Best Aquarium Filters of 2026
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Aquarium filters are essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment for fish and other aquatic creatures. They work by removing debris and waste from the water, as well as stabilising the chemical balance of the water. This helps to keep the water clean and clear, which is vital for the health and wellbeing of the fish. There are a variety of different types of aquarium filters available, including internal, external, and hang-on-back filters, each with their own unique benefits. Finding the right filter for your aquarium can be a daunting task, but with the right advice, it is possible to find the perfect filter to suit your needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Aquarium Filters
NICREW Internal Filter for Small Aquariums
The NICREW Aquarium Filter is designed to optimise water filtration in small aquariums, ensuring proper oxygenation for clear water and a healthy environment. Its detachable spray bar not only enhances aeration but also functions as a wave maker or fountain pump, making your aquarium more dynamic. This filter is easy to assemble and install, featuring five suction cups for secure positioning. Additionally, it can be installed both horizontally and vertically, making it ideal for odd-shaped or shallow tanks.
Quiet 4-in-1 Internal Aquarium Filter by OsAtNb
The OsAtNb Aquarium Filter is designed for tanks ranging from 20L to 180L, making it a versatile choice for various aquatic environments. With its multi-function free switching, you can easily alternate between increasing oxygen, water filtration, or creating waves. The efficient filtration design, featuring a larger filter box and two biochemical sponges, helps maintain a clean water environment, ensuring the health of your aquatic pets. Additionally, as a submersible pump, it is IP68 waterproof and compatible with most hose calibres, which adds convenience to its use.
NICREW Internal Aquarium Filter for Small Tanks
The NICREW Aquarium Filter is designed for small aquariums, providing optimal water filtration to ensure clear water and a healthy environment. It features a detachable spray bar that can function as a wave maker or fountain, helping to agitate the water surface and improve aeration. The filter is easy to install with five suction cups, allowing you to secure it in place effortlessly. Its versatility means it can be mounted both horizontally and vertically, making it ideal for odd-shaped or shallow tanks.
allpondsolutions 600IF Internal Fish Tank Filter
The allpondsolutions 600IF Filter is designed for submersible use, making it ideal for small coldwater or tropical aquariums up to 110 litres. With an adjustable spray bar, you can easily increase oxygen levels in your tank, ensuring a healthier environment for your fish. The included Venturi aeration nozzle creates bubbles, enhancing oxygenation without the need for an air pump. Additionally, the replaceable filter sponge helps maintain clean water, while the suction caps securely attach the filter to your tank's side for convenience.
Allpondsolutions EF-150 External Aquarium Filter Kit
The Allpondsolutions EF-150 Filter is an external aquarium filter with a 2.3L volume and a flow rate of 400L/h, making it ideal for both coldwater and tropical tanks up to 150 litres. Its ability to lift water to a maximum height of 85cm ensures effective filtration and circulation. Additionally, it comes with complimentary filter media, including foams, floss, and bio balls, along with hosing, providing you with everything needed for a complete setup. This all-in-one solution simplifies the maintenance of your aquarium, helping to keep your aquatic environment clean and healthy.
Superfish Aqua Flow 100 Internal Filter 200L/H
The Superfish Aqua Flow 100 is designed to make aquarium maintenance effortless. Its Easy-Clean system simplifies the cleaning process, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your fish. With a filter flow rate of 200 L/H, it efficiently keeps your water clean and healthy. The product also includes spare cartridges that click into place easily, making replacement a breeze. Perfect for any aquarium enthusiast, this filter ensures your aquatic environment remains optimal with minimal hassle.
Interpet PF1 Power Filter for Aquariums
The Interpet PF1 Filter is designed to keep your aquarium clean and healthy. Its four-stage filtration system effectively removes particulate waste, odours, and toxic chemicals, ensuring a better environment for your fish. You can also benefit from the growth of good bacteria on the filter's foams, which helps break down excess food and waste. Additionally, the easy-to-use fixing bracket allows you to clean the filter without hassle, while the powerful venturi increases water circulation for improved aeration.
Superfish Aqua Flow 200 Internal Filter 400L/H
The Superfish Aqua Flow 200 is designed to make aquarium maintenance easier for you. Its Easy-Clean system allows for quick and straightforward cleaning, saving you time and effort. With a filter flow rate of 400L/H, it efficiently keeps your aquarium water clean and clear, promoting a healthy environment for your fish. Additionally, the filter features spare cartridges that click into place easily, ensuring a hassle-free replacement process. This means you can focus more on enjoying your aquarium and less on maintenance.
VILLNO 8W 400LPH Adjustable Aquarium Filter
The VILLNO 8W Aquarium Filter offers powerful filtration with an 8W motor and a strong water flow to keep your tank clean and fresh. Its 3-in-1 design combines filtration, water circulation, and oxygenation, which helps maintain a healthy environment for your fish and other aquatic pets. You can install it vertically to add oxygen bubbles or horizontally to reduce noise and increase water flow. The filter is easy to clean and maintain, with removable biochemical sponges that break down waste and reduce odours, giving you a hassle-free experience.
AllPondSolutions 1000EF External Aquarium Filter
The AllPondSolutions 1000EF Filter features a multi-layer filtration system, which includes bio balls, ceramic rings, and active carbon. This ensures your aquarium water remains clean and clear, promoting a healthy environment for your fish. It operates quietly, allowing you to enjoy your aquatic setup without any distracting noise. The self-priming design means you can easily set it up without hassle, and the tap shut-off system simplifies maintenance, making it convenient for you to clean the filter when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it OK to have 2 filters in a fish tank?
Don't Multiple Filters "Compete" on the Fish Tank? It is true that if you use more than one filter on your fish tank, neither of those filters will perform as efficiently as it would if it were the only filter on the aquarium. This is expected, but is not a problem.
2. Do you need a filter for a fish tank?
All fish tanks MUST have biological filtration; biological filtration is the cheapest, most efficient and most stable way to breakdown toxic ammonia. Mechanical filtration traps such particles as plant leaves, uneaten food, etc., allowing them to be removed from the tank before they decompose into ammonia.
3. Are external aquarium filters better?
External filters are larger and more powerful than most internal filters and can hold a lot more media, offering better cleaning and supporting more fish. The superior power of external filters makes them suitable for large aquaria; heavily stocked aquaria like African cichlid tanks; and large fish.
During our aquarium filter research, we found 273 aquarium filter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 143,766 customer reviews through our big data system to write the aquarium filters list. We found that most customers choose aquarium filters with an average price of £14.60.
The aquarium filters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of aquarium filters, including NICREW, OsAtNb, allpondsolutions, Superfish, Interpet.
Happy Pet Happy Owner by Chloe Foster sold over 100 thousand copies in the UK. Chloe worked as a veterinarian in The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham. She stayed for seven years before coming home to set up her pet store in Swansea. Chloe is an experienced veterinarian with a flair for literature. Chloe is vast in the knowledge of animals, animal nutrition, medication, and care.