Best Aquarium & Fish Tank Filters in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 6, 2024
If you want your fish to swim safely, one of the first things you need to install is an aquarium filter. Here you can find the top-quality ...Read more
PROS

A multi-stage filtering system of the appliance includes 3 ceramic ring container, bio balls, active carbon, and fine filter foam layers. Owing to this construction, the water remains clean for longer.

CONS

It's quite noisy.

OUR VERDICT

This high-performing external filter will be an ideal option for exa-large freshwater aquariums. The system includes a powerful pump which, in combination with a Shut-off tap, filters the water faster without any leaks.

detailed parameters
Type

External

Aquarium Capacity

Up to 400 L (600 L, 1000 L available)

Pump Performance

1000 L/H (1400 L/H, 2000 L/H available)

Extras

Multi-layer filtration system, Outlet tube with spray-bar, Drip-free shut-off tap

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A built-in pump is exceptionally powerful while staying energy-efficient at the same time. Moreover, the overall operation of the filter is fairly quiet.

CONS

The tube fittings feel a bit flimsy.

OUR VERDICT

The high-tech external filter from Fluvial turns water fresh in no time. What is more, it can operate for a long while without requiring you to change filters that often. One of the best picks for medium and large aquariums.

detailed parameters
Type

External

Aquarium Capacity

90 - 330 L (40 - 500 L available)

Pump Performance

1150 L/H (550 L/H, 780 L/H, 1450 L/H available)

Extras

Fluvial eTEC (Efficient Technology) construction, AquaStop valve, Lift-lock clamps, EZ-lift baskets, All necessary authentic Fluval media included

Warranty

3 years (+ 2 years upon registration)

PROS

The filter is made with a special aqua valve that negates the risk of contaminated water getting back into the fish tank. The water won't get dirty even when you remove the filters.

CONS

Requires regular cleaning due to its size.

OUR VERDICT

The Interpet 2200 is a simple yet convenient filter to use in small fish tanks. Thanks to the easily-located cradle, the installation takes mere minutes. The flow deflector and outlet nozzle allow for adjusting the aeration direction.

detailed parameters
Type

Internal

Aquarium Capacity

5-40 L

Pump Performance

200 L/H

Extras

Triple stage filtration, Flow deflector

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The accessories coming with the filter include Bio midea balls. These high-quality ceramic balls enable excellent filtration of biological waste that sooner or later will occur inside the fish tank.

CONS

The air pump is not included in the package.

OUR VERDICT

This aquarium filter from Hygger uses a double-stage filtration system that combined with a proper aerator will turn the aquarium water clean in less than a few hours. It will be a reasonable option for users that already own an air pump and want to boost its performance.

detailed parameters
Type

Internal

Aquarium Capacity

38-150 L (57-210 L available)

Pump Performance

Air pump power dependable

Extras

2 filter media containers, Filter parts are detachable, Easy installation system, Comes with a bag of ceramic media balls and 4 sponges, Adjustable Air-Water outlet

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The kit includes a spray bar that provides a better distribution of clean water across the tank. The Venturi aeration nozzle keeps the levels of oxygen high regardless of how clogged the filters are.

CONS

The disassembly is a bit complicated.

OUR VERDICT

A modern internal filter must include everything you need to keep the water clean. And we can safely say that this model from All Pond Solutions meets all the standards to become one of the best options for medium-sized aquariums.

detailed parameters
Type

Internal

Aquarium Capacity

Up to 110 L (35-270 L available

Pump Performance

600 L/H (200 L/H - 1500 L/H are available)

Extras

Venturi aeration nozzle, Spray bar, Replaceable filter sponge included inside the unit

Warranty

1 year

Excellent Filter for Larger Aquariums

The All Pond Solutions 1000L/H EF is one of the external filter models that are suitable for nearly any type of fish tanks. Despite its modest price, this model can effectively filter the water inside fish tanks up to 400-litre capacity.

Aside from the filter itself, the package includes a 1.8-metre water hose that allows for changing the filter media without hassle. For added convenience, this external filter features a special Drip-free tap cut-off system that won’t let any water from the fish tank spill during cleaning, which is a nice addition to an already good set of features.

The power output of this self-priming filter reaches 18 Watts, which should cover the needs of aquariums and fish tanks with a total capacity of up to 400 litres. However, if you think that a 400-litre model may not suit your aquarium, 600- and 1000-litre models are also optionally available.

To sum up, this fish tank filter will be a good solution for larger aquariums since it can easily process large quantities of water per hour. On top of that, its multi-layer filtering system will keep the water clean throughout the full cycle, making it a fantastic option for tanks with a vast variety of fish species.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £69.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B002NF5LDQ

An Essential External Model

The Fluvial 307 external filter is a quite big thing that should be attached externally, which sets it above the competition when it comes to the water procession rates. With an overall pump performance of 1150 litres per hour, the pump can fit extra-large fish tanks with a total capacity of up to 330 litres without breaking a sweat (or leaking in this case).

