Best Aquarium Filters in the UK — Where to Buy, How to Choose, and Top Picks

Why the right aquarium filter matters

Choosing the right aquarium filter is like picking the heart for your aquatic ecosystem — it keeps water clean, oxygenated, and safe for your fish. A good filter removes physical waste, supports beneficial bacteria, and can even polish the water to crystal clarity. If you compromise on filtration, you’ll spend more time battling cloudy water, algae outbreaks, and stressed fish. Wouldn’t you rather spend time enjoying your tank than constantly troubleshooting it?

In the UK market, there’s a wide range of filters and retailers, from budget-friendly shops to specialist aquatic suppliers. Whether you keep a 10-gallon community tank or a 75-gallon planted masterpiece, the right filter makes the difference between a thriving tank and a demanding chore.

Types of aquarium filters explained

Hang-on-back (HOB) filters

HOB filters clip onto the back of the tank and are a popular choice for small to medium freshwater aquariums. They’re compact, easy to install, and usually contain sponge, carbon, and ceramic media. If you’ve got a 10 to 40 gallon tank, a HOB with a flow rated at 4 to 6 times the tank volume in gallons per hour (gph) is a great starting point.

Canister filters

Canister filters live under the cabinet and pump water through a multi-stage filtration system. They’re favored for larger tanks — think 40 gallons and up — because they offer high flow rates, large media capacity, and excellent mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Canisters are the workhorses for hobbyists who want low-noise, high-performance setups.

Sponge filters

Sponge filters are air-driven and perfect for fry tanks, shrimp tanks, and nano setups. They provide gentle flow and excellent biological filtration but aren’t ideal for tanks that require heavy mechanical cleaning. If you’re running a small planted or breeding tank, a sponge filter is cost-effective and safe.

Internal filters

Internal filters sit inside the aquarium and are useful for medium tanks where a HOB isn’t practical. They’re simple to maintain and often combine mechanical and biological filtration. Internal filters are a good choice for hobbyists who want discreet filtration without external plumbing.

Undergravel filters and power filters

Undergravel filters use the gravel as a biological medium and can be paired with powerheads to increase flow. They’re less common today but still useful in certain planted or community setups. Always consider your substrate and plant needs before committing to an undergravel system.

Top UK stores to buy aquarium filters

Pets at Home

Pets at Home is one of the UK’s most accessible pet retail chains, stocking a wide selection of HOBs, internal filters, and accessories from brands such as Tetra and Aqua One. Their stores and online shop often offer seasonal deals, and their range suits beginners who want user-friendly options.

Jollyes

Jollyes focuses on pet and aquatic supplies with a good range of aquarium filters, including mid-range canisters and brands popular with hobbyists. If you want in-store advice combined with a solid online catalogue, Jollyes is worth checking out.

The Range

The Range carries affordable aquarium kits and basic filtration suitable for new aquarists. It’s a convenient stop if you’re setting up a smaller tank and want a straightforward HOB or internal filter without the complexity of premium canisters.

Amazon UK

Amazon UK has vast choice and often competitive pricing across all filter types and brands, including Fluval, Eheim, and AquaClear. Prime shipping can be handy for urgent replacements like worn impellers or clogged cartridges. Do read user reviews carefully to spot consistent quality signals.

eBay UK

eBay can be a treasure trove for deals on new and used filters. For collectors or hobbyists wanting discontinued models or spare parts, eBay is useful — just vet the seller ratings and ask questions about condition and return options when buying used equipment.

Pets Corner

Pets Corner is a smaller chain focused on pet welfare, stocking trusted aquarium brands and offering knowledgeable staff advice. Their selection is curated, making it easy to find reliable filters for community tanks and beginner setups.

Specialist aquatic retailers

Specialist online shops in the UK, such as local aquatic stores and independent e-tailers, often carry premium brands, specialist media, and niche equipment. These stores cater to advanced hobbyists and planted or reef keepers who need expert guidance and a wider choice in media and accessories.

How to choose the right filter for your tank size

Picking a filter starts with tank volume in gallons and ends with the biological load (how many fish and plants you keep). A basic rule of thumb is aiming for a turnover of 4 to 6 times the tank volume per hour for freshwater community tanks. So for a 20 gallon tank, look for filters rated between 80 and 120 gph. For heavily stocked or marine tanks, aim higher — sometimes 6 to 10 times the tank volume.

Don’t forget surface agitation; oxygen exchange is vital. Filters that return water across the surface or run a surface skimmer help oxygenate the tank and keep fish healthy. Also think about media capacity: more media equals more room for beneficial bacteria.

