7 Best Filters for Betta Tanks – Keep Your Betta Healthy and Happy

We've done the research to find the best filters for your betta tanks and ranked them according to their pros, cons, and prices.
By
James Palmer
James Palmer
Editor
James is a leading resource for unbiased and reliable reviews on fish products. Throughout his career, he has honed his writing skills through his contributions to several f read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Keily Brown
Keily Brown
Expert Writer
Keily is a valuable asset to the team and a dedicated contributor to the site's success. Keily's education in veterinary science has given her a deep understanding of the an read more
Last updated: August 11, 2023
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Have you ever tried to take care of your own fish? If you have, we’re pretty sure that you’ve already heard about betta tanks. As hobbyists ourselves, we know how it feels like to take care of our own fish. It can be very fun and exciting, especially if pet fish are healthy and live longer.

There are many different options when it comes to filters. To find the best filter for your betta fish tank, you will need to determine what type of fish you have, the size of the tank, how often you clean it, etc., but some basics apply to all types. You can’t go wrong with a larger filter, and many types of fish enjoy currents. In this article, we will review the best filters for your betta tank!

Quick Summary

  • "This high-quality filter comes with all you need to get started, including the sponge material. The adjustable tube height means it can work with different types of tanks, and it’s really easy to clean."
  • "This filter is ideal for those who don’t have any room near their bed, desk, or other areas where they spend a lot of time and can’t deal with noise. It’s worth every penny. With this filter, you won’t hear any racket, making it more convenient than other types on the market!"
  • "The SunGrow 10-Gallon Betta Sponge Filter is a noiseless, easy-to-maintain filtration device. This aquarium filter is simple to use and will not produce any noise because it does not require an air pump to function, plus it’s affordable for everyone."
  • Best for Large Betta Tank: Insputer Submersible Water Pump Filter
    "The Insputer Submersible Water Pump Filter is a type of filter that is powered by electricity, which is a great option for even large aquariums. It has an intake tube and filter cartridge as well as its own water pump."
  • "The Penn-Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter is a powerful hang-on back or HOB filter type that provides your fish a clean and healthy environment."
  • Best for 3-Gallon Betta Tank : Aqueon QuietFlow E Internal Power Filter
    "The Aqueon QuietFlow E Internal Power Filter is an internal filter that works inside your compact tank for a sleek, unobtrusive addition to your betta tank."
  • "The Tetra Whisper Internal Filter for Aquariums is a HOB filter designed to fit into small spaces. The Tetra Whisper Internal Filter for Aquariums has a unique space-saving design and runs very quietly."

Top 7 Filters for Betta Tanks Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6912 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
Features
  • Filter type: sponge filter
  • Tank capacity: 40 gal.
  • Flow rate: 35 GPH
  • Dimensions: 11.34 x 3.86 x 2.24 inch
  • Weight: 8.47 oz.

More features: can be established as a bio-filter, suitable for fresh and saltwater, adjustable tube height

The UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter is on top of our list because it has a huge number of benefits for your aquarium or fishbowl! This filter can easily be moved around so you can use it with different types of tanks, and the adjustable tube height makes it even more functional! This filter is also ideal if you have different types of pets in one tank like this one does. You don’t want to mix saltwater and freshwater fish because the salt content in the water could kill your other pets. This filter is perfect for betta owners!

This aquarium filter is similar to the SunGrow 10-Gallon Betta Sponge Filter, our Best Value pick in terms of functionality. Both units are sponge filters suitable for use in small tanks. However, the UPETTOOLS Aquarium filter delivers at a higher flow rate per hour compared to the SunGrow 10-Gallon. Of course, the Sungrow is cheaper, which makes it an ideal alternative for those who cannot afford the UPETTOOLS filter.

    What do we love it for?
  • This filter has a useful space-saving design
  • There is no need to buy any additional cartridges
  • It's very easy to clean
    What were we disappointed with?
  • It's not ideal for large tanks
  • You need to rinse it out quite often
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7060 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
Features
  • Filter type: internal filter
  • Tank capacity: 40-120 gal.
  • Flow rate: 132 GPH
  • Dimensions: 11.89 x 8.66 x 3.62 inch
  • Weight: 1.87 lbs

More features: suitable for fresh and saltwater, mute operation, 3-stage system

The FREESEA Internal Aquarium Power Filter is one of the best filters for betta tanks because of the low chance of it dying. With this filter, you won’t hear any racket, which makes it more convenient than other types on the market! This filter is perfect for those who might not have any room near their bed, desk, or other areas where they spend a lot of time and can’t deal with noise. This is a powerful filter that can provide an ideal environment for your fish, while also being quiet enough to not disturb you too much. It has a lot of great features that make it very easy to set up and maintain.

