Editor's Choice - Our Favorite 5 Gallon Aquarium Filters

1. Fluval High Performance Aquarium Filter

User Ratings: 86 5

Fluval A219 First Impressions

"I was to tire to fix it."

This one is working perfectly good FOR RIGHT NOW. Now I'm having the same issue with the Aqua Clear 50. This filter comes with a sponge, activated carbon, and bio material in a mesh bag. Lightly clean the silver roller pins on the ends. BUT after some YouTube research I was able to fix the noise issue. The lever on the bottom helps even the filter out. This one is working perfectly good FOR RIGHT NOW.

• Fluval High Performance Aquarium Filter
• Multi-Stage Filter that produces healthy aquarium water, freshwater or marine aquariums
• Features Smart Pump Technology for optimal filter performance, efficiency and management
• Self-starting filter-just add water and plug in. Head height (maximum): 3. 3 m (10. 8 feet)
• For aquariums up to 400 gallons
• Multi-stage filter pumps out an astounding 925 gallons (3500 L) of water per hour
• Smart Pump – advanced microchip technology continuously monitors and optimizes pump performance
• Self-starting – just add water, plug in and Smart Pump will take over. Trapped air auto-evacuated every 12 hours to ensure maximum efficiency
• Easy water changes eliminate need to lift heavy buckets. Simply attach hosing to output (Kit sold separately) and Smart Pump does the rest
• Manufacture: Fluval
• Product Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 20 inches; 19.9 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The Fluval A219
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.9']
• Quality [star rating='3.8']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
• Affordability [star rating='5']

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated 5 Gallon Aquarium Filters

2. Penn-Plax Small World Aquarium Filter, Filter Kit, and Replacement Media Cartridges (Bio Sponge, Car...

User Ratings: 61 8

Penn-Plax SWF1 First Impressions

"The product itself."

I have had no issues with it being to loud. The Aqua Clear is on the left and the Aqueon is on the right. There must be a huge batch of these units at Amazon right now that are bad. With the 350's inexpensive price point, you can’t go wrong with this powerful filter. Never ever ever use it past a year. I contacted Marineland about my issue and they promptly sent me a new one right away! There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank!

• Penn-Plax Small World Aquarium Filter, Filter Kit, and Replacement Media Cartridges (Bio Sponge, Carbon, and Zeolite Crystals) – Safe for Freshwater and Saltwater Setups
• age range description: All Life Stages
• Helps keep your small aquarium healthy and looking beautiful
• Specifically designed for small aquariums up to 5 gallons
• Fits almost any small aquarium shape or size and is compatible with any air pump
• Helps keep your small aquarium healthy and looking beautiful
• Specifically designed for small aquariums up to 5 gallons
• Supercharged with scientifically formulated Carbon and Zeolite Crystals, the media cartridge absorbs ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates in a fast and timely manner, along with removing harmful chemicals and toxins, clearing up discolorations, and reducing foul odors from your aquarium, tank, or habitat.
• In addition to the Carbon and Zeolite Crystals, the included media cartridge also contains a Bio Sponge for physical filtration of larger particulate matter, and biological filtration that optimizes the colonization of anaerobic bacteria.
• Manufacture: Monster Pets
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 6 inches; 2.88 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax SWF1
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.6']
• Quality [star rating='4.7']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.6']
• Affordability [star rating='4.3']

3. hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter, Comes with 2 Spare Sponges, 1 Bag of Bio Ceramic Media Balls, ...

User Ratings: 74 3

hygger First Impressions

"Great product."

Overall I would recommend this item. I liked the clean lined look and the pull out basket. This new AQ50 filter has loose bio-media, i. I want to answer some of the complaints I've read. Months later, this filter is still working great on my 29 gal set up. My tank was a mess when I got this pump. I stopped the pump and I pulled it apart.

• hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter, Comes with 2 Spare Sponges, 1 Bag of Bio Ceramic Media Balls, Quiet Submersible Foam Filter for Fresh Water and Salt-Water Fish Tank
• 【Multi-filtration functions】this sponge aquarium filter combines bio-filtration, oxygenation and physical filtration in one and also makes small water flow, which can ensure the excellence of the water quality. Helps your small fish or shrimp to live a happy, healthy life
• 【Filter Demension】plus the sponge filter with media balls takes up no more room. Small filter is 6" in width and 9" to 13." in height, the sponge inside circle diameter is 0.39 inch, suggest for 10 to 40 gallon fish tank. Medium filter is 6.3" in width and 9' to 13 in height, the sponge inside circle diameter is 0.59 inch, suggest for 15 to 55 gallon fish tank. For larger tank you may need 2 of this filter
• 【Package Includes】1 double sponge filter with 2 containers +1 bag of ceramic media balls + 2 pare sponges (packed in the 2 containers). This aquarium filter must be used with an air pupm and a standard size 4mm air hose, please note pump and air hose are not included. Please choose a powerful enough air pump according to your fish tank size for this filter
• 【Removable Fine Sponges 】you can easy to take down the 2 sponges from the filter to clean or replace it, the 2 sponges are fine 60ppi not coarse, which means more surface area for beneficial bacteri to live on. Don't use tap water to clean it, just rinse or squeeze the sponges by using the aquarium water
• 【Easy to use】all the parts of this filter are detachable, you can easily to assemble them together, with 2 strong suction cups you can stick the filter firmly to any tank position under water, withouting floating. The water oulet tube can be extended and rotated, you can adjust the outlet to above or below the waterline
• With 2 strong suction cups to keep the filter stay in place.
• Filter parts are detachable, easy to install (image 5 show the steps).
• Comes with a bag of ceramic media balls.
• Manufacture: hygger
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.1 x 9 inches; 13.62 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The hygger
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
• Quality [star rating='4.8']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.5']
• Affordability [star rating='4.8']

4. SunSun Hw302 265GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit

User Ratings: 64 10

SunSun HW302PRO First Impressions

"No need to unplug."

It started out silent for about 30 mins and then it got super loud. I've been researching so many things on how to take care of them. This new AQ50 filter has loose bio-media, i. I was also having oxygen issues because of this. Basically, make sure everything that is suppose to spin, does so smoothly. This filter really does a good job. I had to cut the hood to make it work.

• SunSun Hw302 265GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit
• HW-302 Pro Filtration Kit, Good for up to 75 gallon aquariums
• Flow rate: 265 GPH (1000L/Hr)
• Dimension: 9" L X 9" W X 15.5" H
• Pro Kit Includes Canister Filter, 3 White Filter Pads and 3 Media Baskets
• Includes 1lb of Premium Filter Carbon, 1lb of Ceramic Rings and 1 Set of Bio Balls
• Manufacture: SunSun
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 18 inches; 12 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The SunSun HW302PRO
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
• Quality [star rating='4.5']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
• Affordability [star rating='5']

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling 5 Gallon Aquarium Filters

5. AQUANEAT 4 Pack Double Bio Sponge Filter, for Fry, Betta, Shrimp, Nano, Aquarium Fish Tank

User Ratings: 78 3

AQUANEAT SF-A010x4^^ First Impressions

"Great product."

Worst case is that the motor could burn out. Also price was very reasonable and shipping was fast. I'm a mechanical engineer and understand design. It wasn't producing much surface agitation. Oscars are very messy fish, especially during feeding. Works like a dream and can't even hear it! Following morning it was running quietly.

