Editor's Choice - Our Favorite 60 Gallon Aquarium Filters

1. Aqua-Tech Power Aquarium Filter, 30 to 60-Gallon Aquariums

User Ratings: 76 5

AQUA-TECH ML90740-00 First Impressions

"Not ideal but it works."

Marineland bio pumps have been around forever. Fill it up with water before you plug it in. Months later, this filter is still working great on my 29 gal set up. SO, I sat down and read EVERY little thing in rhe instructions. Clean the foam insert apparently it pulled a lot of dirt and needs cleaned. They are easily found from mom-n-pop pet stores to large chain stores. Overall I would recommend this item.

• Aqua-Tech Power Aquarium Filter, 30 to 60-Gallon Aquariums
• For 30 to 60 gallon aquariums
• Two year warranty
• Advanced 3 step filtration
• Comes with one AQUA-Tech EZ-Change #3 Filter Cartridge
• Traps dirt, removes impurities and offers maximum water to carbon contact
• Manufacture: Aqua-Tech
• Product Dimensions: 6.19 x 14.31 x 7.81 inches; 2.78 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The AQUA-TECH ML90740-00
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
• Quality [star rating='4.6']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.5']
• Affordability [star rating='4.3']

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated 60 Gallon Aquarium Filters

2. Penn-Plax 610 Cascade Corner Filter

User Ratings: 62 8

Penn-Plax 07194 First Impressions

"A THUMBS UP."

I checked and cleaned it and still just as loud. As for performance, I couldn't ask for a better filter. Now I'm having the same issue with the Aqua Clear 50. You CAN rinse the old ones in an emergency. If that does not work, look into silicone grease so you can lube the impeller. Of course the sound all depends on how much water is in the aquarium. I'd highly recommend not replacing the bio material& sponge, ever.

• Penn-Plax 610 Cascade Corner Filter
• Space saving corner design
• Fully submersible filter quietly delivers 160 gallons per hour of crystal clear water for your fresh or marine aquarium up to 50 gallons in size
• Spray bar option allows you to distribute water evenly helping aerate your tank
• Can be placed horizontally and is easily hidden
• Manufacture: Penn Plax
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 12 inches; 2 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax 07194
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.9']
• Quality [star rating='3.4']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.2']
• Affordability [star rating='3.7']

3. Powkoo Aquarium Sponge Filter Corner Filter Sponge Bio Filter Shrimp Fry Fish Tank Filter

User Ratings: 66 6

Powkoo First Impressions

"If anyone knows turtles."

Marineland bio pumps have been around forever. It wasn't producing much surface agitation. Works like a dream and can't even hear it! Early on it seems to be working as advertised. It wasn't producing much surface agitation. This filter has is a very simple and efficient design. I was worried that it might be too much for my aquarium or that it would be loud.

• Powkoo Aquarium Sponge Filter Corner Filter Sponge Bio Filter Shrimp Fry Fish Tank Filter
• 9 Layers corner sponge filter -- provide excellent both mechanical and biological filtration, air powered, works great without noise, keep your fish tank crystal clear and clean
• High density porous 60ppi sponges, unique ribbing shape sponge design, more surface, traps floating debris and fine particles, provides ideal location for bacterial colonization, the wedge shape as it fits prefect in the corners of your tanks and doesn't take up much space
• Easy to set up: operated by an air pump to create numerous minute bubbles to increase dissolved oxygen content, comes with an internal air stone so the bubbles are smaller & more efficient
• Easy to clean: simply rinse and squeeze sponge in used tank water, recommend to clean the sponge once one month. Tips: squeeze out the air in the sponge when you put it underwater, then it will suck into water and keep down at the bottom
• 【Fits fish tank size: 20 to 60 gallon】The exhaust pipe height and nozzle is adjustable. Great bio sponge filter for bettas, angelfish, fry, goldfish, baby fish, shrimp, small fish, breeding tank.
• Manufacture: Powkoo
• Product Dimensions: 5.91 x 4.43 x 14.76 inches; 15.52 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The Powkoo
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
• Quality [star rating='3.4']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.3']
• Affordability [star rating='3.9']

4. Powkoo Aquarium Filter Sponge Filter Media Fish Tank Shrimp Betta Fry Bio Filter with 2 Media Chambe...

User Ratings: 60 7

Powkoo First Impressions

"Disappointing."

I can hear it 3 rooms away grinding away. SO, I sat down and read EVERY little thing in rhe instructions. I will never buy any other HOB no matter what deal they might be offering. It doesn't rise up hugely above the tank like a lot of HOB filters. I've think I've had had six of them. I'm currently in the process of receiving another replacement on that model. I ordered 4 of these, for different tanks of course.

