Best Aquarium Filters

Filters / By

best-aquarium-filters

There are mainly large and small aquariums. They all work with filters. These elements ensure that the water is cleaned so that the fish can live in it. Some are more efficient than others, so with good guidelines, it will be easier for you to choose yours.

We suggest these few interesting products that can be found at any retailer. The Fluval 07 Series is recommended for its reliability, power and energy-efficiency. The second device is AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, a budget device best known for its durability and filtration capability.

 

Buying Guide – factors to consider when selecting the best freshwater aquarium filter

 This article answers the question of how to choose the best aquarium filters. The basic criteria are mainly based on the cleaning rate, size, location of the device and its practicality. The design, versatility and noise of the unit are also important.

 

Location

To choose the best aquarium filter, consider its location. The purifier can be installed inside or outside the tank. So, we’re talking about the type of filter. Both devices have their advantages and disadvantages.

 

The external aquarium filter is efficient, it is compatible with large containers of several hundred liters. However, it is worth 4 to 5 times more than the internal model. In turn, the latter is not expensive, but it reduces the living space of your fish. In addition, most small tanks of 20 to 60 L usually work with this type of device. 

 

Cleaning flow rate

When making your purchase, the cleaning rate is not to be taken lightly. This is indicated by the number of liters per hour. On this point, you must consider the figure in relation to the volume of the container. It is up to you to compare the various existing models according to this criterion.

 

Assuming that the tank has a capacity of 100 liters, which aquarium filter should you choose? It will be the one with a flow rate of 300 L/h. This means, always opt for a device capable of cleaning a volume of water three times that of the tank, and this, in one hour. This way, you won’t have a problem with the color of the liquid.

 

Filter size

Concerning the size, the principle remains simple, the bigger the purifier, the better it will be. The filtering masses inside remain proportional to the size of the machine. If your purifier is large, so are the cleaning sponges that house it.

 

In these conditions, the washing surface will be consequent. So it will pump out a large volume of clean water with each pulse. If you are convinced by this type of device, you should know that the best brand of aquarium filters offers it.

 

The look

Like all self-respecting devices, the look is important. This is true for the decanting filter that sits side by side with your fish. If it is too flashy, all attention will be drawn to it. But the tank should be the main attraction.

So to avoid this kind of mismatch, choose a unit that blends in with the decor. It should adopt the color of the sand or plants in the tank. Therefore, it will be well camouflaged. This gives you a presentable tank that doesn’t suffer from clutter. Now your references are clearer.

 

Practicality

Make your choice based on this feature. An easy-to-clean filter is highly recommended. This way, you can quickly wash the filter without too much effort. In fact, some purifiers offer filter media that are easy to remove. This is a purifier equipped with horizontal foam. The latter is easily removed with a small movement. Only your fingers will get wet.

 

On the other hand, this task seems rather complicated with most devices. You will have to stop the motor and empty the water from the filter just to reach the mechanical ramparts. This requires a lot of effort.

 

Versatility

Versatility is an important criterion if you’re wondering what the best aquarium filter on the market is. It determines whether the device will be able to clean seawater. Some devices are not afraid of the soda particles contained in this liquid. They work even if dirt dominates.

 

If this is the case, then marine life will be able to lodge in your tank. So think about this before you make any purchase. You will enjoy an even more interesting show. Shrimps and crabs will make their show through the glass.

 

 

Comfortable to use

Even when it comes to aquarium filters, user comfort is important. This concerns the noise emitted by the device. Obviously, if the tank is located in a quiet area such as a living room or bedroom, the sound will fill the room. As a result, the equipment will bother you.

For this reason, do a thorough test before purchasing. To do this, put on the pump. Then stand 2 m away and listen carefully. If the sound is tolerable, you have the green light. On the other hand, if you feel uncomfortable, then go on your way. Find a place to buy the best, quietest aquarium filter.

 

Best aquarium filters – our top two picks

 

Fluval 07 Series Performance Canister Filter – Best Overall

fluval-07-series-performance-filter

The latest “07” canister filter from Fluval is more powerful than the older models, launches more quietly, and is also more energy-efficient. It does a great job of filtering all kinds of dirty water and is seen as a completely new generation for the Fluval brand.

