Internal filters for aquariums: types, features, best models

Many people have aquariums in their homes. They decorate them with driftwood, seaweed, stones and shells. And, of course, they put all kinds of fish there. Watching their lives is interesting and exciting, this activity is calming. To keep your fish's house in good condition, you should familiarize yourself with the rating of the best filters for aquariums. These devices will allow you to purify water from turbidity and waste products of its inhabitants. Their design is simple: a pump and material that provides filtration. Thanks to good filters, the water is additionally saturated with oxygen.

The best external filters for an aquarium

An external filter is a hermetically sealed unit from which two pipes go into the aquarium: intake and outlet. The device includes several sections. At the top there is a pump that regulates the circulation of water from the reservoir to the filter and vice versa. Below are various fillers. There is also a ceramic section that houses beneficial bacteria and microorganisms. They allow you to maintain an optimal environment for fish. The design of the device is quite convenient and does not spoil the appearance of the aquarium. Combined purification using absorbent and filter materials. It needs to be cleaned much less frequently than the internal filter. Let's find out which one is better to choose.

AQUAEL Versamax 3

One of the best filters for aquariums up to 300 liters. The maximum productivity of the model is 1200 liters per hour. It is suitable for open tanks (then it is hung on the wall, and the intake tube is simply lowered into the water), with plants (since it does not create excess flow), to create a phytofilter. After cleaning, the water flows over the edge of the body, creating a waterfall effect. The level of oxygen in it increases. The angle of the filter is controlled by a special regulator. The baskets contain 2 sponges with beneficial bacteria that improve the quality of cleaning.

Advantages:

• does not create unnecessary noise;
• productive;
• high build quality;
• low price;
• high-quality filtration.

Flaws:

• the lid vibrates a little;
• the baskets do not fit tightly enough.

Tetra EX 800 plus

If you want to buy a good filter for an aquarium, it is best to choose this model. Types of cleaning: biological, mechanical and chemical. The filter includes 4 canisters and can treat a 300 liter tank. The maximum productivity is 790 liters per hour (although users claim that this figure is somewhat overestimated). The manufacturer included everything in the kit for comfortable use. The warranty is valid for three years.

Advantages:

• works quietly;
• modern appearance;
• not too high cost;
• detailed and understandable operating instructions;
• convenient basket;
• good equipment.

Flaws:

• It’s hard to press the manual pumping button;
• The stated performance is somewhat overestimated.

JBL CristalProfi e702 greenline

In the ranking of external filters for aquariums, this model takes third place. There are two types of cleaning: biological and mechanical. It is also worth noting the presence of a pre-filter. The number of canisters is 2, can be used for both sea and fresh water with a volume of up to 200 liters. The performance of the device is quite high. From customer reviews it follows that the equipment lasts for a long period of time. Therefore, you can buy it if you need a reliable and high-quality option.

Advantages:

• high quality;
• long service life;
• works without unnecessary noise;
• reliability and practicality;
• does not require modifications.

Flaws:

• Leaks may occur in the pump;
• manufacturer's pricing policy.

AQUAEL Maxikani 250

Reliable aquarium filter providing biological and mechanical cleaning. Additional functions include flow control. The number of canisters is 4. The device can be used exclusively for fresh water; it is not suitable for sea water. The permissible tank volume is 250 liters with a productivity of 1000 liters per hour. By the way, the filter is also suitable for ponds with turtles. The pump is used both submersed and installed on the outside. The adjustment is very convenient, cleaning does not cause problems. Reviews about the device are mostly positive.

Advantages:

• large volume;
• easy start;
• works quietly;
• high performance;
• service does not cause problems;
• good equipment.

Flaws:

• The instructions are not entirely clear.

Fluval 307

This is one of the best aquarium filters in terms of performance: 1150 liters per hour. Type of cleaning – mechanical. The maximum permissible tank volume is 330 liters. The manufacturer used advanced developments and modern materials in the design. With high pump performance, energy consumption is quite low. All necessary authentic Fluval media are included in the kit. The filter is only suitable for fresh water. By the way, if necessary, you can quickly remove a stack of media with one finger. The noise level from the equipment is low.

Advantages:

• convenient design;
• powerful engine and high performance;
• low energy consumption;
• price-quality ratio;
• good cleaning quality.

