If you are a new pet fish owner, you may feel a little confused about which filters are best for your fish and which ones to avoid.
Famous for being absolutely lightweight, it is essential to have the best filter for your wave so that your water is not contaminated and does not harm your fish.
Comparison Table
Custom | SiteStripe Image | Title | Review | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
TopBest Pick | AquaClear Fish Tank Filter | 4.5/5.0 | Check Price | |
Top Performance | Marina Power Filter | 4.5/5.0 | Check Price | |
cheapest | Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter | 4.3/5.0 | Check Price |
You may even be wondering if you need a filter for your tank. It sure is.
Making sure your goldfish tank is sparkling is one of the best ways to ensure they live a healthy life. Keeping the water they live in clean is an easy alternative to paying later with vet visits and expensive medications to help them feel better.
In this article, I’ll show you how to choose your Best goldfish filter and take a look at the best options on the market today so you can choose the Best gold fish filter for your needs.
The 10 Best Filters For Your Goldfish Tanks
Best Gold fish Filter Reviews
1. AquaClear Fish Tank Filter
First up is the impressive Aqua Clear filter. This filter is a small but efficient product, ready to use almost straight out of the box. It is ideal for use in tanks that hold 5 to 70 gallons of water.
Despite its small size, this filter has approximately seven times the capacity and volume of comparable filters. This filter also comes fully loaded with many different layers of filter media inside to fully filter your tank every time.
The only problem with this filter is that the level of maintenance required is higher than with other filters. Due to the different layers of filter media, you will have to replace all these filters once every two to three months. That can be time consuming if you’re looking for a filter type to set and forget.
Check Price On Amazon2. Marina Power Filter
Third on the list is the Marina Power filter. This filter is the most profitable in this list. It has a slightly below average of only 20 gallons, comes with a multi-step filtration process and has four filter cartridges.
A great feature of the Marina Power filter is an adjustable water flow option, making it perfect for increasing or decreasing the flow depending on the needs of your fish.
This is a good starter filter as it is easy to install and has customization options until you know what works best for your fish.
One thing that goes against the Marina Power Filter is that it has a pretty low maximum gallon capacity.
While it’s good for the price and size, it’s still a little on the low side when it comes to this list. If you have a tank that is larger than 20 gallons, you will definitely want to choose something else.
Check Price On Amazon3. Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter
Tetra is a well-known brand when it comes to aquarium supplies and this multi-stage power filter is a prime example. The simple design is easy to use and maximizes oxygenation and agitation in the water while filtering impurities from the water.
This product uses a continuous flushing action to prevent the build-up of debris, so water continues to flow through the system unimpeded. The filter system uses different densities of yarn, carbon and a bioscrubber to provide mechanical, chemical and biological filtration.
Check Price On Amazon4. Whisper IQ Power Filter
Tetra’s Whisper IQ filter uses StayClear technology, making maintenance a breeze. It uses a noise barrier between the motor and the filter and has anti-vibration technology for quiet operation.
This filter uses a bio scrubber to remove ammonia and nitrates from the water and has a special overflow to oxygenate the water coming out of the return nozzle and get the water moving. Maintenance is simple and the filter cartridges are easy to change.
Check Price On Amazon5. Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber
For those of you who prefer an in-tank filter to one that hangs from the back of your tank, this Tetra product is a great option. Installation is easy and the aquarium clip is included. With this pump, your tank can be placed against the wall, which is very useful if you have limited space.
This filter uses a double-sided dense mesh filter to trap large chunks of debris and debris, also providing the perfect place for beneficial bacteria to grow. Because the filter is located in the tank, it is much quieter than other types of filters.
Check Price On Amazon6. Fluval C Power Filter
The Fluval C Power Filter Clip-on Energy Filter holds up to 70 gallons, but the recommended size is for 40 gallon aquariums. Power filters are generally designed for smaller filters, so the fact that it has a throughput of 264 gallons per hour is pretty impressive.
