Editor's Choice - Our Favorite UPETTOOLS Aquarium Filters

1. UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter, Ultra Quite Aquarium Air Pump Single Head Bio Sponge F...

User Ratings: 70 5

UPETTOOLS First Impressions

"It just starts right up."

LOW and BEHOLD, LMAO, I missed where you had to put water in the back of the filter. There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank! Early on it seems to be working as advertised. Replace activated carbon every 6-8 months ish. The ability to regulate the flow solves the loud waterfall problem. BUT after some YouTube research I was able to fix the noise issue. A canister or in tank filter is ten times more work and messy.

  • UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter, Ultra Quite Aquarium Air Pump Single Head Bio Sponge Fish Tank Foam Filter
  • 【Multi-filtration Functions】Upettools sponge filter combines single scientific 7-layer ribbing shape sponge design, which can quickly established a bio-filter, improve purifying water quality, and the oxygen port can rotate 360 degrees without dead ends, keep your fish tank crystal clear and clean.
  • 【Special Ceramic Bio Filter Media】Upettools aquarium sponge filters compatible with one container with ceramic bio filter media inside, which help to remove harmful substance and increase oxygen level in your tank, you can replace the filter media to enhance water quality.
  • 【Removable Sponges 】 You can take down the sponge from the filter easily to clean or replace it. Sponge filters provide both mechanical and biological filtration, traps floating debris and protect your baby fish from being sucked up into the filter.
  • 【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. Don't use tap water to clean it, simply squeeze the sponges in tank water.
  • 【Max Suit for 55GAL Fish Tank】Compatible with 2 suction cups, can be installed anywhere and can be easily hidden on the back wall of the aquarium. Suitable for freshwater & saltwater and all kinds of ornamental fish breeding, breeding and fish formation, especially for colorful fairy, small fish,shrimp tank, betta tank etc.
  • Manufacture: UPETTOOLS
  • Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 6.3 x 9.06 inches; 1.1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The UPETTOOLS
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.9']
  • Quality [star rating='4.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.9']

UPETTOOLS Final Thoughts

"No issues."

I want to answer some of the complaints I've read. Fill up the media slot with water until it's full. I will pick 3-4 of these at one time over a single system any day. Fill it up with water before you plug it in. I contacted Marineland about my issue and they promptly sent me a new one right away! I own 3 of these and besides my canister they are my favorite filters. Typically just below the flat part of the outlets.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(1003 Points)

2. Aqueon 100534682 QuietFlow Internal Shrimp Filter for Freshwater Aquariums up to 20 Gallons, Size 20...

User Ratings: 65 9

Aqueon 100534682 First Impressions

"Not ideal but it works."

Overall, I like the 350's slim back design, and be able to add up to 4 cartridges. Following morning it was running quietly. Works like a dream and can't even hear it! Firstly, I'd recommend taking the motor apart and putting it back together. You do have to unplug it for those two jobs. I was worried about some of the negative reviews. I used a small pair of pliers and carefully got the pebbles out.

  • Aqueon 100534682 QuietFlow Internal Shrimp Filter for Freshwater Aquariums up to 20 Gallons, Size 20, Black
  • Internal filter for freshwater tanks up to 20 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
  • Included Components: All Items As Per Description, Age Range Description: All Life Stages
  • Manufacture: AQUEON
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.5 x 8 inches; 1.25 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Aqueon 100534682
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='3.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.8']

Aqueon 100534682 Final Thoughts

"Very pleased!"

That water got so dirty we had to keep changing it every 2 or 3 days. Basically, make sure everything that is suppose to spin, does so smoothly. I was worried that it might be too much for my aquarium or that it would be loud. I had to lower the surface by 3 inches to get sufficient agitation. I DONT KNOW WHY MANY THINK THIS IS A NOISY FILTER. My tank was a mess when I got this pump. I stopped the pump and I pulled it apart.

Overall Score
4.1

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

3. Aquapapa Aquarium Biological Bacteria House Ceramic Rings Filter Media 6 lbs Bagged for Pond Fish Ta...

User Ratings: 72 3

Aquapapa First Impressions

"The product itself."

My box came in good condition, parts where in tact and new. My box came in good condition, parts where in tact and new. My fish are definitely happier and my water is crystal clear. They are simply the best design for nitrifying bacteria to grow on. Oscars are very messy fish, especially during feeding. I had originally got one for my 75 Gallon tank housing an Oscar. It started out silent for about 30 mins and then it got super loud.

  • Aquapapa Aquarium Biological Bacteria House Ceramic Rings Filter Media 6 lbs Bagged for Pond Fish Tank Canister Filter
  • Porous ceramic media for efficient biological filtration.Their surface area and pores are sized to accommodate bacteria necessary for biological balance and to remove toxic ammonia and nitrite.
  • Hollow design effectively distributes water flow and allows massive colonies of beneficial bacteria to grow on and inside each ring, creating an ideal “bio chemical filter”.
  • Great for both fresh and saltwater aquariums
  • Size of ceramic ring: 11/16" x 5/8". Size of filter media bag: 8 " x 5.5 ".
  • Manufacture: Aquapapa Inc
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Aquapapa
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Aquapapa Final Thoughts

"Suuuuupppeeerrrr Quiet."

