8 Quietest Aquarium Filters: Silent yet Effective!

In this write-up, we explored and reviewed the top quietest aquarium filters in the market and ranked them based on their performance, so that you know what will work best for your aquarium.
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 09, 2023
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One of the greatest joys of having an aquarium is seeing your fish or turtles swimming happily. The other painstaking work of owning an aquarium is cleaning out the tank. If you do not clean the tank out, it gets cloudy, and your fish will definitely die. What if we told you there is a way to keep the tank clean without taking out the fish and manually cleaning the tank every couple of days? Our research showed that using water filters makes maintaining a pool so easy. We also looked up a couple of the quietest aquarium filters around and have them listed below.

In learning about the filters in the market, you can decide what kind of filter you want for your tank and how that will work for you. We have reviewed the top filters in different categories and have a detailed description of each filter. We have also included a buying guide that thoroughly examines the features of the product, from tank size, power, flow rate, and size to the refills, for you to know what to look out for when buying a filter. That way, you know if what you get is a good deal or not. Read on to find out which of the top quietest aquarium filters work well in your home.

Quick Summary

  • "The Tetra Whisper IQ Power filter is a self-priming filter that has technology that reduces the sound emitted to lower than 40dB"
  • Premium Pick: Aqueon QuietFlow
    "The Aqueon QuietFlow is perfect if you are looking for a filter that will remove discoloration from the water"
  • Cutting Edge Technology: AquaClear A610/50 Fish Tank Filter
    "The AquaClear Fish Tank Filter offers you chemical, mechanical, and biological filtration options, perfect for all your filtration needs"
  • "If you need a filter that is so simple to set up, you should check out the Tetra Whisper EX. It has a water flow system that ensures continuous filtration since no debris will get stuck"
  • "DaToo filter is one of the most powerful filters on the market, which works with very little noise that you will not feel like you have a filter in the home"
  • "The NO. 17 Submersible WaterFilter can easily filter an aquarium of up to 50 gallons of water. It also has multiple filtration types, ensuring your fishes and turtles stay in clean water at all times"
  • High-Performance Features: EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter
    "This high-performance water filter provides three different levels of filtration. You can be sure that there will be no debris or contaminants in the water when you use it"
  • "The FEDOUR filter is very powerful and works well to remove dirt and grease from the tank. It is also very quiet despite having a powerful motor, making it perfect for the home"

Top 8 Quietest Aquarium Filters Reviewed in 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7325 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.9
1
Features
  • Tank size: 30 gal
  • Power: not specified
  • Flow rate: not specified
  • Size: 6.88 x 6.13 x 8.25 inches

More features: quiet filtration of less than 40 dB, self-priming, stay clean technology

With the TetraWhisper IQ Power Filter, you get a filter that will work so well with a tank with over 10 gallons of water. It has a submerged motor that is perfect since it can start up without needing any extra assistance. It is also known to maintain the perfect pH for your fish.

We chose this filter because of how powerful it is. Even though it can be used in up to 30 gallons of tank sizes, it is still efficient in lightly bigger tanks. It makes cloudy water clear quickly, which is perfect for murky waters. The Tetra Whisper also has a very quiet filtration of less than 40 dB. With such a powerful filter getting it with such a low sound, you can be sure you will be comfortable with the filter in the same room.

A similar filter would be the Tetra Whisper EX from the same company. While it is powerful, it is not as powerful as the Tetra Whisper IQ filter. The TetraWhisper IQ filter is better for bigger tanks because it is powerful and effective. We also have such powerful filters on our site if you are interested in checking them out.

    What makes it special?
  • It is a powerful yet quiet filter
  • It clears cloudy water and dirt rid of debris fast
    What cons did we find?
  • The motor is so powerful and could injure fish if they swim too close
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5218 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
2
Premium Pick

Aqueon QuietFlow

Features
  • Tank size: 30 gal
  • Power: not specified
  • Flow rate: not specified
  • Size: 7.4 x 7.9 x 4.4 inches

More features: dense floss, patented bio-holster, diffuser grid

The one thing that makes the Aqueon QuietFlow a favorite is the UV sterilizer component. With this component, you can be sure that the water is not just free from debris but also microorganisms. It can work in a tank that holds up to 30 gallons, making it the perfect choice for having a small to medium tank.

We like this filter because it also works like every other water filter despite the extra UV feature. The sterilization feature ensures your fish will not have any issues regarding the kind of water they are swimming in. If you need to change the filter, all you have to do is replace the cartridge, which makes it an affordable filtration option.

While filters like the Aqua Clear Fish Tank Filter and the EA Performance Hang-On Filterhave triple filtration, the Aqueon Filter is one of the few Filters that offer UV sterilization, you can be sure the water will stay germ-free at times.

