10 Best Fish Tank Filters UK 2024 | Tetra, Hagen and More

The type of filter you choose will significantly impact your tank's overall quality and appearance. Whether you're widely experienced with caring for fish or just starting out, you'll need to select the right style to suit your setup. 

• Sponge Filters: The simplest style of filter consists of a sponge inside the tank and an external pump. However, many shoppers dislike the appearance and opt for other more aesthetically-pleasing filters. These are ideal for smaller tanks as they result in minimal water disturbance thanks to the low air pressure.
  

• Hang-On-Back Filters: These are the most common filters. They hang on the top of the tank and pull water out to be filtered through an external system before returning through a spout. Since the filters are so low maintenance and discreet, they're great for beginners, plus, they won't pull focus in display tanks.
  

• Canister Filters: These discreet yet powerful filters are ideal for larger tanks of 115 litres +. They are kept under the tank inside the aquarium stand, with the suction pipe and return spout placed in the water. However, they are the most expensive and high maintenance style, so they're not ideal for beginners.

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There are three main types of filtration - mechanical, biological and chemical. While most filters include all three types, it's not a given, and some filters even provide a few extras. Below we'll detail the three main ones to look out for when shopping.

• Mechanical Filtration: This will clean and aerate the tank's water by circulating it through pipes and catching and retaining solid waste in filters. This removes everything from discarded food to decaying plant matter.

• Biological Filtration: Designed specifically to tackle biological waste, this style of filtration removes excess ammonia from the water through nitrifying bacteria. The bacteria in the filter convert ammonia to nitrite, which reduces potential harm to fish and plants.

• Chemical Filtration: These filters combat the water discolouration and odour caused by dissolving waste. When organic matter decays, the process releases chemicals which impact water quality, but the carbon in these filters will protect your tank by neutralising these chemicals.

The flow rate of your filter is measured by the volume of water that is run through the system per hour. This is normally depicted in the product specifications as LPH (litres per hour). The flow rate that you need will depend on your tank's size.

As a general rule of thumb, you should opt for a flow rate of around 4-6 times the volume of the tank. For example, for a 100-litre tank, you'll need a filter with a flow rate of 400-600 LPH. This will ensure adequate filtration without creating excessive water movement that might disturb your fish.

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To get the best out of your setup, you'll need to look for additional features to help create the best environment for your fish. One of the biggest considerations is the volume of the pump. Fish are very easily stressed out, which can negatively impact their health and lifespan. A quiet pump helps reduce stress and removes annoying background noise in your home. 

The water output spout can also impact the environment of the tank. Multidirectional spouts distribute water evenly in various directions, and adjustable flow rates allow you to slow water circulation when necessary. Both of these features can help reduce water disturbance and calm your fish. 

For maintenance, cutting off water to certain parts of the filter can help to minimise leaks and allow easy cleaning. If you think this would be helpful, look out for filters with a safety cut-off valve. While cleaning, it can also be useful to tackle unsightly oil and waste buildup on the tank walls - removable spray bars and suction heads are great for these jobs. 

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