Food, tank plants, and fish metabolism create all kinds of contaminants that will stay in the water and help slowly poison the water. This is where a good indoor aquarium filter comes in, which keeps the water in your aquarium occupants clean and tidy.

We recommend that you first look at the different types of filters and then take a closer look at the important buying criteria. If you do not have time to research in-depth and want to make a good decision quickly, you have come to the right place because we have already done the research for you.

Choosing the best aquarium filter for your aquarium is not easy, as the offer is very wide and varied. There is something to be lost! And yet, the choice of filter is an essential choice. In fact, the aquarium is a closed ecosystem, which easily becomes unbalanced. The filter makes it possible to clean the aquarium in a visible way (it removes waste, allows clean water), but invisible (water purification, chemical changes). Stable water means rich plants and healthy fish. All freshwater aquariums and saltwater aquariums must have filters.

Filters are your best ally in balancing your aquarium, so it’s important to choose the best aquarium filter for your aquarium!

fluval 307 canister filter review

It is an aquarium filter characterized by its strength, level of precision, and ability to provide a calm profile that is even the most sensitive to sound.

Its manufacturer, aware of the importance of keeping filters silent, has come up with a new design for filters, including rubber stabilizers responsible for dampening vibrations. In addition, the brand’s experts have made the filters of the new Fluval series 25% quieter than the previous models of the brand.

In addition to being quiet, it includes many more improvements than previous models: a new bio foam bio-foam pre-filter with independent baskets with grip for easy removal and handling of filter materials, acostop valve for easy maintenance and cleaning, and vertical adaptation Passes through a larger amount of surface, which achieves more effective mechanical filtering and prevents premature closing of the filter.

In general, it is a very functional model, simple and ready so that even less experienced aquarium owners can use an external filter without problems. It is available in 4 different sizes. Among the downsides, I think it should be noted that some users indicate that the tube or hose it includes is somewhat smaller.

Eheim Professional Filters 4+

If you don’t know, Eheim filters are probably the best on the market, and this Eheim Professional 4+ filter is the brand’s best model, so we’re talking about a completely professional high-end performance filter.

It is available in three sizes with filtration capacity of 950, 1,050, and 1,250 liters/hour, up to 250 liters, 350 liters, or 600 liters for aquariums respectively. The three models differ in their low power consumption, which provides a good amount of savings on electricity bills.

Its finish and effectiveness follow the usual basis in products made in Germany, something that can be appreciated, for example, it provides a great level of silence. Its features include a thermal filter, flow control options, and the possibility to manage the performance of the filter from the computer. Its cleaning work and great strength of durability, as well as a good exterior design, gives it a high appeal and at the height of the brand’s quality.

The main disadvantage: it is a professional filter that is not recommended for beginners, and it is reflected in its price, which is significantly higher, although I think it is not expensive because of the high-quality features it provides.

Pros

Professional performance

Electronic control from PC

Low energy consumption

Pretty lonely

Strong and efficient

Cons

High prices

Not recommended for beginners

How to choose the best aquarium filter for your aquarium?

Several criteria are used to choose the best aquarium filter:

The type of filter

The flow

What kind of filter to choose?

There are different types of filters on the market, each related to a more or less specific situation. In general, the following filters can be found:

Internal filter. These can be fixed or fixed to the wall using removable, suction cups. Removable internal filters are used in small volumes (<150 liters). A stationary internal filter (also called an internal disposal filter) is a simple wall that is glued to glass in an aquarium, allowing a water pump and filter media to be placed there.

External filter. These filters save space in the aquarium by keeping the filter out of the tank (usually in the cabinet). These are used for medium to large (average 150 liters to 600 liters) volumes.

Hanging filter, also called waterfall filter. These filters are hanging from a wall in the aquarium. These are the simplest maintenance filters, reserved for small volumes, but especially for open aquariums.

Sand filter. Economically, they consist of a grid and a water/air pump to place under the aquarium floor. It is a very gentle filtration that is suitable for fragile animals (shrimp, fried, etc.) and which allows the establishment of strong colonies by bacteria, but its maintenance is complex.

Booster / foam filter. These are filters made with a tube and a foam roller, which will be combined with an air pump. These are economical, very soft, and take up little space, but should be reserved for small tanks with fragile animals (shrimp, fried, etc.).

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the best aquarium filter or the best aquarium pump. Each type of filter is suitable for a specific volume. To choose the best filtration, adjust its flow rate to the size of the aquarium!

Which speed to choose?

It is important to match the flow rate of the filter with the volume of the aquarium. Too low a flow rate will not carry waste to the filter and will not provide enough oxygen to the bacteria, thus reducing the quality of filtration. But too much volume is also not recommended: it can be very annoying for the fish and they can die of fatigue!

