Best Filters Aquariums: Complete Guide by Tank Size (with Real Experience)
If you’re searching for the best filters for aquariums, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned from personal experience—from sponge filters to canisters—so you can confidently choose the best option for your tank size and needs.
When setting up your aquarium, nothing is more important than choosing the right filter. Whether you’re running a tiny 5-gallon desktop tank or a 60-gallon tropical setup, your water filtration system is the heart of the ecosystem—it keeps your water clean, your fish healthy, and your setup running smoothly.
Types of Aquarium Filters Explained
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common filter types you’ll encounter. The best aquarium filtration for you will depend on your specific needs.
Sponge Filter
These use air pumps to draw water through a sponge, offering excellent biological filtration with gentle water flow. They’re perfect for small tanks, breeding tanks, or shrimp setups.
Hang-On-Back (HOB) Filter
These filters hang on the tank’s back wall and draw water through cartridges or custom media. They offer great all-in-one filtration, easy access, and are ideal for tanks from 10 to 55 gallons.
Canister Filter
External powerhouses, canisters sit below your tank and provide massive mechanical and biological filtration. Best for tanks 30+ gallons, planted setups, or high bioload systems.
Internal Filter
Fully submersible and placed inside the tank, internal filters are compact, discreet, and great for 5–30 gallon aquariums. They combine mechanical and biological filtration, and some models also include chemical media.
Undergravel Filter (UGF)
These pull water through the substrate using lift tubes. While budget-friendly, they’re mostly outdated and not ideal for planted tanks or tanks with sand.
Best Filters Aquarium for 3 to 10 Gallon Aquariums (Beginner-Friendly)
5-gallon aquariums are small ecosystems… It is essential to have a filtration system that best adapts to your small aquarium’s setup. This aquariums are compact and cute—but not as stable as they seem.
Due to their small volume, they’re highly sensitive to changes in water chemistry, temperature, and bioload. That’s why the filter you choose here must be efficient, gentle, and compact.
Next, I’ll share my perspective on good aquarium filter of this size, considering various factors, along with my personal recommendation and the reasons behind it, in order to choose the best filters aquarium.
✅ Recommended Filters:
1. AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter
AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter is budget-friendly option. It’s quiet and gentle on small fish or shrimp. But, they offer limited mechanical and biological filtration, requiring more frequent maintenance… and can be difficult to hide within the decor. Best filter for 10 gallon with very simple setups.
- Ultra Quiet Submersible Filter: AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter is air-powered and ultra-quiet, providing efficient filtrati…
- Mechanical and Biological Filtration: The sponge filter provides mechanical filtration, the vertical pattern design incr…
- Replaceable Filter Media: The filter sponge and bio ceramic media balls are both replaceable. You can easily remove the …
3. Hygger Aquarium Internal Filter (for 5–15 Gallon Tanks)
If budget it is not a concern, Hygger Aquarium Internal Filter could be a good filter for 10 gallon tank. Superior filtration capacity, both mechanical and biological. Their design also makes them easier to hide. In other words: Quiet, with multi-stage filtration and adjustable flow. I’ve had a very good experience with this model.
- hygger 4 in 1 Aquarium Filter: The aquarium filter provides filtration, oxygen increase, wave-making and circulation fun…
- Powerful Filtration: Biochemical sponge filters catch debris and fish waste, and also cultivates small beneficial creatu…
- Adjustable Flow Rate And Air Volume: The fish tank filter provides you with water flow adjustment. Meanwhile, the oxygen…
2. NICREW Aquarium Internal Filter ⭐ Top Pick
Compact, powerful, and affordable. This filter NICREW Aquarium Internal Filter provides solid water circulation, mechanical and biological media, and blends easily into plant-heavy aquascapes. It’s the good, cheap and most efficient aquarium filter in this category based on my experience.
