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']

AQUA-TECH ML90740-00 Final Thoughts

"One piece of advice."

If that does not work, look into silicone grease so you can lube the impeller. The instructions are a bit to much for me. I've think I've had had six of them. I used a small pair of pliers and carefully got the pebbles out. I attempted to clean and lube the impeller, but to no avail. Early on it seems to be working as advertised. This is a well designed unit and a lot of bang for the buck.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(1384 Points)

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']

Penn-Plax 07194 Final Thoughts

"Seriously."

The current is strong but you can adjust it with the midsection lever. This new AQ50 filter has loose bio-media, i. SO, I sat down and read EVERY little thing in rhe instructions. I used to have a 37 gallon eclipse aquarium. MAKE SURE YOU PUT WATER IN THE BACK OF THE FILTER! The lever on the bottom helps even the filter out. This is a good choice if you're tired of cleaning your turtle tank all the time.

Overall Score
4.2

[star rating="4.2"]
(233 Points)

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']

Powkoo Final Thoughts

"Not ideal but it works."

LOW and BEHOLD, LMAO, I missed where you had to put water in the back of the filter. They were great to deal with and the new filter is working great! A canister or in tank filter is ten times more work and messy. I still have my original wheels on the year old 350 with no issues whatsoever. The Aqua Clear is on the left and the Aqueon is on the right. Early on it seems to be working as advertised. My baby turtle even loves it so much he won't let go.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(59 Points)

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']

Powkoo Final Thoughts

"It's priced awesome!"

Worst case is that the motor could burn out. This one is working perfectly good FOR RIGHT NOW. There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank! My old pump was not working very well so I had to make a major clean up. Works like a dream and can't even hear it! If that does not work, look into silicone grease so you can lube the impeller. Overall, I'm very happy with this filter.

Overall Score
4.2

[star rating="4.2"]
(15 Points)

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']

AquaTop AF-200 Final Thoughts

"Expensive."

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. You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. I plan to cycle this new AC 50 on a separate tank and then xfer it to the 20 gallon. Lift the sticking wheel outuse a Q-tip to clean the slots where the wheel rests. My baby turtle even loves it so much he won't let go. I'm currently in the process of receiving another replacement on that model.

Overall Score
3.4

[star rating="3.4"]
(9 Points)

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']

Huijukon Final Thoughts

"Suuuuupppeeerrrr Quiet."

I was worried that it might be too much for my aquarium or that it would be loud. The current is strong but you can adjust it with the midsection lever. Get it and take heed to what I wrote. I have always used Marineland filters and been happy with them and their quality. Overall, I like the 350's slim back design, and be able to add up to 4 cartridges. I used a small pair of pliers and carefully got the pebbles out. Fill up the media slot with water until it's full.

Overall Score
3.5

[star rating="3.5"]
(2 Points)

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']

AQUA-TECH AQ-78266WM Final Thoughts

"No issues."

This new AQ50 filter has loose bio-media, i. I was using a Tetra in-tank filter previously. I was worried that it might be too much for my aquarium or that it would be loud. I'd highly recommend not replacing the bio material& sponge, ever. Overall, I like the 350's slim back design, and be able to add up to 4 cartridges. You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. Clean the foam insert apparently it pulled a lot of dirt and needs cleaned.

Overall Score
5.0

[star rating="5"]
(2 Points)

8. Powkoo Aquairum Fish Tank Corner Sponge Filter Mini Sponge Filter,Tank Size: 10 Gallon

User Ratings: 74 4

Powkoo First Impressions

"One piece of advice."

I ordered 4 of these, for different tanks of course. Also price was very reasonable and shipping was fast. Once I found that, the world was right again. Replace activated carbon every 6-8 months ish. I contacted Marineland about my issue and they promptly sent me a new one right away! I stopped the pump and I pulled it apart. The filter arrived within 2 days and was the exact same as Petsmart's.

  • Powkoo Aquairum Fish Tank Corner Sponge Filter Mini Sponge Filter,Tank Size: 10 Gallon
  • 4-layer corner sponge filter -- provide excellent both mechanical and biological filtration, air powered, works great without noise, keep your fish tank crystal clear and clean【Fit fish tank size: 1 to 10 gallon】
  • High density porous 60ppi fine sponge, unique fan-shaped ribbing sponges, traps floating debris and fine particles, increase oxygen, provides ideal location for beneficial nitrifying bacteria to colonize
  • Easy to setup: connect the tube to the air pump and connect it to the filter, plug it in, it works, provide both aeration and filtration for your fish. 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
  • Easy to clean: simply rinse and squeeze sponge in used tank water, recommend to replace bio sponge every 6 months to ensure filtration effect and growth of nitrifying bacteria
  • Corner shape fits well in any corner, little sponge filter doesn't take up too much room, great bio sponge filter for betta tank, angelfish, fry, goldfish, baby fish, shrimp, small fish, breeding tank. can be used as pre-filtration unit by fitting to an external or a top filter
  • Manufacture: HJK
  • Product Dimensions: 3.15 x 2.17 x 4.72 inches; 2.88 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Powkoo
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.6']
  • Quality [star rating='3.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.6']

Powkoo Final Thoughts

"No effect."

You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. , that's what makes this so funny. I have 4 other AquaClear filters and like them. I have had no issues with it being to loud. I've looked at so many filters and reviews. Replace activated carbon every 6-8 months ish. Therefore, you wouldnt have 2 filters running.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(389 Points)

9. JOR Neon Tetra Sponge Filter, Underwater Center Aquarium Filter 10-Gallon, Works for Tropical Fish &...

User Ratings: 43

JOR First Impressions

"No big deal."