You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. I checked and cleaned it and still just as loud. This filter really does a good job. In the afternoon the noises started again. Once it loses its charge, you'll need to replace it. I returned the Aqua Clear 70 and promptly received a replacement. Doing research I learned that if I add more filter media, the noise will subside.

Overall Score
4.6

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

4. 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']

Penn-Plax SWF1 Final Thoughts

"The product itself."

First they are simple and designed to pump and filter aquarium water. Overall, I'm very happy with this filter. Early on it seems to be working as advertised. This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. I'm a mechanical engineer and understand design. The Aqua Clear is on the left and the Aqueon is on the right. I decided to go with this filter since I had a positive experience previously.

Overall Score
4.1

[star rating="4.1"]
(1365 Points)

5. Powkoo Sponge Filter Aquarium Air Filter Shrimp Betta Fish Tank Filter Bio Filter Sponge

User Ratings: 71 8

Powkoo First Impressions

"If anyone knows turtles."

The current is strong but you can adjust it with the midsection lever. As for performance, I couldn't ask for a better filter. I thought that U had put it together wrong so I took it all apart and started over. It sounds like a Big Air pump buzzing. Therefore, you wouldnt have 2 filters running. Also the maker should review the pump design. They are easily found from mom-n-pop pet stores to large chain stores.

  • Powkoo Sponge Filter Aquarium Air Filter Shrimp Betta Fish Tank Filter Bio Filter Sponge
  • Sponge filters provide excellent both mechanical and biological filtration, air powered, works great with noise, suitable for freshwater and saltwater
  • High density porous 40ppi sponge, traps floating debris and fine particles, increase oxygen, provides ideal location for bacterial colonization, keep your fish tank crystal clear and clean
  • Easy to set up: simply connect the tube to the air pump and connect it to the filter, plug it in, it works great, provides aeration and filtration for your fish
  • Easy to clean: just take out the sponge, simply rinse and squeeze it in used aquarium water, never use tap water, recommend to rinse the sponge once a month
  • 【Fits fish tank size: 10 to 45 gallon】Easy to use: squeeze out the air in the sponge when you put it underwater, then it will suck into water and keep down at the bottom, excellent for shrimp tank, betta tank, breeding tank, planted aquarium, turtle tank, goldfish, fry, guppies, snails, crayfish, axolotls
  • Manufacture: Powkoo
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Powkoo
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.5']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Powkoo Final Thoughts

"This is not."

I stopped the pump and I pulled it apart. I contacted Marineland about my issue and they promptly sent me a new one right away! They can be very noisy at the impeller, which sometimes quiets in time, but may not. I eyedball everything and put it together with a look back at instructions. The current is strong but you can adjust it with the midsection lever. This filter has is a very simple and efficient design. If that does not work, look into silicone grease so you can lube the impeller.

Overall Score
4.4

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

6. 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)

7. MyfatBOSS 10 Fish Tank Filter Aqua-Tech EZ-Change #3 Aquarium Filter Cartridge, Fits Aqua - Tech 20-...

User Ratings: 69 7

MyfatBOSS First Impressions

"I was to tire to fix it."

I wasn't able to fill my tank fully because there was little to no surface agitation. This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. Also the maker should review the pump design. I DONT KNOW WHY MANY THINK THIS IS A NOISY FILTER. If that does not work, look into silicone grease so you can lube the impeller. The lever on the bottom helps even the filter out. I'm currently in the process of receiving another replacement on that model.

  • MyfatBOSS 10 Fish Tank Filter Aqua-Tech EZ-Change #3 Aquarium Filter Cartridge, Fits Aqua - Tech 20-40, 30-60 Power Filters
  • ☞Size : 5.3*5.7*6 inches, Style : 10 pack
  • ☞Aqua-Tech EZ-Change #3 Aquarium Filter Cartridge fits AQUA - Tech 20-40, 30-60 Power Filter
  • ☞Contains AQUA-Tech Premium Activated Carbon that can remove odor, water discoloration, impurities, and any toxins that may hurt your aquarium!
  • ☞For best results, change every 2-4 weeks, no messy assembly required, changes in seconds just shake and rinse
  • ☞Buy it with confidence, we can provide 100% refund if you are not unsatisfied with our product. So if you have any questions to our products, please feel free to contact us.
  • Manufacture: MyfatBOSS
  • Editor's Impressions Of The MyfatBOSS
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.7']
  • Quality [star rating='4.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.4']

MyfatBOSS Final Thoughts

"And it is so quiet."

Your fish and you will be much happier and stun everyone else. Overall I would recommend this item. I also don't like how short the intake tube is. Just rinse them out once a month, don't throw that beneficial bacteria away. You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. Fill it up with water before you plug it in. There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank!

Overall Score
4.4

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

8. Aquarium Turtle Filter Waterfall Flow Water Clean Pump Bio-Filtration for Reptiles Tank Low Level Wa...

User Ratings: 55 13

JackSuper First Impressions

"MINE IS VERY QUIET."

