Boyu · Canister
DGN-410 / 460 / 520 Canister Filter
- Flow
- 1,610 L/h
Mid to large planted tanks where you want to tune flow to the scape without swapping filters.
6 models
Gear catalogue · 66 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.
TL;DR, choosing aquarium 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.
How 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
Medium 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
Budget-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
Medium tanks around 150 to 300 litres where a budget UV canister makes sense.
2 models
Boyu · Internal
SP-C / SP-B Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–1,400 L/h
Quarantine, hospital or grow-out tanks, and simple community tanks that need an easy internal filter.
4 models
Boyu · Hang-on-back
WF Waterfall Hang-on Filter
- Flow
- 150–720 L/h
Small to medium low-tech tanks and shrimp or betta setups on a budget.
5 models
Dophin · Internal
950F Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 470–1,550 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 300 L
A larger tank that needs strong extra circulation plus some mechanical filtration.
4 models
Dophin · Hang-on-back
A Series Hanging Filter
- Flow
- 300–500 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 100 L
A 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
A 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
Anyone 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
A 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
A 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
A 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 · Internal
F Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 360–800 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 160 L
A mid-sized tank where you want an internal filter that tucks into a back corner.
3 models
Dophin · Internal
FB Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–760 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 140 L
A basic community or planted tank where a simple sponge internal filter is enough.
4 models
Dophin · Internal
FC Filter Box
- Flow
- 180–670 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 130 L
A small desktop or nano tank that needs a compact, cheap internal filter.
5 models
Dophin · Hang-on-back
H Series Hanging Filter
- Flow
- 190–1,000 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 200 L
A beginner tank from 25 to 200 litres where a familiar, easy hang-on filter is enough.
6 models
Dophin · Internal
KF Internal Filter
- Flow
- 200–280 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 70 L
A nano or shrimp tank of 30 to 70 litres that needs a tiny, cheap internal filter.
4 models
Dophin · Top filter
Power Head Top Filter
- Flow
- 1,100–1,550 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 300 L
An older-style framed tank without a lid where you want a lot of cheap, easy-to-clean media.
4 models
Dophin · Hang-on-back
SH Slim Hanging Filter
- Flow
- 150–380 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 80 L
A 20 to 80 litre tank with a lid-free top where you want surface film gone without a separate skimmer.
4 models
Dophin · Internal
TF Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–650 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 150 L
A 50 to 150 litre tank where you want gentle, spread-out flow without a canister.
3 models
Eheim · Internal
aqua Corner Filter
- Tank size
- 100–200 L
Beginner planted tanks of roughly 100 to 200 litres where you want something simple that hides in a corner.
1 model
Eheim · Internal
Aquaball
- Flow
- 480–650 L/h
- Tank size
- 30–180 L
Small to medium low-tech planted tanks, or as a backup filter and circulation boost on a bigger tank.
3 models
Eheim · Internal
Biopower
- Flow
- 550–750 L/h
- Tank size
- 80–240 L
Medium 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
Keepers 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
Planted 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
Planted 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
Mid-sized planted tanks where you want easier maintenance than a Classic without paying Professionel money.
3 models
Eheim · Internal
miniFLAT
Very shallow nano tanks and low water levels that still need a bit of filtration and movement.
1 model
Eheim · Internal
Pick-up
- Flow
- 180–570 L/h
- Tank size
- 30–200 L
Nano 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
- up to 1200 L
Very large planted displays, roughly 600 litres and up, 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
Planted 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
Larger high-tech planted tanks where you want strong, adjustable flow and like the idea of tuning it from your phone.
4 models
Juwel · Internal
Bioflow
- Flow
- 600–1,000 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 500 L
Juwel owners replacing or upgrading a filter, or anyone happy with a big internal box in exchange for no hoses.
3 models
Oase · Internal
BioCompact
- Flow
- 240 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 50 L
Nano 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
Medium to large planted tanks where you want long gaps between full cleans and easy weekly pre-filter rinses.
10 models
Oase · Internal
BioPlus
- Flow
- 350–650 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 200 L
Small to mid-sized tanks where you want a simple internal filter that is easy to service.
6 models
Oase · Hang-on-back
BioStyle
- Flow
- 350–900 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 180 L
Small 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
Nano to mid-sized planted tanks where you want a quiet canister without paying BioMaster money.
7 models
SunSun · Top filter
AF-260 Top Filter
Small fish tanks where you want extra media above the water.
1 model
SunSun · Hang-on-back
CBG Hang-On Filter with UV
- Flow
- 500–800 L/h
- Tank size
- 38–190 L
Small to mid planted tanks that suffer from surface film or green water.
4 models
SunSun · Internal
CF Series Internal Filter Pump
- Flow
- 350–900 L/h
Small fish tanks.
3 models
SunSun · Internal
CHJ-02 Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 500–1,500 L/h
Small and mid fish tanks.
4 models
SunSun · Internal
CUP-800 UV Internal Filter
- Flow
- 700 L/h
- Tank size
- up to 750 L
Mid to large tanks with green water problems.
4 models
SunSun · Hang-on-back
HBL Series Hang-On Filter
- Flow
- 300–800 L/h
Nano and small planted tanks, shrimp tanks and quarantine setups.
12 models
SunSun · Internal
HJ-42 Series Internal Filter Pump
- Flow
- 400–3,000 L/h
Small to large fish tanks and temporary setups.
7 models
SunSun · Internal
HJ-B Series Mini Internal Filter
- Flow
- 200–1,200 L/h
Pico, nano and small tanks.
9 models
SunSun · Internal
HN Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300 L/h
Nano and small tanks up to about 40 litres.
2 models
SunSun · Internal
HQJ-I and HQJ-S Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–500 L/h
Small fish tanks and quarantine tanks.
5 models
SunSun · Canister
HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter
- Flow
- 1,000–2,000 L/h
Budget-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
Large 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
Small 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
Nano 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
Mid to large planted tanks, roughly 150 to 500 litres, on a budget.
3 models
SunSun · Sponge
JF Biochemical Sponge Filter
- Flow
- 350 L/h
Shrimp tanks, fry tanks and small planted tanks that need gentle, safe filtration.
3 models
SunSun · Internal
JP-09 Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 250–650 L/h
Small tanks where you want gentle, spread-out return flow.
3 models
SunSun · Internal
JP-F Series Internal Filter
- Flow
- 300–1,600 L/h
Small to mid fish tanks.
9 models
SunSun · Top filter
JS Three-in-One Top Filter
- Flow
- 350–650 L/h
Small to mid fish tanks that want easy-access top filtration.
2 models
SunSun · Internal
JUP UV Internal Filter
- Flow
- 500–800 L/h
Tanks fighting green water that want the UV inside the tank.
5 models
SunSun · Hang-on-back
XBA Clip-On Filter
- Flow
- 300 L/h
Pico and nano tanks, betta setups.
1 model
SunSun · Hang-on-back
XBL Hang-On Filter
- Flow
- 300–500 L/h
Nano and small tanks under 60 cm.
4 models
SunSun · Internal
XN Low Water Level Filter
- Flow
- 800 L/h
Shallow tanks and low water levels where a normal internal filter would suck air.
3 models
SunSun · Internal
XQP-F Internal Filter
- Flow
- 500–1,500 L/h
Small to mid tanks.
3 models
SunSun · Canister
XWA Series External Filter
- Flow
- 500–1,400 L/h
Small 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
Nano 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
Nano to mid-size planted tanks where you want a small, tidy canister with clear lily pipes out of the box.
4 models
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.