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Aquarium filters come in many designs and shapes. Some are big, some small, some can be installed outside the aquarium, while some can be installed inside. Each has been designed to work in a certain way, and each comes with its advantages and disadvantages. We are going to explore some of the best internal aquarium filters that you can install in your aquarium, look at their strength and weaknesses as well as a brief overview of how they work. Stick around if you just got an aquarium, but you are still unsure on what filter type to go with.
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This is a Tetra product that is best suited for small fish tanks. They are small and compact, taking very little space in the water, leaving enough just for the fish to move around as they please. It comes with segments that handle different levels of filtration, complete with activated carbon and filter pads that trap debris while providing room for beneficial bacteria to grow. The filter makes use of a water pump that pushes the water back into the tank in the form of a waterfall. The Whisper In-Tank Filter comes in varying sizes that suit different sizes of aquariums.
Compact design
Occupies very little space
Easy maintenance
They lack suction cups
The flow rate is too high for smaller and slower fish
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Aqueon is a well-known brand that makes some of the best aquarium materials around. The Aqueon Quietflow Power Filter is one of the quietest internal filters you can get in the market right now on the cheap and is loved by many experienced owners of aquariums. It is small enough to fit in a small fish tank without taking up too much space, and it comes in varying sizes for different sizes of fish tanks. It also has some of the highest flow rates of any internal filter setup, and for this reason, you have to be careful that it doesn’t suck in small fish.
High flow rate
Great design
It is quiet
Cartridge maintenance is easy
Limited space for filter media
It is hard to disguise it in the tank
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Fluval has a knack for taking underwater filters for both ponds and aquariums, and the Fluval Underwater Filter is not different in terms of quality and functionality. It is quite handy, in fact, as it can be placed at the bottom of the tank, leaving enough space overhead for the fish to move about without any suction risk. This device goes a step further than most of its predecessors; it can be flipped horizontally, giving it the flexibility to be used in any given environment.
Suitable for large fish tanks
Flexible positioning
Occupies very little space
Adjustable water flow rate
The top lid makes maintenance easier
A bit expensive
If it breaks down, it releases the dirt back into the water
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This is by far the best option for those that have large fish tanks that can hold over 20 gallons of water. The MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filters are heavy-duty internal filters that come with a number of chambers that allow for different filtration processes to take place in stages. It can support all three processes from biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration with a special cartridge that handles the polishing part using diatomaceous earth to capture tiny particles that escape other filtration setups.
Good for large tanks
Strong flow rate
Great design
Supports all the three filtration processes
Too big
The flow rate is too strong for some fish
The water flow rate cannot be adjusted
Source: Amazon
The Penn Plax Cascade Submersible Aquarium Filter is a very compact and portable internal filter canister that is simple in design and functioning. It is highly flexible and can be used in both big and small fish tanks, all you have to do is adjust a few things, and you will be good. The ancestry is also highly versatile as it can be placed in any position; you can choose to submerge it or have it placed vertically on the side of the tank, occupying the least space in the process.
Adjustable flow rate
Versatile positioning
Customizable filtration media
Colored so it cannot be hidden
It is too small
Internal filters can be handy depending on the circumstances, but they do work alright if you follow instructions in their installations. Most of these are also cheap and widely available, the problem or you would be making a decision on what to go with. For more information on all types of filters, check out our website for more tips and tricks on handling an aquarium.
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