In general, support a flow rate 4 to 5 times higher than the volume of the tank. For example, for a 50-liter aquarium, take a filter with a flow rate of 200 – 250 liters per hour, or a little more. Today, many aquariums allow filter flow to be modulated, which is why it is best to choose a filter with a slightly higher flow: if it is possible to reduce the flow of the filter, it is impossible to increase it. If necessary, the flow can be reduced by wrapping the suck in a stocking or socks. However, you must not limit the flow too much to avoid overheating the pump.

Some fish require low flow, especially beta (fighting fish), and usually long-winged fish (such as goldfish species and exotic fish with large fins). Give them a filter with a low flow rate but with plenty of media for bacteria. Find a selection of filters here specifically for fighting fish.

Frequently asked Questions:

Question 1: How to install an aquarium filter?

To install an external filter, you must start with the pipe. The purifier has at least two orifices. The first will be used to enter the dirty liquid. The second type will bring out pure water. To attach the hoses to each end and then immerse them in the tub and that’s it.

In the case of an internal filter, it should simply be erted into the container. Preferred, your set up before the arrival of fish and plants. Also, place it next to it and not just in the middle of the tank. The goal is not to draw too much attention to this element.

Question 2: Where to put the filter in the aquarium?

The filter is located inside or outside the tank. The so-called “settling” models fit the container. These are part of the scene interfering with the fish. Sometimes they are hidden behind the elements inside or visible from the outside. Either way, they compress the sampled habitat.

Fortunately, they are smaller in size than external filters. As their name suggests, they are located outside the aquarium. Usually, they stand near the tank or under the container apron. In addition, it is found a filter suspended at the edge of the tank.

Question 3: When to change the aquarium filter?

It is recommended to replace your aquarium filter every 5 years. It is true that it will still perform outside this range, however, its performance will not be the same as before. The pumping system will lose power. The suction flow will become weaker. As a result, it results in a faint liquid of a dull color.

But also, you will notice water leaks in the walls. However, the structure of the craft is slowly deteriorating. For all these reasons, the acquisition of a new scrubber will be mandatory. It gives you an idea of ??how to buy a good quality aquarium filter.

Question 4: How to clean the aquarium filter?

Service provisioning for this component begins with uninstallation. To do this, the engine must be turned off. Then you need to empty the water from the pot. Then you proceed to disassemble the filter media. These pieces stack against each other for efficiency. These are in the bogies where the liquid goes.

So, remove these elements from their place and remove all the impurities attached to them. These are algae, fish droppings, plant debris, and dust. Once you sweep them all, you will need to replace the sponge or filter.

Question 5: How long can an aquarium stand without a filter?

The aquarium is an artificial environment that works in unnatural ways. As a result, the filter supports nitrogen cycle processes and various chemical processes that are important to critics. Therefore, an aquarium is not long-lasting without a purifier. Give the play less than a week to watch. The plants and animals that make up the lodge will be affected only a few days later.

Without a scrubber, the fish in a small tank will be destroyed. The most fragile species like goldfish will be the first prey. If by chance a person resists a disaster for a long time, he will find himself in a bad position: his growth and agility will slow down.

Why use filters in aquariums?

There is actually a filtration, but several:

Mechanical filtration

Biological filtration

Chemical filtration

The filter allows mechanical filtration

Mechanical filtration

This is the most obvious filtration: the movement of water caused by the filter pump collects suspended waste in the aquarium and traps it in the filter media. The waste is thus removed from the aquarium and deposited collectively in the filter.

Mechanical filtration is conducted by perforated foam, usually blue, and the best waste is picked by cotton wool. When the flow of the filter is reduced, this is often because the filter media collects too much waste and needs to be cleaned.

The filter ensures biological filtration

Biological filtration

The aquarium is an ecosystem. It is the inert material (soil, rocks, etc.), plants, and animals (fish, snails, but above all) that together make it possible to achieve a balance. The filter plays a particularly important role here because it is a favorite habitat for bacteria that reduce waste at various stages.

These bacteria live everywhere in aquariums, on soil, in water, in plants …

These bacteria need oxygen. The filter, which ignites the volume of the aquarium several times per hour and causes rotation on the surface, is, therefore, the ideal place for optimal oxygen supply.

The media placed in the filter provides an optimal colony surface in a small space. Thus, it is recommended to keep a large amount of filter media called “biological media” in the filter, which is particularly porous and easily colonized by bacteria. If the aquarium is home to fish, the filter is a habitat for bacteria, and bacteria are vital!

The most important role of aquarium filtration is, therefore, biological filtration. A large portion of filter media is of course composed of biological media.

Occasional chemical filtration

Chemical filtration

The filter increases the volume of the aquarium several times per hour, so it is the ideal place to place filter media where the chemistry of the water can be changed: peat, activated carbon … there is no need to use these ingredients. In all filters, but only on a case-by-case basis depending on the desired purpose.