Eheim Classic 250

A convenient filter that provides biological and mechanical cleaning. Can be used for volumes up to 250 liters with a capacity of 440 liters per hour. Treats both sea and fresh water. The body has a pump head; the delivery set includes hoses, tubes and suction cups. The instructions describe in detail all the nuances of working with the equipment. There will be no problems with assembly. It is worth noting that buyers indicate that this filter is only suitable for small aquariums. They also emphasize that power levels drop over time.

Advantages:

• ease of installation and operation;
• low noise level;
• compact;
• high quality.

Flaws:

• Productivity may decline over the years;

What should you pay attention to when purchasing a filter?

When choosing equipment for the home, aquarists strive to purchase a device that purifies water efficiently and quickly, and does not produce a lot of noise. To avoid mistakes when choosing a filter, you need to consider the following equipment features:

• Performance, power;
• Reliability;
• Design features, location in the aquarium;
• Filtering methods;
• Availability of additional equipment;
• Price.

Performance

Higher performance filters are needed for aquariums if they have:

• a large number of fish live;
• contains inhabitants that burrow in the ground;
• there are fish that need a high oxygen content in the water;
• contains cold-water fish;
• there are no aquatic plants or there are few of them;
• individuals living in the aquarium are large, predatory or carnivorous;
• if the aquarium is narrow and deep, as a result of which there is poor air flow there.

The power of the filter should ensure a sufficient volume of water pumping: all water should be pumped at least 2 - 4 times per hour, depending on how many inhabitants and plants are in the aquarium.

Reliability

The filter must work constantly, because beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that decompose waste die very quickly if there is a lack of oxygen; microbes that do not require oxygen (anaerobic) release methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia into the aquatic environment, quickly turning the filter into a source of toxic elements. That’s why it’s so important to install reliable, trouble-free equipment.

Design features, location in the aquarium

The location of the filter is considered depending on the capacity of the aquarium and the volume of water being purified. Types of filters by location in the aquarium: internal, external, mounted, bottom.

Internal filters are designed simply: a glass design plus a small pump. They contain a filter material (sponge), contaminated water is passed through it, and, purified, is discharged through the upper hole. The filter material is cleaned from time to time and, when worn out, replaced with a new one. Inexpensive internal filters are most often used in home aquariums, enjoying popularity due to their inexpensive price and cleaning efficiency. They should be placed in small, less than 100 liters of water, aquariums. The disadvantage of the device is that it takes up part of the aquarium, thereby reducing its usable area.

The external filter is located not inside the aquarium, but outside it. Contaminated water is sucked into a canister with a filter located near the aquarium, passed through cleaning media, and poured back into the aquarium. The performance of such a filter is much higher than the internal one, as a result of which it is used in larger aquariums. The convenience of such a filter is to preserve the usable space inside the aquarium. The device is also suitable for cleaning very small artificial reservoirs where there is no space for an internal filter.

It is possible to choose an option where the device is attached to the aquarium, and the filter itself is located in the water - a hinged one, but this reduces the illumination of the aquarium, and if it is used, CO2 erodes, as a result of which hanging filters are not in demand.

Another option suitable for small aquariums is a bottom filter. In this case, at the bottom of the aquarium there are tubes and a filter element - a plate, which is sprinkled with soil on top. Water, rising up through the filtrate and soil, undergoes double purification. This cleaning method prevents soil acidification. The disadvantages of such a filter are low performance and inconvenient installation and maintenance.

Cost of equipment

If you consider buying a filter from the point of view of economy, then you can choose an internal filter, because such purifiers are much cheaper than external filters. The most budget-friendly filters are those that perform only mechanical water purification.

Many devices are equipped with additional functions and have various capabilities:

• carry out comprehensive water purification (mechanical, chemical and biological purification);
• heat water and maintain temperature balance;
• direct the flow of water in a given direction and create various currents;
• carry out aeration and UV sterilization of water.

Filters with additional functions have a higher price.

Let's compare the functionality of the internal filter and the external filter, their advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of internal filter devices:

• the devices are inexpensive, the cost determines additional functionality and power characteristics, their average price is 1,500 thousand rubles;
• sufficient performance for fast water purification;
• safety in terms of insurance against water leakage from the aquarium due to breakdown;
• ease of maintenance: they only require changing the cartridge and washing the sponge;
• quiet operation - the noise of the motor is muffled by the water in which the device is located;
• the presence of an aerator in almost all models;
• small dimensions;
• easy maintenance, easy operation.

