Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Think Crucial Aquarium Filters

1. Think Crucial Aquarium Filter Replacement Parts - Compatible with Aqua-Tech EZ-Change 3 Aquarium Fil...

User Ratings: 70 5

Think Crucial 20-40 Power Filters, 30-60 Power Filters First Impressions

"Canisters don't."

I will never buy any other HOB no matter what deal they might be offering. They are easily found from mom-n-pop pet stores to large chain stores. You do have to unplug it for those two jobs. If that does not work, look into silicone grease so you can lube the impeller. One thing I think is worth mentioning is the need to prime the filter. Of course the sound all depends on how much water is in the aquarium. I will never buy any other HOB no matter what deal they might be offering.

  • Think Crucial Aquarium Filter Replacement Parts - Compatible with Aqua-Tech EZ-Change 3 Aquarium Filter - Fits Aqua-Tech 20-40 and 30-60 Power Filters
  • 4 PACK OF AQUARIUM FILTER REPLACEMENTS COMPATIBLE WITH AQUA-TECH EZ-CHANGE 3 AQUARIUM FILTER. Filters are essential for premium aquarium air quality and cleaner air. They trap fine dust particles and allergens, preventing them from recirculating. Helps keep your tank free of dust, with frequent filter replacement.
  • CLEAN AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Replacing Aqua-Tech filters should help clean with premium filtration for healthier fish. The aquarium filter screens out dirt and debris. The molded ribbed back has maximum water-to-carbon contact. The filter removes odors, discolorations, and impurities. Change the used filter monthly. Ensure elimination of toxic ammonia and nitrite while avoiding clogging.
  • SIMPLE AND EASY TO INSTALL: Switch out in less than five (5) minutes, providing time efficiency. Our aquarium filter measures 4.5" X 6" X 6.5" inches. Get back to daily activity quickly and make a big difference with filtration in the process. Simply remove the older and dirty filter and replace. It fits well with Aqua-Tech aquarium filter cartridge. Enjoy a clean, fresh, aquarium for healthier fish by using premium, heavy duty equipment, filters and clean water.
  • LONG LASTING REPLACEMENT AQUARIUM FILTER: The aquarium filter is washable and reusable ensuring long life. Replace the Aqua-Tech filter every 2 to 4 weeks for optimal performance or ten (10) to twelve (12) times per year depending upon usage. When a clogged or dirty, it can cause the aquarium to work harder and impact utility bills. We deliver high quality, durable and long lasting replacements. Aquarium filters are extremely important for your AquaTech filtration system.
  • THINK CRUCIAL manufactures premium quality air filters, purifier parts and stands behind the quality and workmanship of all our products. We maintain a thorough quality control process to ensure compatibility with the Aqua-Tech models listed above.
  • Manufacture: Think Crucial
  • Product Dimensions: 0.98 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches; 7.2 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Think Crucial 20-40 Power Filters, 30-60 Power Filters
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Think Crucial 20-40 Power Filters, 30-60 Power Filters Final Thoughts

"Its AMAZING."

This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. I've think I've had had six of them. First they are simple and designed to pump and filter aquarium water. I can take apart a car engine and put it back together. I want to answer some of the complaints I've read. You do have to unplug it for those two jobs. My tank is nice and clear and my fish are much happier.

Overall Score
4.4

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

2. Polar Aurora Free Media 265GPH / 370GPH / 525GPH External Aquarium Filter with Builtin Pump Kit Cani...

User Ratings: 69 5

Polar Aurora First Impressions

"A very obvious waterfall."

The filter stopped working all of a sudden. Early on it seems to be working as advertised. Following morning it was running quietly. Replace activated carbon every 6-8 months ish. I checked and cleaned it and still just as loud. I had to lower the surface by 3 inches to get sufficient agitation. There must be a huge batch of these units at Amazon right now that are bad.

