What type of aquarium filter is best?

It depends on the tank. Sponge filters are gentle and ideal for nano, shrimp and fry tanks; internal filters suit small-to-mid community tanks; external canister filters handle larger or heavily stocked tanks with the most media capacity. There's no single best — match the filter type to your tank size and the fish you keep.

Why shouldn't I fully clean or replace filter media?

Because your beneficial bacteria live in the media — replacing or deep-cleaning it all at once removes the biological filter and can trigger an ammonia spike. Rinse media gently in old tank water, not tap water, and replace only part at a time. Preserving the bacteria colony is the whole point of mature filtration.

Do I need a separate pump as well as a filter?

Usually not for a standard tank — most internal and external filters provide their own flow and surface agitation. You might add a separate powerhead or air pump for extra circulation in a large or long tank, for a sponge filter, or to boost oxygen in warm weather. Check what your chosen filter includes.

How often should I clean my filter?

When flow noticeably drops — often every few weeks — rather than on a fixed schedule. Rinse the mechanical media (sponges, floss) in a bucket of old tank water to clear debris while sparing the bacteria. Avoid cleaning the filter at the same time as a big water change, so you don't disturb too much biology at once.

How much do aquarium filters and pumps cost?

Filtration ranges from a few pounds for a sponge filter or replacement foam to around £190 for larger external filters and powerful pumps. The right choice scales with tank size and stocking. Prices on this page are live: what you see is what's in stock today.

Aquarium Filters & Pumps UK

Aquarium filters, pumps and flow equipment for sale UK — Aquael, internal, external, canister, powerhead and sump accessories.

44 products available

This page collects the filters, pumps and filter media we stock — internal and sponge filters, powerheads, heaters and replacement foams. Everything is dispatched from our own stock with the rest of your order.

Filtration is the heart of a healthy aquarium: it grows the beneficial bacteria that process fish waste and keeps water clear and oxygenated. The right filter depends on tank size, stocking level and the type of fish you keep.

Match the filter to the tank. Nano and shrimp tanks suit gentle sponge filters; community tanks want internal or external filters rated above the tank's volume; messy or heavily stocked tanks need more capacity. Check each product for tank size and flow rating before ordering.

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Frequently asked questions

As a rule, choose a filter rated to turn over at least four times your tank's volume per hour, and err on the larger side for heavily stocked or messy fish. An under-powered filter is a common cause of poor water quality. Check the litres-per-hour rating against your tank size on each product before buying.

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