Like our Editor’s Choice product, the UPETTOOLS Aquarium Filter, this product is also a sponge filter. Both units are suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater. However, the Freesea Aquarium is the larger and more powerful of these two. It can handle a tank size of as much as 120 gallons compared to the Upettools’ 40 gallons. The unit also has a higher flow rate, which resonates with its higher capacity.

    What are our favorite features?
  • It's made from safe materials that won't crack over time
  • This FREESEA Internal Aquarium Power Filter provides excellent filtration without electricity
  • It has a silent operation, so you don't have to worry about the loud noise that can stress your fish
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer
    What could be better?
  • It requires regular cleaning
  • There can be occasional bubbles that can get in a tank
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2870 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
Features
  • Filter type: sponge filter
  • Tank capacity: 10.5 gal.
  • Flow rate: 9 GPH
  • Dimensions: 3.07 x 2.48 x 2.4 inch
  • Weight: 3.2 oz.

More features: noiseless

The SunGrow 10-Gallon Betta Sponge Filter is a noiseless filter is designed for betta fish tanks that are up to 10 gallons in size. It works by drawing water into the intake tube, then through the sponge inside, where beneficial bacteria break down harmful toxins via biological filtration. Finally, clean water flows back into your tank with one quick squeeze of the handle on the outside of the filter housing. So it’s a great filter due to its small size, low price, and high-quality operation.

This aquarium filter is one of the smallest on this list. It is only comparable in size to the Aqueon QuietFlow power filter, Best for 3-Gallon Betta Tank. Still, the SunGrow 10-Gallon Betta Sponge Filter has a slightly higher capacity as it can handle a 10.5-gallon tank compared to the Aqueon Quietflow, which can only be used for a 3-gallon tank.

    What makes it stand out?
  • It does not require any type of assembly and can easily be attached to the top of your tank using suction cups that are included in the package
  • The sponge inside this filter does not trap debris like most filters do, which means you will not have to clean it as often
  • This filter comes with a 6-month warranty in case something goes wrong during this time
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • It does not come with suction cups to attach the intake tube
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7134 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
4
Best for Large Betta Tank

Insputer Submersible Water Pump Filter

Features
  • Filter type: pump filter
  • Tank capacity: 25 gal.
  • Flow rate: 21 GPH
  • Dimensions: 9.13 x 3.31 x 2.05 inch
  • Weight: 13.4 oz.

More features: low-noise design, suitable for fresh and saltwater

As the name suggests, the Insputer Submersible Water Pump Filter sits below the water line and draws in dirty water from below to pass through a filter cartridge and pump the clean water out of a tube in the top. The multiple flosses and sponge layers allow you to create different flow rates and filtration combinations. This is a good betta tank filter because it can produce a higher flow rate than some other filters and is suitable for huge capacities.

This submersible filter is the only pump filter in this review, which is quite unique. In terms of output, it is similar to the UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Filter, the Editor’s choice, which has a slightly higher flow rate. However, this unit is smaller (about the size of a soda can) and weighs less compared to the UPETTOOLS filter.

    Why is it special?
  • This filter features an anti-cycle design which will help prevent the filter from opening up during filtration resulting in less maintenance needed for your betta fish or other aquatic animals
  • It has a higher flow rate than many other betta tank filters, and therefore even if you have to run more than one of these filters on your tank, they will not greatly decrease the water volume
  • It is about the size of a soda can and weighs only 1/4 lb., making it small enough to put inside of betta tank without needing an additional container for it
  • It has no installation requirements
    What are the flaws?
  • If you have a tank with gravel on the bottom or try to use this filter in a smaller tank, there's a chance that it could suck up gravel with the water
  • It is not suitable for large tanks
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6766 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
Features
  • Filter type: HOB filter
  • Tank capacity: 7 gal.
  • Flow rate: 20 GPH
  • Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.75 x 3 inch
  • Weight: 11.2 oz.

