Fish Tank Filters

Filtration for your aquarium is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a good environment for your fish. The filter is responsive for cleaning and moving water throughout the tank so that your fish can thrive in clean water.

Interpet Internal Aquarium Fish Tank Mini Power Filter

Aquarium Internal Fish Tank Filter

VicTsing Internal Multifunctional Aquarium Filter

hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Super Biochemical Filter

EF Aquarium External Filter

Mechanical filtration is the most commonly used method to keep any aquarium filtered. This includes filters using sponges, filter socks and filter floss pads. The filter keeps unwanted bits in the water behind and allows the clean water to flow freely, requiring you to regularly empty and clean the filter for it to function correctly.

Types of filters

There are quite a few different styles of filters available which all have unique pros and cons. We have put together a list below which will help you decide on which one is best for your aquarium.

Canister

Best used in medium to large sized fish tanks, they are located outside of the tank and can be concealed out of view if required. Canister filters are pressurised to force the water through the filter rather than flowing past like other filters. Sometimes these units can be more difficult to clean and take apart, also leading to some problems with restarting after maintenance.

Corner / Internal

Also known as box filters these filters are one of the cheapest available and simply stick to the glass inside of the aquarium using suckers. They are great for smaller to medium sized aquariums and great for those setting up a tank with less of a budget.

Diatomic

Only really used temporarily when there are fine particles that need clearing in the tank such as certain algae problems, they work much in the saw way as some swimming pool filters. You do often find that some other styles of filters have diatomic inserts on them so that you can use this method if required without swapping or adding another filter. Worth checking if you think you may need this functionality!

Power

Most commonly used in fish tanks, the power filter or “hang on back filter” offers great mechanical, biological and chemical filtration at the same time. Very easy to install and quick and easy to maintain the inside features either filter pads, floss or an activated carbon filter. Biological filtration can also be provided by power filters by the bacteria that forms inside the cartridge.

Sponge

A very cheap option but can become clogged very quickly if not regularly maintained. They provide mechanical filtration through the sponge and also some biological filtration via the bacteria which grows within the filter. This filter is fitted over tubing from the head of an air pump.

Wet / Dry

Also known as a trick filter they are aimed at exposing the water to as much air as possible. The exposure to the air means harbours lots of beneficial bacteria that break down waste in the fish tank. They are popular with salt water aquariums but also used in fresh water tanks as well.