• Powkoo Aquarium Filter Sponge Filter Media Fish Tank Shrimp Betta Fry Bio Filter with 2 Media Chambers
• Sponge filters provide both mechanical and biological filtration - traps floating debris and protect your baby fish from being sucked up into the filter, aerobic bacteria colonize the sponge providing a bacterial substance to facilitate the nitrogen cycle
• Double 7-layer ribbing shape sponges design, it quickly established a bio-filter and extra oxygen, high density porous 60ppi fine sponges means more surface area for beneficial bacterial to colonize and faster cycling, keep your fish tank crystal clear and clean
• It has two media chambers with ceramic bio filter media inside of each, will help to remove harmful substance and increase oxygen level in your tank, you can replace the filter media to enhance water quality.
• Easy to set up: simply install an airline into the unit and turn on the air pump, great way to clean and oxygenate your tanks; Easy to clean: simply squeeze the sponges in tank water.
• 【Fits fish tank size: 10 to 60 gallon】Easy to use: comes with 2 suction cups, can be installed anywhere and can be easily hidden on the back wall of the aquarium; suitable for shrimp tank, betta tank, breeder tanks, goldfish, discus, guppies, fry, baby fish or other fish.
• Manufacture: Powkoo

• Editor's Impressions Of The Powkoo
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.8']
• Quality [star rating='4.9']
• Value For Money [star rating='5']
• Affordability [star rating='5']

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling 60 Gallon Aquarium Filters

5. AquaTop 211 GPH AF200 Auto-Priming Canister Filter with UV

User Ratings: 50 22

AquaTop AF-200 First Impressions

"Seriously."

Basically, make sure everything that is suppose to spin, does so smoothly. Overall, I'm very happy with this filter. I can take apart a car engine and put it back together. This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. SO I decided to order this for my 29 gallon tank. There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank! The ability to regulate the flow solves the loud waterfall problem.

• AquaTop 211 GPH AF200 Auto-Priming Canister Filter with UV
• Advanced Multi-stage filtration system + UV
• Suitable for tanks up to 60 Gallons
• Includes Mechanical, Biological, and Chemical Filtration
• Manufacture: Aquatop, Inc.
• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 8 x 8 inches; 10 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The AquaTop AF-200
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.1']
• Quality [star rating='2.4']
• Value For Money [star rating='2.9']
• Affordability [star rating='2.5']

6. Huijukon Double Sponge Filter Aquarium Fish Tank Filter Bio Media Filter with 2 Genuine Spare Sponge...

User Ratings: 50

Huijukon First Impressions

"Just a low hum."

I've looked at so many filters and reviews. The filter stopped working all of a sudden. Therefore, you wouldnt have 2 filters running. Lift the sticking wheel outuse a Q-tip to clean the slots where the wheel rests. There must be a huge batch of these units at Amazon right now that are bad. Also the maker should review the pump design. However, lately I've purchased the Aqua Clear 70 and 50.

• Huijukon Double Sponge Filter Aquarium Fish Tank Filter Bio Media Filter with 2 Genuine Spare Sponges
• Air powered sponge filter, comes with two media chambers where additional biological media can be added, both filtration and aeration in one solution, great flow, improve water quality and keeps water well oxygenated, works great without noise【Fits fish tank size: 15 to 60 gallon】
• Sponge filters provide both mechanical and biological filtration - traps floating debris and fine particles, protect your baby fish from being sucked up into the filter, aerobic bacteria colonize the sponge providing a bacterial substance to facilitate the nitrogen cycle, suitable for both freshwater and saltwater filters
• Double 9-layer ribbed sponges design, below comes with bio media, very porous ceramic rings that are great for housing bacteria, highly porous structure allows beneficial bacteria to develop quickly, you can replace this ceramic rings or mixed with other medias you like, 2 high density porous filter sponges(80ppi) mean more surface area for beneficial bacterial colonization and faster cycling, keep your fish tank crystal clear and clean
• Easy to setup: simply install an airline into the unit and turn on the air pump, great way to clean and oxygenate your tanks; Easy to clean: simply take out the sponges, rinse and squeeze them in tank water, remember to clean the sponges weekly and replace regularly
• Easy to use: save room, comes with 2 suction cups, can be installed anywhere under water and easy to hide behind plants and decor, never floating, air-water outlet is adjustable so you can change direction and height of the water flow; great solution for shrimp tank, betta tank, breeder tank, nano tank, turtle tank, hospital tank, goldfish, axolotls, guppies, fry, baby fish.
• Manufacture: Huijukon

• Editor's Impressions Of The Huijukon
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.7']
• Quality [star rating='2.5']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
• Affordability [star rating='3.2']

7. AQUA-TECH Ultra Quiet Power Filter, for Aquariums 30-60 Gallons

AQUA-TECH AQ-78266WM First Impressions

"Added 3 baby turtles."