Filter brands to look for in the UK

Eheim

Eheim is renowned for quiet, durable canister filters with robust construction and efficient media. They’re often recommended for planted and community tanks where reliability matters.

Fluval

Fluval’s range spans HOBs to premium canisters and includes models specifically designed for power and low-noise operation. The brand offers user-friendly features like easy priming and tool-free maintenance on many models.

Aqua One and Tetra

Aqua One and Tetra provide accessible, budget-conscious filters suitable for beginners. They typically supply kit filters with basic media and straightforward upkeep, making setup less intimidating.

OASE and Hydor

OASE caters to high-end aquascaping and planted tanks, with features that aid biological stability and quiet operation. Hydor offers compact solutions and replacement parts that hobbyists often prefer for upgrades or repairs.

Budget vs premium filters — what to expect

Budget filters are great when you’re starting out or running a small tank. They usually have simpler designs and smaller media capacity, meaning you might need to clean them more often. Premium filters cost more upfront but offer quieter operation, larger media volumes, and advanced flow design that improves biological stability over time.

Think of it this way: a premium filter is an investment that saves time and hassle. If you plan to keep a larger tank or sensitive species, spending a bit more on a reliable filter can prevent costly problems later.

Installation and maintenance tips

Priming and positioning

When you first install your filter, prime it correctly to avoid running the pump dry. Many modern filters have auto-prime features, but if yours doesn’t, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for filling the impeller housing and tubing. Place intake and outflow to create gentle circulation — not a hurricane that knocks plants flat.

Cleaning schedule

Maintain mechanical media (sponges, pads) by rinsing in tank water during regular water changes to keep beneficial bacteria intact. Replace chemical media like activated carbon on a schedule — typically every few weeks — depending on your tank’s needs. Don’t overclean biological media; a light rinse is usually sufficient.

Spare parts and consumables

Keep spare impellers, seals, and common media on hand. Filters are mechanical devices and parts wear out. Having spares avoids emergency tank stress when a pump fails and reduces downtime for your aquatic pets.

Energy efficiency and noise considerations

Filters are running 24/7, so energy-efficient models save money over time. Look at wattage and pump design — newer motors are often quieter and more efficient. Noise can be reduced by placing canisters on soft mats and ensuring hoses are free of kinks. If you’re sensitive to sound, check user reviews specifically for noise level before buying.

Where to compare prices and get the best deals

Price comparison is smart: different retailers often run promotions on particular brands or models. Alongside big names like Amazon and high-street chains, use comparison sites and specialist forums to track price history and spot deals. Comparison platforms can help you view multiple retailers at once so you can get the best match for your budget and requirements.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

One common mistake is underfiltering — choosing a filter rated too low for your tank. Always size up rather than down. Another error is over-reliance on chemical media like carbon; while useful, carbon doesn’t replace biological filtration and must be changed regularly. Finally, ignoring flow patterns can stress fish and uproot plants: aim for gentle, distributed circulation for planted tanks and stronger, targeted flow for species that prefer currents.

Upgrading your filter — when and how

If you notice persistent ammonia or nitrite spikes, chronic cloudiness, or excessive maintenance frequency, it might be time to upgrade. Moving from a HOB to a canister or adding supplementary filtration such as a sponge or powerhead can dramatically improve water quality and stability. When upgrading, match the filter’s flow and capacity to your current tank stocking and future plans.

Eco-friendly practices for filtration

Reduce waste by choosing reusable media where possible (e.g., ceramic or bio-rings) and rinsing mechanical media instead of frequently replacing disposable pads. Energy-efficient pumps and timers for supplemental equipment (like UV sterilizers or circulation pumps) lower your footprint and bills. Small changes add up and help both your tank and the planet.

Final checklist before you buy

Before you commit, run through a quick checklist: tank volume in gallons, desired turnover rate (gph), type of media needed, noise tolerance, available space under the cabinet, and budget for spares. Check compatibility with your existing setup — hoses, fittings, and media sizes matter. If you’re unsure, consult product manuals online or speak to staff at specialist aquatic retailers for tailored advice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right aquarium filter in the UK blends technical needs with personal preferences: tank size, stock levels, noise tolerance, and budget. High-street stores like Pets at Home, Jollyes, and The Range offer convenience, while online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay provide wide selections and competitive pricing. Specialist aquatic retailers and comparison tools can help you find premium models and the perfect match for planted, community, or marine setups. Invest in reliable filtration, maintain it well, and you’ll enjoy a healthy, low-stress aquarium that looks beautiful and thrives for years.