Best Aquarium Filters for Shrimp Tanks of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Aquarium filters are essential for maintaining the water quality in shrimp tanks. With their delicate nature, shrimp require clean and well-filtered water to thrive. There are various types of filters available for shrimp tanks, including sponge filters, hang-on-back filters, and canister filters. Sponge filters are gentle and efficient, making them a popular choice for shrimp keepers. Hang-on-back filters are easy to install and maintain, while canister filters provide strong filtration and are suitable for larger shrimp tanks. Whatever type of filter is chosen, it is important to ensure that it is properly sized for the tank and that the flow rate is not too strong for the shrimp.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pawfly Corner Sponge Filter Cover #TOP 1
Pawfly Corner Sponge Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter Cover #TOP 2
AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
hygger Small Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Cover #TOP 3
hygger Small Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Aquarium Filters for Shrimp Tanks

#TOP 1

Pawfly Corner Sponge Filter

UL623
Pawfly Corner Sponge Filter Cover
Pawfly Aquarium Corner Sponge Filter Quiet Small Fish Bio Foam Filter with Natural Stones Gravels and Ceramic Rings for Betta Fry Shrimp Fish Tanks up to 50 Gallons (Air Pump Not Included)

The Pawfly Sponge Filter is a versatile and efficient aquarium filter designed for fish tanks up to 50 gallons. With its multi-layer fine sponge, it provides both mechanical and biological filtration, ensuring crystal clear and healthy water for your fish. The filter also includes natural stones gravels and ceramic rings, which further enhance the cleaning process by absorbing excess damaging substances and cultivating beneficial substances. The quiet aeration system of the filter promotes oxygen circulation without causing disturbance to your daily life. Cleaning the filter is a breeze, as it can be easily detached and rinsed with aquarium water. With its customizable filter materials and easy maintenance, the Pawfly Sponge Filter is a convenient choice for any fish tank owner.

What We Like
Efficient filtration
Customizable filter materials
Quiet aeration system

AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter

GUS-AQ046-S
Grey
Small
AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter Cover
AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter Submersible Fish Tank Filter Ultra Quiet Aeration Bio Sponge Corner Filter for Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Fish Tank (Small for 5-20 Gallon)

The AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter is an air-powered filter that combines mechanical and biological filtration, aeration, and water circulation in one. It comes with two replaceable sponges and bio ceramic media balls, and is suitable for 5-20 gallon tanks. Customers have praised its good quality sponge material and efficient filtration, though some have noted that the filter can be difficult to install and may take up swimming space in smaller tanks.

What We Like
Good amount of biological media
Very dense and good quality sponge material
Ultra-quiet operation
#TOP 3

hygger Small Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter

Black
hygger Small Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Cover
hygger Small Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Mini Fish Tank Filter for Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Tank 2-5 Gallon (Small)

The hygger Bio Sponge Filter is a fish-safe, seamless design without any moving parts, perfect for shrimp tanks, quarantine tanks, or fry tanks. It requires an air pump and airline (both sold separately) to run, and is suitable for 0.5-5 gallon tanks. Customers have praised its compact design, low noise, and ease of cleaning, though some have noted that the foam filter is too fine and thick to draw air in.

What We Like
Fish-safe, seamless design
Compact design with low noise
Easy to clean and maintain
Suitable for 0.5-5 gallon tanks
Protects small fish from getting sucked up

Pawfly Mini Sponge Filter

Small
Pawfly Mini Sponge Filter Cover
Pawfly Mini Aquarium Sponge Filter, Small Fish Tank Internal Filter with Foam and Air Stone Submersible Bio Sponge Filter for Fish Tanks up to 5 Gallon (Air Pump Not Included)

The Pawfly Sponge Filter is designed for small fish tanks up to 5 gallons, making it perfect for your ornamental fish or shrimp. It effectively traps debris and waste, ensuring your aquarium water stays clean and clear. With built-in mini filter balls, it blocks larger particles and supports beneficial bacteria, enhancing the biological filtration process. This filter promotes healthy oxygen circulation through its air stone, which creates a cascade of bubbles, keeping your fish lively and healthy. Plus, it's easy to clean, allowing you to maintain the filter without hassle.

