter 110 V, is our budget pick and is the most ideal aquarium filter to keep your aquarium as clean as possible. This aquarium filter is ideal for aquariums with a capacity of 5 gallons up to 20 gallons and the aquarium filter is very easy to install and has a very quick mechanism to set up.
The contact time of this aquarium filter is very superior in its design which is backed up by the aquarium filter’s re-filtration system. The pump of this aquarium filter is very energy efficient so the operating costs of this aquarium filter is very low and the contact time of the aquarium filter’s media is very sufficient so that it operates very well. The BioMax technology used by the aquarium filter helps in its great filtration process that is very natural and friendly towards aquatic organisms big or small and the Cycle Guard technology of the aquarium filter also adds great biological filtration in keeping the water of the aquarium as high quality as possible.
In comparison to other aquarium filters out there, this aquarium filter is up to seven times bigger due to its great amount of filtration volume. Activated Carbon is included with this handy aquarium filter to help filter out dirt and other residue. The AquaClear foam technology employed by the aquarium filter is very helpful for the aquarium and the aquarium filter can be placed at the top using the BioMax filter, on the middle using the Activated Carbon filter or using the AquaClear foam insert at the bottom. The pump output of this aquarium filter is at 100 gallons per hour and it is ideal for 20 gallons sized aquarium tanks out there and a warranty of 2 years is given when you purchase this aquarium filter that is powerful.

Convenient Aquarium Filter with a Compact Design

KollerCraft TOM Aquarium Mini Internal Filter
This aquarium filter, the KollerCraft TOM Aquarium Mini Internal Filter, has a total flow rate of up to 45 gallons per hour. With a mini design, the aquarium filter is ideal for smaller aquarium and tank systems. The aquarium filter is also designed to be an internal filter in its design and the aquarium filter is ideal for filling in NANO tanks which can be for up to 10 gallons in size. The compact design of the aquarium filter measures 5 by 1 by 1 inches overall so it is super compact and the surface agitation of this aquarium filter is backed by the diffuser for direct flow of the aquarium filter.
The flow of water is further improved and evened due to the aquarium filter having a spray bar that is integrated with the filter and you can freely adjust the aquarium filter from 10 gallons per hour up to 45 gallons per hour so it can also help you save up on your energy bill.

Reliable Aquarium Filter for Small Aquarium Tanks

PENN PLAX World Aquarium Filter Small
This aquarium filter, the PENN PLAX World Aquarium Filter Small, is quite small in its design but it is very helpful indeed as an aquarium filter that will help you to easily clean and maintain your aquarium tank and your fishes and aquatic life. The aquarium filter is ideal for aquarium tanks with a size capacity of up to 5 gallons so it is indeed ideal for smaller aquariums so if you are looking for a small and compact aquarium filter then you came to the right place.
Almost any air pump can be used with this aquarium filter due to its high compatibility with various air pumps out there. Regardless of the shape of your current aquarium, this particular aquarium filter will definitely work well and fit well due to its intuitive design as an aquarium filter. The bracket of this aquarium filter measures 4 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 1 inch so it is designed for fitting onto most aquariums that are very small in their space and design. A healthy environment will be definitely maintained for you and your fish using this aquarium filter.
The healthy benefits of using this aquarium filter include the fact that it greatly eliminates contaminants in the aquarium tank. There is also bio foam on the aquarium filter to help in the filtration of a biological filtration process to achieve a water tank that is crystal clear in its quality. The aquarium filter also has the capability to remove odors and gases. The aquarium filter is also equipped with an activated carbon technology which helps take out bad odors and is of top quality and ammonia in the water is not a problem due to the very fact that this aquarium filter has been equipped with zeolite crystals in its entire build.
The aquarium filter is very extensive in its filtering capabilities and the aquarium filter uses a cartridge filter that is replaceable and disposable so it is very easy to maintain. A bio foam sponge also comes with the aquarium filter for adding to its chemical filtration process to improve the aquarium filter’s capability to filter out the water in your aquarium tank. It is the best kind of aquarium filter for beginners or for small tank owners out there.