If you’re looking for a balance between good and cheap, I recommend this internal filter. This filter is highly compact and, thanks to its design, is easy to conceal among the plants in your aquarium. It offers great water circulation and provides a good amount of both biological and mechanical filtration. With its very affordable price, it stands out as the best choice in this category for me. Again, based on your conditions this could be the best filter for a 5 to 10- gallon planted aquarium.
- Provides effective and thorough biological and chemical filtration, creating superior aquarium water environment
- Activated carbon and fine filter foam trap debris and fish waste, absorb odors
- Enable to generate abundant air bubbles and water flow, optimal for oxygen supplement and water circulation of aquarium
Best Filters Aquarium for 10 to 30-Gallon Tanks (Compact Powerhouses)
This range gives you more flexibility and the chance to upgrade from sponge or internal filters. Hang-on-back filters make more sense here… greater capacity and don’t take up space inside the tank. Try to choose the best filter for a 20-gallon tank, for example, based on your conditions.
✅ Recommended Filters on this category:
1. Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter
Great if you still prefer sponge filtration. This one has two sponges and media compartments where you can place a small amount of biological filtration. Although it is larger, it still retains the same disadvantages as any sponge filter. Could be good aquarium filter, by depends on yours needs.
- [ Multi-filtration Functions ] this sponge aquarium filter combines bio-filtration, oxygenation and physical filtration …
- [ Filter Demension ] plus the sponge filter with media balls takes up no more room. Small filter is 6″ in width and 9″ t…
- [ Package Includes ] 1 double sponge filter with 2 containers +1 bag of ceramic media balls + 2 pare sponges(packed in t…
2. AquaClear 20 Power Filter
For aquariums of this size, hang-on-back filters are a more sensible choice, as they provide greater filtration capacity while occupying less space inside the tank, allowing you to better utilize the decor. This is one of the best rated aquarium filter. The main downside is that they can be somewhat noisy, and while you can control the water flow, you cannot adjust its direction. One of the best 20 gallon fish tank filter in 2024, but not suited to my needs.
- Aquarium filtration system that offers superior contact time with filter media and energy efficient pump lowers operatin…
- Quick and easy installation; we recommend that you clean aquarium filter every 2 weeks for maximum operation and efficie…
- Provides optimal mechanical; chemical; and biological filtration
3. Hygger Quiet Hang On Back Aquarium Filter ⭐ Top Pick
This Hygger is best rated aquarium filter in this category. My top recommendation, earning ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ five stars. This filter is a hybrid HOB + canister, offering a significantly higher filtration capacity than other filters in the same category. It includes a surface skimmer, multiple options for controlling and directing the water flow, and is one of the most quietest aquarium filter I tested. Additionally, it features an external outlet, making water changes easier without the need to add extra hoses into the tank, which could disrupt the decor. All of this comes at the same price as the AquaClear 20. I highly recommend it! The best aquarium filter for a 20 gallon tank I’ve ever had.
- HOW IT WORKS? – Water is pulled up through the intake and into the transparent tube. Stainless steel rotary drum sieves …
- VERSATILE FISH TANK FILTER– Flow rate control adjusts water flow. Fish waste collector traps large debris and drains it …
- FISH WASTE COLLECTOR & DRAINAGE – The hang on filter is designed with fish waste collector ( a transparent tube with sta…
Best Filters Aquarium for 30 to 60-Gallon Aquariums (Mid-Size Tanks)
I would classify these aquariums as medium-sized. At this level, your tank is likely to have larger fish or a heavier bioload, which means filtration needs to scale up significantly. Sponge filters are impractical here… Hang-on-back filters are okay for ~30 gallons, but for 60, you need more power.
✅ Recommended Filters:
1. SeaChem Tidal 55
An advanced HOB filter with adjustable flow, surface skimmer, and large media space. Control over water flow is a must… It makes a big difference.
Note: Keep in mind that, generally, your filter should be able to pump at least 10 times the volume of your aquarium per hour.