What We Like
Effective mechanical filtration
Promotes oxygen circulation
Easy to clean
Compact size
#TOP 5

TARARIUM 290GPH Aquarium Filter

IX-120
Black
IX-120
TARARIUM 290GPH Aquarium Filter Cover
Turtle Tank Filter Aquarium Filter Power Adjustable 30-55 Gal. 290GPH Large Internal Filter 3-Stage Waterfall Bio-Filtration Low Water Level for Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank Reptile Shrimp Frog

The TARARIUM Aquarium Filter is designed to keep your aquatic environment clean and healthy. Its dual-sided sponge filter effectively captures debris like fish waste and leftover food, ensuring your tank remains tidy. The ceramic bio-balls provide essential biological filtration, breaking down waste and reducing odors, which improves overall water quality. With an adjustable water flow, you can customize the filtration to suit your specific needs, making it versatile for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. Plus, the easy-access canister makes cleaning and media replacement a breeze, helping you maintain a thriving habitat for your fish and reptiles.

What We Like
Effective debris removal
Improves water quality
Customizable water flow
Easy maintenance
#TOP 6

Pawfly Small Fish Sponge Filter

Pawfly Small Fish Sponge Filter Cover
Pawfly Aquarium Sponge Filter, Small Fish Foam Filter with Tubing Suction Cup Check Valve Connector and Control Valve Accessories for Betta Fry Shrimp Tiny Fish Tank up to 10 Gallons

The Pawfly Sponge Filter is designed for small fish tanks, holding up to 10 gallons. It includes essential accessories like 6.5-foot airline tubing and multiple connectors, making setup easy. With fine sponge filtration, it effectively removes debris and waste without harming your fish, ensuring crystal clear water. Additionally, this filter is simple to clean; just detach and rinse it with aquarium water every few weeks. Finally, its quiet operation means you can enjoy your aquarium without disturbing your daily life.

What We Like
Easy installation
Effective waste removal
Simple cleaning process
Quiet operation
#TOP 7

Aquarium Filter by TARARIUM

2W-411B (79 GPH for 2-15 gal. tanks)
Black
HJ-411B
Aquarium Filter by TARARIUM Cover
Aquarium Filter Small Betta Fish Tank Filter for 2-15 Gallon Silent 4-in-1 Adjustable Air Flow Fish Turtle Shrimp Tank Filter Submersible Aquarium Internal Filter 79 GPH Biochemical Rainwater

The TARARIUM Aquarium Filter is designed to keep your fish tank clean and healthy. It reduces the need for frequent water changes, making maintenance easier for you. The reusable biochemical sponge effectively filters out debris and odors, ensuring a fresh environment for your aquatic pets. You can easily maintain the filter by rinsing the sponge every few weeks. With two adjustable flow modes, the filter caters to delicate fish and shrimp, while its waterfall design enhances oxygen levels, promoting a lively habitat for your fish to thrive.

What We Like
Reduces water changes
Reusable sponge filter
Easy maintenance
Adjustable flow modes
Quiet operation
#TOP 8

Aquapapa Corner Filter for Aquariums

FBA_XY-2008-2P
2-Pack
Aquapapa Corner Filter for Aquariums Cover
Aquapapa Corner Filter Air Driven Bio Sponge Ceramic for Fry Shrimp Nano Fish Tank Aquarium Up to 20 Gal ea.(2-Pack)

The Aquapapa Corner Filter is designed for optimal water quality in your fish tank. Its multi-layer sponge system combines both physical and biological filtration, ensuring cleaner water and better oxygen levels for your aquatic life. This quiet filter is particularly beneficial for breeding small fish, as it efficiently removes waste without disturbing them. Maintenance is a breeze; simply rinse the sponge when it gets dirty. The complete set includes all necessary components, making it easy for you to set up and enjoy a healthier aquarium environment.

