How to Choose The Right Filter For Your Aquarium!

Hello Everyone,
In this video we discuss how to choose the right filter type based on your needs. We look at many popular filtration methods such as, HOB, sponge filters, canister filters, matten filters, sumps and more!

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Thanks for watching!

[pw.]

Thanks for the excellent explanations.
0:00 Introduction
1:14 Sponge filters
3:48 Mat filters
4:25 Hang-on-back filter
7:30 Internal canister filter
8:40 External canister filter
10:59 Sump filters
12:30 Conclusion

[HalfManHalfCichlid]

After nearly 60 years in the hobby, my opinion is that a corner Matten filter is the best choice for tanks under about 180 gallons. Air driven or with a powerhead- hands down in terms of biological, mechanical, and looks beautiful. Above 180, I go with a sump, using Poret foam in increasing porosity as the water flows through. Simple, cheap, beautiful, and most importantly the most effective approaches. When you add low maintenance and low energy costs to these two options, there is no other choice in my mind. The only down side, these filters are not "plug and play" with say adding an Aquaclear or cannister filter. You have to be willing to "tinker" a little bit.

[jennalyndaet]

Thank you for this vid. New to the hobbie and I was completely overwhelmed with the type of filters out there. Watched probably an hours worh of vids researching and you provided all the answer in this one vid. I will keep my mechanical filter

[sharronmiller]

I use both hang on the back (Marineland) and sponge filters. 😊😊

[VetAquatics]

Apart from my 125 gallon tanks, I use sponge filters exclusively. They keep the water and tanks clean, I dont have the noise or cartridges of a HOB, and they are super easy to maintain.

[kpNov]

Sponge filters for the win.

When cleaning out canister filters watch out for that unintended siphon! Hair dryers do a good job of drying out carpet...

[James_Hande]

Back in the 60's my go to filters were - box filters for my bare bottom breeding/grow out tanks, HOB for my large aquascaped display tanks, then came the addition of the UGF. Now I'm using double sponge filters in my breeding tanks (cheaper than box filters) central air supply with a linear air pump (super quiet) and Aquaclear HOB for my planted display tanks for polishing the water. For my 50+ years in the hobby I have always rinsed and cleaned my filters under tap water. I have never lost a cycle in any of my tanks either. People need to get it in their heads that there's beneficial bacteria on everything in the tank. Even rinsing sponge filters in tank water that was drained will cause a substantial loss of bacteria. I never relied on filters for a biological filter, more for particulate removal. I am considering making a sump for my 125G when I decide to go with Discus. Not a fan of canister filters. Can't see in side whats going on. My old handicapped butt can't crawl around on the floor under the cabinet to play with them. Sump should be easier, reach in and pull a giant sponge out.

[CJBlack]

When my canister filter started leaking 5 years ago on my 75g, planted, community tank I uncovered the four 'upright' holes, installed the upright tubes and hooked up 2 air pumps to my UG filter. (The UGF was installed when I got the tank over 12 years ago, I just removed the upright tubes when I got the canister and left the plates). A couple of years ago I upgraded the air pumps to Tetra Whispers and my aquarium has been running quietly ever since. I have a colony of Malaysian trumpet snails keeping the substrate clean and I keep the stocking levels low. My tank is in my Living room against a wall, so a HOB wouldn't work. I like the sound of bubbles and the plants and other decor hide the tubes pretty well. My philosophy has been "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" so, until I have to take the tank down to reseal it, UGF is my filter of choice. 💕👍

[jonathancasy]

I have 7 tanks 3 -75 gallon, 60 gallon, 48 gallon, 30 gallon n a 10 gallon I have a 70 gallon fluval filters on the 4 bigger tanks a 50 gallon fluval filter on the next 2 and a 20 gallon fluval filter for the small one with 2 - 75 gallon Sponge filter and one filter apiece on the 3 smaller ones and I only run 3 different pumps for all tanks never had any issues with my water quality and I keep all American chichlids from n inch to 8 inches I have to say watching ur videos has helped me tremendously thank you and keep them coming

[larryjackson]

Prime Time speaks the truth... on ALL his videos... and not just trying to sell products like a few that shall not be named!!!

[alejandrolisdero]

For me = HOB
After using undergravel filter for 27 years, 4 years with a canister and my actual Aquaclear for 8 months, I cannot explain why I waited so long to buy a HOB...
Excelent and complete video!!! 👍🙂👍
Thank you!

[misterbgs]

Filtration. One of the most misunderstood topics. Tnk you for your input on this topic.

[floatygimpy]

Thank you for this video. I use hang on the back filters with intake sponges and, watching all of the most well-known fish keeping youtube channels, I always feel like they're saying I should only be using sponge filters and HOB filters are for noobs and people who don't really know what they're doing. I like HOB filters and feel better about my choice now.

[Xeradorie]

Fluval aquaclear HOB has been my go to for decades. Nice and quiet, does a great job at mechanical filtration, and the biological media is the best by far - some of my sponges and bio cube are 10+ years old, and still in great condition! :)

[kevinadkinson]

I didn’t hear you mention it, but I could have missed it. One major advantage to external filters (like a canister filter) is that they add volume to the tank... effectively making your tank volume larger by a couple litres.

[martyborst]

My favorite filters are the aquaclear 110’s. I have 2 running on each of my 90 and 150 tank. Thanks for going over filter pros and cons.👍🙂🐠

[luisitooob]

This helps out a lot when choosing a filter

[cmaddog]

I like canister or sump for esthetics, but sponge filters are great for breeding and all around.

[Tirfing]

My favorites are canisters with a spray bar and sponge filters.

For bigger tanks, the canister with spray bar: Super nice aeration/circulation, powerful flow but gentle at the same time.
For smaller tanks (below 20g): Sponge filters. Ease of use, a single sponge filter is often enough!

I don't like the turbulence hang on backs make though, you cannot have floating plants with them or they'll be pushed all around, plus on smaller tanks (<20g) I feel that you effectively reduce the space your fish have by about 20%-40%, since the turbulence from the falling water makes in uncomfortable for them (they get tossed all around), effectively making them avoid that part of the tank. Haven't found an easy, practical way to reduce the impact of the falling water. With canisters, you just put a spray bar.

[kimoarmstrong]

Yourself and Corey from Co-op have sold me on sponge filters. I put them on my pickup tubes for EVERY filter. I rarely need to clean out my canister or hang on back filters, just the sponges! I also use hose and connect sponge filters to power heads and they work excellent to make my own filter.