The Best Betta Fish Tank Filters 2020: Buyer’s Guide and Tips
Although bettas are known for their unpretentiousness, they need clean and fresh water like all the rest aquarium habitats. The best fish tank filter is the one that effectively removes organic waste, oxygenates the water, and prevents harmful bacteria growth. Here and now, we are going to review five affordable and reliable filters for betta fish tanks.
Table of Contents:
What is a Betta Fish Tank Filter and What Is Its Role
Top-5 Betta Fish Tank Filters: a Comparative Chart
The Best Products in the Category of Betta Fish Tank Filters: Our Choice
1. Nano Filter by Aquarium Masters
2. Tetra Whisper PF10 Power Filter
3. Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter
4. Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter
5. Deep Blue Professional ADB88700 Biomaxx Nano Filter
Frequently Asked Questions
Verdict and Recommendations
What is a Betta Fish Tank Filter and What Is Its Role
To put it simply, an aquarium filter is a device that purifies water, fills it with oxygen, and removes harmful microorganisms or prevents their growth. Fish tank filters come in a great variety of forms, sizes, and modifications. That said, not all of them are equally great for betta fish. For example, betta fish, being small and lightweight, don’t feel comfortable when the flow is too powerful. So, you’d better opt for two smaller filters instead of one larger option.
Top-5 Betta Fish Tank Filters: a Comparative Chart
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice  | Nano filter by Aquarium Masters
| Check Price |
Also great  | Tetra Whisper PF10
| Check Price |
Also great  | Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter
| Check Price |
Also great  | Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter
| Check Price |
Also great  | Deep Blue Professional ADB88700 Biomaxx Nano Filter
| Check Price |
The Best Products in the Category of Betta Fish Tank Filters: Our Choice
With so many various filter models on offer, choosing the best one is quite a challenge. We’ve conducted some research work to single out the most effective and reliable products in the category of betta fish tank filters. Now, we are ready to share this information with you.
Nano Filter by Aquarium Masters
Review
This hang-on power filter is designed specially for small and micro fish tanks of up to 4 gallons in size. It provides dual water filtration (mechanical + biological) and allows to adjust the water flow. The device is compact, ergonomic, and fits on all square and rectangular tanks.
What we think
This is a good entry-level option that does its job well, though it lacks some important features. For example, it misses the stage of chemical filtration with charcoal. Also, it doesn’t fit on round-shaped tanks, which reduces its versatility.
PROS
- small and lightweight;
- adjustable flow;
- great for small tanks.
CONS
- not for round-shaped tanks;
- doesn’t offer chemical filtration.
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Tetra Whisper PF10 Power Filter
Review
Tetra Whisper is a series of ultra-quiet aquarium filters. The PF10 option can process up to 10 gallons of water, providing a decent quality of filtration, consisting of three stages. Proprietary Bio-Bag disposable cartridges are included.
What we think
All in all, this is a great deal for the price. But you need to keep in mind (and many customers write about it) that the flow is not adjustable and it is way too strong for bettas. The solution is using two smaller filters instead of one large unit.
PROS
- very affordable;
- original disposable cartridges;
- three stages of water filtration.
CONS
- the flow is not adjustable.
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Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter
Review
Penn Plax is one of the best fish tank filter options for small aquariums (of up to 7 gallons.) Thanks to its improved four-stage water filtration system, it provides a superb quality of water purification. Also, it offers an option of current flow adjusting, which is important for small and sensitive bettas.
What we think
This is a good inexpensive filter with a possibility to adjust the current flow. We’ve noticed that it becomes louder when the flow is reduced. Otherwise, we have nothing to complain about.
PROS
- four-stage filtration;
- adjustable flow;
- budget-friendly.
CONS
- a bit loud when the flow is reduced.
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Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter
Review
This fully submersible compact filter can be placed both vertically and horizontally, which makes it one of the most versatile options around. On top of this, if offers to adjust not only the current flow rate but also its height and direction. The device comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which is also great.
What we think
This is an awesome option for those who for some reason (e.g. lack of space) can’t use external filters. It is compact, quiet, and effective. The only complaint is an average quality of suction cups.
PROS
- fully submersible ergonomic design;
- vertical and horizontal positioning;
- good adjustability.
CONS
- suction cups are mediocre.
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Deep Blue Professional ADB88700 Biomaxx Nano Filter
Review
This nano filter works great for tiny aquariums and desktops. It comes with all the accessories, including sponges; plus, you can add your own filtering media if you wish. While being really small and cheap, it has some nice features, such as adjustable flow rate.
