Boyu · Canister
DGN-410 / 460 / 520 Canister Filter
- Flow
- 1,610 L/h
PriceBuild quality
Mid to large planted tanks where you want to tune flow to the scape without swapping filters.
6 models
Gear catalogue · 65 filters
Aquarium filters, compared properly
Canister, hang-on-back and internal filters, matched to your tank's flow needs. From Boyu, Dophin, Eheim, Juwel, Oase, SunSun, UNS. Match them to your tank, then put up to four side by side.
The short answerChoosing filters
For a planted tank, aim for a filter rated at roughly 5 to 10 times your tank volume per hour. That sounds high, but makers rate flow with an empty filter and no hoses, so real flow with media in it is often a third lower. A canister is the usual choice for scapes over 45 litres because the hardware lives in the cabinet and you can fit lily pipes, an inline CO2 diffuser and an inline heater. Hang-on-back filters are simple and cheap for small tanks, and internal or sponge filters suit shrimp and quarantine tanks. Look at media volume as well as flow, since more media means a more stable tank, and check the hose size matches the pipes or inline gear you want to use.
ChecklistHow to choose
- Target a rated flow of 5 to 10 times tank volume per hour. For a 60 litre tank that is about 300 to 600 L/h.
- More media volume means steadier water. Canisters win here.
- Match the hose diameter (12/16 or 16/22 mm are common) to your lily pipes, CO2 reactor or inline heater.
- Shrimp tanks need a guarded intake: a pre-filter sponge on the inlet or a sponge filter.
Boyu · Canister
DGN-80 / 120 UVC Canister Filter
- Flow
- 800–1,200 L/h
PriceBuild qualityMedium to large community tanks where the owner wants mechanical, biological and UV treatment in one box.
2 models
Boyu · Canister
EF / EFU Canister Filter
- Flow
- 300–1,100 L/h
- Tank size
- 100–650 L
PriceBuild qualityBudget-minded keepers with 100 to 650 litre tanks who want canister filtration and optional UV.
6 models
Boyu · Canister
FEF-230 / 280 Canister Filter
- Flow
- 800–1,000 L/h
PriceBuild qualityMedium tanks around 150 to 300 litres where a budget UV canister makes sense.
2 models
Boyu · InternalLow tech
SP-C / SP-B Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–1,400 L/h
PriceBuild qualityQuarantine, hospital or grow-out tanks, and simple community tanks that need an easy internal filter.
4 models
Boyu · Hang-on-backLow tech
WF Waterfall Hang-on Filter
- Flow
- 150–720 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall to medium low-tech tanks and shrimp or betta setups on a budget.
5 models
Dophin · InternalLow tech
950F Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 470–1,550 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 300 L
PriceBuild qualityA larger tank that needs strong extra circulation plus some mechanical filtration.
4 models
Dophin · Hang-on-backLow tech
A Series Hanging Filter
- Flow
- 300–500 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 100 L
PriceBuild qualityA 40 to 100 litre tank where you want a simple hang-on filter you can fill with your own media.
4 models
Dophin · Canister
C Series Canister Filter
- Flow
- 1,130–2,540 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 190 L
PriceBuild qualityA 100 to 190 litre planted tank on a budget where you want room for plenty of your own media.
5 models
Dophin · Canister
CF Series UV Canister Filter
- Flow
- 410–3,000 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 500 L
PriceBuild qualityAnyone wanting a cheap canister with optional UV, from a 40 litre shrimp tank (CF300) to a large display (C2400).
7 models
Dophin · Canister
CF11008 Series CO2 Canister Filter
- Flow
- 950–1,450 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 140 L
PriceBuild qualityA budget planted tank of roughly 60 to 140 litres where you want CO2 and heating hidden inside the filter.
3 models
Dophin · Canister
CF2000 Pre-Canister Filter
PriceBuild qualityA planted tank with lots of leaf litter or trimmings where you are tired of stripping down the main canister.
