Filtration is the one piece of equipment every freshwater tank needs, and the right choice depends mostly on tank size and how much maintenance you want to do. IndieFur stocks three types of freshwater filter: hang-on-back, internal and canister. Each suits a different kind of tank.
Hang-on-back (HOB) power filters, best for tanks up to 200 litres
A hang-on-back filter sits on the rim of the tank and is the easiest option to install and maintain. No plumbing, no priming; lift it out and rinse the media when it slows down. It suits a first aquarium or any tank up to about 200 litres where you want simple upkeep.
Models we carry: ISTA Hang On Filter 180, 280, 380, 450 and 600 (a full size ladder by tank volume), plus EHEIM LiBERTY Hang On Filter 75 L and 130 L.
Internal filters, best for nano and small tanks
An internal filter sits fully submerged inside the tank. It is the quietest option and takes up the least visible space, which makes it the standard choice for nano tanks, breeding tanks, and quarantine setups. See our quarantine tank guide for why a dedicated small filter matters there.
Models we carry: ISTA Aquarium Ceramic Internal Filter, Eheim Internal Filter Pick Up 45, 60 and 200, Fluval U1 Underwater Filter, and Sicce Internal Filter Shark Pro 500 and 700.
Canister (external) filters, best for tanks over 200 litres or heavy bioloads
A canister filter sits outside the tank and pumps water through a sealed external unit packed with far more filter media than a HOB or internal filter can hold. It is the right choice once a tank gets large, houses big or messy fish (goldfish, cichlids, plecos), or is a planted tank running CO2 where surface agitation from a HOB filter would degas it.
Models we carry: Hydor Prime External Canister Filter 10, 20 and 30; EHEIM Classic Filter 150, 250, 350 and 600; Fluval 107 and 207 Performance Canister Filters; and ISTA Canister Filter 1080.
Note: canister filters are also used on marine and reef tanks. The mechanics are the same, which is why this range overlaps with our marine equipment range.
How to choose
- Up to 200 L, low-maintenance: a HOB filter, moving up the ISTA ladder (180 to 600) as the tank gets bigger.
- Nano, breeding or quarantine tank: an internal filter (Eheim Pick Up, Fluval U1).
- Over 200 L, or a heavy bioload such as goldfish or cichlids: a canister filter (EHEIM Classic, Fluval Performance range).
- Already running one of the above and just need spares or extra media: see Filter Media and Filter Spares.
FAQ
How often should I clean a freshwater filter?
Rinse HOB and internal filter media in tank water, never tap water, since tap water kills the beneficial bacteria. Do this every 2 to 4 weeks. Canister filters can go longer, 4 to 8 weeks, since they hold more media.
Can I use a canister filter made for freshwater on a marine tank?
Yes. The filtration mechanics are identical. What changes is the media you run through it.
What size filter do I need for my tank?
Match the filter’s rated flow rate to roughly 4 to 6 times your tank’s volume per hour for a HOB or internal filter, or use a canister filter’s own capacity rating. Most product pages here list the tank-size range each model is rated for.