What we think
If you are looking for an entry-level for 2-4-gallon aquarium, you may love this nano-filter. Mind that it lacks the feature of chemical filtration. In other words, you get exactly what you pay for.
PROS
- one of the smallest options around;
- adjustable flow rate;
- very affordable.
CONS
- no chemical filtration.
BUY NOW AMAZON
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a beginner in the field of fish keeping, you, probably, have some questions regarding aquarium equipment. Without exaggeration, the most important piece of equipment is a filter. Here are answers to some basic beginners’ questions.
Q: Do You Need a Filter in a Betta Tank?
A: Yes, surely. It doesn’t matter what type of aquarium fish you have. All species need clean, well-oxygenated water free of contaminants and harmful bacteria.
Q: What Filter is Best for Betta Fish?
A: For a small betta fish tank with filter, choose an option with an adjustable flow rate. Another thing to consider is the overall quality of water purification. Check the types of filtering media included and the number of stages of filtration.
Q: Can You Use a Filter with Betta Fish?
A: Of course, you can, as far as you choose the proper type of filter. It must be compatible with your aquarium and with the type of fish you have. Commonly, manufacturers specify whether their filters suit for betta fish or not.
Q: What Size Tank is Best for Betta Fish?
A: Actually, you don’t need a huge tank for betta fish. The particular size will depend on the number of fish and aquarium decorations. The “gold standard” for a betta fish tank is 5-7 gallons. You may start with a smaller option, but anyway, t must be at least 2.5 gallons in size.
Q: Should I turn my bettas filter off at night?
A: Specialists recommend running an aquarium filter 24/7. But will anything happen if you turn it off for 8-10 hours at night? Really, nothing terrible will happen, especially if you have bettas, which are not too demanding. Of course, if your filter is quiet, you don’t have to turn it off at night. However, if its noise is disturbing, why not stop it temporarily. After all, bettas can exist without a filter if you change 40-50% of water weekly. Several hours with the filter turned off will not do them any harm.
Q: Why does my betta stay by the filter?
A: Your betta fish can stay close to the filter for different reasons most of which are unexplained. The first and most possible reason for such behavior is the strength of the current. If the fish doesn't want to expend much energy, it will spend the most time in the area near the intake. Other places to hide from strong current are decorations and caves (it takes time for betta fish to figure out all calm areas in the aquarium). Another widespread reason for betta fish to stay by the filter is being ill. It feels weak and needs a place to get relief from the current he can't struggle against. It's also quite possible that there's nothing wrong, and your betta fish just loves spending its time near the filter for an unknown reason.
Verdict and Recommendations
There are quite a few decent filters for betta fish tanks. We reviewed five options, which combine good functionality, reliability, and effectiveness in terms of water purification. Our top pick for this category is Aqueon Quietflow, which is a surprisingly versatile submersible filter that comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
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A well-operating fish tank filter
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When it comes to choosing equipment
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Having a small aquarium doesn’t
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Buying a fish tank filter is not
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Choosing a filter for a small aquarium
Though my research and experience in fish keeping, the best aquarium size for a Betta is 5 gallons. Anything smaller will be too little space and detrimental for the long-term health of your Betta. Anything larger is too much space for a single Betta. Our focus on this review is ideal aquariums for a single Betta. An aquarium kit will also be preferred.
While the 5 gallon fish tank is a small one, proper filtration is still an important part of the equation. Waste and impurities can build up quickly in a small fish tank. This is even more so when you’re working with delicate fish like bettas. While bettas are one of the more popular fish for beginners, they still require proper care and attention to ensure their tank keeps them healthy and safe.
Aqueon Quietflow E All in all, if you want affordable, easy to install and maintain filters for small fish tanks, then you can give this product a try. It is designed with easy to replace cartridges and it is a perfect choice since it does a great job when it comes to getting rid of nitrites, odors, solid waste, colors, ammonia and other sorts of pollutants in tank water. Setting it up is not a problem at all even for beginners.
DO FILTERS HURT BETTAS?
Hi,
Filters themselves are not dangerous to fish. However, if a filter is too powerful, it creates a strong current, which can be stressful for delicate fish species. The solution is to reduce the flow or use sprayers or diffusers to make it the current less powerful.
Marina Power Filter This filter works on aquariums up to 10 gallons in size. It doesn’t have the most powerful flow ever but it’s perfect for easy going fish. It also has an adjustable flow dial to help control the fish’s environment. This can be perfect if you don’t know how active your Betta is.
Can Betta Live in a Bowl Without a Filter?
Hi,
Betta fish are often housed in bowls. That means no filter and no heater. Even people who keep betta fish in small tanks rarely provide filtration or heated water, and they survive for the most part.