    What stands out?
  • UV sterilizer
  • Maintenance is cheap
  • It works with most medium size aquariums
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The suction cups tend to fall off or become flimsy when attached
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9234 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
3
Cutting Edge Technology

AquaClear A610/50 Fish Tank Filter

Features
  • Tank size: 20-50 gal
  • Power: not specified
  • Flow rate: 100 gal/h
  • Size: 4 x 9 x 8 inches

More features: superior contact time, easy to install, optimal filtration, lifetime warranty

One of the things you will get with the AquaClear Fish TankFilter is three levels of filtration. There are very few tanks that can do that. It makes it the most efficient and cost-saving filter since you do not need other additives once you have them. It is also easy to install and comes with a lifetime warranty if you need anything fixed or changed.

We love this filter because it is easy to use and has an affordability aspect. We also love that it can be used in tanks of up to 50 gallons. That makes it the perfect filter for people with really big tanks. However, we do not like the fact that it has a loud vibration since the description says it is a quiet filter. The noise is annoying for a filter that was meant to be a quiet version.

A similar filter is the EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter. It comes with three levels of filtration, which also ensures that all the germs in the water are killed. The thing that makes it better than the EA Performance Filter is it can filter both salty and fresh water. It comes in handy when you are not so sure about the water quality in your area.

    What stands out?
  • It filters in three different stages
  • It can be used in both fresh and saltwater
  • It has a lifetime warranty
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • It has a vibration sound that will be noticeable if you are in a quiet environment
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2725 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
Features
  • Tank size: 45-70 gal
  • Power: 110V
  • Flow rate: 110/416(gph/lph)
  • Size: 6.31 x 12.88 x 9.5 inches

More features: multi-stage filtration, continuous flow, easy cartridge change

The one thing you will get with the Tetra EX filter is a powerful yet quiet filter. It also comes with changeable filters, which makes it very affordable. The filter is perfect for a small tank since it causes no spilling when working.

We picked this filter because of how easy it is for you to assemble it. We noticed that adjusting the filter is way easier than everyone claims it was and would be perfect for anyone new at maintaining an aquarium. Compared to the Tetra Whisper IQ filter, its motor is not so powerful that you would scare the fish to get into it. It also causes no spillage, which is a major issue with filters of this size.

    What are its best features?
  • Easy to maintain
  • Comes with filters to change the cartridge
  • Affordable
  • It can be used in really big tanks
    What could be improved?
  • It is not whisper quiet since it has a slight hum that needs some getting used to
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7790 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
5
Features
  • Tank size: 1-10 gal
  • Power: 3W, 110V
  • Flow rate: 200 l/h
  • Size: 7 x 4 x 2.5 inches

More features: one year warranty, powerful, ultra-quiet, BPA-free

The DaToo filter is one of the quietest filters on the market today. It is also very gentle when working, making it a top favorite. The filter is perfect for small fish since they need to be handled with much care. You don’t have to worry that small fish will be in danger near this filter. We picked this filter because of just how quiet it is. Using it in the bedroom would not be an issue since you’ll hardly hear any noise. We also love the fact that you can use it with smaller fish since they will not be thrown about in the tank. The fish get to explore and move around in clean and clear water.

Compared to the FEDOUR Submersible Aquarium Internal filter, the NO 17 filter comes with a year’s warranty which is a plus. If you have no idea how to maintain your filter or what to do when it breaks down, this would be perfect for you. The No 17 filter is also very quiet, perfect for your home.

    Why did it make our list?
  • It is perfect for a smaller tank with small fish
  • It is very quiet
  • It has a year guarantee
    What is not ideal about it?
  • It is not as powerful and can sometimes let unfiltered water back into the tank
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3123 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
Features
  • Tank size: 10-50 gal
  • Power: 8W
  • Flow rate: 200 GPH (800 l/h)
  • Size: 9.7 x 3.3 x 2 inches

More features: multiple filter media, easy to assemble and clean

The submersible Water filter is perfect for small aquariums but can also work perfectly for 50-gallon tanks. It has an adjustable water pump, making it the perfect pump for you. You do not have to worry about it being too big for your tank or not performing optimally. We picked this filter because of how it is versatile. Most tanks have issues when it comes to adjusting them. We did not see any issue with this filter when it came to adjusting it. It works so well as a submersible filter. We also loved the fact that you could adjust the GPH on the water pump to suit your different needs.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Produces very little noise
  • It is sleek
  • It is adjustable
  • It is quiet
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • It has a smaller surface which makes it harder to work in a bigger tank
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7339 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.1
7
High-Performance Features

EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter

Features
  • Tank size: up to 55 gal
  • Power: not specified
  • Flow rate: 220 GHP
  • Size: 7.9 x 7.7 x 5.8 inches

More features: three-stage filtration, no-mess cartridges, and sponges

With this filter, you get three levels of filtration which means the water in the tank will be very clean. While most filters come with a system that offers more than one feature, this filtration is the best in this category. Since the filter also has an easy-to-change cartridge, one can easily use it without worrying that they will get their hands dirty. You can change it up in the middle of the day and go about your work as it powers on.

