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Best Aquarium Filters for a Beginner Tank

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  April 28th, 2021

An aquarium filter is an important part of your tank’s water quality. Choosing the right one for your first tank is vital – here’s our list of the best aquarium filters for a beginner tank.

Your aquarium fish deserve to live in a clean and healthy environment, but what does that mean for you? Routine water changes are important, of course, but what’s more important is the day-to-day filtration that removes waste and toxins from the water column before they can have a negative impact on water quality. Choosing the right filter for your aquarium is essential because it provides that constant filtration that is boosted by your routine maintenance tasks.

Let’s explore the most important things to look for in an aquarium filter – especially one for beginners. We’ll also provide you with our top picks for the best beginner-friendly tank filters.

Related: Best Light Fixtures for a Planted Tank

Best Aquarium Filters for a Beginner Tank

Now that you have a better understanding of what an aquarium filter does, you’re ready to start shopping around. Keep in mind that most aquarium filters come in different sizes, so choose the one that is best for the size tank you have. Also remember that it is better to size up than to size down – don’t try to save money by purchasing a smaller filter than your tank needs.

Here are our top picks for the best aquarium filters for a beginner tank:

Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter

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If you’re starting out with a very small tank or one with only a few fish, an internal filter might be adequate. Priced under $15, this filter offers three-stage filtration and is easy to setup and maintain. Just keep in mind that it isn’t the most efficient filter on the market.

Aqueon Quietflow Internal Filter

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If you like the idea of an internal filter, Aqueon offers another option in four sizes for tanks up to 40 gallons. It is a little more expensive, but the design does a better job of containing the filter media and it features an auto-start pump. This filter offers three-stage filtration.

Marineland Penguin Power Filter

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Many beginner aquarium hobbyists like hang-on filters because they are easy to maintain and very affordable. This model is rated for tanks 30 to 50 gallons in capacity and is affordably priced under $25. It offers three-stage filtration with the inclusion of a Bio-Wheel which supports biological filtration.

Aqua Clear Hang-On Filter

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A slightly more expensive option in hang-on filters for beginners is the Aqua Clear model. This filter comes in five sizes for tanks ranging from 5 to 110 gallons and offers three-stage filtration. The benefit of this filter is that its filtration volume is up to 7 times larger than comparable models.

EHIM Classic External Canister Filter

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If you’re starting with a larger tank, it’s a good idea to choose a more powerful filter. This external canister filter is rated for tanks up to 66 gallons and it offers three-stage filtration, depending on the type of filter media you use. It comes with all the accessories you need and is easy to install and maintain.

Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter

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Another excellent option in canister filters is this model rated for tanks up to 100 gallons. It offers state-of-the-art features and accommodates any combination of filter media. It’s a great choice if you plan to stick with the hobby for a long time or might upgrade your tank at a later date.

Penn Plax Cascade Hang-On Filter

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If you want to go with a trustworthy brand but a canister filter isn’t in your budget, this hang-on filter from Penn Plax is a great option. It comes in six sizes all priced under $35 and offers powerful three-stage filtration.

Aqueon Quietflow LED Pro Power Filter

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Power filters are known for being easy to use and simple to maintain, but this model takes things one step further. It features an LED indicator light to let you know when it’s time to replace the cartridge so you can keep your water clean and clear for your fish.

Sunsun Pro Canister Filter Kit

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You may be a beginner, but you still want to have a great looking tank. That is why we love the SunSun Pro Canister Kit. This is a powerful filter with a flow rate of 1400L per house. Plus, it comes with various filters so that you can begin three stage filtration: the white filter, blue coarse and the media basket. The even include a set of bio balls that will ensure your tank is getting the right gas exchange and increases oxygen levels. Easy enough for a beginner but this filter gives you and your aquarium room to grow!

Fluval External Filter

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Another powerful option in canister filters, this Fluval model features a sound-dampening impeller for quieter operation. It is also equipped with a clog-proof intake strainer and a dual-layer foam screen on top of the usual features.

