Best Fish Tank Filters for 2022

Available in four different sizes, which can host tanks up to 130L, 220L, 330L and 500L, this external filter is fabulous if you can’t waste any space in your tank and want something which is incredibly quiet.

It is efficient, drawing as little as 10 Watts of electrical energy for the smallest size. Constant pumping power and pressure means that we found it lasted for longer than its closest rivals, and we thought it was really simple to look after too. The easy-lift media baskets mean no mess, and aquastop valves allowed us to disconnect the hose with ease rather than water getting everywhere.

The bio-foam max pre-filter is dense, providing more surface area and a better chance of capturing even the smallest of particles. Rubber feet stabilisers give it a more solid base when standing on a surface, too – it didn’t budge in our tests, despite slight knocks and the pumping power.

Small tank filters don’t need as much power behind them, but they still need to do just as good a job.

This model is a triple-stage option, so it will deal with all three filter types and still take up little space. You can change the flow rate and the direction, which will ensure it cleans every last bit of your water.

The patented aqua valve is there to stop any waste materials escaping back into the water after collection, and a rocker switch allows you to adjust the ventilation. The easy-clean filter is also beneficial as it is easy to access, so you can keep on top of its care.

With a maximum water flow rate of 200 litres every hour, it easily copes with refreshing an entire tank a few times every hour. It uses just 5W of power too, making it very energy efficient.

We will say that if your tank is very tiny, it could be a little bit too powerful, especially if you have small fish in there as they may not be able to keep up with the current. Sticking to tanks around 20L or more may be best.

With top access for easy maintenance and three-stage filtration to keep all of the cleaning needs in one place, these are great underwater filter systems which create a superior water quality.

The adjustable flow control allows you to fine-tune the power according to the size of the tank and the fish residing in it. It comes with the filters and bio max filter media, making it easy to get going but also to replace them as and when needed.

Suction cups keep the whole unit in place really well, and it can be removed without taking these off which helps with future placement. Choose from U1, U2, U3 and U4 models depending on the size of your tank, and all are nice and quiet.

They can be used in freshwater, marine or reptile environments.

With a 750, 1050 and 1250 version, this is a filter which can clear a tank anywhere between 100 and 600 L. Flow rate, wattage and size all differ, meaning you can find the perfect one for you.

There are robust securing clips so it will clamp on to the side of the tank. There’s also flow control taps to ensure the perfect filtration speed, depending on your tank size and inhabitants. So, smaller fish can have a more gentle cleaning schedule.

It operated quickly and is still energy efficient, so you get the most out of it while it doesn’t disturb you. Plus, it is all easy to take apart for when you need to clean it.

Able to cope with massive tanks up to 250 litres thanks to its 500 litres per hour flow rate, this is a great filter for a big tank when you don’t want to have to take up internal space.

The adjustable flow rate will allow you to use it on smaller tanks as well, and the adjustable width brackets mean it can hook onto widths of up to 15mm. A set of five media baskets mean that the water travels through several layers before being redispersed into the tank, ensuring it is crystal clear. It also means there is a perfect level of good bacteria dispersed.

We love how you can choose between a spray bar or outlet nozzle for the part which replaces the water, meaning the flow can be as gentle as you need it to be. The pipework is also height adjustable.

It can be used for saltwater as well as freshwater tanks as well, which will appeal to anyone struggling to find something suitable for their marine tank.

Suitable for tropical, marine or cold water aquariums, this easy to install filter has a surprisingly high filtration rate.

It is available in four different sizes, depending on your tank size. You have a bit of freedom of where to place the airlift tube, and it offers protection against ‘digging-up’ by fish, so your gravel will remain in place for a more effective clean.

The airlift tube is also easily cleaned, so you can keep it running at its best over time. Spare airlift tubes are also available, in case they need replacing or you need some extra power.

A unique support cradle to make it easy to install, this is a great internal filter for anyone who wants something simple to manage.

Suitable for cold water and tropical aquariums, you can choose from CF Mini, CF1, CF2, or CF3 depending on the size of your tank. All use 10.5W of power at the very most, making them efficient to run while still doing their job.

The maximum flow rates are huge, all over four times as much as the water capacity, so it is no surprise that the water stays really clean. They use mechanical floss and carbon as filters, which trap fine waste and purifies water for chemical and mechanical help.

We will mention that the holes at the base of the filter are quite large, so if you have mini fish, this is not ideal.

Great for small aquariums, bowls and betta tanks, this filter will remove harmful gasses and discolouration from the water and is great for weaker swimmers.

The air pump will stir up the water in the tank to ensure it is all removed and cleaned frequently. Disposable carbon and sponge filter cartridges mean there is little upkeep, and it will also trap bits of mechanical waste.

An adjustable bubble flow can suit betta fish who like the water to be quite still, or it can be turned up for any smaller fish which like a bit of movement.

A mounting bracket makes it simple to install and fit, as well as to remove when the time is needed. The airline tubing included is safe for both saltwater and freshwater environments, and it is resistant to kinking so will always maintain a continuous flow.

We have to admit that it isn’t the best at doing the overall job, being better at removing dirt than cleaning the water, so you could still need something else depending on your precise tank setup.

Thanks to the zeo-carb and foam filter media inserts, this filter can deal with chemical, mechanical and biological filtration, despite looking like it wouldn’t do much at all.

The design is pretty futuristic, which makes a change from the tubular and cubic filters out there. In fact, the ‘Stingray’ name is clearly apt.

It takes a bit of maintenance, with a need to pull out the impeller (fan) and clean the attached magnet every so often, as well as the fan, so it remains low in noise. The water flow is also quite powerful with no way to adjust, which could be problematic for weaker swimmers.

Fish tank filters aren’t the easiest items to fit if you don’t want them to be on show or take up as little room as possible.

So this corner fish filter, which can safely fit into the very corner of your tank (hence the name), will appeal to anyone who wants a sleek look but still needs something powerful.

The flow rate controller will come in handy if you have fish that don’t like too much movement, and it sits on the top of the unit so can be adjusted at any time. The spray bar cleaner feature offers smooth water filling, spread over an area so it isn’t too intense, as well as a supply of oxygen.

There is also a larger size and smaller size available, the 250 for 45L and 650, for tanks up to 110L. Filter sponges will remove any physical particles from the water, and you get some secure suction cups for securing it to the tank.

Be aware that there are quite a few holes, so if you have something small such as loach fish, they could get stuck so opt for something else. It is also quite loud.