We chose this filter because of its effectiveness in filtering and cleaning the water. We love that the manufacturer went the extra mile to ensure that the water is cleaned well with their different levels of filtration. It is a system that we think has a huge potential for filtration. When compared to the Aqua Clear Fish TankFilter, you realize that the EA performance Hang-On power filter is better because of how thorough it is with the filtration process. It is also whisper-quiet, so you can have it in the living room, and you barely notice it.

    What stands out?
  • It has three levels of filtration
  • It is very quiet
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The water in the tank will rise too much when using this filter
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6938 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
Features
  • Tank size: up to 35 gal
  • Power: 100~120V/60HZ
  • Flow rate: 80 GPH (300 l/h)
  • Size: 1.5 x 1.1 x 5.3 inches

More features: adjustable, easy to install,

A good thing with this filter is that you can use it in a smaller tank. You do not have to worry so much about your fish being sucked in or blown away. Since it is submersible, you can use it in a smaller tank. It also offers great filtration, so you can be sure your tank will clear after a while.

One of the reasons we recommend this submersible filter is that it can be used for getting smaller tanks. It is also very quiet, which makes it perfect in the home. The huge power that is still gentle enough for beta fish means you can use it in a smaller tank. We also love how easy it is for you to connect it to the tank using the suction cups.

If you prefer a submersible filter, you can also check out the No. 17 SubmersibleAquarium Internal Filter, which works like this one. The main difference is that with the FEDOUR filter, you get more freedom to adjust it as you want, which is a big win for most people.

    What do we love it for?
  • It is easy to assemble
  • It can be adjusted to suit a smaller or bigger tank
    What were we disappointed with?
  • It is not so powerful and leaves debris behind

Things to Consider

If you are looking for an aquarium filter, you need to know how loud or quiet it gets. Aside from the noise the filter has, you also need to ensure you get the right filter for your home. If you have never had an aquarium before, you are at a loss over what to look out for. The best way to get the right filter would be to look at the filter’s features. You can get a filter that works perfectly for you and your fishes or turtles. If you have no idea where to start, do not worry. Read on to find out what you need to be looking for in an aquarium filter.

Advantages of Quietest Aquarium Filters

If you just got fish or a turtle, then there is a huge chance that everyone keeps asking you to get a quiet aquarium filter. If you have no idea why you need that filter, you might not see the need for it. In knowing the advantages, it comes with: you can work on getting the filter. Here are the main reasons why you should get an aquarium water filter:

  • It is easier to clean up the tank. If you do not have a filter, you have to keep removing your fish from the tank every time you need to clean it. It can be so tiring, and you might injure your fish. A filter does all the work for you, so you do not need to.
  • It is healthier for you and your fish. If your fish live in a bowl, the bowl keeps collecting bacteria. It might lead to health issues for you, your pets, and your fish. The filter will work to ensure this does not happen.
  • It makes the aquarium look better. The filter will ensure that your aquarium water stays clear and looks appealing to anyone. Since it runs throughout, you will have no issues with the water anymore.

Important Features

To help you choose the right filter, here are some of the features you need to look at. Pay attention to them because they will guide you in what you need to consider when choosing the aquarium filter.

Tank size

8 Quietest Aquarium Filters: Silent yet Effective!
Before buying the filter, ensure you know how many gallons of water your tank holds. That way, whatever filter you end up with fits perfectly in your tank.

The size of the tank will greatly determine whether you go for the DaToo Aquarium Power Filter or the EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter. Different filters work effectively in different water levels, and you need to ensure you get the right filter for your tank.

Power

The one thing you need to figure out when it comes to your filter is how powerful it is. Your filter will come with the flow rate indicated in GPH. A higher GPH means your filter is very powerful. While it might be okay for you to use a powerful filter because it cleans faster, bears in mind that a powerful filter also causes a lot of current in the tank. If you have small fish, they will be drawn to the filter, and if it has motors, your fish might die.

Consider the kind of fish you have and how big the tank is before buying a filter so your fish stay safe.

Flow rate

The other thing you need to look at is the flow rate measured in GPH (gallons per hour). You know how long it will take for your aquarium’s water to be filtered with these measurements. A higher GPH for your filter means you can filter your water faster, which is perfect if you have a huge fish tank. If you have a huge tank, you should try the Tetra Filter EX since it has a high GPH.