This product has 3 media chambers for filtering. One for biological filtration, one for mechanical filtration, and another for chemical filtration. It also has a pre-filter sponge that can be used to clean the water before it goes into the bio chamber.

I like how these valves stay locked so they don’t leak when I want to move the filter. I had to worry about them spraying water all over the place a lot more with my old ones!

This filter comes in 4 different sizes depending on your needs; suitable for aquariums starting at 10 gallons and going up to 120 gallons.

Pros

  • Plenty of room for media
  • Low noise
  • High quality 3 stage filtration
  • Locking valves
  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Price
  • Canister Filters are harder to clean than other filters

 

Takeaway

If you are looking for high-end filtration and cost is not an issue, the Fluval 07 series is the filter for you.

 

AquaClear Fish Tank Filter – Best budget filter

aquaclear-fisk-tank-filter

This power filter from AquaClear uses a magnetic impeller instead of a more traditional, whirling type of design. This means that it consumes less energy and lasts longer than other filters on the market.

CycleGuard technology means you no longer have to take the whole filter apart in order to clean it! Just switch up the stages and focus on your business.

This product was designed for maximum efficiency and is easy to use. The media is filtered lazily through it by the basket system and creates a waterfall-like design that maximizes air flow.

I find this filter to be the best one to fill with custom filter media, because it was designed to do this. There are five different size options.

 

Pros

  • Low cost
  • Easy to set up and maintain
  • Refiltration and CycleGuard technology
  • Room for custom filter media
  • Magnetic impeller

Cons

  • Loud

Takeaway

Aqua Clear water filters are easy to use and really convenient. They’re great value for money and if you go for the multi-filtration version, it’ll do all three parts of the filtration process in one go.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Q1: How do I install an aquarium filter?

To install an outdoor filter, you must start with the piping. The purifier has at least two openings. The first one will be used for the entrance of the soiled liquid. The second type will bring out the clean water. So, connect the hoses on each end and dip them into the tank and that’s it.  

 

In the case of an internal scrubber, you simply insert it into the container. Preferably, install yours before the fish and plants arrive. Also, place it on the side and not in the middle of the tank. The goal is not to draw too much attention to it.

 

Q2: Where should the filter be placed in an aquarium?

The filter can be placed either inside or outside the tank. The so-called “decanting” models are inserted into the container. They are part of the decor and interfere with the fish. Sometimes they are camouflaged behind the elements inside or remain visible from the outside. In all cases, they shrink the living space of the specimens.

 

Fortunately, they are smaller in size than the external filters. As the name implies, these are positioned outside the aquarium. Generally, they stand near the tank or under the apron of the container. In addition, you may find a purifier hanging over the edge of the tank.

 

Q3: When should I change my aquarium filter?

It is recommended to replace your aquarium filter every 5 years. It is true that it will still work after that time, but its performance will not be the same as before. The pumping system will decrease in power. The suction rate will also decrease. As a result, the liquid will be unclear and dull in color.

 

But also, you will notice water leakage on the wall. The structure of the machine will be damaged little by little. For all these reasons, the acquisition of a new purifier will be mandatory. This gives you an idea of how to buy a better value aquarium filter.

 

Q4: How do I clean an aquarium filter?

The maintenance of this component starts with the de-installation. To do this, you must turn off the motor. Then, you must empty the water from the container. Then you move on to the disassembly of the filter media. These parts are stacked against each other to gain efficiency. They are housed in the compartments where the liquid flows through.

 

So, remove these parts from their locations and remove any dirt that sticks to them. This includes algae, fish droppings, plant debris and dust. Once you have swept them all away, you will need to replace the sponges or filters.          

 

Q5: How long can an aquarium last without a filter?

The aquarium is an artificial environment that functions in an unnatural way. As such, the filter supports the nitrogen cycle process and various chemical processes that are vital to the critters. This is why an aquarium without a purifier does not last long. Count on less than a week to witness the drama. The fauna and flora in the tank will be affected after only a few days.

 

Without the purifier, fish in a small tank will perish. The most fragile species such as goldfish will be the first victim. If by chance an individual fish resists the disaster long enough, it will find itself in a bad position: its growth and agility will slow down.

 

Ben
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