10 Best Filter Cartridges for Freshwater Aquariums 2024: According to Reviews | Chewy

The 10 Best Filter Cartridges for Freshwater Aquariums

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How we created this filter cartridge list

We leveraged input from our veterinarians and artificial intelligence to identify key considerations to help you find the best filter cartridges for freshwater aquarium.
We scanned thousands of customer reviews and ratings and scored each product based on its performance against each of the key considerations. We then considered how popular a product is with Chewy customers and combined that with its key consideration scores to create the list of the best filter cartridges for freshwater aquariums.

Key filter cartridge considerations

Compatibility

Ease of Use

Filtration Efficiency

Longevity

1
Tetra Bio-Bag Large Disposable Filter Cartridges, 12 count
Tetra Bio-Bag Large Disposable Filter Cartridges, 12 count
Tetra Bio-Bag Large Disposable Filter Cartridges, 12 count
Tetra Bio-Bag Large Disposable Filter Cartridges, 12 count
Tetra Bio-Bag Large Disposable Filter Cartridges, 12 count
Tetra Bio-Bag Large Disposable Filter Cartridges, 12 count
Tetra Bio-Bag Large Disposable Filter Cartridges, 12 count

Tetra Bio-Bag Large Disposable Filter Cartridges, 12 count

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
469
$14.55Chewy Price
Promo, Save 20% with code CYBER20

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.7/5
Excellent

Ease of Use

4.7/5
Excellent

Filtration Efficiency

4.7/5
Excellent

Longevity

4.6/5
Excellent

Pros

  • Easy to Use: Easy to assemble, install, and change filter media.
  • Great Value: Affordable price for a high-quality product.
  • Effective Filtration: Keeps aquarium water clean and clear.
  • Long-Lasting: Filters can last up to a month with careful rinsing and maintenance.

Cons

  • Missing Parts: Some pet parents received incomplete or missing parts in their order.
  • Messy Assembly: Assembling the filters can be messy and inconvenient.
2
Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin Rite-Size C Filter Cartridge, 6 count
Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin Rite-Size C Filter Cartridge, 6 count
Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin Rite-Size C Filter Cartridge, 6 count
Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin Rite-Size C Filter Cartridge, 6 count
Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin Rite-Size C Filter Cartridge, 6 count

Marineland Bio-Wheel Penguin Rite-Size C Filter Cartridge, 6 count

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
416
$19.99Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.3/5
Great

Ease of Use

4.5/5
Great

Filtration Efficiency

4.5/5
Great

Longevity

4.3/5
Great

Pros

  • Effective Filtration: Keeps aquarium water clean and clear, appreciated by many pet parents.
  • Good Value: Affordable price compared to pet stores;
  • Easy to Use: Simple to install and replace filters, making it a convenient option for pet parents;
  • Durable: Long-lasting filters that can be washed and reused.

Cons

  • Price Increase: Significant price hike over time;
  • Thin Filter Material: Some filters have thin blue media that can be a concern for pet parents;
3
AquaClear Activated Carbon Filter Insert, Size 50, 3 count

AquaClear Activated Carbon Filter Insert, Size 50, 3 count

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
40
$6.07Chewy Price
Promo, Save 20% with code CYBER20

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.4/5
Great

Ease of Use

4.5/5
Great

Filtration Efficiency

4.6/5
Excellent

Longevity

4.5/5
Great
4
Aqueon QuietFlow Medium Replacement Filter Cartridges, 9 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Medium Replacement Filter Cartridges, 9 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Medium Replacement Filter Cartridges, 9 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Medium Replacement Filter Cartridges, 9 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Medium Replacement Filter Cartridges, 9 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Medium Replacement Filter Cartridges, 9 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Medium Replacement Filter Cartridges, 9 count

Aqueon QuietFlow Medium Replacement Filter Cartridges, 9 count

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
58
$24.95Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.4/5
Great

Ease of Use

4.4/5
Great

Filtration Efficiency

4.6/5
Excellent

Longevity

4.5/5
Great
5
Tetra Whisper Bio-Bags Medium Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Tetra Whisper Bio-Bags Medium Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Tetra Whisper Bio-Bags Medium Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Tetra Whisper Bio-Bags Medium Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Tetra Whisper Bio-Bags Medium Filter Cartridge, 3 count

Tetra Whisper Bio-Bags Medium Filter Cartridge, 3 count

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
216
$6.47Chewy Price
Promo, Save 20% with code CYBER20

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.6/5
Excellent

Ease of Use

4.3/5
Great

Filtration Efficiency

4.3/5
Great

Longevity

4.6/5
Excellent

Pros

  • Easy to Use: Filters are easy to assemble and use, making it a hassle-free experience for pet parents.
  • Great Price: Filters are priced competitively, making them an affordable option for pet parents.
  • Effective Filtration: Filters work well to keep the water clear and clean, making them a reliable choice for pet parents.
  • Long-Lasting: Filters have been used by pet parents for years, indicating their durability and effectiveness.

Cons

  • Charcoal Dust: Some filters arrive with excessive charcoal dust, making them difficult to rinse and use.
  • Inconsistent Quality: Some pet parents have received filters that are not up to par, with issues such as black powder or poor construction.
6
Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count
Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count

Marina Slim Carbon Filter Cartridge, 3 count

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
59
$3.59Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.5/5
Great

Ease of Use

4.5/5
Great

Filtration Efficiency

4.3/5
Great

Longevity

4.1/5
Great
7
Marineland Bio-Wheel Emperor Rite-Size E Filter Cartridge, 4 count
Marineland Bio-Wheel Emperor Rite-Size E Filter Cartridge, 4 count
Marineland Bio-Wheel Emperor Rite-Size E Filter Cartridge, 4 count
Marineland Bio-Wheel Emperor Rite-Size E Filter Cartridge, 4 count

Marineland Bio-Wheel Emperor Rite-Size E Filter Cartridge, 4 count

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
155
$13.19Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Compatibility

3.9/5
Good

Ease of Use

4.3/5
Great

Filtration Efficiency

3.9/5
Good

Longevity

4.0/5
Great
8
Underwater Treasures Seapora Nitrate + Nitrite Pad

Underwater Treasures Seapora Nitrate + Nitrite Pad

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
15
$8.20Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.6/5
Excellent

Ease of Use

4.6/5
Excellent

Filtration Efficiency

4.7/5
Excellent

Longevity

4.6/5
Excellent
9
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count
Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count

Aqueon QuietFlow Large Replacement Filter Cartridges, 15 count

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
122
$42.95Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.4/5
Great

Ease of Use

4.6/5
Excellent

Filtration Efficiency

4.3/5
Great

Longevity

4.6/5
Excellent
10
Coralife BioCube Aquarium Filter Cartridge, 2-pack
Coralife BioCube Aquarium Filter Cartridge, 2-pack
Coralife BioCube Aquarium Filter Cartridge, 2-pack
Coralife BioCube Aquarium Filter Cartridge, 2-pack

Coralife BioCube Aquarium Filter Cartridge, 2-pack

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11
$7.99Chewy Price
Promo, Save 20% with code CYBER20

Our ratings

Compatibility

4.6/5
Excellent

Ease of Use

4.4/5
Great

Filtration Efficiency

4.4/5
Great

Longevity

4.2/5
Great