Best Aquarium Filters of 2025

"When I first set up my filter, I faced some challenges. It made a loud grinding noise, and there was no water flow. After troubleshooting, I discovered that the intake tube sections weren't tightly connected. Once I tightened them and filled the tank above the connection line, the water started flowing without any grinding noise. Overall, the filter works great and keeps my tank clear."

"I needed a new filter for my tank because the old one stopped working. This filter cleared my water to crystal clear by morning! It was super quiet and easy to assemble. Plus, the price was great!"

"I've had my filter for six months now, and it's been flawless. Highly recommend this product! It works great and has maintained my tank's cleanliness without any issues."

"I've had this filter running for over a year now, and it’s awesome! Designed for up to 20 gallons, it’s super quiet and super clean. The filters are easy to change and replacements are easy to find. I would definitely buy again, but there’s really no need since it’s been running great!"

"After trying various filters, I decided to go with this one for my 10-gallon tank housing two Betta fish. The adjustable water flow is just perfect for my fish and shrimp. It cleaned my tank beautifully in just 24 hours and the self-priming feature is a lifesaver during power flickers!"

"I bought two of these filters. One worked perfectly, but the other stopped after just 10 minutes. I've never had that happen with Tetra before. Nevertheless, the one I bought for my grandson is working great. I love this brand despite the occasional hiccup!"

"This is my second Marineland Penguin 350 Filter, and I couldn't be more satisfied with its performance. My first one lasted almost 5 years without any issues, so I decided to go with the same model again. The reliability and longevity of this filter are impressive, especially for my saltwater tank. The biowheel technology stands out, offering excellent biological filtration, keeping my aquarium water clear and healthy. I appreciate how easy it is to maintain with quick cartridge changes, and it's pretty quiet compared to others I've tried."

"As a former marine biologist, I've used Marineland bio pumps for years in both salt and freshwater tanks, and they have always performed flawlessly. They are superior to many other options, especially in terms of maintenance. I prefer having multiple filters rather than a single system, as it ensures my tank stays clean if one goes down. These filters are easy to fix and maintain, and I recommend keeping extra cartridges on hand for convenience."

"As a first-time aquarium owner, I had two smaller filters on my 20-gallon tank with koi, which are known to be dirtier fish. I was changing the water every other day due to high nitrogen levels. After switching to this filter, I was amazed at the difference in just one day! The water was crystal clear just three days later. The filter was easy to set up, and while it gets a bit loud when the water level drops, I actually love that sound. I’m thrilled I found this filter!"

"After using this filter for about three months, I can confidently say it does a fantastic job at keeping my 30-gallon planted tank water clear. The previous filter I had struggled, but this one is a game changer!"

"I love how easy it is to clean the sponge and ceramic media. Just a gentle wash during water changes, and I'm good to go. Even when I eventually replace the sponges, they're still much cheaper than standard carbon filters!"

"While it was a bit noisy at first, it got incredibly quiet after some time. I was even surprised to check and see if it was still running because it became so silent!"

"I have a 20-gallon tank for my turtle, and I initially bought a small filter, but then got a medium one. My water stays absolutely clean even with a messy turtle. I love that it's quiet, and the sound of the water is like a waterfall. Cleaning the filters is easy, and even when one stopped working, a quick clean brought it back to life. I absolutely recommend this filter!"

"I purchased this filter for my 5-gallon tank, and it works wonderfully. It's very quiet and offers great value for the money. The design fits well in most tanks, and I feel confident about the quality."

"I initially bought this to replace a filter for my 2.5-gallon goldfish tank. While it worked well at first, it started making a loud screeching noise and eventually caused some water spillage. After finding a pool of water, I couldn't trust it anymore and had to throw it out."

"I purchased the Aqueon QuietFlow 50 for my 50-gallon aquarium. Everything needed for setup was included, making installation straightforward. I appreciate how easy it is to put together and the filter runs great after two months! The cost was also much cheaper than local stores. Overall, I found it very helpful!"

"After using my old Quiet Flow pump for about 10 years, I switched to this model. While it does keep the water super clear, I noticed it's not as quiet as my previous one. If you don’t mind the noise, it’s a solid choice!"

"I've gone through numerous filters due to frequent power outages. This one was a game-changer since it's self-priming and affordable. After three days without filtration, I installed it, and within an hour, the water was crystal clear. The assembly was also a breeze!"

"I think this is a great deal. I could have spent much more on filters, but thankfully I found these at a really good price. The quality is impressive, especially the carbon filtration, which has helped prevent algae growth in my tank."

"Initially, I was a bit worried because some reviews mentioned 'black stuff' in the package. However, I can assure you that it is completely safe to use. Plus, the price is 50% less than this brand at pet stores!"

"These filters are just the right size for my Betta tank and are incredibly simple to install. They are very strong and can last for months, allowing water to flow freely without making noise. I'm very pleased with their performance!"

"I purchased two of the Whisper EX30 units for my 33-gallon long tank. Both work flawlessly and quietly. I even filmed a short video to showcase how quiet they are, even in dead silence. The only minor issue was the snug fit on the tank, but that’s not a dealbreaker. Overall, I'm seriously impressed!"

"As I set up my piranha tank, I wanted a filter that would be effective without the hassle of cleaning canisters. This hang-on filter has a bio-scrubber, making it a game changer for maintaining lower nitrates and phosphates. It's also super quiet, which I love!"

"I have a hexagonal tank that previously struggled with circulation. Upgrading to the EX 20 has improved flow significantly, and my fish are happy. However, I found that it can be quite loud if not positioned correctly. I had to add a small piece of felt to dampen the noise, but overall, it's a sturdy and easy-to-clean filter."

"I had a pretty bad algae bloom for months. After I put the filter in, within 4 days, the water looked amazing—the clearest it’s been in years! LOVE this filter!"

"I recently purchased a UV filter and couldn't be happier! In just three days, my water transformed from cloudy to crystal clear. My fish seem healthier, and the tank looks vibrant."

"This filter worked like magic! The first one arrived with a broken bulb. However, the company sent a replacement, and by the next morning, I noticed a difference. Now, my water is so clear, it looks like no water in there!"

"I was surprised at how good this filter is! Super quiet and effective. It’s a great buy. After using it, I think it might be a bit too strong for my 55-gallon tank, but I managed by adding a prefilter sponge, and now my fish can swim easily."

"I've owned a 100-gallon aquarium for 16 years and have used several filters. This one is the easiest to set up and clean. It takes just 5 minutes to clean out, and it adds a lot of air to the water. However, I recommend being cautious with the size; placing it on one side helps the fish have areas without strong currents."

"This filter pump has been a game-changer for my 120-gallon tank. It eliminated the need for multiple filters and aerators. My fish love the current it creates, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the price and performance."