Rating of the TOP 10 best filters for an aquarium: type of cleaning, which one to buy, pros and cons
Keeping fish and keeping your aquarium clean is not as easy as it seems at first glance. In order for the aquarium dwellers to feel comfortable, it is important to provide the best conditions for them. Basically, people use tap water for their aquariums, unless, of course, you keep marine abodes.
Since tap water is not clean, it is important to purify it for the fish. Special filters will help with this. They differ in design, type of cleaning, recommended aquarium volume, performance. In this article I will tell you about the best filters for aquariums, their characteristics, and also the features of choosing such devices.
Rating TOP 10 aquarium filters
I analyzed some of the characteristics of devices for filtering water in an aquarium. The ranking of the best models is as follows:
AQUAEL Fan 1 Plus
This filter is extremely easy to maintain. It is designed for an aquarium with a volume of 60-100 liters. The device is attached with suction cups to the aquarium walls and to a plastic holder. For maximum performance, it is important that the device clings 3-4 cm below the water level.
Thanks to the deflector, water diffusion is ensured. The flow regulation is provided, it allows you to control the strength of the flow. The well-thought-out design of the filter ensures an even distribution of contaminants over the sponge.
Type of | Interior |
Cleaning | Mechanical |
Aquarium volume, l | 60-100 |
- quiet work;
- reliable;
- the flow is regulated.
- absent.
An excellent filter, it has been working smoothly for three years. I was surprised how quiet he was. Cleans perfectly, the water is clean for a long time.
When using this filter, it is important to clean the rotor and rotor chamber once a month.
AQUAEL Fan mini plus
The design of the device is understandable even for inexperienced aquarists. It provides high-quality filtration and aeration in aquariums with a volume of 30-60 liters. It is characterized by low electricity consumption.
Thanks to the correct sponge, the filter does not need to be cleaned frequently. Foam rubber with large pores reliably retains pollution, feed residues, waste products of aquatic inhabitants. The microflora quickly multiplies on the sponge, which is responsible for eliminating organic and nitrogen pollution.
Thanks to the plastic prefilter, the retention of larger particles is guaranteed and the performance of the device is maintained. The maximum efficiency of the device is ensured by installing it below the water level by 3-4 cm. The lower the filter is installed, the worse the aeration is. A flow power regulator is installed on the upper part of the body. With its help, you can change the strength of the current.
Type of | Interior |
Cleaning | Mechanical |
Aqua volumearium, l |
30-60 |
- excellent aeration;
- quiet work;
- compact;
- easy and quick to clean.
- not found.
Cool, well thought-out filter. It is important that the flow of water is regulated, the force of the air supply. The design is such that when you take the filter out of the aquarium to clean it, no water will flow out of it. Works almost silently and is not annoying.
Tetra EX 800 plus
The use of such an external filter is intended for aquariums with a volume of 100-300 liters. The maximum capacity reaches 800 l / h. The device reliably removes excess organic matter from the aquarium. The device supports biological, mechanical and chemical cleaning.
In addition, the filter creates a flow that mixes the water layers, saturating them with oxygen. The body is equipped with several filtration compartments. Each filter element is equipped with handles for easy cleaning.Due to the well thought-out design, the system is completely sealed. It is important that the device does not waste energy. In addition, it is distinguished by its quiet operation.
Type of | External |
Cleaning | Biological, mechanical, chemical |
Aqua volumearium, l |
100-300 |
- quiet;
- powerful;
- excellent filtration;
- ease of maintenance.
- absent.
I was pleased with this filter. It works very quietly, you can't hear it at all. He drives the water quickly, he even reduced the flow a little. A rich complete set is presented. The hoses are strong, rigid, so they do not bend or break. The case itself is beautiful, powerful, reliable, I hope it will last a long time.
Tetra EX 600 plus
A German-made external filter ensures the purity of the water for keeping aquarium fish. The device is suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums up to 120 liters in volume. It is a very powerful yet quiet device.
For filtration, five filter elements are used, which carry out biological, chemical and mechanical purification. Thanks to the handles on each of the structural elements, they are easy to remove and wash. The hose can be adjusted to the size of any aquarium. Water flow regulation is possible.
Type of | External |
Cleaning | Biological, mechanical, chemical |
Aquarium volume, l | 60-120 |
- quiet;
- excellent power;
- good filtration;
- ease of maintenance.
- not found.
The aquarium is located in the bedroom and, at the same time, does not interfere with sleep, since the filter works silently. This was an important purchase criterion for me. Quite good power for a 1 liter aquarium. Perfectly filters and saturates water with oxygen. Very easy to maintain, all elements can be easily removed.
Regular maintenance and filter cleaning keep your aquarium clean for longer.
AQUAEL Fan 2 plus
The inner filter is made of plastic. Its maximum productivity reaches 450 l / h. Perfect for freshwater aquariums with a volume of 100-150 liters. Thanks to the filter sponge, the device does not need to be cleaned regularly. Due to the plastic prefilter, large particles are retained, which significantly extends the service life of the filter apparatus.
The rotor chamber is sealed, it guarantees quiet operation. In addition, despite the high performance of the filter, it consumes a minimum of electricity. The device is as easy to install as possible. It is attached either to the suction cups to the walls, or to a plastic hook. You can do both.
Type of | Interior |
Cleaning | Mechanical |
Aquarium volume, l | 100-150 |
- quiet;
- setting the power of water flow and air supply;
- inexpensive;
- convenient to disassemble;
- looks aesthetically pleasing in the aquarium.
