💧 Filters to Consider for Your Aquarium Setup
“Clean Water = Healthy Fish”
A good filtration system is one of the most important parts of any aquarium setup. Filters remove waste, debris, and harmful chemicals from the water — keeping your fish healthy and your tank crystal clear. Choosing the right filter depends on your tank size, fish load, and maintenance style.
Here are some of the best filters we recommend at Rockland Aquarium for reliable performance and long-term value.
🌀 Canister Filters – Powerful and Silent
Best for: Medium to large aquariums (40 gallons and up)
Canister filters sit outside the tank and offer superior mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. They’re quiet, powerful, and can handle heavier bioloads.
⭐ Recommended Options:
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Aquael Ultramax & Hypermax Canisters
These professional-grade filters are efficient, easy to maintain, and feature built-in pre-filters — making water changes and cleaning incredibly simple. Perfect for both freshwater and saltwater setups. -
Fluval FX Series (FX4, FX6)
Industry favorites known for reliability and power. The FX6 can handle tanks up to 400 gallons, making it ideal for large or heavily stocked aquariums. It’s easy to prime, quiet, and provides strong water circulation.
💡 Pro Tip: Canister filters work best with sand substrate and good water movement. Clean the media every 4–6 weeks to maintain flow and clarity.
🌊 Hang-On-Back (HOB) Filters – Easy and Efficient
Best for: Small to medium aquariums (10–75 gallons)
HOB filters hang directly on the back of the tank and are known for being user-friendly and low-maintenance. They provide great filtration in a compact design and are easy to access for cleaning.
⭐ Recommended Options:
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Seachem Tidal Filters
Powerful and modern HOB filters with surface skimming and adjustable flow. They’re self-priming and include large filter baskets that can be customized with your choice of media. -
AquaClear Power Filters
A long-time favorite among hobbyists for their reliability and flexibility. AquaClear filters offer multi-stage filtration and are easy to maintain — perfect for planted tanks, community setups, and beginner aquariums.
💡 Pro Tip: Replace filter pads monthly and rinse biological media in old tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria.
⚙️ Internal Filters – Compact and Convenient
Best for: Small aquariums, breeding, or hospital tanks
Internal filters sit inside the tank and provide both filtration and water movement. They’re great for smaller tanks or when external filters aren’t practical.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine an internal filter with a sponge pre-filter for extra biological capacity and to protect small fish or fry.
🌿 Final Thoughts
A quality filter is one of the best investments you can make for your aquarium. It not only keeps the water clear but also supports a healthy ecosystem for your fish and plants.
At Rockland Aquarium, we stock a full range of Aquael, Fluval, Seachem, and AquaClear filters, plus the replacement media and parts you’ll need to keep them running perfectly.
📦 We ship nationwide!
📍 Serving Rockland County, NY and nearby areas for tank setup and maintenance services
🐠 Visit rocklandaquarium.com to explore our full selection of filters, aquariums, and professional setup services.