- For Freshwater or Saltwater tanks
- Adjustable leveling device
- Self priming pump and self cleaning impeller
2. Canister Filters (General Category) ⭐ Top Pick
For tanks over 30 gallons, this is where canister filters shine. They sit under the aquarium, stay silent, and offer huge filtration capacity. They don’t take up space inside the aquarium. The main drawback is that they tend to be more expensive, but if you have a tank of this size, I believe the investment is well worth it. If you skip it, you’ll likely regret it down the road.
In this case, having used several versions of this type, I would recommend using a Fluval 07 series filter. Choose the best canister filter selecting the appropriate size based on your aquarium’s dimensions. To summarize: the best aquarium filter for a 30 gallon tank is the canister type. This is one of the best aquarium filters I have ever used
Take a look at this comparison table of some of the best canister filters available on the market::
Best Filters Aquarium for more than 60-Gallon Aquariums (Large Size Tanks)
If your are looking for best filter for large tanks , I highly recommend using canister filters, especially the Fluval FX series (primarily the Fluval FX6 High Performance Aquarium Filter). If your aquarium is closer to 60 gallons, you might want to consider a smaller version.
This canister filter is incredibly durable, powerful, and offers exceptional filtration capacity. It’s also very quiet and, in my opinion, provides the best value for money available on the market today.
- Multi-stage filter pumps out 925 US Gal (3,500 L) of water per hour, Smart Pump advanced microchip technology continuous…
- Self-starting – just add water, plug in and Smart Pump will take over, trapped air auto-evacuated every 12 hours to ensu…
- Easy water changes eliminate need to lift heavy buckets. Simply attach hosing to output and Smart Pump does the rest
Why Aquarium Filtration Matters
Filtration does more than just remove visible gunk. A good aquarium filter provides three essential services:
- Mechanical Filtration – physically traps debris and particles.
- Biological Filtration – supports beneficial bacteria that break down harmful toxins (like ammonia and nitrites).
- Chemical Filtration – removes dissolved waste, odors, or discoloration (often with activated carbon).
Without adequate filtration, you’re risking cloudy water, toxic spikes, and unhealthy fish. That’s why choosing the right filter is not optional—it’s essential.
How to Choose the Best Filter for Aquariums
Here are the main factors I consider when choosing a best fish tank filter:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Match the GPH (gallons per hour) to at least 5–10x your tank size. |
| Fish Type | Delicate fish or fry = gentler filter (sponge). Large fish = canister. |
| Noise Level | HOBs and internals can hum. Canisters and sponges are quieter. |
| Budget | You can get good filters cheap—but investing in quality pays off long-term. |
| Aesthetics | Some filters are easier to hide (internal, canister). |
| Maintenance | How often will you clean it? Some filters are simpler than others. |
Final Tips & Personal Favorites
If I had to recommend just one best tank filter per category based on my own experience:
- 5-10 Gallons → NICREW Internal Filter (tiny, powerful, discreet) Good filter for 10 gallon tank
- 10–30 Gallons → Hygger Quiet HOB Filter (feature-packed and silent) The best 20 gallon aquarium filter
- 30–60 Gallons → Fluval 407 Canister (professional-grade reliability) The best canister filter for 40 gallon tank.
- More than 60 Gallons→ Fluval FX series (High Performance Aquarium Filter). The best canister filter for 75 gallon tank
The best fish tank filter isn’t always the most expensive—it’s the one that fits your setup, your goals, and your budget.
FAQs About Aquarium Filters
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best filter aquarium comes down to size, style, and experience. What works for a 5-gallon shrimp tank won’t work for a 60-gallon community tank. But with the right setup, your filter aquarium will keep your water clean, your fish healthy, and your maintenance low.
Use your budget wisely, prioritize long-term performance, and don’t be afraid to try different options as your aquarium hobby grows. You should be patient and remember that even the best-rated aquarium filters may not meet your specific needs.