In the afternoon the noises started again. I was using a Tetra in-tank filter previously. I used to work as a marine biologist for a major state aquarium. All in all, I highly recommend this filter and I'm a extremely happy customer! I plan to cycle this new AC 50 on a separate tank and then xfer it to the 20 gallon. I have the topfin 29 gallon tank and used the HOB filter it came with. It wasn't producing much surface agitation.

• AQUA-TECH Ultra Quiet Power Filter, for Aquariums 30-60 Gallons
• includes cartridge: the molded ribbed back maximizes contact with water – includes premium activated carbon.
• biological filtration: bio-foam biological filtration removes toxic ammonia and nitrites on contact.
• quiet: decoupled motor with dampeners reduces noise to below 40 db.
• powerful: impeller and motor assembly designed for efficient power usage filters 30- to 60-gallon aquariums 6 times per hour.
• sleek design: designed to fit standard aquarium hoods and canopies, the aqua-tech ultra quiet power filter makes aquatic filtration easy.
• Age range description: All Life Stages
• Manufacture: Spectrum Brands Pet

• Editor's Impressions Of The AQUA-TECH AQ-78266WM
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.7']
• Quality [star rating='4.6']
• Value For Money [star rating='5']
• Affordability [star rating='4.5']

Here Are Some Other Related Aquarium Filters

8. CNZ 7" Holder for Aquarium Reef Tank Sock Filter Bag

User Ratings: 56 10

CNZ CNZSFH7 First Impressions

"And it is so quiet."

What I don't like is how much smaller it is than the Aqueon. I decided to go with this filter since I had a positive experience previously. Overall, I like the 350's slim back design, and be able to add up to 4 cartridges. A canister or in tank filter is ten times more work and messy. Worst case is that the motor could burn out. It sounds like a Big Air pump buzzing. You do have to unplug it for those two jobs.

• CNZ 7" Holder for Aquarium Reef Tank Sock Filter Bag
• Easy-to-install filter bag holder for any sump filtration system
• enhances mechanical filtration
• Can be use on acrylic or glass tank
• Fit up to 3/4 inch of the thickness of tank glass
• Package includes: 1x 7" holder, 2 durable plastic screws
• Manufacture: CNZ
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 2 inches; 11.64 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The CNZ CNZSFH7
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.1']
• Quality [star rating='4.9']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
• Affordability [star rating='3.5']

9. Hagen 15-Pack Marina Slim Aquarium Water Filter with Zeolite Plus Ceramic Cartridge

User Ratings: 77 2

Hagen 33194 First Impressions

"This is not."

The bacteria eats the nitrates in the water to help keep it clean. Lift the sticking wheel outuse a Q-tip to clean the slots where the wheel rests. As for performance, I couldn't ask for a better filter. Firstly, I'd recommend taking the motor apart and putting it back together. Fill it up with water before you plug it in. This one is working perfectly good FOR RIGHT NOW. I will never buy any other HOB no matter what deal they might be offering.

• Hagen 15-Pack Marina Slim Aquarium Water Filter with Zeolite Plus Ceramic Cartridge
• 15 Count Bio Clear Cartridges for Slim Filters
• Best for goldfish and ideal for start-up fish tanks
• Zeolite effectively adsorbs toxic ammonia and reduces stress on fish
• Ceramitek, a highly porous ceramic biological filter medium, optimizes biological filtration
• Genuine replacement filter cartridges for all 3 Marina Slim Aquarium Filter Models (S10, S15, S20)
• Manufacture: Monster Pets
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 10 inches; 12 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The Hagen 33194
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.1']
• Quality [star rating='5']
• Value For Money [star rating='5']
• Affordability [star rating='4.4']

10. Tetra Whisper Power Filter for Aquariums, 3 Filters in 1

User Ratings: 69 6

Tetra 25774 First Impressions

"That also didn't work."

Overall, I like the 350's slim back design, and be able to add up to 4 cartridges. I bought a top fin 55 gallon aquarium on sale. I was worried that it might be too much for my aquarium or that it would be loud. Your fish and you will be much happier and stun everyone else. Clean the foam insert apparently it pulled a lot of dirt and needs cleaned. You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. I stopped the pump and I pulled it apart.

• Tetra Whisper Power Filter for Aquariums, 3 Filters in 1
• Whisper 40 Power Filter
• Manufacture: Tetra
• Product Dimensions: 5.38 x 8 x 7.9 inches; 1.7 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The Tetra 25774
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
• Quality [star rating='4.7']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
• Affordability [star rating='4.8']