10 Best Aquarium Filters Under $150 Of (2024)

Water is the most essential commodity for living beings as well as marine life. Pure water is necessary to stay fit and trouble-free. Nowadays freshwater is hard to get, due to the increase in the rate of population and pollution. Humans throw dirty wastes in water which in turn hamper the life of living organisms surviving in water bodies. Hence, we need to keep water free of unwanted wastes. The best way to create a clean and safe waterbody for fish, plants is to have an aquarium filter. Aquarium filters are the filters that help to maintain the hygiene and health of pelagic life. Wastes are generated from excrement and respiration through plants, animals, and fishes. Another origin of dirty waste is the remaining food and bodies of dead fish. In this process, the water gets tarnished. This causes a life threat to aquamarine life. Hence filtration is the only way of providing a good life to fishes and plants. In today’s date machines have been more modernized. Old filtration machines which were used in past are not in trend anymore. It is easier to get good aquarium filters at a cheap price and variable sizes. Currently, the aquarium filters we get in the market are very effective and helps to remove debris and nullify the wastes of marine life without change of water.

Before jumping into the fact which Aquarium filter is best to choose, we should know what are the different kinds of aquarium filters. With time, several filters have been introduced in the market according to consumer’s tastes in size and types. Some hybrid filters are also being produced.

Following are some types of filter, which will help you to choose one:

• Sponge Filters- The sponge filter is the cheapest in the market which is very easy to use. The filters are not used for long-term purposes. The filters are mostly kept in hospitals. It can be handled easily by the consumers and this filter has a less water flow rate with an air pump attached.
• Internal and submersible filter- This filter is of premium quality filter which is expensive. The rate of filtration varies and it can be changed according to the customer’s need. The filters are ideal for keeping small shrimps, fishes. Plants can also be kept in this filter. It works with 100% efficiency satisfying buyer’s needs. The filter has a higher rate of filtration than sponge-type filters. The filters are available in both electric and air-pump mode.
• Undergravel Filter- In the undergravel aquarium the filter is located at the corner of the tank hidden under the gravel. The filters are found at cheap rates and they are easy to maintain. Dead zones in this filter don’t get a chance to form because the whole underneath of the filter is covered. The undergravel tanks are best suited for growing plants. Fewer number fishes like goldfish and shrimps can also survive in it.
• HOB filters- The HOB filter comes in many variable sizes, which makes it suitable for keeping fishes and plants. The filters are affordable with 2 3-phase filtrations. HOB filters are handy and can be easily maintained in comparison to a sump or canister filter. They are easily customizable and easy to install.
• Canister filters- The Canister filters are of very good quality. It offers a motor that is highly powerful and results in a fast filtration rate. The filters can be customized according to the buyer and they can be installed smoothly.

These filters are considered to be the best of all because they are produced by famous brands, have modern technologies, and simple to use.

Also check – Best aquarium stands / Best portable sump pumps

Best Aquarium Filters Under $150

1. Fluval FX6 Canister Filter

Fluval Canister has a capacity of up to 400 Gallons having a dimension of 15.75*15.75*20.8 inches. This filter is a professional aquarium containing a large size and efficient performance. The machine works with excellent power and speed. This filter is leak-free and does self-priming. The water of the filter can be changed in weeks just with the help of the kit provided. The most amazing deal about this filter is it provides stackable media filters which can be customized. The presence of seals in the filter doesn’t allow water to pass through the basket. It also contains automatic valves which avert any kind of leakage and backflow of water into the tank.

Some of the advantages of using this product:

• This product is a highly demanding product which is capable of supplying excellent performance.
• This filter works pro-efficiently.
• The filter has many distinctive characteristics like a different motor to increase its speed to maximum, it is free from leakage and self-priming.
• It also has the quality of driving water out of your tank using kits while you change your water in a week.

A disadvantage of this filter:

• with the presence of ultra-new features and technologies, the filter is sold at an expensive rate.