- not found.
I was pleased with the silence of the device. The device itself is inexpensive, suitable for my large aquarium. You can adjust the flow, aeration. All in all, excellent value for money.
AQUAEL Turbo 1000
The Polish-made filter is designed for purification and aeration of aquarium water. Despite the increased pump power, the device does not consume a lot of energy. The device effectively oxygenates the water even at great depths.
The filter is equipped with a container for placing any filtrate in it. The kit includes a ceramic filler BIOCERAMAX 600, which effectively removes ammonia and nitrates. The turbo filter is equipped with a smooth water flow control system.
Type of | Interior |
Cleaning | Biological, mechanical |
Aquarium volume, l | 150-250 |
- the presence of aeration;
- silent work;
- powerful.
- absent.
An excellent filter, copes with its functions with a bang. I am glad that there is aeration. The power of the device is sufficient for my 150-liter aquarium. All in all, this is the best internal filter I have used.
AQUAEL Fan Mikro Plus
The filter is easy to maintain and install. Designed for aquariums up to 30 liters. The device is mounted on suction cups to the walls or on an L-shaped plastic hook.The deflector can be used to change the water flow.
Due to the sealed rotor chamber, quiet operation is ensured. The device does not consume a lot of electricity. This filter model is capable of working even at low water levels. Therefore, it is effective even in the smallest aquariums.
Type of | Interior |
Cleaning | Mechanical |
Aquarium volume, l | 30 |
- reliable manufacturer;
- ease of service;
- excellent aeration.
I have been using this filter for about six months now. His work as a whole suits me, there is an aeration function. Easy to adjust the air flow. Works silently, can be easily disassembled for cleaning, assembled too.
It is not recommended to wash the sponge with tap water, as it is home to nitrifying bacteria responsible for biological filtration. Tap water will kill this beneficial microflora.
BARBUS WP-300F
The maximum capacity of the internal filter reaches 200 l / h. The compact unit is suitable for aquariums up to 20 liters. It is made of green plastic. The protective glass is transparent.
Installation of the device is as simple as possible. It rests on suction cups. The device provides excellent filtration and aeration of the aquarium water. Suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Mechanical filtration is carried out with a sponge. The even distribution of the water flow is facilitated by the "water flute" function.
Type of | Interior |
Cleaning | Mechanical |
Aquarium volume, l | 20 |
- inexpensive;
- simple construction;
- reliable;
- compact.
- absent.
For such little money, this is just a gorgeous filter. It is quite compact, suitable for a small aquarium. In general, it copes well with cleaning.
Tetra EX 1200 plus
The external filter has a capacity of up to 1300 l / h. Suitable for aquariums up to 500 liters. Purification is carried out thanks to five filter elements, resulting in biological, chemical and mechanical purification.
Each element of the device is equipped with handles for easy removal and cleaning. The hose can be adjusted to suit any aquarium size.
Type of | External |
Cleaning | Biological, mechanical, chemical |
Aquarium volume, l | 200-500 |
- silent;
- powerful;
- ease of assembly;
- quality filter.
- absent.
Convenient, clear instructions, everything is clear how to assemble and disassemble the device. I'm shocked at how quiet it works. I have a 200-liter aquarium, the filter power is enough for it. The device does not leak, everything is fine, I recommend it.
AQUAEL PAT mini
The compact internal filter is suitable for aquariums up to 120 liters. Mechanical cleaning is provided by a sponge. High performance is ensured, while electricity is wasted to a minimum.
The filter sponge captures the smallest particles and impurities. In addition, nitrifying bacteria reproduce well on it, which suppress pathogenic microflora. The filter is attached with suction cups to the walls and a plastic hook.
Type of | Interior |
Cleaning | Mechanical |
Aquarium volume, l | 120 |
- low power consumption;
- inexpensive;
- quiet work;
- compact.
- not found.
I have an aquarium of 120 liters, it filters perfectly. There is no noise, so you can even install it in the bedroom. It is very economical with only 4 watts. It is compact and does not attract much attention in the aquarium.
Varieties
There are several types of filters, differing in the principle of filtration and design.
Interior | It is a submersible device that is completely submerged in the water. They are the most demanded, popular and inexpensive. They are characterized by ease of maintenance. |
External | In this case, the water passes through several filter elements. The device is characterized by silent operation. Here, a special, gradual method of cleaning the filter is used, since due to the development of beneficial microflora, it is easy to disrupt the biobalance created in a particular aquarium. |
Donny | A very rare filter design that disguises itself as the bottom. |
Knowing the features of each filter, now you can easily choose which type of filter is optimal for you.
How to choose
In addition to the type of device, it is worth paying attention to a number of other characteristics:
Aquarium volume | Each device is designed for a certain volume of water. It is also recommended to take a filter with a reserve of 10 liters. |
Performance | Shows how many liters of water will be filtered in one hour. |
Filtration type | There are three types of filtration:
|
Energy consumption | A conventional aquarium filter is characterized by low electricity consumption. Usually, this figure does not exceed 5-7 W and has absolutely no effect on the total energy consumption of a house or apartment. |
Noise | You should ask how noisy the filter is, since for some people, silence in the house is a fundamental and important factor. |
It is considered optimal to choose a filter that will not have to be cleaned more often than the entire aquarium as a whole.