Disadvantages of internal filters:

• reduces the usable area of ​​the aquarium;
• not all models provide chemical water purification;
• short service life due to maximum load during operation;
• The cartridge volume is small, so frequent cleaning of the filter element is necessary - approximately once a week and once a month cleaning of the internal mechanism (due to prolonged exposure to water, bacterial mucus accumulates on the equipment).

Advantages of external filters:

• does not take up useful space in the aquarium;
• convenient cleaning and maintenance of equipment;
• complex water purification;
• you can use different filter media;
• The filter itself is cleaned much less frequently than when using internal ones.

Disadvantages of external filters:

• noisy operation of some models;
• volume;
• the cost is higher than that of internal filters.

Filtration method and filter materials:

1. Mechanical cleaning (water is driven through a sponge filter, on which food residues, organic substances - waste products of fish, dead parts of aquatic plants - settle).
2. Chemical cleaning – filtration through aquarium carbon, ion exchange resins (zeolite). Being absorbents, they absorb accumulated harmful substances.
3. Biological treatment - using biofillers (ceramic balls, rings). Colonies of beneficial bacteria grow on biofillers and carry out biological purification of water.

The best internal filters for an aquarium

The internal aquarium filter provides continuous biological filtration. Water circulates in it constantly. The cleaning process itself is divided into two stages: cleansing from large particles and destroying fish waste products. Technically, this is a simple device that does not pose any maintenance problems. Attach them to the wall of the aquarium. Many of these filters have a built-in aerator, but you should not abuse this function. It is worth remembering that equipment takes up a lot of space, so some people refuse it. Also, the appearance leaves much to be desired, but this can be corrected with the right decor.

Tetra IN 1000 plus

A cheap filter that is popular due to its availability. Types of cleaning: biological, mechanical, chemical. Additional features include aeration and flow control. The device has 2 canisters built in, which can clean up to 200 liters (capacity 1000 per hour). Since the device is compact, it will not take up much space. Fastening occurs using suction cups. This also guarantees ease of use. Fillers can be removed without much trouble or effort.

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• high power;
• low noise level;
• justified price tag;
• compact sizes.

Flaws:

• aeration works only at high speed;
• sponges have too large cells.

AQUAEL Turbo 500

Quite a powerful filter at a low price. Provides biological and mechanical cleaning. Suitable only for fresh water, processes a maximum of 150 liters (temperatures up to +35 degrees). The motor is synchronous and reliable. Sponges with large pores. There is a container with ceramic filler. The kit includes various nozzles and tubes. The instructions describe in detail all the nuances of operation. The warranty period is 2 years from the date of purchase. The filter has positive ratings; it copes even with serious contaminants.

Advantages:

• high power;
• quiet operation;
• high build quality;
• good equipment;
• high degree of purification.

Flaws:

• since the sponge has large pores, the device can suck in the fry;

AQUAEL PAT mini

One of the cheapest models that can provide complete filtration of water (fresh). Has a synchronous motor. Operates with a maximum temperature of 35 degrees. The sponge is large-pored, comes with various attachments and a perforated tube. The manufacturer also included detailed instructions and a warranty card. The cable is one and a half meters long, which allows you to conveniently arrange the equipment. Maximum depth of use – 450 mm. The productivity is about 400 liters per hour, with additional functions including aeration. The weight of the device is 230 grams.

Advantages:

• small dimensions;
• powerful;
• convenient suspension;
• flow speed can be adjusted;
• quiet work.

Flaws:

• The sponge should be replaced immediately after purchase, as it is not of very high quality.

Sera Fil 60

Not a bad model, which, according to reviews, is better than many mounted aqua filters. It can be installed in different positions: both vertically and horizontally. The volume is increased using individual modules or cartridges. The water temperature during operation should not exceed 35 degrees. The warranty period is 365 days. Types of cleaning: biological, mechanical, chemical. The volume with which the filter operates is from 20 to 60 liters. Feed height – 90 centimeters.

Advantages:

• easy to clean;
• attracts dirt well;
• fillers can be used;
• low cost;
• different construction options.

Flaws:

• works noisily.

