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Best Aquarium Power Filters

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  February 5th, 2022

When you’re stocking your aquarium, don’t forget about the right filtration for your tank. Here are our picks for the best aquarium power filters you can buy.

If you want to keep your aquarium water clean and clear for the benefit of your fish, filtration should be a top priority. An aquarium is a captive environment, so not only do your fish live and breathe in the tank, but they also produce waste which breaks down over time. Installing a quality filtration system is the key to removing solid and dissolved waste products to keep the water clean for your fish.

In this article, we’ll explore the subject of aquarium filtration and talk more about what to look for in an aquarium power filter.

Best Aquarium Power Filters

When it comes to choosing an aquarium power filter, make sure you choose one rated for the size tank you have or larger. You should also make sure that it comes from a reputable brand so it will last – the last thing you want to do is waste your money on a filter that needs to be replaced after a few months.

Here are our top 10 picks for the best power filters for aquariums:

1. MarineLand Penguin Bio-Wheel Filter

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Easily one of the most popular aquarium power filters on the market, this MarineLand model features three-stage filtration with the use of activated charcoal and a bio-wheel. This filter is rated for 50 to 70 gallons and boasts a 350gph flow rate. Plus, it is affordably priced under $30 for this size.

2. Aqua Clear Power Filter

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Another popular model in aquarium power filters is this model from Aqua Clear. It comes in five sizes rated for tanks as small as 5 gallons and as large as 200 gallons. It is quick and easy to set up and comes equipped with the filter media you need to get started.

3. Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter

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Available in four sizes ranging from 10 to 70 gallons, this Tetra Whisper power filter is designed to run quietly. With Timestrip technology, it is ready to use right out of the box and it takes two Large carbon filters to run.

4. Aqua-Tech Power Aquarium Filter

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If you’re looking for a large power filter to keep your tank water clean and clear, try this one from Aqua-Tech. It features a dual-sided filter housing and advanced three-step filtration. It comes in three sizes rate for 5 to 60 gallons and comes with the filter media you need.

5. Whisper IQ Power Filter for Aquariums

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This power filter is designed to run quietly, and it also features StayClean technology. It is quiet, durable, and easy to use and maintain, plus it offers flow control which is important for planted tanks and skittish aquarium fish.

6. Fluval C Power Filter

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This power filter comes in three sizes and offers five powerful stages of filtration. It offers a generous 264gph flow rate and is equipped with a cleaning indicator that shows when the foam filter media needs to be replaced. Plus, its clip-on design is easy to install.

7. Penn Plax Cascade Hang-On Aquarium Filter

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Available in five different sizes, there is a Penn Plax Cascade for every aquarium. This filter features the revolutionary bio-falls quad-filtration system and an adjustable flow knob so you can customize your filtration to your tank.

8. Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO Power Filter

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This filter comes in six different sizes ranging from 10 to 400GPH and it offers three-stage filtration. It is a self-priming filter that starts up automatically after cleaning or losing power and it has an LED indicator light to show when it’s time to replace media.

9. AZOO Aquarium Mignon Filter 150

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If you’re looking for a power filter for a small aquarium and you don’t want to spend a lot, try this filter from AZOO. It is affordably priced under $20 and features a quiet, efficient design that hangs right on the back of your aquarium.

10. Aqueon QuietFlow E Internal Power Filter

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For small aquariums, you don’t always have a lot of space on the back of the tank. If that’s the case, try this Aqueon internal power filter. It hangs just inside the tank and features an auto-start pump that automatically restarts if power to the unit is interrupted and restored. It comes in four sizes rate for 3 to 40 gallons and is highly affordable.

What to Look for in an Aquarium Power Filter

There are many different types of aquarium filter and some are more powerful than others. If you’re looking for an option that is affordable and gets the job done, consider a power filter. These filters come in many different sizes and they hang on the back of the tank

Here are some things to look for in an aquarium power filter:

  • Tank Size – Power filters come in many different sizes, so choose the one that is the best fit for your aquarium. It never hurts to go up a size, either, but don’t go with anything too small.
  • Filtration Type – There are three types of filtration – mechanical, chemical, and biological. Mechanical removes solid wastes while chemical removes dissolved wastes. Biological filtration involves cultivating a colony of beneficial bacteria to maintain the nitrogen cycle.
  • Filter Media – The filter media is what facilitates the three stages of filtration mentioned above. Look for options like activated charcoal, bio balls, and a bio wheel.
  • Features – On top of providing powerful three-stage filtration, look for a power filter that offers additional features like an automatic shutoff to keep it from running dry and burning itself out.

Filtration is extremely important for the health and wellness of your aquarium fish, so don’t skimp on this valuable piece of equipment! Choose a filter that is appropriately sized for your tank and that provides three-stage filtration. If you’re still not sure where to look, try one of our recommendations!

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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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Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Guide Dog Trigger Retires After Fathering Over 300 Puppies

A nine-year-old golden retriever, nicknamed The Dogfather, is going to a well-earned retirement after fathering a grand total of 323 puppies. Trigger has spent his years being the star stud dog of Guide Dogs. This charity organization specializes in breeding and training guide dogs for people with visual impairment in the United Kingdom. Since the beginning of his stud career in December 2016, Trigger has fathered 39 litters, including a record-breaking litter with 16 puppies in 2021. According to Guide Dogs, 294 of Trigger’s puppies have been bred by the charity itself, and an additional 29 puppies by other assistance dog charities and guide dog schools, bringing his grand total to 323 puppies.The Dogfather’s final litter consisted of six puppies, including five daughters named Rita, Jenny, Hermione, Indy, and Sandy, and a son, named Billy. The last of Trigger's offspring are eight weeks old and about to start their guide dog training and will be living with volunteer puppy raisers for the next year. “Trigger’s legacy can be seen in the independence and confidence his progeny has brought to the lives of blind and partially sighted people all over Britain,” shared Guide Dogs in a news release. The Dogfather’s puppies have been affectionately nicknamed Triglets by guide dog owners and volunteers. These pups have been guiding visually impaired and partially sighted individuals across the United Kingdom, including London, Cardiff, Glasgow, and even the Isle of Wright. Two of Trigger’s litters have been bred abroad at guide dog organizations in France and the Netherlands, creating guide dog partnerships in both countries. “Trigger’s wonderful, gentle nature and excellent health have made him the perfect asset to our breeding program. We can’t overstate the impact that Trigger has in helping us to provide so many guide dogs for people with sight loss,” said Janine Dixon, Head of Breeding Operations at Guide Dogs. Dixon added the charity hopes that Billy, Trigger’s son, will continue his father’s legacy by joining the breeding program in a few years.“In the meantime, nine of his daughters, as well, as his half-French son Pierre, are helping us to bring forward a new generation of dogs with Trigger’s fantastic genes,” shared Guide Dogs.When it comes to Trigger’s future, he will spend his well-earned retirement in Branbury with his Breeding Dog Volunteer Sarah Bryne, who has been looking after him for the past seven years and will now officially adopt him. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Plumber's Hilarious Cat Rescue Mishap Goes Viral

It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Possible Cancer Vaccine for Dogs in the Works

Mark your calendar because May 2024 marks the end of a 5-year clinical trial that may put an end to many canine cancers.

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