What We Like
Effective multi-layer filtration
Quiet operation for breeding
Easy maintenance and cleaning
Complete filter components included
#TOP 9

Yaubay Quiet Internal Aquarium Filter

Yaubay
IF01-B35
Black
Yaubay Quiet Internal Aquarium Filter Cover
Yaubay Quiet Internal Aquarium Filter, 3-Stage Bio Filtration Low-Level Waterfall 5W Power Fish Tank Filter with Protective Grate for Up to 20 Gallon Betta Turtle Shrimp Tank, 90GPH (Filter)

The Yaubay Aquarium Filter offers powerful multi-stage bio-filtration, ensuring that your aquatic environment stays clean and fresh. With its ultra-activated carbon, it effectively removes odors and discoloration from the water, enhancing the overall quality for your fish, turtles, or shrimp. You will appreciate the whisper-quiet operation, which runs at under 35 dB, creating a peaceful habitat for your pets. The filter also features a top protective grate, keeping your aquatic friends safe from accidental entry. Plus, the easy-to-change Bio-Bag cartridges make maintenance a breeze, allowing you to keep your filter performing at its best with minimal effort.

What We Like
Effective odor removal
Quiet operation
Safety grate included
Easy maintenance
#TOP 10

AQQA Air-Powered Sponge Filter

GUS-AQ116
Black
Small
AQQA Air-Powered Sponge Filter Cover
AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter 5-20 Gallon Fish Tank Filter Air-Powered Small Aquarium Filter Whisper Bio Sponge Bubble Filter for Breeding Fry Shrimp Betta Fish Tank (Small for 5-20 Gallon)

The AQQA Sponge Filter is an air-powered aquarium filter designed to keep your tank clean and healthy. By connecting it to an air pump, you can enjoy effective filtration that removes debris while promoting beneficial bacteria growth. This filter not only cleans the water but also aerates it, ensuring your fish thrive in a well-circulated environment. Its heavy-duty base prevents it from floating, providing stability and ease of use. Suitable for a variety of tanks, this filter is a great choice for breeding fry, shrimp, and betta fish, making it a versatile addition to your aquarium setup.

What We Like
Effective mechanical and biological filtration
Aeration and water circulation
Stable heavy-duty base
Versatile for different tank types
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can shrimp live in a tank with a filter?

Shrimp will not survive without a biological filter and air supply. If you have *tons* of plants in the tank, then the plants provide both functions, so shrimp can usually survive in those tanks.

2. Do my shrimp tanks need a filter?

It can be done without a filter. But you'll need water flow and just the right balance of light and plants.

3. Do you need carbon in filter for shrimp tank?

Registered. I do not use carbon in my planted shrimp aquarium. Carbon will adsorb chelated iron, so is generally not used in planted aquariums.

4. How do you make a shrimp filter safe?

Aquaneat Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Breeding Beta Shrimp Nano Fish Tank Water Corner FilterPenn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium FilterCorner Filter Aquarium Fish Tank Internal Air Driven Filter with Media Xy-2008Fluval 206 External FilterAquapapa Corner Filter Air Driven Bio Sponge Ceramic for Fry Shrimp Fish Tank Aquarium XY-2010Aquaneat Double Bio Sponge Filter Quiet Aquarium Filter with Ceramic Media BallsAquaneat Aquarium Air Driven Bio Corner Filter Sponge 20 Gallon Fish Tank w/AccessoriesC2 Bio Sponge Filter Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Nano for Fish Tank Aquarium Up to 10 GallonDennerle NanoAir DRIVEN Bio Corner Filter Sponge Fry Shrimp Nano Fish Tank AquariumSEACHEM TIDALBio Sponge Filter Betta Fry Shrimp Aquarium Fish Tank Double HeadImagitarium Undergravel FilterAqualexs Aquarium Filter Guard for Shrimp and FishUnique Bargains Fish tank Aquarium Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Sponge FilterMini Aquarium Filter Fish Tank Shrimp Tanks Pond Air Pump Sponge Filters U-shaped Mini Toilet Biochemical Filtering DeviceAquapapa Bio Sponge Filter Up Fry Betta Fish Tank AquariumMarineland Magniflow Canister FilterAquaneat Double Sponge Filter for Betta Shrimp Nano Fish Tank 55 Gallons 4 pcs

Editor's Notes

During our aquarium filter for shrimp tanks research, we found 24 aquarium filter for shrimp tanks products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,502 customer reviews through our big data system to write the aquarium filters for shrimp tanks list. We found that most customers choose aquarium filters for shrimp tanks with an average price of $14.01.

The aquarium filters for shrimp tanks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of aquarium filters for shrimp tanks, including Pawfly, AQQA, hygger, TARARIUM, Aquapapa. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,455 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.