Homefish 1350

The device provides high-quality filtration and is not too expensive. Has biological and mechanical cleaning options. The maximum permissible tank volume is 200 liters, productivity is 100 liters per hour. Additional features include aeration. The manufacturer's warranty is one year. The filter does not cause any problems in maintenance. It doesn't make any noise when working. It is very easy to disassemble and assemble. The user can adjust the desired parameters without any problems.

Advantages:

• high-quality cleaning;
• low price;
• no problems with maintenance;
• silent operation.

Flaws:

• There is no compartment for coal or balls.

BARBUS WP-300F

The filter has a mechanical type of cleaning and has additional functions such as aeration and flute. The maximum working volume is 20 liters, productivity is 150 l/hour. The price of the model is very low, and the reviews are positive. Power is 2 W, but the processing quality is high. If it is not possible to buy an expensive model, it is best to opt for this option. Despite the cheapness, it is very high quality.

Advantages:

• low price;
• consumes little energy;
• The sponge is easy to clean;
• takes up little space;
• simple design;
• low price.

Flaws:

• the sponge is not removable;
• noise during operation.

Here is an external filter ATMAN DF 1000

Aquarium phytofilter. Beautiful and useful.

phytofilter diagram

A phytofilter is a special design designed for biological filtration of aquarium water. The filtration of substances harmful to fish in the phytofilter is carried out using the roots of moisture-loving plants.

In essence, a phytofilter is a type of external filter, but the main advantage of using a phytofilter is its environmental friendliness. Purification of water from harmful impurities is carried out due to the natural ability of plants to use nitrates, nitrites, and phosphates for growth, which are successfully supplied to the water due to the vital activity of fish.

Most often, the phytofilter is used to keep fish that are poorly compatible with aquarium plants, for example, cichlids, goldfish, discus, etc. The phytofilter is designed in such a way that the roots of the plants are located in the filter element and are washed by the aquarium water, while choosing from it substances harmful to fish. The purified water is sent back to the aquarium. As a rule, a phytofilter is placed above the aquarium, significantly decorating the interior. In this way, it is possible to separate the habitat of plants and fish, thereby creating different living conditions and extraordinary design solutions.

For phytofilters, special plants are selected whose root systems tolerate flooding.

Read more about the design of phytofilters, their advantages and disadvantages - forum thread .

- this is a kind of compromise between the aquarist’s desire to install filtration and the physical impossibility of cramming anything into the mini-aquarium. Such filters are called “backpacks” or “waterfalls”. This filter is best suited for small aquariums, when in a volume of 7-10 liters any internal filter will be superfluous. They are attached to the outer wall of the aquarium, the intake tube is lowered into the aquarium, and the outlet creates a waterfall.

Actually, the most typical filter is a backpack.

But they should not be confused with internal backpacks, such as Tetra EasyCrystal.

So, to summarize the above, we can recommend:

— for small aquariums up to 20 liters — mounted backpack filters.

— for aquariums up to 100 liters — internal filters.

— For large aquariums with a volume of over 150 liters, external aquarium filters are the best choice.

Concluding this article, I would like to note that there are other less common methods and mechanisms for filtering aquarium water, such as, for example, a filter located in the lid of the aquarium. Such methods of filter placement are less popular and also have a number of advantages and disadvantages. In addition, you can make a filter yourself, for example, from a plastic canister and bottle. There are plenty of homemade examples online and on the Youtube channel.

I would like to believe that this article helped you decide on the choice of the best aquarium filter. But remember that no filter, even the coolest one, can replace the banal weekly change of aquarium water.

CHANGING AQUARIUM WATER IS THE BEST FILTRATION!

How to choose a filter for an aquarium

1. Filter selection often causes problems. Before purchasing, you should carefully study the technical specifications and recommended tank sizes. They are indicated on the packaging. It is advisable to purchase a filter with a reserve of performance.
2. Another important characteristic is the noise level. Quality devices shouldn't be distracting or loud. The noise level is usually written in reviews.
3. As you know, filters can be internal or external. The first ones are more popular because they are compact and easy to use. True, they have to be hung inside the tank, which is not suitable for small volumes. External ones are installed outside the aquariums, but take up a lot of space. They are better suited for processing large volumes.
4. A compromise option is a mounted model. It is compact and convenient. True, not all specialists like it.