Its relatively small size, measuring 9 long, 6.5 wide and 8.5 high, makes it easy to fit in your tank without any problem with the space available.
Now, for the technical aspects, the filter has an innovative five-stage filtration: two mechanical, two biological and one chemical for crystal clear water.
The first two mechanical stages comprise a double layer of foam and polyester with a large surface area, which can be easily removed for quick cleaning. That layer works to trap large particles and fine debris.
Check Price On Amazon7. MarineLand Emperor Bio-Wheel Power Filter
Last but not least is the MarineLand Emperor filter. Another great option from MarineLand, this filter packs in at an incredible flow rate of 400 GPH, and is also one of the largest on the list, with twice the filter cartridge capacity of most other filters.
It also has an oversized BIO wheel filtration system, meaning you can rest assured that the water in your tank is thoroughly cleaned and treated with every use.
A common problem that users encounter with this filter is that it is also a bit noisy. Usually this isn’t a problem with these types of filters, so it’s quite unusual to see this in this one.
However, if you don’t mind having some extra background noise, this is still a great option.
Check Price On Amazon8. Seachem Tidal 75 Aquarium Filter (Top Pick)
I personally use this filter and can assure you that it is highly customizable and makes maintenance a breeze. Features a corrosion-resistant self-cleaning impeller suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The self-priming pump has adjustable flow using the rotary knob on the front, which also allows you to easily control the inlet flow.
Another point is that an adjustable spirit level on the bottom of the filter allows you to provide a suitable environment for your fish by controlling water movement and oxygenation.
When the water flow is stopped, most filters usually deal with some kind of problem where debris falls back into the filter. This filter solved this problem by designing the basket with raised slots that trap debris.
Still, the filter media tends to clog over time, eventually preventing water from passing through. When this happens in the Tidal 75, the water is routed around the filter and back into the aquarium. This water then pushes a maintenance monitor on top of the filter, letting the aquarium owner know it’s time to clean the filter media.
The bottom-up flow, through which water is pumped through the bottom of the basket and pushed out, ensures that the water meets all the filter media. This type of flow sets this high-performance filter apart from other hanging filters with a back-to-front flow. When using it, make sure that the water cannot circulate or bypass the filter media.
With a capacity of up to 75 gallons, it features an innovative design, with vent slots in the filter cover and vent slots in the exhaust stream that maximize gas exchange during filtration, ensuring fully oxygenated water is returned to the tank.
Check Price On Amazon9. Penn-Plax Aquarium Canister Filter
The Penn-Plax Aquarium Canister Filter is recommended for aquariums up to 150 gallons. Not only that, but container maintenance is easy thanks to two 360-degree swivel valve taps that can be easily removed while the hoses, inlet and outlet remain in the aquarium. Push button autoprimer provides quick and easy filter priming.
The filter is equipped with four large media baskets that allow for a wide range of aquarium filtration needs, suitable for all aquarists, while also allowing longer periods between replacements.
Installation is quick and easy with flow control shut-off valves, pool style hose clamps and self-priming push button for quick and easy filter filling.
Check Price On Amazon10. THE HIKARI BACTO-SURGE HIGH-DENSITY FOAM FILTER
Goldfish naturally live in ponds, lakes and other standing waters. So in your aquarium you want a low flow filter.
With that in mind, we have chosen the Hikari Bacto-Surge High Density Foam Filter as the best goldfish filter.
The filter meets all our requirements and is very easy to use, install and maintain, while providing excellent biological and mechanical filtration for a healthy goldfish aquarium.
Check Price On AmazonDoes a Goldfish Tank Need a Filter?
Is it important to purchase a filter for your tank?
Yes, because changing the water every now and then can only do so much, but a filter that constantly turns the water on does so much more. Filters are an affordable and easy way to keep water moving and prevent bacteria from building up in your aquarium.