Convenient Aquarium Filter with a Hang-On Design

Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter
If you want an aquarium filter that has a hang-on design at the back of your aquarium then this aquarium filter, the Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter, is definitely what you need. The aquarium filter is ideal for aquariums with a capacity of up to 100 gallons but you can also choose smaller types or models of this aquarium filter from 10 gallons, 20 gallons, 35 gallons to 50 gallons in size efficiency.
The aquarium filter is also ideal for fresh water use as well as for salt water use so it is very recommended for versatile options in your aquarium in question and the quad filtration system of this aquarium filter is very superb in its entire quality to keep your fishes truly alive and your biodiversity in your aquatic tank as balanced as possible. Moreover, there is also a part of the aquarium filter that helps to remove nitrite as well as ammonia to keep the fishes swimming as healthy as possible.
The aquarium filter has the capability to filter out water for up to 300 GPH or gallons per hour due to its great and superb built and the bio falls technology of the filtration system of this aquarium filter is indeed very revolutionary in its entire design to keep your fishes as healthy as can be. There is also an activated carbon technology used in this aquarium filter that is out right ready for you to use in any time of the day with this aquarium filter and a bio floss part of the aquarium filter is also included and is very helpful in filtering out the aquarium water along with the bio carbon cartridge that is present in the aquarium filter.
To help the particulate matter that floats around the aquarium, there is a poly fiber floss cartridge in this aquarium filter for your safety and security. In fact, discoloration, odors and toxins as well as harmful chemicals can be easily eliminated using the included activated carbon cartridge included with the aquarium filter. The oxygen exchange in the water is also thoroughly improved due to the very fact that it has an internal sponge capability in the aquarium filter. There is also an intake strainer that sits mostly close to your aquarium due to its extendable stem that is included in this aquarium filter.
There is also a leveling device that is included in this aquarium filter to help the self priming of the filter and the intake tube just right in its position and the bio falls technology of this aquarium filter helps for both wet and dry removing of nitrite and ammonia as well. There is also an adjustable flow adjustment for this aquarium filter to best match the tank volume of your chosen aquarium to use this aquarium filter with. The tube of this aquarium filter can also be easily extended for your needs.

Effective Aquarium Filter with a Ceramic Heat Core

Fluval C Power Filter
This aquarium filter, the Fluval C Power Filter, has the capability to supply aquarium tanks for up to 30 gallons or 115 liters and the aquarium filter has a flow rate of up to 119 gallons per hour or 450 liters per hour. This aquarium filter uses a total of 5 stages in its filtration process to give you the best kind of water quality possible and the aquarium filter is also incorporated with a chamber to keep the aquarium as health as possible. With its patented re-filtration system, the aquarium filter is a very superb filter to consider for most aquarium systems out there.
Heat distribution is not a problem due to the very fact that this aquarium filter is very efficient in that field. Moreover, the heater core of this aquarium filter uses ceramic technology so it is very great in filtering out germs and bad bacteria using the ceramic heat core of this aquarium filter. The cleaning indicator of this aquarium filter has been greatly equipped to be used thoroughly in the function of this aquarium filter and also, the aquarium filter accepts C type filters from C2, C3 to C4 so you know what kind of cartridge to get for this aquarium filter.
The mechanism allows you to only clip it onto the aquarium with ease to maintain it quickly and easily and there is also a poly foam material used in this aquarium filter which aids in making the water as filtered as possible.
The poly foam is also very easy to maintain as the aquarium filter has a very convenient cleaning indicator that says when you need to clean the poly foam to make it very easy to maintain and to clean up overall and the poly foam of this aquarium filter has a fluvial design and can be replaced between 4 weeks up to 6 weeks of use. The activated carbon insert of this aquarium filter needs to be replaced from 2 weeks to 4 weeks of time while the biological c-nodes that are present in this aquarium filter can be replaced every six months of use of half of its content and the c-nodes should not be replaced altogether to avoid problems.
There is also a poly foam pad that is present in the cleaning power and mechanism of this aquarium filter. A healthier tank and a clear and sparkling water can be easily achieved using this aquarium filter. The flow rate is very good due to the very fact that it can filter out more than 50 percent of the water using the filter chamber of the aquarium filter and there is a mechanical frame as well as a bio screen that helps out this aquarium filter for filtering out germs and bad bacteria.
The intake tube of this aquarium filter has a telescopic mechanism which makes it very easy to maintain. In fact, there is also U-shaped tube that is present in this aquarium filter and a seal ring is coupled with the motor unit of this aquarium filter. A cover that is protective is given to the biological trickle chamber of the aquarium filter and an impeller plus a cover assembly is also included in this aquarium filter. A chemical basket for safety comes along with this aquarium filter and there is also a filter case and a filter cover for this aquarium filter. A leveling device aids the aquarium filter for its aquatic cleansing capabilities. The motor o-ring of this aquarium filter needs to be replaced at least once in every year so as to prevent the aquarium filter motor from leakage and the bio screen of this aquarium filter can be replaces between 2 months to 3 months of regular use.