This model utilises sponge filters that can easily sift through biological and chemical particles, as well as through the dirt that may occur in the water every once in a while.

Unlike most other similar products, the Fluvial 307 is almost silent in operation, which makes it a great pick in case your fish tank is located in a bedroom or any other room where too much noise produced by a water filter may bother people around.

The only thing you may not like about this external filter model is the tube fittings that feel a bit flimsy at first. That said, if handled with care during cleaning, they will neither break nor leak.

All things considered, if you need a reliable external filter for a quite large aquarium with a capacity up to 300-330 litres, then this model from Fluvial will tick all the right boxes. Featuring only the essential parts, it is easy to maintain and clean.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £147.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07JH4JHTC

Bargain!

While internal filters can’t process as much water as the external models can, they surely outperform external models at keeping a fish tank fresh. And this mini-filter from Interpet is great proof. It can become a decent choice for smaller aquariums that require regular cleaning.

First things first, the Interpet 2200 internal filter is designed to accommodate any fish tank which capacity doesn’t exceed 40 litres. The reason for this is that the maximum amount of water the filter is able to process per hour is limited to 200 litres. 

Moving on, the Interpet PF system uses a multi-layer filter that can provide optimal conditions for fish, plants, as well as coral to thrive. Owing to biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration, the water stays clean for weeks before you need to replace and clean the filter media. The replacement process is quite straightforward and easy thanks to the filter cradle that can be opened without hassle. Likewise, once secured, it won’t open that easily, which ensures a leak-proof and silent operation of the whole system.

Wrapping things up, if you need an internal aquarium filter for a small fish tank, then the Interpet 2200 may be right up your alley. Easy to install, use, and clean, it is by far one of the best deals you can find for the price. 

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £11.86
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00169TISE

Good for Medium-Sized Aquariums

This internal filter from Hygger utilises a double-filtration system and unlike simpler multi-layered water filters, it can manage larger fish tanks without issues.

To begin with, the unit consists of sponge filters and ceramic filling underneath. While the sponge is meant to be the main mechanical filter, the latter ensures biological filtration and keeps all the grit and dirt out of the aquarium.

When it comes to other features, the filter has two suction cups for easier installation inside the fish tank. The pump is made with both air and water intake tubes; however, a quite important thing that is not included in the package is an air pump. So, if you need an additional way of purifying the air in the aquarium, we recommend getting an external aerator separately.

Speaking about specifications, this double filter can clean fish tanks with a capacity of up to 150 litres, which is quite impressive considering the low price tag of the product.

All in all, this high-performing aquarium filter will be a good addition to most fish tanks. Easy to install and maintain, the double-media filter from Hygger is one of the best internal models for pretty much any type of underwater flora and fauna.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07RFKNF3G

Real Workhorse

Nowadays, the market is full of mediocre internal filter models that are ten a penny, making picking the right product for your aquarium a daunting task sometimes. Fortunately, this model from All Pond Solutions combines only great features to make your aquarium a healthier habitat for fish. To start off, the package includes an air pump, so you won’t need to get it separately. Moving on, we would like to stress that the aerator here is of exceptionally high quality and can serve faithfully for long years to come.

Even though the size of this model can only cover aquariums that are no bigger than 110 litres, other filters from the same manufacturer with increased performance are optionally available.

The only aspect of this model that we didn’t really appreciate is its cleanup. While the water valves are leak-proof, disassembling the filter parts for cleaning can take a bit more time than you would normally expect. On the bright side, however, the filter sponges are quite easy to replace and clean, which makes this particular pump a solid long-term filtering solution for a medium-sized aquarium.

Finally, this All Pond Solution model is an excellent piece of filtering equipment. Reasonably silent in operation and considerably simple in maintenance, it can become a go-to pick for owners of small to medium-sized fish tanks.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £12.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B002NLO9PG

What Is an Aquarium Filter?

Having a fish may not be as easy and effortless as it seems. Despite having the right food and a fish tank spacious enough for your pet fish, you also should pay a lot of attention to the water. It should not only have the right temperature but also always stay clean. Even if it seems completely transparent, it still may contain microbes and bacteria that threaten your fish’s and plants' life.

There is a huge variety of different water filters you can find. The first difference lies in type: you can purchase internal and external ones. The internal type may be a bit tricky to install but it has a better performance. The external type provides decent results (though, not as good as internal) and is less expensive and easier to maintain. Apart from placement, these tools can vary in the type of filtration: mechanical, chemical and biological.

To help you with your choice, we have selected the top-ranked aquarium filters that can fit different budgets and needs. If you are interested in other gear for fish tanks, check out our review of the best aquarium heaters that will help you maintain the proper water temperature.

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