In addition to preventing water from stagnating, an aquarium filter also removes dirt and food debris from the aquarium. If these things were simply left in the water, they would quickly become a buffet table for harmful bacteria.
Not only that, but this type of waste also increases the ammonia content in the water. These rising levels of harmful ammonia can cause a host of problems for fish, including skin burns, swim bladder problems and general malaise.
Finding a good filter can be difficult, but it is an effort you must make to help your fish live happy and healthy lives.
How to Choose a Filter for Your Goldfish Tank?
Now that you understand a little about the different types of Best Goldfish Filter tank, you can turn your attention to finding a filter that meets your specific needs.
There are a few different things to consider when buying the right filter.
Goldfish Tank Size
The size of your aquarium is one of the first things to consider before purchasing a filter. A goldfish tank is measured by how many gallons of water it can hold at one time.
This amount is important when buying a filter because if the filter does not have a good maximum flow rate, your aquarium will not be cleaned properly and you risk making your fish sick. Figuring out how many gallons of water are in your tank is the first step in buying the right filter.
Water flow rate
The next thing to pay attention to is the flow rate of the water in your tank.
This is related to the size of your tank, so if you have a tank with 30 gallons of water, you should get a filter that can dump about five times that amount, or 150 gallons, in an hour.
Good water flow will keep your tank from cleaning too fast or too slow.
Types of Aquarium Filters for Goldfish
There are many different types of aquarium filters that you can try, such as sponge filters, power filters, and canister filters.
A sponge filter is usually used in breeding tanks and is powered by an air pump that pushes water through a spongy material. This also allows beneficial bacteria to take root and promote the health of the water.
An energy filter uses electricity to draw water through the different types of filter cartridges. These types of filters are also called HOB or trailing filters because they usually hang over the edge of your aquarium.
Finally, there is the bus filter. Canister filters use electricity and use a “water rod” to spread the stream of clean water along the length of the rod. This type of filtration is good for planted and saltwater aquariums.
Filtration technology system
There are three main types of filtration that occur in a healthy aquarium. Mechanical filtration is when water is forced into a filter designed to trap debris during transfer.
Chemical filtration refers to when toxic chemicals pass through a filter. This filter is specially designed to attract and remove these molecules from the water.
Finally, biological filtration takes place when different bacteria dissolve with the help of good bacteria. A biological filter promotes the growth of good bacteria and stops the appearance of harmful species.
All three filtration methods are necessary for a healthy aquarium, so a filter with equipment for all three is the best option.
Which Filter Is Best For Your Goldfish?
That is a difficult question to answer. In the end it all comes down to two options depending on the size of your aquarium.
If your aquarium is 100 gallons or more, the Fluval FX6 High Performance Aquarium Canister Filter is your best option. With an astonishing flow rate of 925 GPH it is more than sure to do the trick. Customizable features make it easy and hassle-free to use.
For smaller aquariums, exactly 55 gallons or less, the Seachem Tidal 75 Aquarium Filter is best. It has an internal motor that eliminates both noise and the need to fill the filter. Overall, it is a powerful filter with good water flow that provides excellent filtration.
Can Goldfish Live and Survive Without a Filter?
Goldfish are surprisingly hardy and will survive in an aquarium without a filter. However, fish can only live in poor water conditions for a short time.
The quality of the environment has a major influence on the lifespan of a goldfish. Healthy goldfish have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, while stressed goldfish only live two to three years.
Goldfish are characterized by being dirty and messy, requiring a filter. Novice aquarists often think that water changes are enough to keep the container clean, but it’s impossible to keep up with goldfish waste production.
If you see your pet gasping for air on the surface, the water conditions in their aquarium are harmful to them and the oxygen level is insufficient.
Conclusion
After all this information, you may feel overwhelmed at the idea of purchasing a best goldfish filter for your tank. The good news is that you can enlist the help of the experts at your local aquarium supply store to find out the details you may be confused about.
Once you’ve found your perfect filter, you can continue to use the same make and model and keep your fish happy.