Aquarium filters are excellent for removing debris, toxins, cleaning, and aerating the water. Find out what the best ones are.
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1. AquaClear Power Filter
AquaClear’s Power Filter is an excellent hang-on-back (HOB) filter system. It’s a great choice for freshwater or saltwater.
There are several sizes available. They range from a capacity of 5 gallons to 110 gallons.
One of the best features is the ability to control the flow rate without affecting filtration efficiency. This is vital for delicate fish, plants, and shrimp.
In the package, you’ll receive the entire system, including the foam insert, activated charcoal insert, power cord, and BioMAX.
Buy the AquaClear Power Filter from Amazon.
2. Fluval FX6 Canister Filter
If you have a larger tank, the Fluval FX6 is a top-rated and effective canister filter. It produces healthy water in freshwater or saltwater aquariums up to 400 gallons.
The multi-stage filter pumps out 925 gallons of water per hour. The high flow rate is ideal for large tanks and those with a large number of fish or plants.
To ensure that efficiency is at its highest, trapped air automatically gets evacuated every 12 hours.
It’s also 21 inches tall, which is designed to fit under most aquariums. Overall, it’s powerful and compact.
Buy the Fluval FX6 Canister Filter from Amazon.
3. Cascade 1500 Canister Filter
Cascade’s 1500 Canister Filter is ideal for freshwater and saltwater aquariums up to 200 gallons. The flow valves rotate 360 degrees, and you’re able to control the flow rate.
It pumps out 350 gallons of water per hour and costs $179. For the price, it’s very effective because other filters that are capable of that cost more.
Before using it, you have to prime it. Instead of priming the filter manually, you can prime it with the touch of a button.
It’s a great option because it’s easy to set up, flows well, and has five large-capacity media baskets.
Buy the Cascade 1500 Canister Filter from Amazon.
4. Uxcell Sponge Filter
The Uxcell Biochemical Sponge Filter is a gentle filtration system that’s powered by an airline. It provides aeration and filtration for your fish.
With the sponge filter, you need to clean it more often than other types of filters. Expect to clean it once a week to prevent clogging.
It’s easy to install, inexpensive, and easily replaceable. If you have delicate or small fish, the Uxcell filter is the perfect fit because it offers a low flow rate.
Buy the Uxcell Sponge Filter from Amazon.
5. Tetra Whisper EX70
Tetra’s Whisper EX70 is a multi-stage hang-on-back filtration system that’ll keep your water fish tanks clean without making a lot of noise.
It’s an effective filter that works for aquariums that range from 10 to 70 gallons.
The EX70 arrives ready for use, so you don’t have to block out half of your day to set it up.
It has two large carbon filters to clean the water. It eliminates odors, discoloration, and impurities.
Buy the Tetra Whisper EX70 from Amazon.
Conclusion
An aquarium filter is a must-have to keep your fish healthy. It keeps the water clean, flowing, and removes the build-up of toxins.
There are different types of filters, such as canister filters or sponge filters. Canister filters are more powerful and kept externally.
Additional resources:
- Cory catfish: Species, care, diet, size, and lifespan
- The best cleaning wipes for cats
- The best dog DNA tests
Featured image courtesy of Canva.
About David Em
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David Em is the founder of Nola & Luna Pets, a leading resource for everything you need to know about pets and adorable pet accessories.