I want to answer some of the complaints I've read. In the afternoon the noises started again. I bought a top fin 55 gallon aquarium on sale. I've think I've had had six of them. You do have to unplug it for those two jobs. The Marineland penguin 350 is a great filter. I have contacted customer service to see if I can get a replacement unit.

  • Aquarium Turtle Filter Waterfall Flow Water Clean Pump Bio-Filtration for Reptiles Tank Low Level Waterfall Filter for Small Fish Tank Turtle Tank Shrimp Tank Amphibian Frog Crab
  • We have the 90 days replacement and the refund service. All the emails will be replied within 24 hours. We have lifetime technique support, please feel free to contact us for any quality problem. We will do our best to help you.
  • Perfect Aquarium filter for aquatic turtle tanks, Reptiles, Amphibians, Frog, Cichlids, Newt or Fish tank in any aquarium up to 40 gallons
  • Easy to install,Water filter pump can be hung on the aquarium or fixed with sucker. Low water level capability(Lowest water level 1.6inch/4cm)
  • Water circulation and cleaning:this turtle filter helps water cycling,the Activated carbon cartridges and bio ball help clean water,absorbs odors and discoloration,provide a healthy water for your aquarium
  • High performance, the motor set under the water,more quiet than external filter,you can creat a waterfall with rock inside the fish tank
  • Filter waste and stop the waste go into power head
  • Protect your filter power head and prevent small fish or animal suck in the filter.
  • absorbs odors and discoloration
  • Manufacture: JackSupermall
  • Product Dimensions: 8.27 x 3.66 x 2.76 inches; 14.39 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The JackSuper
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.9']
  • Quality [star rating='3.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.2']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.1']

JackSuper Final Thoughts

"This is the one."

I had a lot of particles in the water. They are easily found from mom-n-pop pet stores to large chain stores. Get it and take heed to what I wrote. Overall, I like the 350's slim back design, and be able to add up to 4 cartridges. Firstly, I'd recommend taking the motor apart and putting it back together. I AM IMPRESSED THAT IT WORKS AS IT ACTUALLY SHOULD! It's easy to clean and we all know about easy.

Overall Score
3.9

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

9. Finnex PF-7 Nano Aquarium HOB Power Filter, 52 GPH,Clear Smoke

User Ratings: 76

Finnex PF-7 First Impressions

"Will UPDATE!"

Overall I would recommend this item. I have had no issues with it being to loud. I checked and cleaned it and still just as loud. I had to cut the hood to make it work. What I don't like is how much smaller it is than the Aqueon. The only thing you hear is the water and even that is a soothing sound. DO NOT CLEAN OR WASH the paper wheel itself.

  • Finnex PF-7 Nano Aquarium HOB Power Filter, 52 GPH,Clear Smoke
  • 52 GPH! Excellent for aquariums upto 7. 5 gallons
  • BIO, Mechanical, and Chemical Filtration in 1
  • Filter cartridge and pre filter sponge included
  • Flow Control Knob for smaller fish
  • Included Components: Filter, Bio Sponge, Carbon Cartridge, Pre Filter
  • Manufacture: Finnex
  • Product Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 5 inches; 15.2 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Finnex PF-7
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.5']

Finnex PF-7 Final Thoughts

"Huge capacity."

Not sure what I'll do with the more complex design. The instructions are a bit to much for me. The instructions are a bit to much for me. Overall, I'm very happy with this filter. It was perfectly quiet without any extra effort on my part. I have always used Marineland filters and been happy with them and their quality. I have always used Marineland filters and been happy with them and their quality.

Overall Score
4.7

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

10. AQUANEAT Double Bio Sponge Filter, for Fry, Betta, Shrimp, Nano Aquarium Fish Tank with Airline Tubi...

User Ratings: 78 3

AQUANEAT First Impressions

"Since then no problems."

This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. That water got so dirty we had to keep changing it every 2 or 3 days. Oscars are very messy fish, especially during feeding. Also price was very reasonable and shipping was fast. I own 3 of these and besides my canister they are my favorite filters. DO NOT CLEAN OR WASH the paper wheel itself. Early on it seems to be working as advertised.

  • AQUANEAT Double Bio Sponge Filter, for Fry, Betta, Shrimp, Nano Aquarium Fish Tank with Airline Tubing, Air Pump Valves, Suction Cups
  • 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: 1 sponge filter, 1 set of accessories: 4 suction cups, 4ft airline tubing,1 control valve, 1 tee, 1 non-return check valve
  • Manufacture: AQUANEAT
  • Editor's Impressions Of The AQUANEAT
  • Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.6']
  • Quality [star rating='4.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

AQUANEAT Final Thoughts

"It's heavy and awkward."

You do have to unplug it for those two jobs. You can't really tell though, and the filter is working great. Oscars are very messy fish, especially during feeding. I ordered 4 of these, for different tanks of course. I've think I've had had six of them. My tank is nice and clear and my fish are much happier. I used to work as a marine biologist for a major state aquarium.

Overall Score
4.6

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

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