Best Aquarium Filter For 20 Gallon Tank Owners
There are several choices of filters available in the market today when it comes to the best aquarium filter for 20 gallon fish tank owners. They come in different types such as canister, power, and internal filters.
These types are the most in demand and popular ones when you talk about filters for tanks and aquarium.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, choosing the best filter for your tank is not a difficult decision to make but it requires a full understanding of how each type works.
A 20-gallon tank is ideal for a beginner who wants to try a new hobby. This particular size of a tank can already accommodate many species of fish.
The hobbyist can also create a natural environment within the tank. But before decorating your tank underwater, it is important first to get the proper filter that will be used in your 20-gallon tank.
Types of Filters
Power Filter
A power filter is placed partially inside and partially outside the tank. There is an intake tube that hangs down in the water and works to draw water through the filter.
The water flows up through the filter through the cartridge and overflowing back to the tank resembling a waterfall motion. The power filter is easy to use and clean.
You can just take the cover, remove the old cartridge, and replace with a new one with a recommended period interval.
In-Tank
In-tank filters can create a natural look within your tank. Some of them are like rocks, wood, or even a plant, unlike other filters that need to be hidden in order to camouflage.
However, this particular type of filter must be unhooked and be removed when there is a need to change the filter media.
Undergravel
An under-gravel filter colonizes good bacteria that will consume excess food of the fish and its waste. This type of filter is recommended for a 20-gallon tank or aquarium because they are very easy to clean.
It also provides biological filtration system that is needed in order to have a clean and clear water in the tank.
Corner Filter
A corner filter is placed in the corner of a tank, mostly at the back of the aquarium. A corner filter is attached to an airline tubing.
It creates bubbles that run through to provide aeration while assisting the filter process effectively.
This corner filter is also recommended for a 20-gallon tank or can be used as an extra filter for larger tanks and aquarium.
Now that you know the different types of filters, you are now ready to choose the best one from these excellent options we have on the list:
1. Aqua-Tech Power Aquarium Filter
The Aqua-Tech Power Aquarium Filter provides efficient performance when it comes to a filtration system. This accommodates 20-40 gallons of water in a tank.
This is the perfect filter for a small tank, especially for beginners. The Aqua-Tech Power Aquarium Filter is a simple filter that works with a three-step filtration system.
It removes dirt and debris and cleans out the bacteria in the tank. It also eliminates smell and discoloration and works to correct the PH level of water ideal for the fish.
This product uses carbon filters to help keep the water clean. It is designed to work with carbon and water at a maximum level that is why it is considered as one of the cleanest filtration systems in the market today.
Aside from that, this Aqua-Tech Power Aquarium Filter is being sold at a reasonable price that can give your money’s worth.
Another best feature of AquaTech is that this product is very lightweight with 8 ounces in measurement and very small that makes it easy to remove and disguise.
Pros:
- Small
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Reasonable price
- Cleanest filter
Cons:
- Low capacity level
- Not suitable for large tanks
2. Penn Plax Cascade Hang-On Aquarium Filter
The Penn Plax Cascade Hang-On Aquarium Filter is a small filter that can fit into a medium size tank up to 20 gallons. It has a removable filtration chamber that can contain any type of filter media you want.
This Penn Plax Cascade Hang-On Aquarium Filter comes with bio-sponge, bio floss and an activated carbon that can be used in a different filtration system.
This product is very easy to set up, clean, and maintain. It filters fast making your aquarium clean and clear in no less time.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 3-type filtration system
- Adjustable flow rate
- Easy to prime
- Easy to set up
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Less durable
3. Marineland Penguin Power Filter
The Marineland Penguin Power Filter is an excellent choice for a 20 to 30-gallon tank. It offers a three-stage filtration. It comes with a Bio-Wheel Technology that removes nitrate and ammonia fast.
It has a Rite-Size filter cartridge that eliminates dirt and debris in the water and helps the tank become clean and clear.
Its filter cover is constructed for an easy maintenance setup. The Marineland Penguin Power Filter also comes in different sizes for different tank types.
Pros:
- Up to 30-gallon tank
- Multi-stage filtration
- 150 GPH
- Best for beginners
Cons:
- Loud when operates
- Cannot control water flow
Final Words
All the choices listed above are great options for a filter. You just have to make sure which one can work best for your needs. When choosing the best one, make sure to consider the quality and durability of the product.
For beginners, you should select the one that can be easily installed and maintained. You should always keep in mind these three important factors that will sum up for the preferred filter:
1) Filtration technology used; 2) Water flow rate, and 3) brand certification.
Most products especially those with popular brands have particular certifications such as water flow rate that is proven and tested to be of quality.
With so many options in the market today, you must do your research on every possible product you would want so that it can be perfect for your tank and aquarium needs. Thanks for reading best aquarium filter for 20 gallon fish tank owners. Enjoy your day!