  • Polar Aurora Free Media 265GPH / 370GPH / 525GPH External Aquarium Filter with Builtin Pump Kit Canister
  • Good for up to 200 gallon fish tanks.Maximum flow rate of 525GPH from built in pump
  • 4 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
  • Convenient self-priming pump that eliminates the need for manual siphoning; Single valve disconnect & priming pump ease routine maintenance
  • Built in 9 Watt Light for controlling algae spores/bacteria and promoting clear water
  • The four 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.
  • 4 stages of filtration
  • 9w powered
  • 110-120V 50-60Hz
  • Manufacture: Polar Aurora
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Polar Aurora
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.3']

Polar Aurora Final Thoughts

"This is not."

Months later, this filter is still working great on my 29 gal set up. I had to lower the surface by 3 inches to get sufficient agitation. My baby turtle even loves it so much he won't let go. This new AQ50 filter has loose bio-media, i. My tank was a mess when I got this pump. I bought a top fin 55 gallon aquarium on sale. It's easy to clean and we all know about easy.

Overall Score
4.4

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

3. SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 75 Gallon (300 Liters) by Sicce

User Ratings: 67 7

Seachem 67106501 First Impressions

"It works great."

Once I found that, the world was right again. I attempted to clean and lube the impeller, but to no avail. I've think I've had had six of them. You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. This filter really does a good job. I'm a mechanical engineer and understand design. My box came in good condition, parts where in tact and new.

  • SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 75 Gallon (300 Liters) by Sicce
  • Manufacture: Deepwater Aquatics Distribution
  • Product Dimensions: 15 x 6 x 15 inches; 2.2 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Seachem 67106501
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.3']
  • Quality [star rating='3.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Seachem 67106501 Final Thoughts

"Kudos to Amazon prime!"

A canister or in tank filter is ten times more work and messy. I have the topfin 29 gallon tank and used the HOB filter it came with. Following morning it was running quietly. I was also having oxygen issues because of this. I'm a mechanical engineer and understand design. I was also having oxygen issues because of this. It's easy to clean and we all know about easy.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(307 Points)

4. REEF Red Sea SPEC Carbon - Aquarium Filter Media

User Ratings: 83 4

Reef 37420 First Impressions

"Best to you all!"

Worst case is that the motor could burn out. I use Marinelands refillable cartridge for extra carbon on the extra slots. 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! One thing I think is worth mentioning is the need to prime the filter. The instructions are a bit to much for me. It sounds like a Big Air pump buzzing.

  • REEF Red Sea SPEC Carbon - Aquarium Filter Media
  • Rapid removal of organic pollutants
  • High total adsorption capacity
  • Ultra-low phosphate output, ultra-low ash content
  • Suitable for marine & freshwater
  • Filter bag included.
  • Age range description: All Stages
  • Manufacture: Red Sea
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 inches; 1.5 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Reef 37420
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.7']
  • Quality [star rating='4.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Reef 37420 Final Thoughts

"Piece of cake!"

I ordered 4 of these, for different tanks of course. Fill up the media slot with water until it's full. I checked and cleaned it and still just as loud. MAKE SURE YOU PUT WATER IN THE BACK OF THE FILTER! I returned the Aqua Clear 70 and promptly received a replacement. My tank was a mess when I got this pump. Overall, I like the 350's slim back design, and be able to add up to 4 cartridges.

Overall Score
4.7

[star rating="4.7"]
(155 Points)

5. Saim Aquarium Mini Filter Activated Carbon Fish Tank Pneumatic Filter with 6.56 Feet Airline Tubing ...

User Ratings: 58

Saim B0000000123 First Impressions

"No issues."

I thought that U had put it together wrong so I took it all apart and started over. This new AQ50 filter has loose bio-media, i. I had to lower the surface by 3 inches to get sufficient agitation. , that's what makes this so funny. I AM IMPRESSED THAT IT WORKS AS IT ACTUALLY SHOULD! It doesn't rise up hugely above the tank like a lot of HOB filters. They were great to deal with and the new filter is working great!