1 model
Dophin · Canister
CF688 Series Canister Filter
- Flow
- 800–1,400 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 140 L
PriceBuild qualityA 60 to 140 litre tank that suffers green water now and then, where a UV option in the same box saves buying a separate unit.
4 models
Dophin · InternalLow tech
F Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 360–800 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 160 L
PriceBuild qualityA mid-sized tank where you want an internal filter that tucks into a back corner.
3 models
Dophin · InternalLow tech
FB Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–760 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 140 L
PriceBuild qualityA basic community or planted tank where a simple sponge internal filter is enough.
4 models
Dophin · InternalLow tech
FC Filter Box
- Flow
- 180–670 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 130 L
PriceBuild qualityA small desktop or nano tank that needs a compact, cheap internal filter.
5 models
Dophin · Hang-on-backLow tech
H Series Hanging Filter
- Flow
- 190–1,000 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 200 L
PriceBuild qualityA beginner tank from 25 to 200 litres where a familiar, easy hang-on filter is enough.
6 models
Dophin · InternalLow tech
KF Internal Filter
- Flow
- 200–280 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 70 L
PriceBuild qualityA nano or shrimp tank of 30 to 70 litres that needs a tiny, cheap internal filter.
4 models
Dophin · Top filterLow tech
Power Head Top Filter
- Flow
- 1,100–1,550 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 300 L
PriceBuild qualityAn older-style framed tank without a lid where you want a lot of cheap, easy-to-clean media.
4 models
Dophin · Hang-on-backLow tech
SH Slim Hanging Filter
- Flow
- 150–380 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 80 L
PriceBuild qualityA 20 to 80 litre tank with a lid-free top where you want surface film gone without a separate skimmer.
4 models
Dophin · InternalLow tech
TF Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–650 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 150 L
PriceBuild qualityA 50 to 150 litre tank where you want gentle, spread-out flow without a canister.
3 models
Eheim · InternalLow tech
aqua Corner Filter
- Tank size
- 100–200 L
PriceBuild qualityBeginner planted tanks of roughly 100 to 200 litres where you want something simple that hides in a corner.
1 model
Eheim · InternalLow tech
Aquaball
- Flow
- 480–650 L/h
- Tank size
- 30–180 L
PriceBuild qualitySmall to medium low-tech planted tanks, or as a backup filter and circulation boost on a bigger tank.
3 models
Eheim · InternalLow tech
Biopower
- Flow
- 550–750 L/h
- Tank size
- 80–240 L
PriceBuild qualityMedium planted tanks without room for a canister, or tanks with a heavier fish load that need more biology than a basic internal.
3 models
Eheim · Canister
Classic
- Flow
- 440–1,000 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 600 L
PriceBuild qualityKeepers who want a no-fuss, long-lived canister for a planted tank and are happy to do a slightly messier clean now and then.
3 models
Eheim · Canister
classicVARIO+e
- Flow
- 510 L/h
- Tank size
- 50–250 L
PriceBuild qualityPlanted tanks of about 50 to 250 litres where you want a silent, simple canister with adjustable flow and do not need a big media load.
1 model
Eheim · Canister
Ecco Pro
- Flow
- 500–750 L/h
- Tank size
- 60–300 L
PriceBuild qualityPlanted tanks from about 60 to 300 litres where you want an easy canister that tucks into a small cabinet.
3 models
Eheim · Canister
Experience
- Flow
- 500–1,050 L/h
- Tank size
- 80–350 L
PriceBuild qualityMid-sized planted tanks where you want easier maintenance than a Classic without paying Professionel money.
3 models
Eheim · InternalLow tech
Pick-up
- Flow
- 180–570 L/h
- Tank size
- 30–200 L
PriceBuild qualityNano and small planted tanks, quarantine or shrimp tanks where a canister would be overkill.
