Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | Hydor CRYSTAL 3 R10 Duo | High degree of tightness of the housing |
2 | Juwel Bioflow 6.0 | Best filter chamber capacity (six elements) |
3 | Barbus WP-300F | Extended set for miniature tank |
4 | Jebo 1200FAP | Quality build |
5 | Xilong XL-F131 | Perfect Performance |
1 | Prime | An effective solution for a large aquarium |
2 | TETRA EX 1200 PLUS | Optimum filtration quality |
3 | Aquael MINIKANI 120 | Best question price |
4 | Laguna | Maximum combination of functionality and manufacturability |
5 | Sera Fil Bioactive 250 | Versatile design |
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The idea of creating a miniature natural reservoir came to man quite a long time ago. However, the limited nature of the created ecosystem required additional care for its condition. This is how the first filter elements for aquariums appeared, purifying water and retaining various kinds of biological waste.
The purpose of modern filters has gone a little further than in the first stages of development. Now every advanced apparatus is able not only to eliminate pollution, but also to provide a constant supply of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms, as well as to mix the layers of water, maintaining the optimal temperature balance and the amount of dissolved oxygen for fish.
As for the choice, there is a well-established opinion on the aquarium filter market about the best models worthy of special attention for lovers of breeding ornamental fish at home. Which? You will find out about this in our rating, compiled on the basis of the following important criteria:
- user reviews and authoritative publications;
- comparison of leading characteristics and declared operational capabilities.
The best internal filters for an aquarium
5 Xilong XL-F131
Country: China
Average price: 600 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
The glass design of the device meets all modern requirements for this aquarium equipment. It is made of non-toxic, durable plastic, which does not lose its operational properties during prolonged stay under water. The internal filter is completely immersed in a container with fresh or marine bio-environment. The filter basket located in the housing has a large area, which means that mechanical cleaning is carried out efficiently and quickly. In numbers, this figure is 1200 l / h.
Saturation with beneficial microorganisms contributes to additional biological filtration. Therefore, the water in the aquarium becomes clean and transparent. During the operation of the device with a power of 15 W, vibrations are not created and the usual rhythm of life of the inhabitants of the depths is not disturbed. The kit also includes a flute and an injector nozzle for aeration. It is recommended to install such a model in containers up to 100 liters.
4 Jebo 1200FAP
Country: China
Average price: 600 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
An inexpensive indoor device that has proven itself in fresh water filtration. It is usually installed in aquariums with a volume of 150-200 liters.The plastic housing is ergonomic, has no extra parts, protruding elements, backlashes between structural elements. It is designed for continuous operation without shutdown. To ensure high-quality work in the device, it is necessary to maintain the power declared by the manufacturer of 8.5 watts. Its average productivity is 600 l / h, which makes it possible to purify water well and saturate it with oxygen.
The owners attribute the design of the outlet pipe to the advantages of this product. It is equipped with a special swivel nozzle that adjusts the flow direction. The aeration option makes it possible not to use additional aquarium accessories. Not all filters are easy to maintain. However, this model is assembled and disassembled in a matter of minutes, unpretentious in care.
3 Barbus WP-300F
Country: Russia
Average price: 400 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Owners of aquariums up to 20 liters should definitely pay attention to this model. Despite its mini-parameters (with dimensions in the package of 13x8x6 cm, the filter weighs only 155 grams), the internal device received a lot of positive feedback. Firstly, it is in complete harmony with the underwater flora in color and does not violate the general appearance of the interior. Secondly, the device is optimally functional, since at a power of 2 W it is able to process 150 liters of water per hour.
However, its main advantage lies in its excellent configuration. The set includes such nozzles as "Water flute", "Filtration and sprinkling", "Filtration and aeration", "Filtration and circulation". Therefore, you can always choose the option of flow movement that is necessary in a particular case.Made of metal and plastic, the glass-type body is quickly attached to the container wall using suction cups. Coarsely porous sponge that collects dirt, easy to maintain. What users also highlight is the quiet operation of the device.
Many beginners and experienced aquarium keepers ask a reasonable question: what type of filter is better - internal or external? We learn the answer from the given comparison table, which displays all the pros and cons of such devices of various designs.
Filter type | pros | Minuses |
Interior | + They do a good job of filtering in aquariums with small volumes. + Can include a range of mechanical, chemical and biological filter elements. + Low cost compared to external filters. + Ease of maintenance. + Generally low cost. | – Average noise level. - Low efficiency of individual mechanical filtration (you will have to resort to self-cleaning the soil from dirt). |
External | + Very high quality and complete water filtration (biological, chemical, mechanical). + Able to effectively purify water in large aquariums. + Easy to install. + Do not require special care. | – High cost compared to internal filters. - Requires a lot of free space. |
2 Juwel Bioflow 6.0
Country: Germany
Average price: 11500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Fine filter designed for containers of 200-350 liters of water. The tank's own volume is 6 liters, according to this indicator, Juwel Bioflow 6.0 comes close to external type devices.In addition, 6 types of filter elements are located inside the capacious chamber: special dense cotton wool and 5 sponges of various degrees of density. They perform the function of complete mechanical and fine chemical-biological treatment, due to which water retains its suitability for a long period of time. If the question arises of choosing an expensive but good model of an internal filter, then experienced aquarists prefer this particular contender. Disadvantages include: high cost of the device, rapid wear of coarse cleaning materials.