More features: suitable for fresh and saltwater

This HOB or hang-on back filter type gives you everything you need to keep your tank clean and healthy without too much fuss. The flow rate of 20 gallons per hour keeps the water moving through the filtration system, harmful detoxifying toxins, keeping ammonia levels low, and reducing fish waste. It also comes with all the necessary attachments needed to set up the equipment at home. The Penn-Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter is a great product for any type of betta tank and will have your fish happy and healthy in no time!

In terms of performance, this unit can be compared to the Insputer Submersible, which is our pick for Best for Large Betta Tank. While the Penn-Plax has a flow rate of 20GPH, the Insputer Submersible Filter delivers a flow rate of 21GPH. Where they differ is in how they operate and the size of the aquarium you can use them for. With the Penn-Plax, you can only manage a 7-gallon tank. The Insputer Submersible Water Pump Filter is built for more and conveniently used for a 25-gallon tank.

    What stands out?
  • It helps keep saltwater or freshwater tanks safe from harmful toxins, so your fish are always healthy
  • The flow rate of 20 gallons per hour keeps the water moving through the filtration system, which detoxifies harmful toxins, keeps ammonia levels low, and reduces the fish waste
  • Many filters require an additional purchase of filter cartridges, but this one comes with a cartridge that is supposed to last up to three months
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • It does not come with its own pump, so you will need to find one that fits the model
  • This filter might be too large for small tanks
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8759 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.4
6
Best for 3-Gallon Betta Tank

Aqueon QuietFlow E Internal Power Filter

Features
  • Filter type: HOB filter
  • Tank capacity: 3 gal.
  • Flow rate: 25 GPH
  • Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.75 x 6.81 inch
  • Weight: 8 oz.

More features: quiet operation, 5 months warranty

The Aqueon QuietFlow E Internal Power Filter is a power filter that works inside your tank for a sleek, unobtrusive addition to your betta tank. The 3-stage filtration system features the AquaClear Foam, Activated Carbon and BioMax Filter Media layered in sequence to provide thorough mechanical, chemical and biological filtration to keep your aquarium healthy and crystal clear. The QuietFlow E uses a unique cluster of internal power filtration, providing a generous 3-square inch filter media to maximize the filtration surface area. It uses a U-shaped intake tube to reduce the possibility of injury to fish and snails. It features a 25 GPH flow rate at 8 oz. weight. Its various features, including its quiet operation, make it an excellent internal filter for your 3-gallon betta aquariums.

The Aqueon Quietflow wins the prize for the best filter for small tanks, but the Tetra Whisper Internal Filter, our Best for 5-Gallon Betta Tank, is built for small tanks. Both units are HOB filters, and they have a similar flow rate as well. But the Tetra Whisper is slightly more powerful than the Aqueon.

    What are its best features?
  • The Aqueon QuietFlow E Internal Power Filter includes a 5-month warranty to protect your purchase from any defects, as well as free shipping
  • Its affordable price point among other filters in its category
    What could be improved?
  • Its plastic components are prone to leaking, which makes for frequent maintenance and cleanup sessions
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3828 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.6
Features
  • Filter type: HOB filter
  • Tank capacity: 4 gal.
  • Flow rate: 27 GPH
  • Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 7.38 inch
  • Weight: 8.87 oz.

More features: space-saving design, 3-stage filtration

The Tetra Whisper Internal Filter for Aquariums is a HOB filter designed to fit into tiny spaces. This 3-stage internal filter has a 4-gal. capacity, which makes it one of the best filters you can get for your 10-gallon betta tank. It has a unique space-saving design and runs very quietly. The Whisper’s unique design allows it to fit in tight spaces and reduce the amount of noise produced by its water pump. This makes it one of the best options for any betta fish tank, giving you a quiet environment that won’t stress out your fish with excess noise. The included BioMax insert provides balanced biological filtration as well as the mechanical and chemical filtration you would expect from a quality 3-stage filter.

The Tetra Whisper Internal Filter is built for small tanks. It is similar in size and performance to the Aqueon QuietFlow, which is our pick for the Best Filter for 3-Gallon Betta Tank. This unit’s noise-reducing design is remarkable, making it the best quiet aquarium filter for this review.

