Filters & filtration
Aquarium filters compared: canister, internal, hang-on-back and sponge filters, plus filter media. What flow rate your tank needs and how to maintain them.
5 comparisons
filters & filtration comparisons
Canister filters A canister filter is the most effective option from roughly 30 gallons up: lots of room for bacteria, quiet running and no hardware inside the tank. Getting the flow rate and size right avoids almost every problem. See comparison → 
Sponge filters A sponge filter is a sponge with a lift tube, driven by an air pump. It is cheap, nearly indestructible, will not suck up babies and makes a gentle current: the perfect match for shrimp, fry, bettas and quarantine tanks. See comparison → 
Internal aquarium filters An internal filter hangs inside the tank on suction cups and starts working the moment you plug it in. It is cheap, easy to clean and enough for most small and mid-size aquariums, as long as you pick the right flow rate and media capacity. See comparison → 
Hang-on-back filters A hang-on-back filter hooks over the back rim of the tank and returns water in a waterfall. It takes up no room inside, cleans in minutes and oxygenates well, which is why it is so popular on 5 to 40 gallon tanks. See comparison → 
Aquarium filter media A filter is just a housing: the media inside is what actually cleans the water. Choosing the right sponges, ceramic rings and floss, and stacking them in the right order, is the difference between a stable tank and one with constant problems. See comparison → Best sellers right now
Hang-on-back filters Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin 375 GPH Power Aquarium Filter
8.2 AcuarioSano rating: 8.2 out of 10
Aquarium filter media Marineland Black Diamond Carbon Filter Media for Aquariums, 22…
9.2 AcuarioSano rating: 9.2 out of 10
Canister filters Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Filter - 265 GPH Aquarium…
8.2 AcuarioSano rating: 8.2 out of 10
Sponge filters AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp…
9.2 AcuarioSano rating: 9.2 out of 10