2. AquaClear HOB Power Filter

The AquaClear power filter has a capacity of 20 to 50 Gallons with a dimension of 4*9*8 inches. This filter is the best option for consumers who are finding a filter that doesn’t make any sound. The Aqua Clear power filter is a noise-free HOB filter that is best for customers who want to keep their aquariums near their bedrooms. The filter works efficiently and gives good competition to the canister system. The reason behind the noise-free feature of this filter is the absence of a “bio-wheel”. The absence of bio-wheel hinders it from splashing water unlike some HOB’s. The filter has a flow rate of 200 Gph which is a good fit for frail fishes and plants. The flow rate of the filter can be adjusted as well.

Advantages:

• It provides a noise-free environment.
• The filter also has a 3- round filtration process.
• The flow rate makes it a perfect fit.

Disadvantages:

• The type of filter box it has can pass water.

3. Marineland Penguin Power Filter

The filter is a Hob filter with a capacity of up to 30 gallons. The Marineland filter is known to be the elite and luxurious filter. This gives a 3-phase filtration process with a flow rate that can be adjusted according to the preference. Hardly water passes through the media. The most remarkable characteristic of this filter is the presence of “Bio-Wheels”. The Marineland is the only HOB filter having bio-filtration. But because of the bio well it creates a lot of fuss and sound.

Advantages of Marineland Penguin Filter:

• Due to the bio-wheels, it has a separate colony for marine bacteria which are good.
• The premium design of the filter doesn’t let the passage of water during the 3-process of filtration.
• In case of emergency, parts of the filter are found in local or virtual stores with ease.

Disadvantage:

• The Bio-wheels create noise making them unsuitable for keeping near-bed the area.

4. Aqueon Large Filter Quietflow Internal

The filter has a capacity of up to 40 gallons with a dimension of 6.5*5.69*11.19. The Aqueon Large filter Quietflow Internal is considered to be the best 40gallon filter in the market. The best thing about this filter is the location of the suction cup. The suction cup of the filter is situated inside the tank which makes it suitable for planting with minimal fishes. The tank is available at a very affordable rate in the market. This filter is not good for delicate fishes. Because the flow rate of these filters can’t be adjusted. The Aqueon filter is mainly for plants.

Advantages of Aqueon Large Filter Quiet flow Internal:

• The filter has a biological stage along with a 3-phase filtration process.
• The filter can be easily installed with suction cups in the tank.
• It also has a high speed of water flow up to 290 Gph which makes it a plant-focused filter.

Disadvantages:

• The motor of the tank causes a heavy sound.

5. Penn Plax Cascade HOB Filter

The HOB filter has a dimension of 9*6.5*11 inches with a capacity of 50 to 100 gallons. If you are searching for a 100gallon filter it’s the best option for you. The low price of the budget makes it difficult to believe its efficiency and strong workability. The Penn Plax like other HOB filters comes with a 3-stage filtration process which has a different room for steady cleaning of water in a biological procedure. The filter has a capacity of 300 Gph which makes it high in speed and the rate of the water flow can also be adjusted in it. To prevent the suction of food, the rate of the flow can be decreased in the time of giving food to fishes. The motor placed in this filter produces less sound. All the factors make this filter an all-rounder.

Advantages:

• The Penn filter is a good choice for both fish and plants. It has a high-water flow with an adjustable feature.
• The 3-phase filtration process makes a better place for fishes and plants.

Disadvantages:

• The branded parts of the machine may not be easily available in local shops.

6. Penn Plax Premium Undergravel Filter

The filter has a dimension of 28.5*11.5*1.2 inches. The Undergravel filter is the best filter for plants at the lowest rate and is very simple to use. Sometimes Undergravel filters can be problematic due to their feature of leaving debris. But for tanks that are plant oriented and contain fewer fishes. The Penn Plax provides a good amount of circulation as well as filtration which in turn keeps the plants in tanks healthy if the bio-load of the tank is less. The issues faced in the dead zones in the tank won’t be faced by the customer.

Advantages of Penn Plax:

• The filter has a 2-stage process for filtration of 20 or 29 gallons of tanks.
• Dead zones in the tank are obstructed due to the coverage of the whole lower tank by filtration.
• The aquarium needs the least amount of care after installation.

Disadvantages of Penn Plax:

• The price of the filter is low but for power, it needs an air pump.