    What do we love it for?
  • The BioMax filtration system ensures your water is always clean and perfectly safe for any fish you keep in the tank
  • The noise-reducing design provides a tranquil environment for your betta
  • Its affordable price
    What were we disappointed with?
  • While this filter does provide a space-saving design, it can only fit in aquariums up to 10 gallons

Things to Consider

Keeping your betta tank clean is important for their health, but not everyone has the time or patience to maintain a large aquarium. If you want to give your betta or other fish healthy water without all the effort of maintaining an aquarium, it’s best to invest in one of the best filters for betta tanks listed in this guide.

How to Pick the Best Filter for Betta Tank

Using the right filter is an important part of keeping your betta tank clean and healthy, but it’s not always easy to choose which type you should buy. Some filters work best in smaller tanks, while others aren’t as good with smaller fish like betta. It’s best to familiarize yourself with what each filter can and can’t do for your tank before you make a purchase.

Filter Type

There are several different types of filters you can choose for your betta tank, but the best one will vary from person to person. Some people prefer a sponge or bag filter because it’s easy to maintain and won’t produce as much noise as a HOB filter. Others might prefer an external filter since it has a lot more filtration power and can handle larger tanks. Your tank size and betta’s needs will determine what kind of filter you should get for your fish.

Here are some of the most common types of aquarium filters available:

Canister Filter

7 Best Filters for Betta Tanks – Keep Your Betta Healthy and Happy
Unlike power filters, the loss of water in the canister filter is far less or close to zero, and also it is one of the major benefits of using it.

Canister filters clean water by trapping debris inside a filter cartridge. As the aquarium’s water runs through the canister, it pulls in dirty particles that attach themselves to the filter material. The canister itself is completely hidden under your fish tank and rests on the back of your tank. This makes it one of the best options for any betta fish tank, giving you a quiet environment that won’t stress out your fish with excess noise. The included BioMax insert provides balanced biological filtration as well as the mechanical and chemical filtration you would expect from a quality 3-stage filter. For more info, you may check the guide with the best canister filters for more powerful cleaning.

Internal Filter

7 Best Filters for Betta Tanks – Keep Your Betta Healthy and Happy
These models are good for smaller aquariums. They don’t create a ton of water flow, but they do create the right environment for smaller fish that like still waters.

Internal filters are another great option for betta tanks because they’re very quiet and easy to maintain. Internal filters work by pulling water through the filter media, usually sponges or other porous material, which traps dirty particles as the aquarium’s water passes through it. Some internal filters also include bio-balls which can provide mechanical filtration for betta tanks while also providing a safe environment for the bacteria that break down waste. Additionally, the best internal aquarium filter can be a great alternative to HOB or canister filter.

Sponge Filter

7 Best Filters for Betta Tanks – Keep Your Betta Healthy and Happy
Sponge filters work well as a pre-filter on the inlet of a canister filter. The sponge filters out a good deal of the larger particulate matter, which keeps the canister from clogging.

A sponge filter is another common type of HOB filter used in betta fish tanks because it’s easy to maintain and provides balanced biological filtration. The internal opening lets water flow into the sponge, where bacteria, as well as trapped particles, clean it. Because this filter doesn’t take up much space, it’s best to use in smaller betta tanks where there isn’t much room for other types of HOB filters. This makes it one of the best options for any betta fish tank, giving you a quiet environment that won’t stress out your fish with excess noise.

Hang On The Back or HOB Filter

7 Best Filters for Betta Tanks – Keep Your Betta Healthy and Happy
HOB filters are an excellent way to keep your tank water clear and reduce harmful and potentially deadly chemicals that otherwise build up in your aquarium. They’re often cheaper than sump pumps and canister filters, they’re super simple to set up, and they’re typically a breeze to clean.

HOB, or hang-on-back filters, are one of the most commonly used types of filter for betta tanks. These filters attach to the back of your fish tank to provide filtration as the aquarium’s water passes through it. The best HOB filters for any betta tank is in our guide because they all provide both biological and mechanical filtration as well as being very quiet. This makes it one of the best options for any betta fish tank, giving you a quiet environment that won’t stress out your fish with excess noise.

Flow Rate

Flow rate is a very important factor to consider when choosing a filter for your betta tank. The flow rate will determine how powerful the filtration is, as well as how much sound you’ll have to deal with from your fish tank’s filter. The best betta filters have a low flow rate so that they won’t disturb the fish but provide high filtration power for cleaner water. The best betta tank filter should have a flow rate of 30-50 gallons per hour, which will work perfectly in any small to a medium-sized aquarium.