• AQUANEAT 4 Pack Double Bio Sponge Filter, for Fry, Betta, Shrimp, Nano, Aquarium Fish Tank
• Biochemical Filtration：Sponge filter provide both mechanical and biological filtration, also, the air infusion chamber produces minute bubbles which increase the oxygen solubility
• Easy to Set up & Clean: Simply install an airline into the unit and turn on the air pump; simply rinse and squeeze sponge in tank water
• Recommend Tank Size: Up to 55 gallon, excellent for small size fish like dwarf cichlid, guppy, killifish etc ; or for hatcheries, maternity tanks, and fry tanks, as the filter produces minimal current and has almost no way to suck the fish through the filter
• Dimension: 6.5”L x 2.4”W x 9.5”H
• Includes: sponge filter 4 pcs
• Manufacture: AQUANEAT

• Editor's Impressions Of The AQUANEAT SF-A010x4^^
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
• Quality [star rating='4.8']
• Value For Money [star rating='5']
• Affordability [star rating='4.5']

6. Sunsun HW302, HW303, HW304 3 Stage Aquarium Canister Filters

User Ratings: 63 13

SunSun 07100 First Impressions

"The product itself."

Lift the sticking wheel outuse a Q-tip to clean the slots where the wheel rests. I have contacted customer service to see if I can get a replacement unit. It started out silent for about 30 mins and then it got super loud. The first night I had the pump going it started making a screeching sound. LOW and BEHOLD, LMAO, I missed where you had to put water in the back of the filter. I put it together, reading instructions of course. I attempted to clean and lube the impeller, but to no avail.

• Sunsun HW302, HW303, HW304 3 Stage Aquarium Canister Filters
• Good for up to 75 gallon fish tanks
• Dimension: 9" L X 9" W X 15.5" H
• Flow rate: 265 GPH (1000L/hr.)
• 3 Media trays capable of handling your choice of filtration media
• Manufacture: Monster Pets
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 15 inches; 2.98 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The SunSun 07100
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4']
• Quality [star rating='3.5']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
• Affordability [star rating='4.2']

7. Polar Aurora 265GPH / 266GPH / 370GPH / 525GPH External Aquarium Filter with Builtin Pump Kit Canist...

User Ratings: 69 7

Polar Aurora First Impressions

"Works great."

I also like the fact that it is relatively low profile and discreet looking. This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. This lives up to the praise that people give it. The current is strong but you can adjust it with the midsection lever. DO NOT CLEAN OR WASH the paper wheel itself. I AM IMPRESSED THAT IT WORKS AS IT ACTUALLY SHOULD! I eyedball everything and put it together with a look back at instructions.

• Polar Aurora 265GPH / 266GPH / 370GPH / 525GPH External Aquarium Filter with Builtin Pump Kit Canister (266/370 / 525 GPH with Light)
• Good for up to 75 gallon fish tanks SunSun parts can be applied Flow rate: 264 GPH (1000L/hr) Pump Power: 18W Hose size: 3/4" Max-H: 4.6 feet
• 3 media trays capable of handling your choice of filtration media; Comes with an adjustable spray bar. This is a helpful feature if you want to adjust the output flow from the filter. No Light!!!
• Convenient self-priming pump that eliminates the need for manual siphoning; Single valve disconnect & priming pump ease routine maintenance
• Canister filters for aquariums use high water pressure, from a properly powered pump, to force water through the dense filter media. A pump can draw water from an under-gravel filter, and run it into a canister for double filtration
• The three flexible media trays allow you to add other filtration media such as SunSun's activated carbons, ceramic rings or bio-balls to achieve excellent mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.
• 3 stages of filtration
• 110-120V 50-60Hz
• Max height: 4.6 feet
• Manufacture: Polar Aurora
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 16 inches; 11.75 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The Polar Aurora
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.8']
• Quality [star rating='3.8']
• Value For Money [star rating='5']
• Affordability [star rating='4.8']

8. Koller Products TOM Aquarium Internal Power Filter (45 GPH Flow Rate)

User Ratings: 54 9

Koller Products TM1250 First Impressions

"I only used one."

Also price was very reasonable and shipping was fast. This lives up to the praise that people give it. I was new to the hobby and didn't realize that Tetras were inferior filters. You can't really tell though, and the filter is working great. With the 350's inexpensive price point, you can’t go wrong with this powerful filter. I took it apart reassemble it and it's not pumping in the water. Also the maker should review the pump design.