There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank! SO I decided to order this for my 29 gallon tank. With the 350's inexpensive price point, you can’t go wrong with this powerful filter. The first night I had the pump going it started making a screeching sound. Overall I would recommend this item. My fish are definitely happier and my water is crystal clear. Clean the foam insert apparently it pulled a lot of dirt and needs cleaned.

  • JOR Neon Tetra Sponge Filter, Underwater Center Aquarium Filter 10-Gallon, Works for Tropical Fish & Breeder Aquarium, Slow Current, Perfect for Betta & Small Fish, Must-Have for Aquarist
  • SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR NEON TETRA, GUPPY & MOLLY FISH --- Neon Tetra, Guppy, Molly, Betta and other small fish will NEVER get stuck up into our filter. These fish, especially Neon Tetra, generally don’t like vigorous currents, they prefer calm and steady water. Our filter is designed to have slow current to easily let Neon Tetra, Molly, dwarf cichlids, Betta, Guppies, and krill fish, continue breeding and spawning comfortably.
  • REPLACE THE TRADITIONAL HOB, CANISTER FILTERS --- Gone are the days when you got to change the cartridges and filter media almost every week. The handy filter by Jor will do the same job economically and quickly.
  • PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD FOR FRY --- The minor bubbles that are created by this sponge filter creates a nominal current, adding in bubbling water. This will encourage them to continue breeding and spawning comfortably. Also, the sponge filter acts as a site for fish food supplementing their daily dose of diet or food intake.
  • PERFECT FOR UP TO 10.5 GALLON TANK WHEN USED SINGLY --- It only requires an air pump and airline tubing (sold separately) to work. These create numerous minute bubbles for increased oxygen flow. Simply connect an air pump to the top-center of the filter, then place it in your tank. Please note, the base of this quiet filter is not weighted, so you may need to weigh it down. It is suitable for tanks up to size 10.5 gallons. Use 2 or more filters in larger tanks.
  • EASY TO WASH & REUSE --- This low-cost sponge filter can be used multiple times. Instead of tap water, use water from the tank to maintain it, during a water change. Simply rinse and squeeze a few times, until you see the water run clear from the sponge.
  • Manufacture: JOR
  • Editor's Impressions Of The JOR
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.6']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.1']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.9']

JOR Final Thoughts

"I was to tire to fix it."

There must be a huge batch of these units at Amazon right now that are bad. I wasn't able to fill my tank fully because there was little to no surface agitation. I sent a request for replacement and one came the next day. Overall I would recommend this item. I used a small pair of pliers and carefully got the pebbles out. I have had no issues with it being to loud. This one is working perfectly good FOR RIGHT NOW.

Overall Score
4.0

[star rating="4"]
(3 Points)

10. JOR Shrimp Filter, Underwater Center Aquarium Filter, Perfect for Shrimp & Crayfish, Works for Tropi...

User Ratings: 65 17

JOR First Impressions

"It was an Awesome filter!"

I have had no issues with it being to loud. I was worried about some of the negative reviews. This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. All in all, I highly recommend this filter and I'm a extremely happy customer! This is a good choice if you're tired of cleaning your turtle tank all the time. This is a good choice if you're tired of cleaning your turtle tank all the time. It's easy to clean and we all know about easy.

  • JOR Shrimp Filter, Underwater Center Aquarium Filter, Perfect for Shrimp & Crayfish, Works for Tropical Fish & Breeder Aquarium, Must-Have for Aquarium Hobbyist, 10-Gallon
  • REPLACE THE TRADITIONAL H-O-B, CANISTER FILTERS --- Gone are the days when you got to change the cartridges and filter media almost every week. The handy filter by Jor will do the same job economically and quickly.
  • PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD FOR SHRIMP --- The minor bubbles that are created by our sponge filter creates a nominal current, adding in bubbling water. This will encourage them to continue breeding and spawning comfortably. Also, the sponge filter makes a home for Shrimp food supplementing their daily dose of diet or food intake.
  • GREAT DESIGN FOR CRYSTAL RED, AMANO, CRAYFISH, CHERRY RED, GHOST SHRIMP --- Shrimps, Crayfish and other small fish will NEVER get stuck up into the filter. These fish, especially Shrimp, generally don’t like vigorous currents, they prefer calm and steady water. This filter is designed to have slow current to easily let Crystal red, Amano, Crayfish, Cherry red, & Ghost Shrimp, continue breeding and spawning comfortably.
  • PERFECT FOR UP TO 10.5 GALLON TANK WHEN USED SINGLY --- It only requires an air pump and airline tubing (sold separately) to work. These create numerous minute bubbles for increased oxygen flow. Simply connect an air pump to the top-center of the filter, then place it in your tank. Please note, the base of this noiseless filter is not weighted, so you may need to weigh it down. It is suitable for tanks up to size 10.5 gallons. Use 2 or more filters in larger tanks.
  • EASY TO WASH & REUSE --- This low-cost sponge filter can be used multiple times. Instead of tap water, use water from the tank during a water change. Simply rinse and squeeze a few times, until you see the water run clear from the sponge.
  • Manufacture: JOR
  • Editor's Impressions Of The JOR
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='3.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.1']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.2']

JOR Final Thoughts

"No issues."

It started out silent for about 30 mins and then it got super loud. Doing research I learned that if I add more filter media, the noise will subside. Doing research I learned that if I add more filter media, the noise will subside. Really happy with the money I was able to save. The current is strong but you can adjust it with the midsection lever. There must be a huge batch of these units at Amazon right now that are bad. However, lately I've purchased the Aqua Clear 70 and 50.

Overall Score
4.1

[star rating="4.1"]
(7 Points)

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