If you’re really not sure where to start when it comes to choose an aquarium filter, you have two options. One option is to purchase an inexpensive filter – if you decide not to continue the hobby, you won’t have made a significant investment. The other option is to purchase a high-quality filter larger than you really need so if you decide to upgrade your tank later, you don’t need to buy a new one. Whichever option you choose, there is sure to be an appropriate choice on the list above.

What to Look for in an Aquarium Filter

There are many different kinds of aquarium filter, so take the time to consider your options before you pick. To some degree, any filter rated for the tank size you have should work, but certain filters provide more benefits than others. Before you start shopping, take the time to learn about some general things you should look for in an aquarium filter.

Here are some things to look for in an aquarium filter.

  • Style – Aquarium filters come in several models, both internal and external. External filters are typically recommended for larger aquariums and hang-on filters are the most budget- and beginner-friendly option.
  • Type of Filtration – Look for a filter that offers mechanical and chemical filtration at a minimum. Mechanical filtration involves removing solid waste (like uneaten fish food) while chemical filtration removes toxins and chemicals. Biological filtration supports the growth of beneficial bacteria which help maintain the nitrogen cycle.
  • Size/Strength – The larger your tank, the bigger the filter should be. Pay attention to the size range each filter is rated for and consider buying one larger than you need.
  • Filter Media – The filter media are what provide the actual filtration, so pay attention to what type each filter uses. If there is extra space to add optional extra filter media, even better.
  • Maintenance – In addition to performing water changes to remove accumulated ammonia and other toxins from your tank, you’ll also need to maintain your filter. Consider how easy it will be to change the filter media and whether there are any small parts that might be hard to clean.

Though all aquarium filters are not created equal, most of them do offer three-stage filtration. If you choose a filter that doesn’t incorporate biological filtration, you might want to consider taking additional steps to cultivate beneficial bacteria in your tank.

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Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Final Thoughts: The Best Hamster Cage SetupWhen setting up your hamster’s habitat, consider the floor space available. They are active and energetic creatures that need to be able to run, demanding more freedom to move than is often available in the overly hyped commercial cages. Instead, ensure the cage offers at least 24” by 12” of floor space on the main floor. Several cage styles are available, including wire cages, glass aquariums, and plastic pens. If you want to extend their habitat with a second floor, be cautious about the risk of injury. A long fall can be catastrophic. Include all necessities on the main floor of your hamster’s cage. This includes plenty of bedding to burrow into, clean hay, chew toys/enrichment opportunities, an appropriately sized exercise wheel, and access to fresh food and water. A proper habitat is the foundation for a happy, healthy life for your furry friend! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Once-Abused Dog Celebrates First Christmas With Vet Who Saved Him