1 Hydor CRYSTAL 3 R10 Duo
Country: Italy
Average price: 2500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The internal filter with a cover is intended for capacities from 100 to 200 liters. Moreover, it can be installed both in aquariums with fresh water and salt water. The Italian manufacturer offers a filter pump that works on a 2-level cleaning principle. At the initial stage, water seeps through the foam sponge, getting rid of large impurities, and then undergoes chemical or biological treatment. The chamber is designed for the use of various types of filter materials. At the same time, the device supports a power of 11 W, which allows pumping 800 l / h.
The body of the device is quite compact, moreover, it has practically no sharp corners. All lines are smoothed, and the outer shell reliably protects the inner part from mechanical stress. Thanks to the tripod included in the kit, the product can be easily mounted in a corner without taking up much space.Along with high-quality tightness and small size, the model has another advantage - it is equipped with a special control system with which you can adjust the performance, flow direction and, in general, the degree of water saturation with oxygen.
Best External Aquarium Filters
5 Sera Fil Bioactive 250
Country: Germany
Average price: 7500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
The external gray filter is inconspicuous and does not affect the interior design of the aquarium. However, the ergonomic shape of the housing resting on anti-slip rubber feet is convenient for installation. In general, the design is durable, since the plastic can withstand water pressure, and hermetic latches and an additional seal prevent leaks. The device is focused on a capacity of 100-250 liters.
A characteristic feature of the model is the layered placement of filter materials. These include sponges for coarse and fine cleaning, as well as a biological activator, which provides a 3-stage water purification. To wash the sponges, it is easy to pull them out of the case, and then carefully put them back. In this case, you do not need to make unnecessary movements, disassemble the structure. Special handles on the baskets make this procedure convenient. Filter nozzles are similarly easy to dismantle for subsequent installation. As pluses, the reviews indicate reduced energy consumption and a productivity of 750 l / h, among the minuses are called a loud sound during operation, rigid clamps on the hoses, and the difficulty of starting the device.
4 Laguna
Country: Russia
Average price: 3500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
The domestic manufacturer offers a whole line of external filters of different capacities. Our focus is on a model that filters 650 liters of water per hour. It can be attached to a container with a volume of 100 liters or more. The case with filling weighs only 3.55 kg, which consumers highlight as a plus. In addition to the canister itself, the design includes one filter basket. The working material for it are coal, sponges for fine and coarse cleaning. A distinctive design detail is the presence of a ceramic axis in the impeller, which contributes to the quiet operation of the filter. Such a high-tech solution guarantees a long trouble-free operation period.
What else stands out model of plastic, so it's solid equipment. There are not only hoses and taps for inlet / outlet, but also a manual pump, a protective grate for the intake tube, a flute with a plug. As the experience of aquarists shows, this model effectively copes with all types of debris and creates a good microclimate for underwater inhabitants.
3 Aquael MINIKANI 120
Country: Poland
Average price: 3500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
A simple and inexpensive filter designed to purify water in aquariums up to 120 liters. It is unpretentious in maintenance, for which it has gained particular popularity among lovers of keeping aquarium fish. It has no restrictions on the used filter elements, so you can use any type of filler, and most importantly in large quantities. The main feature is that, unlike classic models, the pump can be placed both outside and inside the aquarium, and the filter box is much lower than the bottom.Ideal for home use. Among the advantages, one can also note the presence large compartment for filler, implementation of 3 types of cleaning.
2 TETRA EX 1200 PLUS
Country: Germany
Average price: 10000 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
External filter for aquariums from 200 to 500 liters. In terms of cleaning performance, it is perhaps one of the best mid-budget models at the moment. In the basic configuration, it has 5 pre-installed fillers: ceramic rings and a special bio-sponge, balls and carbon absorbent, as well as a fibrous membrane at the finishing stage. The autostart system is integrated, so the pump does not need additional pumping of water after installing or replacing filters. The device is guaranteed to appeal to those for whom breeding aquarium fish is more than just a life hobby.
1 Prime
Country: China
Average price: 5000 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
Owners of aquariums with a volume of 200-450 liters call this external device one of the best available on the market. Its design is perfectly adapted to the container of any shape. The upper part of the filter is equipped with a silicone seal, which prolongs the life of the device. Fillers are placed in 3 compartments. They are a heterogeneous material. These are coarse and fine sponges, activated carbon, environmentally friendly ceramics. With an equipment power of 25 W, its productivity reaches 1200 l / h.
Despite the weight of a little over 5 kg, the device is stable during operation, low noise level. For high-quality intake and discharge of water, the nozzles were made sliding.This helps to optimally take into account the depth. If necessary, it is possible to shut off the water flow without much physical effort thanks to the adapter with 2 taps on the hose. The set additionally includes 2 tubes, functioning as "Flute".