Awesome Aquarium Filter with an Under Gravel Design

Lee’s 40/55 Premium 12x48in Undergravel Filter
If you want an aquarium filter that has an under gravel design then the Lee’s 40/55 Premium 12x48in Undergravel Filter is the aquarium filter to obtain for your chosen aquarium tank. The size of this aquarium filter measures 12 inches by 48 inches so make sure it is the right size for your aquarium at home. You can definitely use this aquarium filter if you are a salt water aquarist due to its neat design.
There are also UGF plates that add strength to this aquarium filter for its best quality possible and the plates of this aquarium filter are very large in comparison to regular plates of aquarium filters out there. The aquarium filter has a 40/55 quality and the aquarium filter is capable of naturally neutralizing ammonia in your fish tank due to its unique mechanism of turning up your gravel bed into a natural filter.
The aquarium filter helps to promote growth of beneficial bacteria to detoxify the fish tank and the water flow of your fish tank can be greatly improved by this aquarium filter due to its natural flowing through the gravel bed to filter out water and take out ammonia as much as possible. There is also a couple of free premium carbon cartridges with this aquarium filter for your convenience in removing odors, toxins and the like in your aquarium tank or fish tank. You can also easily combine this aquarium filter with any other power aquarium filter out there so you can add more power in cleaning the aquarium as much as possible and the plate design of this unique aquarium filter has a multi-level design so it will not crack easily or split apart due to the very fact that the plates of the aquarium filter are made from highly specialized plastic material that is very high in quality and nontoxic to animals.

Unique Aquarium Filter with UV Rays Filtration Method

Grech CBG-500 5W UV Hang-On Filter
This filter, the Grech CBG-500 5W UV Hang-On Filter, has a hang-on back design and has a flow rate of 132 gallons per hour. It is typically used for aquariums from 10 to 30 gallons of size and it has the capability of biological filtration and mechanical filtration. Bio media and active carbon are present in this aquarium filter. Crystal clear water will be achieved in this back filter. There is also a UV light sterilizer at 5 watts of power to keep algae away and the filter is very silent and smooth in its entire operation overall.

Ideal Aquarium Filter with an Internal Filter Design

Aqueon Quiet Flow Internal Filter
This aquarium filter, the Aqueon Quiet Flow Internal Filter, is very quiet in its flow and is meant to be an internal aquarium filter in its design. With a flow rate of 57 gallons per hour, it is capable of filtering out tanks with a capacity of 10 gallons. The return flow rate, directions and return height are all easily adjustable with this aquarium filter. A limited lifetime warranty is given for this internal aquarium filter.

The Competition

Aquarium filters that we did not include are too noisy and they are not functioning properly. It is important to have an aquarium filter that is friendly towards the fishes, has an effective filtering technology and runs smoothly for its specific type of aquarium setting.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the advantages of an aquarium filter?
A: The site She Knows says that fishes need clean water to thrive in and this is where an aquarium filter is needed. It also lessens the maintenance and cleanup time for the pet owner.

Q: What tips should be considered in aquarium filters?
A: The site Drs. Foster and Smith says that you should consider the aquarium’s fish load and the species of your fish to make sure your filtration will not hurt them or is enough for the aquarium tank. The amount of food given should also be monitored well.

Wrapping It Up

To wrap it all up, the Marineland Penguin Power Filter e is our best aquarium filter if you do not want to have a lot of hassle in maintaining the cleanliness of your aquarium overall.