  • Saim Aquarium Mini Filter Activated Carbon Fish Tank Pneumatic Filter with 6.56 Feet Airline Tubing 1 Pcs
  • Triple filtration system: Cotton filters, quartz stand and high-performance activated carbon.
  • Suitable for small fish tank and aquarium, and needs to be used with air pump (Pump not included)
  • Mini filter can improve water oxygen level, create a healthy environment for your fish to grow.
  • Fix design of suckers, easy to install, convenient and practical. it can replace the filter material, keep the water clean.
  • Package Include: 1x filter, 1x2 meter airline tubing (6.56feet)
  • Manufacture: Saim
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Saim B0000000123
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.8']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.6']

Saim B0000000123 Final Thoughts

"If anyone knows turtles."

, that's what makes this so funny. I bought a top fin 55 gallon aquarium on sale. I'm a mechanical engineer and understand design. It was perfectly quiet without any extra effort on my part. I can hear it 3 rooms away grinding away. I recently upgraded from a 10 gallon aquarium to a 29 gallon. I thought that U had put it together wrong so I took it all apart and started over.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(3 Points)

6. API Filstar XP

User Ratings: 58 15

API 720 First Impressions

"I should loosen it up."

, that's what makes this so funny. I ordered 4 of these, for different tanks of course. The filter arrived within 2 days and was the exact same as Petsmart's. However, lately I've purchased the Aqua Clear 70 and 50. I put it together, reading instructions of course. I have the topfin 29 gallon tank and used the HOB filter it came with. I used a small pair of pliers and carefully got the pebbles out.

  • API Filstar XP
  • Contains one (1) API FILSTAR XP FILTER SIZE S Aquarium Canister Filter 1-Count Box
  • Provides powerful filtration for perfectly balanced and crystal clear aquarium water.
  • Very easy to use and maintain; allows for centralized control of all the functions of the filtration system.
  • Quick disconnect, leak free, fast cleaning, and self-priming.
  • Allows the use of various filtration media available in the API range, and meets your specific freshwater and saltwater requirements.
  • Manufacture: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 13.5 x 12.75 inches; 10.7 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The API 720
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.6']
  • Quality [star rating='3.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.4']

API 720 Final Thoughts

"SO THEREFORE."

I can hear it 3 rooms away grinding away. I used a small pair of pliers and carefully got the pebbles out. My tank was a mess when I got this pump. This is a well designed unit and a lot of bang for the buck. Get it and take heed to what I wrote. This filter has is a very simple and efficient design. I use Marinelands refillable cartridge for extra carbon on the extra slots.

Overall Score
3.9

[star rating="3.9"]
(766 Points)

7. Polar Aurora 3 Stage 100 Gallon Aquarium Fish Tank Canister Filter + 9W UV Sterilizer 370 GPH

User Ratings: 72 10

Polar Aurora First Impressions

"This is the one."

I decided to go with this filter since I had a positive experience previously. There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank! Early on it seems to be working as advertised. I had to lower the surface by 3 inches to get sufficient agitation. The filter arrived within 2 days and was the exact same as Petsmart's. I've been researching so many things on how to take care of them. Oscars are very messy fish, especially during feeding.

  • Polar Aurora 3 Stage 100 Gallon Aquarium Fish Tank Canister Filter + 9W UV Sterilizer 370 GPH
  • good
  • high quality
  • With free media
  • DIMENSION: 10 X 10 X 17 inches, Max Flow Rate: 370 GPH (1400L/h)
  • 3-stage
  • Manufacture: Polar Aurora
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Polar Aurora
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.5']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4']

Polar Aurora Final Thoughts

"Will UPDATE!"

I was worried that it might be too much for my aquarium or that it would be loud. I want to answer some of the complaints I've read. SO, I sat down and read EVERY little thing in rhe instructions. A canister or in tank filter is ten times more work and messy. I had to lower the surface by 3 inches to get sufficient agitation. Once it loses its charge, you'll need to replace it. My baby turtle even loves it so much he won't let go.

Overall Score
4.2

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

8. Penn-Plax 455 Cascade Corner Filter

User Ratings: 50 10

Penn-Plax 07193 First Impressions

"Will UPDATE!"

