Aquarium filters are devices designed to clean and maintain the water quality in an aquarium by removing debris, toxins, and harmful substances. If you dont know which to use check my Best Filters Aquariums: Complete Guide by Tank Size.
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.
Internal Aquarium 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.
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.
External 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.