Tank Size

Tank size is another important factor to consider when choosing a filter for your betta tank. The best betta filters are the ones that are sized properly for the tank you have, otherwise, there could be too much or not enough filtration power. For example, if you have a 10-gallon aquarium, it’s best to get a filter designed for 10 gallons or less. If you have a smaller aquarium, then it’s best to use sponge filters or other types that can fit in smaller spaces.

Multiple Filtration Stages

You should always choose a filter with multiple filtration stages because the more filtration power you have, the cleaner your betta’s water will be. The best betta fish tank filters are those that provide strong mechanical and biological filtration while also providing chemical filtration to keep ammonia at zero parts per million. The best betta fish tank filters also come with activated carbon and other types of media, which can be changed to maintain the filter’s performance.

Ease of Maintenance

Maintenance is an important factor to consider when choosing a filter for your betta tank because incorrect maintenance can cause serious damage to your fish and the environment they live in. You should always make sure you know how often you need to clean or change the media and parts of your filter before setting it up, as well as what type of maintenance schedule works best with this type of filter. These factors will vary depending on the types of media used and their sizes, but most filters will require weekly changes or replacements.

Size and Weight

Size and weight are both important factors to consider when choosing a filter for your betta tank because you’ll have to make sure that the filter is sized properly and that it won’t be too heavy for the aquarium. The best betta tank filters will weigh less than a pound, so they can easily be placed on the bottom of any 10-gallon or smaller aquarium without adding too much extra weight. You should also choose a filter with compact dimensions, so it fits easily in small spaces, as well as being light enough to lift out from the fish tank if needed.

More Features

There are many other features you should consider when choosing a filter for your betta tank because some types of filters offer different conveniences that can make life much easier. For example, the best betta fish tank filters will come with hoses and another tubing, so they’re ready to use without requiring any extra purchases. Many also have suction cups for easy installation on the glass and carbon cartridge slots, so you don’t have to worry about replacing these parts yourself.

FAQ

What types of best fish tank filters should I use in a 10 gallon or smaller aquarium?

Sponge filters and other small options are always best. If you have a larger tank, make sure to use an appropriate filter with multiple filtration stages that can remove ammonia from the water.

How often should I clean my aquarium filter?

It’s important to clean both your filter as well as the inside of your betta tank on a weekly basis. By doing this, you can ensure that there is no filtration blockage and that all parts of the aquarium are kept in top condition.

Our verdict

When choosing a filter for your betta tank, it’s important to consider all of these factors mentioned before so you can provide the best environment for your fish. In order to keep your betta healthy and happy, always choose a filter with low flow rates, multiple filtration stages, the right size, and weight, as well as conveniences like hoses and tubing that make maintenance easier. The seven best filters for betta tanks should provide all of these features to ensure your betta has the best possible environment to thrive in.

Our Editor’s Choice, UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter, is one of the best betta tank filters available because it offers different options for different types of fish tanks. It can be used in both saltwater and freshwater aquariums, as well as with freshwater betta tanks. While you don’t have to worry about adjusting the tube height, you can easily control the flow rate of water leaving the tank. So it’s the best option to start your experience in petting fish with.

The Premium Pick, FREESEA Internal Aquarium Power Filter, offers multiple features to help you keep your fish safe and healthy. A special odor-free sponge absorbs impurities and traps food particles while adding oxygen to the water.

Moreover, the Best Value Option,  SunGrow 10-Gallon Betta Sponge Filter, is also a great filter for betta fish tanks. It gently circulates the water, which gives your betta a healthy habitat in which to live and thrive. This filter does not emit any noise while operating, allowing you to watch your fish peacefully without any interruptions from noises that can scare or stress them. This sponge filter costs just the right amount, and value is a priority for many fish owners who want a great product at a reasonable price.


                

References

1.
High-End Design Comes to the Fish Tank | The New York Times
Luxury home aquariums now can rival installations at public aquariums in size and scale, and they come with hefty price tags.
2.
Aquariums report wave of webcam visits amid Covid shutdown | Marine life | The Guardian
Facilities experience jump in online traffic as people take to internet to view marine life.
9,8
Total Score
UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter - Editor's Choice
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