7. Dennerle Internal Corner Power Filter

This aquarium filter has a capacity of up to 20 Gallon with a dimension of 7.7*3.9*2.4 inches. The aquarium has a submerged filter which is located in the corner of the tank. There is also a spray bar that can be adjusted for the outflow. The Dennerle aquarium has a capacity of 40 Gph and is a noise-free aquarium. The filter is best for shrimps and betta fish. The filtration process of the 3-phase also supports the life of Raising goldfish and plants. To maintain the life of aquaria the media and pad of the tank should be changed. The filter can be accessed with ease without even removing the whole inner thing.

Advantages of Dennerle Internal Filter:

• The Dennerle filter is the best option for having a capacity of a 20-gallon filter.
• It provides a safe and sophisticated life to betta fish and shrimp. The filter also supports the life of plants.
• The most unique feature of the filter is having a submerged filter on the side of a tank.

A disadvantage of Dennerle Internal Filter:

• The filter is more expensive than other HOB aquariums present in the shops.

8. Hydro 3 Sponge Filter

The Hydro 3 filter has a capacity of up to 15-gallon. It has a variable density that is not fixed. Sponge filters are easy to use and simple filters. The sponge products are often single-stage ones. Hydro 3 is different from others. Hydro 3 has a biological filter as well as a mechanical filter for long-run use. The hydro 3 filter is suitable for shrimp and fish fry. It is an excellent filter with an affordable rate. People searching for 15-gallon capacity should go for Hydro 3.

Advantages of using Hydro 3 filter:

• The hydro 3 filters are designed as an adjustable filter which in turn makes it suitable for growing fish and shrimp fries.
• The most amazing feature of hydro 3 is the presence of both biological and mechanical filtration.
• The filter has a low rate of water flowing capacity which makes the circulation moderate circulation.
• The filter is very easy to maintain and it hardly needs alternation of its part.

Disadvantages of Hydro 3 filter:

• It has a 1 to 2 filtration process.

9. Marina Internal Power Filter

The Marine filter has a capacity of 6.6 gallons with a dimension of 3*3.2*8 inches. The Marina filter has a very classy look. It has a marina on the internal part of the tank. The Marina hanging in the tank can also be accessed. The Marina filter steadily sieves the water with the help of a multi-phase. After that, the water reaches the tank smoothly. Customers searching for a 6-gallon filter should buy this. In Marine filters due to the change in the process the level of biological filtration is much higher. The filter is easily accessible with efficient usage.

Advantages of Marina Internal Filter:

• The filter has 3-phase filtration for tanks which are very small in size below 6-gallon.

Disadvantages of Marina Internal Filter:

• The water flow rate in the Marina filter can’t be adjusted or changed.

10. EHEIM Classic External Canister Fish Tank Filter Media

The capacity rate of the EHEIM Classical filter is up to 20 gallons. The filter is designed in a canister style with a dimension of 6*4.3*11.4 inches. The EHEIM Classical filter is produced by a renowned brand named “Eheim”. The filter consists of a small tank with an impressive rate of filtration. Marine lives like female betta fish and goldfish are suitable for these nano 20-gallon tanks. Though small this filter is very productive with very good quality. The best thing about this filter is the inbuilt canister stand which doesn’t let the filter slant. The filter is made with silicon seals which makes the product sturdy and good for the long run. The filter also has tight closure which is enduring and the materials are found easily in markets in case of tear-out. All the factors and quality of the filter make it a pliable one.

Advantages of using EHEIM Classical Filter:

• The EHEIM Canister filter is a 3-stage filter. It can be customized. The filter pads, media are efficient in being used according to consumer will.
• The motor present in the filter is a noise-less motor. The filter is also free of leakage due to the silicon seals.

Disadvantages of EHEIM Classical Filter:

• The product is expensive due to its inbuilt components.

Conclusion:

Hence, the best way to provide a good and healthy life to aquarium is having a filter that is the best of all and affordable as well. The presence of some new branded products makes the choice a little difficult, but a consumer can always choose one according to his/her size and price preference. Providing a clean and pollution-less environment to your aquatic life is necessary and needs the best filter.