4 models
Eheim · Canister
Professionel 3 1200XL
- Flow
- 1,700 L/h
- Tank size
- 400–1200 L
PriceBuild qualityVery large planted displays of roughly 400 to 1,200 litres, where one filter needs to carry a lot of media.
1 model
Eheim · Canister
Professionel 4+
- Flow
- 950–1,250 L/h
- Tank size
- 120–600 L
PriceBuild qualityPlanted tanks from about 120 to 600 litres where you want solid flow, long service intervals and, if you like, no heater in the display.
5 models
Eheim · Canister
Professionel 5e
- Flow
- 1,500–1,850 L/h
- Tank size
- 180–700 L
PriceBuild qualityLarger high-tech planted tanks where you want strong, adjustable flow and like the idea of tuning it from your phone.
4 models
Juwel · InternalLow tech
Bioflow
- Flow
- 600–1,000 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 500 L
PriceBuild qualityJuwel owners replacing or upgrading a filter, or anyone happy with a big internal box in exchange for no hoses.
3 models
Oase · InternalLow tech
BioCompact
- Flow
- 240 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 50 L
PriceBuild qualityNano tanks, shrimp tanks and quarantine tanks where space is tight.
2 models
Oase · Canister
BioMaster 2
- Flow
- 650–1,550 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 850 L
PriceBuild qualityMedium to large planted tanks where you want long gaps between full cleans and easy weekly pre-filter rinses.
10 models
Oase · InternalLow tech
BioPlus
- Flow
- 350–650 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 200 L
PriceBuild qualitySmall to mid-sized tanks where you want a simple internal filter that is easy to service.
6 models
Oase · Hang-on-backLow tech
BioStyle
- Flow
- 350–900 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 180 L
PriceBuild qualitySmall planted tanks or shrimp tanks where you want easy filtration without a canister or an internal box.
3 models
Oase · Canister
FiltoSmart
- Flow
- 300–1,000 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 300 L
PriceBuild qualityNano to mid-sized planted tanks where you want a quiet canister without paying BioMaster money.
7 models
SunSun · Top filterLow tech
AF-260 Top Filter
PriceBuild qualitySmall fish tanks where you want extra media above the water.
1 model
SunSun · Hang-on-backLow tech
CBG Hang-On Filter with UV
- Flow
- 500–800 L/h
- Tank size
- 38–190 L
PriceBuild qualitySmall to mid planted tanks that suffer from surface film or green water.
4 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
CF Series Internal Filter Pump
- Flow
- 350–900 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall fish tanks.
3 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
CHJ-02 Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 500–1,500 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall and mid fish tanks.
4 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
CUP-800 UV Internal Filter
- Flow
- 700 L/h
PriceBuild qualityMid to large tanks with green water problems.
4 models
SunSun · Hang-on-backLow tech
HBL Series Hang-On Filter
- Flow
- 300–800 L/h
PriceBuild qualityNano and small planted tanks, shrimp tanks and quarantine setups.
12 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
HJ-42 Series Internal Filter Pump
- Flow
- 400–3,000 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall to large fish tanks and temporary setups.
7 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
HJ-B Series Mini Internal Filter
- Flow
- 200–1,200 L/h
PriceBuild qualityPico, nano and small tanks.
9 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
HN Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300 L/h
PriceBuild qualityNano and small tanks up to about 40 litres.
2 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
HQJ-I and HQJ-S Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–500 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall fish tanks and quarantine tanks.
5 models
SunSun · Canister
HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter
- Flow
- 1,000–2,000 L/h
PriceBuild qualityBudget-conscious keepers with 100 to 500 litre planted tanks.
6 models
SunSun · Canister
HW-3000 Series Frequency Canister Filter
- Flow
- 3,000–4,600 L/h
PriceBuild qualityLarge planted or community tanks (roughly 200 litres and up) where adjustable flow is useful.
3 models
SunSun · Canister
HW-500 Series Canister Filter
- Flow
- 320–1,000 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall to mid planted tanks where you want a simple canister.
