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

The 10 Best Filters for Freshwater Aquariums

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How we created this filter list

We leveraged input from our veterinarians and artificial intelligence to identify key considerations to help you find the best filters 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 filters for freshwater aquariums.

Key filter considerations

Filtration efficiency

Filtration type

Maintenance requirements

Noise level

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

Filtration efficiency

4.7/5
Excellent

Filtration type

4.7/5
Excellent

Maintenance requirements

4.6/5
Excellent

Noise level

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

Filtration efficiency

4.4/5
Great

Filtration type

4.4/5
Great

Maintenance requirements

4.4/5
Great

Noise level

4.1/5
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 30
AquaClear Activated Carbon Filter Insert, Size 30

AquaClear Activated Carbon Filter Insert, Size 30

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
82
$4.29Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Filtration efficiency

4.6/5
Excellent

Filtration type

4.6/5
Excellent

Maintenance requirements

4.4/5
Great

Noise level

4.1/5
Great
4
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

Filtration efficiency

4.2/5
Great

Filtration type

4.3/5
Great

Maintenance requirements

4.4/5
Great

Noise level

4.5/5
Great

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.
5
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

Filtration efficiency

4.6/5
Excellent

Filtration type

4.6/5
Excellent

Maintenance requirements

4.5/5
Great

Noise level

4.4/5
Great
6
Eheim Classic 250 External Aquarium Canister Filter
Eheim Classic 250 External Aquarium Canister Filter
Eheim Classic 250 External Aquarium Canister Filter
Eheim Classic 250 External Aquarium Canister Filter

Eheim Classic 250 External Aquarium Canister Filter

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
23
$101.96Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Filtration efficiency

4.8/5
Excellent

Filtration type

4.8/5
Excellent

Maintenance requirements

4.7/5
Excellent

Noise level

4.7/5
Excellent
7
Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal
Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal
Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal
Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal
Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal
Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal
Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal
Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal

Marina Aquarium Power Filter, 10-gal

Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
121
$19.63Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Filtration efficiency

4.3/5
Great

Filtration type

4.4/5
Great

Maintenance requirements

4.5/5
Great

Noise level

4.5/5
Great

Pros

  • Super Quiet: Many pet parents praised the filter's quiet operation, making it suitable for bedrooms and quiet spaces.
  • Easy to Clean: The filter's design makes it easy to clean and maintain, with many pet parents appreciating the simplicity of replacing cartridges.
  • Adjustable Flow: The filter's adjustable flow rate allows pet parents to customize the water flow to their tank's specific needs.
  • Compact Design: The filter's slim design makes it perfect for small tanks and spaces, without compromising on performance.
  • Effective Filtration: Many pet parents reported crystal-clear water and effective filtration, with the filter doing an excellent job of keeping their tanks clean.

Cons

  • Vibration Issues: Some pet parents experienced vibration issues with the filter, which can be loud and disturbing.
  • Limited Media Capacity: A few pet parents mentioned that the filter's media capacity is limited, making it difficult to add additional media for better filtration.
8
Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon Filter Media, 40-oz jar
Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon Filter Media, 40-oz jar
Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon Filter Media, 40-oz jar
Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon Filter Media, 40-oz jar
Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon Filter Media, 40-oz jar
Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon Filter Media, 40-oz jar

Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon Filter Media, 40-oz jar

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
109
$17.99Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Filtration efficiency

4.6/5
Excellent

Filtration type

4.6/5
Excellent

Maintenance requirements

4.7/5
Excellent

Noise level

4.7/5
Excellent
9
Tetra Large Aquarium Carbon Filter, 4 count
Tetra Large Aquarium Carbon Filter, 4 count
Tetra Large Aquarium Carbon Filter, 4 count
Tetra Large Aquarium Carbon Filter, 4 count
Tetra Large Aquarium Carbon Filter, 4 count
Tetra Large Aquarium Carbon Filter, 4 count
Tetra Large Aquarium Carbon Filter, 4 count

Tetra Large Aquarium Carbon Filter, 4 count

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
85
$10.13Chewy Price
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Filtration efficiency

4.7/5
Excellent

Filtration type

4.7/5
Excellent

Maintenance requirements

4.5/5
Great

Noise level

4.6/5
Excellent
10
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

Filtration efficiency

4.7/5
Excellent

Filtration type

4.7/5
Excellent

Maintenance requirements

4.7/5
Excellent

Noise level

4.5/5
Great