• Koller Products TOM Aquarium Internal Power Filter (45 GPH Flow Rate)
• Internal power filter with adjustable flow rate (10 to 45 gallons per hour)
• Compact size fits easily in small aquariums, ideal for tanks 1-Gallon to 10-Gallons
• Silent, powerful filtration keeps tank crystal Clear and fish healthy
• Mounts securely onto Aquarium with strong suction cups
• age range description: All Life Stages
• Manufacture: Tom (Tominaga/Oscar)
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 8 inches; 11.2 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The Koller Products TM1250
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.7']
• Quality [star rating='3.9']
• Value For Money [star rating='3']
• Affordability [star rating='3']

9. AQUA-TECH Power Aquarium Filter, 5 to 15-Gallon Aquariums

User Ratings: 61 15

AQUA-TECH ML90737-00 First Impressions

"Definitely a good buy."

I bought a top fin 55 gallon aquarium on sale. I also don't like how short the intake tube is. I own 3 of these and besides my canister they are my favorite filters. Really happy with the money I was able to save. In the afternoon the noises started again. I've think I've had had six of them. I have the topfin 29 gallon tank and used the HOB filter it came with.

• AQUA-TECH Power Aquarium Filter, 5 to 15-Gallon Aquariums
• For 5 to 15 gallon aquariums
• Two year warranty
• Advanced 3 step filtration
• Comes with one AQUA-Tech EZ-Change #1 Filter Cartridge
• Traps dirt, removes impurities and offers maximum water to carbon contact
• Manufacture: Aqua-Tech
• Product Dimensions: 4.88 x 5.19 x 7.63 inches; 1.25 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The AQUA-TECH ML90737-00
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.1']
• Quality [star rating='4.9']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.8']
• Affordability [star rating='3.8']

10. hygger Super Mini Aquarium Single Sponge Filter, Comes with 1 Spare Sponge, Quiet Submersible Foam F...

User Ratings: 55 9

hygger First Impressions

"I bought this filter."

I had originally got one for my 75 Gallon tank housing an Oscar. SO I decided to order this for my 29 gallon tank. Works like a dream and can't even hear it! It wasn't producing much surface agitation. This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. This filter has is a very simple and efficient design.

• hygger Super Mini Aquarium Single Sponge Filter, Comes with 1 Spare Sponge, Quiet Submersible Foam Filter for Small Fish Tank 0.5-5 Gallon
• 【Multi-filtration functions】this mini sponge aquarium filter combines bio-filtration, oxygenation and physical filtration in one and also makes small water flow, which can ensure the excellence of the water quality. Helps your small fish or shrimp to live a happy, healthy life
• 【Super Mini Filter Demension 】this single sponge filter is super mini size, takes up a little room, perfect for use in 0.5-5 gallon fish tank bowls. This mini sponge filter is 3.5" in width and 3" in height, the sponge inside circle diameter is 0.59 inch
• 【Package Includes】1 single mini sponge filter + 1 spare sponge+ 1 suction cup are included in a pack. This aquarium filter must be used with an mini air pupm and a standard size 4mm air hose, please note pump and air hose, media balls are not included. Please choose an air pump according to your fish tank size for this filter
• 【Removable Fine Sponges 】you can easy to take down the sponge from the filter to clean or replace it, the sponge is fine not coarse, which means more surface area for beneficial bacteri to live on. Don't use tap water to clean it, just rinse or squeeze the sponges by using the aquarium water
• 【Easy to use】all the parts of this filter are detachable, you can easily to assemble them together, with 1 strong suction cup you can stick the filter firmly to any tank position under water, withouting floating.
• Manufacture: hygger

• Editor's Impressions Of The hygger
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.5']
• Quality [star rating='3.7']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
• Affordability [star rating='4.2']