5 Best Aquarium Water Filters (Including The Good & BAD Features)

Before talking about the best aquarium water filters, let’s talk about fish.

Fish are wonderful pets. They not only look good but have relatively little maintenance.

All you have to do is feed them several times a day and make sure your aquarium is clean.

It sounds easy right? In most cases, keeping the aquarium clean is easy. But not if you do not have proper aquarium water filters.

The correct filtration system will make a difference when it comes to the amount of time you really need to clean your tank.

It’s important to get the right aquarium water filters for your freshwater aquarium.

This article will look at 5 of the best aquarium water filters and highlight any bad things you should know about before buying.

5 Of The Best Freshwater Aquarium Filtration Systems

Cascade 1000 Canister Filter

The Cascade 1000 container filter seems to be the best choice in the freshwater aquarium market. This top filter can be used in any tank of size that is 100 gallons or less.

Let us take a closer look at what this filter system can do:

The combination of a powerful mechanical, chemical and biological filtration guarantees crystal clear water.

This freshwater aquarium filtration system pumps up to 265 gallons each hour.

The filter comes with 4 locking clips to ensure the best possible fit.

The activated carbon medium removes other toxins and impurities in the water.

The fine particles that would otherwise accumulate in your tank are eliminated through the use of dental floss.

The Cascade 1000 container filter seems to be a popular choice among owners of freshwater aquariums.

Bad Features?

It can only be used in any tank of size that is 100 gallons or less.

Emperor 400 Pro Series Bio-wheel Power Filter

Whether you have experience with freshwater aquariums or buying a new one, this filter is a great addition to your aquarium. The Kaiser 400 is perfect for aquariums of 80 gallons or less.

Here are some of the custom features that come with this powerful filtering system:

No configuration is needed or required.

It comes with a 3-stage filtration system and flow rate of up to 400 gallons per hour.

Double impeller design for professional filtration. The main impeller drives water through chemical and mechanical filtration systems. The secondary impeller pressurizes the filtered water.

The extra-large BIO wheel comes with a soundproof cover. This is perfect for you if you want to keep your tank still and quiet.

The Emperor 400 is the only filter on the market that incorporates dual impeller design.

Bad Features?

It can only be used in any tank of size that is 80 gallons or less.

Fluval 406 External Canister Filter

If you want to take the aquarium filtration to the next level, this is the filter for you. The Fluval 406 is characterized by its high quality and ease of maintenance. It is the perfect choice for any tank with 100 gallons or less.

Let’s look at some of the best features:

Simple installation and configuration.

Instant Prime System guarantees a quick start.

The Fluval 406 can circulate up to 245 gallons of water per hour.

It comes complete with an obstruction-proof suction filter.

Includes a double-layer pre-filter foam screen.

The Fluval 406 is the best for those who want the best absolute filter quality.

This filter system comes with a three year warranty.

The brand has a good reputation and provide you with a great guarantee.

Bad Features?

It can only be used in any tank of size that is 100 gallons or less. 

API Filstar XP Filter Size M Aquarium Canister Filter

The Filstar XP2 is one of the most reliable and easy-to-maintain filters that money can buy.

This filter has some excellent and unique features:

The XP2 is color-coded in the instruction book for a very simple configuration.

It comes with an anti-airlock system for quiet operation.

The self-priming properties ensure that this filter is low maintenance.

It is not necessary to pump this in order for it to work.

Comes with safe and flexible hose with two flexible hose clamps.

The XP2 has a flow rate of up to 300 gallons per hour, which is surprising for its price range.

The XP2 keeps your aquarium clean and doesn’t make too much noise..

With high quality parts and easy configuration.

This filter is ideal for you if you do not have a lot of time for maintenance, but want to get the cleanest aquarium possible.

Bad Features?

This filter can only be used for freshwater aquariums of 75 gallons or less.

AquaClear 110 Aquarium Power Filter

For such a small filter, you would not expect the AquaClear 110 to be so powerful. But do not be fooled by the size. The company relies so much on its product to spread good word of mouth that it offers a lifetime guarantee. This filter is one of the best in the market.

This filter has many excellent characteristics, let us look at some of them:

The media system includes a patented re-circulation grid and multi-filter media stacking. This allows water to pass through the media filter more than once. This contributes to the superior quality of water.

Despite its size, this powerful filter is ideal for tanks of 110 gallons or less.

This filter is energy efficient and pumps up to 500 gallons per hour.

When the flow is reduced, 50% of the water is processed several times.

The custom intake U-tube directs the unfiltered water through the filter cartridges. This process captures particles and debris that could contaminate the water.

This filter is perfect for you if you are looking for something with a performance that does not take up too much space.

Comes with lifetime warranty.

Bad Features?

This filter can only be used for freshwater aquariums of 110 gallons or less.

So, Which Is The Best Type Of Aquarium Filter?

When it comes to freshwater aquarium filtration systems, you have many options. The hardest part is finding the right one for you and your tank.

The aquarium water filters highlighted in this article are a great starting point.

However, I would suggest investigating a little more and thinking about what other aquarists also have to say.

Make sure the reviewer has a configuration similar to yours to judge its effectiveness.

This may vary due to different configurations of freshwater aquarium.

My favorite by far is the Fluval 406, it provides you with the most power, lasts the longest and is the most effective.

Have you ever used one of the aquarium water filters mentioned in this article? What did you think of them?

Do you think they deserve to be honored as one of the the best aquarium water filters?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the commends section below, I’d love to know what you think.