Newer filters often come with activated carbon, it is important to know that it should only be used in special situations (cloudy water, water purification after drug treatment, etc.). In most cases, it is advisable to set aside the activated charcoal and save it if it is effective one day.

Best aquarium filter Purchase Guide

When buying an aquarium filter, there are always a couple of things to stay in mind. i would like to share with you. If you’re not convinced with the list above, you’ll check these factors and find the simplest aquarium filter to fit your needs. So what should I start?

1st prize

No matter what you purchase, the worth of the merchandise is one among the foremost important things and therefore the same for the simplest filter within the aquarium. Most aquarium best filters range from high to low prices. Listed at the highest of the list of best aquarium exterior filters. If the budget doesn’t matter, I suggest you select the merchandise first.

You can choose the second place. it’s nearly as good because the first one but it’s also less expensive . However, if budget may be a big problem and you’re trying to find cheap aquarium exterior filters, you ought to choose one among the expenses around you.

2. does  have what you need?

It is important that the simplest aquarium filter you purchase includes the features you’re trying to find . Because if you don’t meet your own needs, how is it best for you? If you’re trying to find something for the longer term . the primary model I listed is that the better of all time and therefore the aquarium filter has all the features you ought to search for .

Make an inventory of all the things you’re trying to find in Aquarium Best Filters, then compare them with the models listed. If it meets your functional requirements, you ought to check the worth . If it fits your budget, inspect the opposite benefits of an outside aquarium filter. If you’ve got an additional purse you’ll find it useful, very good! You’ve just found the simplest aquarium exterior filter test for your budget.

3. The brand is important!

I always advise my readers to settle on aquarium external filters that come from a famous brand. Because it’ll not only be great in terms of product quality, but it’ll also provide better customer support, which may be helpful if you’ve got problems with aquarium external filter keywords within the future. A brand are often great within the us or round the world, but it are often a drag if they do not have a service for you. So, when choosing a brand, confirm the customer service or service center is nearby.

4. Check the offer

Then, you had to travel to different stores to seek out the precise price of the Aquarium External Filter and in some cases, there have been only a few local stores. However, with the increase of e-commerce sites like Amazon USA, you’ll still get the simplest aquarium exterior filter test at a really reliable price. For this reason, I even have included the link to the Amazon product list. If it’s not urgent you’ll wait a couple of days to see.

5. Warranty items!

Well-known brand aquarium external filters aren’t easily damaged and albeit they are doing , there’s a guarantee that you simply are going to be ready to repair them freed from charge if there are any problems with the manufacturers or unnecessarily. However, if you purchase aquarium external filters from unknown brands that aren’t guaranteed, you’re more likely to finish up spending tons on repairs and maintenance.

6. Read reviews

The best thanks to identifying an aquarium external filter keyword is to use or try it. But that’s impossible. However, there are many customer reviews that specify the advantages and functionality which will be really helpful. Since this text helps you to seek out the simplest aquarium exterior filter reviews, I do not think I can finish writing detailed reviews for every product. For this reason, my advice will undergo Amazon’s customer reviews until I buy an in-depth product review.

What is an aquarium filter for?

The very function of an aquarium filter is to filter biological or chemical materials found in the water. These feces, resulting from leftover food or decomposition of plants, degrade in the water and contribute to polluting it.

This is when the aquarium filter comes into action. The latter will retain all these materials and allow only “clean” water to pass through.

In order to be able to retain as much material as possible, the aquarium filter is generally made up of 3 elements: mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.

The main operating principles of a filter

It consists first of all of a first barrier called a mechanical filter to retain the largest pieces.

Placed after this mechanical filter, the biological filter which has the main role of sheltering the good bacteria which transform the harmful compounds (ammonia) into less harmful compounds (nitrites). It will be important not to clean this second filter in order to keep these bacteria.

Finally, the last barrier, which is chemical filtration, makes it possible to purify the water before returning it to the aquarium.

The different types of aquarium filters

There are two types of filters: The internal filter which is placed inside the aquarium and the external filter which is located outside the aquarium.

The choice of filter is defined by the volume of the aquarium and by the population contained.

Internal filter

This is the most commonly used because they are designed for aquarium sizes from 15 to 300 liters. Ensuring good filtration through the different layers that compose it, it remains easy to use and low-noise.

In addition, the majority of aquariums are equipped with compartments designed to receive filtration. However, the integration of compartmentalization reduces the useful volume of the aquarium. This type of filtration is ideal for a population that does not appreciate the current, such as shrimp.

In the same range, filters on exhauster, which are internal filters and used for small volume tanks and for very small fragile subjects (baby fish or shrimp …).