TOP 3 best filters for 40 liter aquariums

SunSun HJ-511 (500 rubles)

The internal filter for aquariums with marine life operates with a sufficiently high power for its class of devices and has a large throughput, which is what buyers pay attention to.

This model is attached to the glass wall with suction cups, and is cleaned only when it gets dirty.

Eheim aquaball (2800 rubles)

This wonderful filter is famous for its round head, which can rotate intensively, aeration, and a modular compartment design.

In addition, owners are pleased with the fact that, if necessary, they can replace the filter media themselves.

The only drawback of this model is the loss of elasticity of the suction cups in case of prolonged use.

Dennerle Nano Clean Eckfilter (2600 rubles)

The option with a couple of necessary compartments is actively being bought up by owners of small aquariums with fish.

It purifies water silently, poses no danger to shrimp, and consumes minimal energy. In addition, this model can be easily adjusted and changed the direction of flow.

Negative qualities include the lack of aeration.

Why do you need a filter and compressor for an aquarium?

These devices are intended to purify water in which fish and other representatives of marine life live. For a full life, they, like people, need a clean environment, otherwise living beings will simply die. In nature, fortunately, running water undergoes natural filtration, but the still environment in an aquarium requires forced purification. This is where the importance of filters and compressors lies.

TOP 3 best filters for a 200 liter aquarium

JUWEL Bioflow 8.0 (10 thousand rubles)

An internal filter for aquariums of impressive size is known among fish lovers as a device that can effectively deal with any contaminants.

It does not have hose connections, which makes use much more convenient, but there are two flows here, which aim to improve the quality of liquid filtration.

It is also worth noting the glue included in the kit - it allows the owner to carry out installation work independently.

The only drawback is the large size, which is why this device will not fit into a small tank.

JBL CristalProfi E1501 greenline (14 thousand rubles)

An expensive filter for large aquariums with fish and other marine life differs from other models in its interesting design, powerful pump, and also maintains the cleanliness of liquid in tanks with a volume of up to 700 liters.

In addition, owners are enthusiastic about the high quality of cleaning.

JBL CristalProfi i200 greenline (9 thousand rubles)

The corner filter for internal placement is equipped with high-quality suction cups for fastening, consumes energy economically and does an excellent job of cleaning organic matter.

The only disadvantage is the lack of control over the chemical background.

TOP 3 best filters for a 250 liter aquarium

EHEIM 2073 professional (18 thousand rubles)

The first in this category is a filter that has no shortcomings.

It has three cleaning options, uses energy on a budget and has a pre-filter that is easy to clean.

In addition, the kit includes branded fillers.

JUWEL BIOFLOW 6.0 (12 thousand rubles)

This device is equipped with a six-liter cartridge and a high-quality pump.

It pleases its owners every day, as it is capable of purifying liquid with three types of filtration (from the finest to the coarsest).

A negative quality is considered to be the fragility of filters for rough cleaning.

TETRA EX 1200 PLUS (10 thousand rubles)

The model with excellent filtering qualities is famous for its ease of maintenance and installation, the presence of an automatic pump start function, as well as a high-quality valve to shut off the flow of water into the tank.

Moreover, this filter is suitable for almost all aquariums with a capacity exceeding 200 liters.

TOP 3 best filters for a 50 liter aquarium

LIFT (1000 rubles)

People often purchase this particular filter for aquariums with a capacity of 40-50 liters.

Buyers like it not only for its low price, but also for other features.

Most aquarists note

• possibility of saturating the liquid with oxygen,
• work from any compressor,
• delicate cleansing
• high-quality fastening and complete safety for shrimp.

Tetra Tetratec EasyCrystal (1200 rubles)

The filter with a double-sided sponge eliminates the smallest particles of dirt and chemicals from the liquid.

It differs from competitors in three types of cleaning, compact dimensions and the absence of the need to rinse the sponge, since it will only be enough to replace the cartridge.

As for the cons, they include:

• financial costs of use (at the end of each month you need to purchase a new cartridge),
• small volume of substrate.

Minjiang NS F260 (450 rubles)

For small tanks, devices with convenient mounting on the inner wall and minimal dimensions are perfect.

This device is in demand among aquarium owners due to its high power, complete safety in the water purification process, as well as durability, which is confirmed by many real customer reviews.