5 models
SunSun · Canister
HW-600 Series Mini Canister Filter
- Flow
- 400–800 L/h
PriceBuild qualityNano and small planted tanks, 30 to 100 litres, that want canister filtration.
3 models
SunSun · Canister
HW-700 Series Canister Filter
- Flow
- 1,000–2,000 L/h
PriceBuild qualityMid to large planted tanks, roughly 150 to 500 litres, on a budget.
3 models
SunSun · SpongeLow tech
JF Biochemical Sponge Filter
- Flow
- 350 L/h
PriceBuild qualityShrimp tanks, fry tanks and small planted tanks that need gentle, safe filtration.
3 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
JP-09 Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 250–650 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall tanks that need low-wattage internal filtration.
3 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
JP-F Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–1,600 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall to mid fish tanks.
9 models
SunSun · Top filterLow tech
JS Three-in-One Top Filter
- Flow
- 350–650 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall to mid fish tanks that want easy-access top filtration.
2 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
JUP UV Internal Filter
- Flow
- 500–800 L/h
PriceBuild qualityTanks fighting green water that want the UV inside the tank.
5 models
SunSun · Hang-on-backLow tech
XBA Clip-On Filter
- Flow
- 300 L/h
PriceBuild qualityPico and nano tanks, betta setups.
1 model
SunSun · Hang-on-backLow tech
XBL Hang-On Filter
- Flow
- 300–500 L/h
PriceBuild qualityNano and small tanks under 60 cm.
4 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
XN Low Water Level Filter
- Flow
- 800 L/h
PriceBuild qualityShallow tanks and low water levels where a normal internal filter would suck air.
3 models
SunSun · InternalLow tech
XQP-F Internal Filter
- Flow
- 500–1,500 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall to mid tanks.
3 models
SunSun · Canister
XWA Series External Filter
- Flow
- 500–1,400 L/h
PriceBuild qualitySmall to mid tanks where you want lots of media volume in a compact external box.
3 models
UNS · Canister
Blitz Stainless Steel Filter
- Flow
- 57–208 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 45 L
PriceBuild qualityNano and desktop tanks where the filter sits on show next to the aquarium.
2 models
UNS · Canister
Delta Canister Filter
- Flow
- 454–1,325 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 348 L
PriceBuild qualityNano to mid-size planted tanks where you want a small, tidy canister with clear lily pipes out of the box.
4 models
Price and build quality ratings: Ratings are Fin & Stem estimates based on typical retail prices, brand positioning and published specs, not lab testing. Prices vary by country and retailer, so treat them as a rough guide. How we rate gear.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing aquarium filters.
What size filter do I need for my aquarium?
Aim for a rated flow of about 5 to 10 times the tank volume per hour. A 60 litre planted tank wants roughly 300 to 600 L/h, a 120 litre tank 600 to 1,200 L/h. Use the tank-size filter on this page to see which models land in that window.
Why is my filter weaker than the box says?
Rated flow is measured with an empty filter and no hoses. Media, hose length, height to the tank and a dirty pre-filter all cut it, often by 30 to 50 percent. That is why we match on a band that goes a little above 10 times turnover.
Canister or hang-on-back for a planted tank?
Canister for most tanks over 45 litres: more media, quieter, hidden in the cabinet and compatible with lily pipes and inline CO2. A hang-on-back is fine for small or budget tanks, but it agitates the surface, which drives off CO2.
Is too much flow a problem?
It can be. Slow swimmers like bettas and pygmy fish struggle, and a jet across the surface wastes injected CO2. Point the outlet along the long wall, use a spray bar or lily pipe, and throttle back with the tap if fish are being pushed around.
Keep reading
Other gear
Specs come from the maker or a major retailer’s listing and are checked where we can. Makers revise products, so confirm the figures on the product page before you buy. Product photos are supplied by the brands and their distributors.