Less known, and just as effective, the sand filter can be a fairly effective way to filter your aquarium. Made up of a grid to be placed under the floor of the latter, and a water/air pump that diffuses the water under the grid, this filtration method is very gentle and very well suited to small subjects.

Unlike other internal filters, it takes up very little space.

External filter

Mainly used for aquariums with volumes greater than 300 L, this type of filter is very discreet because it is placed outside and very often under the aquarium inside a cabinet. Another of its advantages is that it saves you space in the aquarium.

The operation is very simple, the water is sucked up through a suction rod, passes through the filter, and then is discharged into the aquarium using the rejection rod. 

The external filter allows better filtration thanks to a larger and more powerful flow. You have the possibility to modulate the different layers of filters to improve your filtration.

Another external filtration process is the settling tank, the principle of which is to circulate the water between several compartments, all equipped with filters.

A fairly spartan method, but the method works quite well. However, there are few settling tanks on the market and we often have to do it ourselves.

Finally, cascade filter is perfect for small aquariums (less than 60 L) and open aquariums and is quite easy to maintain.

Which aquarium filter to choose?

The choice of your aquarium filter should be made mainly according to the volume of your aquarium.

It is important that the flow rate of the filter adapts to it.

Too low a flow will not carry the waste to the filter and will not bring enough oxygen to the bacteria, thus reducing the quality of filtration.

Conversely, a flow rate that is too high can be very troublesome for the fish.

Generally speaking, fish with long fins (such as varieties of goldfish and exotic fish) do not need to have a very high flow rate.

The effectiveness of filtration depends on the hourly water flow required to effectively filter your aquarium.

When choosing your filter, you will have to look carefully at 3 criteria:

the volume of the aquarium: your filter must be sized according to the volume of the aquarium. The rule is that we take a filter flow equal to 3 times the volume of the tank. For example, for a tank with a volume of 100L, the suitable filter must have a flow rate of at least 300 liters per hour.

the volume of filtration: The volume of the filter, or rather the number and size of filter media, is important to guarantee a better quality of water filtration. In addition, the maintenance of these masses will be more spaced. The minimum to have being a mechanical mass and a biological mass.

the species present in the aquarium: Depending on the species you breed, your filtration may be adapted. For example, for shrimps, a little filtration may be sufficient because they rather like calm waters. In return for African cichlids, it is preferable to have a water flow greater than 3 times the volume of the aquarium because the water needs to be renewed more often due to their droppings.

How to clean an aquarium filter?

The filter must be maintained regularly to avoid clogging and therefore a reduction in flow. Cleaning is an important step because you must do it without taking the risk of removing the good bacteria necessary for your ecosystem.

A cleaning every two weeks is recommended.

If you are equipped with an internal filter

Internal filters are generally more clogged than external filters, since the surface area of ??the filter foams is smaller.

As soon as there is a gradual drop in the flow rate at the discharge level, this can be a sign alerting you to the state of clogging of the filter.

If this is the case, you will need to clean your filter with clean water, rinsing it carefully so as not to remove the cleaning bacteria. As a reminder, do not clean the biological mass.

If you are equipped with an external filter

As the external filters have larger filtration volumes, the cleaning operations will be more spaced out over time.

As with internal filters, as soon as a loss of flow is observed, this will mark a need for maintenance.

Your external filter will be much easier to clean due to the fact that it is composed of several layers and you will only have to clean the first filter which corresponds to the mechanical filter retaining the larger particles.

The golden rules:

The cleaning is done filter by the filter so as not to destroy the bacterial flora

Never clean all filter media on the same day

When possible, use aquarium water for cleaning, to avoid killing the good bacteria in order to avoid creating a nitrite spike and killing your population. 

Your aquarium can go up to 4 hours without a filter

As for the biological supports (balls, ceramic noodles…), do not worry if they are dirty, they only represent a concentrate of good bacteria. However, if you think that they should be cleaned because it interferes with the proper functioning of the filter, and this must remain exceptional, you will have to do it quickly. Pour the balls/noodles into a bowl filled with aquarium water, stir and then put them back in the filter.

As you will have understood, the filter is essential and contributes to the balance of your aquarium. No matter the type of filter, internal or external, it must be able to be chosen to meet the needs of your aquarium.

Conclusion

As a final conclusion, we would say that if you have a medium or large fish tank, it is better that you invest more in the best aquarium filter for an external fish tank. In addition to being easy to install and clean, it will ensure the perfect health of your fish and plants. It is advisable to buy a filter with more benefits than not having the simplest facilities.

Throughout the article you have seen that there are different types of filters for fish tanks, each of which depends on its characteristics and the direction of a fish tank, mainly depending on the size and number of fish living in it. If you are going to start with a few fish, but in the short term you want to expand the family, keep this in mind!

And finally, if you like this guide on the best aquarium filters for fish tanks, share it on social networks and leave us a comment!