A puppy who survived a terrible beating has celebrated his ‘first proper’ Christmas with a veterinarian nurse who provided a loving furever home for him.A whippet named Terry was only 12 weeks old when he was viciously attacked by his owner and left with severe trauma injuries after he urinated inside. The injured pup was taken to the Hull PDSA Animal Hospital in East Yorks, England, where he was treated by the veterinary nurse Rachel Coombes. During the initial exam, the hospital’s staff discovered that Terry had a bruised eye and lips. The pup was also missing three of his upper incisors, and another tooth was broken.For nurse Coombes, this was love at first sight! She told her colleagues that if Terry survived, she would adopt him, and that’s exactly what she did.Although Terry celebrated Christmas with Rachel and her son Stanley last year, this year was their ‘first proper’ Christmas together since Terry is now fully settled in with the family.“I just felt a connection as soon as he was brought in as he was in such a state we actually thought initially that he hadn’t made it,” said nurse Rachel according to Talker. “Then when we spotted gentle breathing I did say ‘if he survives this I’m going to give him home’ which is exactly what I did.”From that moment on, Terry’s life changed completely! “He hasn’t looked back since - he loves life and is having the best of life right now.” According to his new owner, Terry likes to run around the garden and enjoys going to the beach. The pooch has also formed a strong bond with Rachel’s son, Stanley, and is always by his side. “Last year, we got him around Christmas, but it was such a hectic time for him, and he was learning to settle then.” But this year, the family planned a festive celebration for Terry and did everything to make him feel special during the holiday season. Due to the suspicious nature of Terry’s injuries, RSPCA Inspector Laura Barber was asked to investigate. The inspector said that despite the severity of his injuries and his overall state, Terry had put his head on her and was so trusting. “He was in such a sad state and was really quiet and withdrawn when he was with people. He was so lovable, and it is great to see he has a home he deserves with such a lovely family.”“I know Terry will have the best first proper Christmas with his lovely new family and one he thoroughly deserves,” the inspector added. Terry’s extensive injuries were enough to build a case against his former owner. After appearing in court and admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, the person was handed a five-year ban on keeping animals. Emily Lomas, an animal care assistant at RSPCA’s Hull branch, said she was thrilled when she learned that Rachel had adopted Terry. “He was very traumatized and overwhelmed when he came to us, we had to really show him there was nothing to be scared of and that he was now safe. We took him to the socialization room, and I remember him falling asleep on my legs,” said Lomas.“We were all thrilled when he was adopted and knew he was going to a special home,” she added.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

Taters the Cat Streams From Deep Space for NASA

Cat playing with laser pointer is used by NASA to measure band-with between deep space and Earth.

Why is My Cat Suddenly Acting Aggressive?

Cats are well-known for their independent and aloof nature. It’s part of their mysterious and majestic presence. But what do you do when your once docile companion suddenly becomes angry or aggressive?Understanding why your cat may have shown such an abrupt behavior change is important. Why? This could be a sign of much bigger trouble that demands your attention. There are many explanations for this type of change in demeanor, including physical pain or illness. The best solution to create harmony once again in your home is to get to the bottom of it!In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for a cat to suddenly exhibit aggression and what you should do to help your furry best friend.What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?If you are a first-time cat owner or have never encountered an aggressive cat, you may wonder what aggression looks like. Our feline friends aren’t always as outwardly friendly and affectionate as their canine counterparts, but aggression refers to behaviors that go a step further. Rather than being aloof or disinterested, an aggressive cat outwardly expresses upset, anger, and frustration toward a trigger.Cat parents who seek help with an aggressive cat often refer to their cat biting or swatting, causing physical harm out of nowhere. But there are often other signs of trouble that are overlooked or unnoticed.Early signs of aggression include:Thrashing or fast twitching tailDirect stareDilated pupilsEars flattened back against the headStiff or crouched postureRaised hacklesHissing, growling, or yowlingWhen these warning signs are ignored, a cat may feel they have no choice but to react further to protect themselves from the perceived threat or trigger. It is at this moment that a cat will swat or bite. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you prevent the situation from escalating to the point that someone is hurt.How Do You Tell if a Cat is Playing or Being Aggressive?Some cats, especially young kittens, may play in a way that is similar to or mimics the signs of aggression. This can make it harder to identify if your cat is truly upset or simply playing around. Luckily, there are a few minor differences that can help you differentiate between the two.When a cat is being playful, they usually have their claws retracted. This means they may swat at you during play, but they aren’t scratching or causing harm with that action. The same can be said when they pounce on you – landing on you with their paws, nails retracted. If your cat is biting at your hand during play, they often have a threshold they won’t cross. They may bite hard enough that you feel some discomfort, but they aren’t trying to break the skin.There is a grey area that shouldn’t be overlooked between play and aggression, where a cat either didn’t learn where that line exists or fails to acknowledge it. This is known as play aggression, which we will touch on later.

Media Maven Martha Stewart Gets Push Back Over Dog Food Recipe

Use of "home-grown" meat draws ire from followers and falls on the heels of last year's negative press.

Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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