Size

The common misconception many people make is that the physical dimension of the filter is what to look at when buying it. The truth is far from it. When it comes to size, you need to look at the flow rate against the size of the tank.

A good rule of thumb would be to get a filter with a flow rate of about six times the tank’s volume. That way, you are sure you have a big enough filter for your tank.

Refills

Whenever you use your aquarium, it gets to a point where the cartridge gets filled with debris. You will either have to replace the entire cartridge or change the filter in such a situation. When choosing the filter, ensure the filters can be changed. Filters like Tetra Whisper EX use refills and would work best since you do not have to change the entire cartridge when the filter gets dirty.

FAQ

How do you install a filter?

Installing a filer is not as hard as many people make it out to be. All you need to do is figure out what filter you have, and in a few steps, your filter will be up and running. Here are the basic steps to installing your filter, no matter the kind of filter you get.
  • Start with an empty tank, so you do not hurt your fish or plants while setting up.
  • Ensure you read the filter’s manual to see if there is a specific way it is meant to be placed. It will also help you figure out if there are rules on how high the water in the tank should be or how far from the wall your tank should be.
  • Look at the setup of your aquarium and ensure there is enough space for your filter. You might need to move things around to accommodate the filter.
  • Position all the filter parts in the right way. Doing this will ensure that you know what parts need to be submerged and which ones stay above the water.
  • Once you have installed the filter, ensure it is running well. Monitor it and the quality of the water for a couple of hours. Doing this ensures the filter is working and installed in the right way.

Do you need to clean a filter?

Part of your aquarium filter traps dust and other particles to prevent your water from going cloudy or contaminated. After using it for a while, the filter will have trapped so much debris and not work effectively. To help with this, ensure you change out your filter often. Depending on the kind of aquarium you have, you can either clean the cartridge or you might need to replace the filter in the cartridge. Find out what kind of filter you have, which will help you figure out what you need to do. Avoid brushing the filter or taking it out too often. A good filter will serve you for 1-3 months before you need to change it. Simply get the refills and replace the old filter with the new one, and your aquarium will stay as clean as it was before.

How long can a filter last?

The amount of time you get to use a filter is very vital since it is what will show you if the filter is worth it or not. For this reason, you need to take the time to figure out how often you should replace your filter. Most companies recommend doing this once every 1 to 3 months. The choice of how long you should wait between changes will depend on how dirty your tank gets and how big the tank is. A bigger tank means more filtering, so you have to change it more often. If your tank rarely gets dirty, it is still a good idea to change it every three months.

Our verdict

Every filter we reviewed is the best in the market for one reason or another. For this reason, you can get either of them, and they will work for you. The trick here is how to figure out your immediate needs and how well the filter in mind will help you settle on one brand. For our editors’ pick of the quietest aquarium filter, we settled for Tetra Whisper IQ Filter. Of all the filters we looked at, in a way that delivered on being whisper quiet while being powerful. It also ensures that the water being filtered has the perfect pH.

Our Best Value filter in this review is the FEDOUR Submersible Aquarium Internal Filter. One of the things you can be sure you will get with this brand of filter is value for your money. We realized that it is perfect for beginners since it works very well with smaller pools. You do not have to worry about being unable to use it because it is too big or more still break the bank over a filter you can hardly use. Our Premium Picks is Aqueon Quiet Flow. If you are looking for a filter that comes with a little extra utility, this will work perfectly for you. Aside from filtering the water, it also comes with a UV sterilizer that ensures the water being used is free of contaminants.

References

1.
Guide to Setting Up a Fish Tank and Cleaning it | PetMD
First, you will need to decide which type of fish you want. Some great starter fish for beginner fishkeepers include mollies, platies, and tetras. Once that decision is made, you can acquire the proper equipment and tank for your selected species of fish. But hold off on purchasing your fish until your tank is already set up. Creating a habitable environment with safe water conditions can take a lot longer than you think.
2.
Investigations of water purification performance for aquarium water filters
The water purification performance of commercial filter materials used in aquariums was investigated in the present study.
3.
Biological filter capable of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification for Aquatic Habitat in International Space Station
The biological filter capable of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification was constructed for aquatic animal experiments in the International Space Station (ISS).
4.
Principles of Water Recirculation and Filtration in Aquaculture - University of Florida Extension
Recirculating water systems are designed to minimize or reduce dependence on water exchange and flushing in fish culture units. These systems have practical applications in commercial aquaculture hatcheries, holding tanks, and aquaria systems, as well as small scale aquaculture projects.
9,9
Total Score
Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter - Editor's Choice
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