Basically, make sure everything that is suppose to spin, does so smoothly. It's only rated at 25 gph less, but holds considerably less media. Your fish and you will be much happier and stun everyone else. First they are simple and designed to pump and filter aquarium water. Also price was very reasonable and shipping was fast. Once it loses its charge, you'll need to replace it. I eyedball everything and put it together with a look back at instructions.

  • Penn-Plax 455 Cascade Corner Filter
  • Space saving corner design
  • Fully submersible filter quietly delivers 120 gallons per hour of crystal clear water for your fresh or marine aquarium up to 20 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 2 x 11 inches; 1.1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax 07193
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.4']
  • Quality [star rating='4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.3']

Penn-Plax 07193 Final Thoughts

"Disappointing."

It wasn't producing much surface agitation. I contacted Marineland about my issue and they promptly sent me a new one right away! I ordered 4 of these, for different tanks of course. I was worried about some of the negative reviews. There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank! The Marineland penguin 350 is a great filter. I put it together, reading instructions of course.

Overall Score
4.0

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

9. Aqueon QuietFlow Internal Shrimp Filter for Freshwater Aquariums up to 10 Gallons, 100534681

User Ratings: 51 16

Aqueon 100534681 First Impressions

"I bought an FX6 in 2013."

I used to work as a marine biologist for a major state aquarium. The lever on the bottom helps even the filter out. I decided to go with this filter since I had a positive experience previously. I have always used Marineland filters and been happy with them and their quality. Now I'm having the same issue with the Aqua Clear 50. Typically just below the flat part of the outlets. Firstly, I'd recommend taking the motor apart and putting it back together.

  • Aqueon QuietFlow Internal Shrimp Filter for Freshwater Aquariums up to 10 Gallons, 100534681
  • Internal filter for freshwater tanks up to 10 gallons
  • Intake grid and pre-filter sponge protect shrimp and small fish
  • Preloaded with a replaceable carbon cartridge for chemical filtration
  • Comes with hooks and suction cups for use with either traditional or frameless aquariums
  • Aqueon QuietFlow Internal Shrimp Filter is recommended for small freshwater tanks containing ghost, amaro, cherry, crystal and bee, or bamboo shrimp
  • Age Range Description: All Life Stages
  • Manufacture: AQUEON
  • Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.25 x 6.25 inches; 1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Aqueon 100534681
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.7']
  • Quality [star rating='3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.1']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.7']

Aqueon 100534681 Final Thoughts

"Just a tip!"

DO NOT CLEAN OR WASH the paper wheel itself. It sounds like a Big Air pump buzzing. Works like a dream and can't even hear it! They are simply the best design for nitrifying bacteria to grow on. I will never buy any other HOB no matter what deal they might be offering. MAKE SURE YOU PUT WATER IN THE BACK OF THE FILTER! I will pick 3-4 of these at one time over a single system any day.

Overall Score
3.7

[star rating="3.7"]
(20 Points)

10. Marina Power Filter

User Ratings: 72 6

Marina A285 First Impressions

"I like the design."

My tank was a mess when I got this pump. All in all, I highly recommend this filter and I'm a extremely happy customer! You do have to unplug it for those two jobs. The instructions are a bit to much for me. This is a well designed unit and a lot of bang for the buck. I was worried about some of the negative reviews. If that does not work, look into silicone grease so you can lube the impeller.

  • Marina Power Filter
  • Power filter for aquariums up to 10 gallons
  • Self priming
  • Easy to maintain
  • Adjustable flow control
  • Manufacture: Marina
  • Product Dimensions: 3.7 x 7.3 x 6.5 inches; 1.23 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Marina A285
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.1']
  • Quality [star rating='4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.2']

Marina A285 Final Thoughts

"I like the design."

First they are simple and designed to pump and filter aquarium water. Fill it up with water before you plug it in. Now I'm having the same issue with the Aqua Clear 50. I have had no issues with it being to loud. , that's what makes this so funny. It started out silent for about 30 mins and then it got super loud. This filter comes with a sponge, activated carbon, and bio material in a mesh bag.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(1588 Points)

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