Filter Type Finder
What type of filter should I use?
The right filter depends on your tank size, stocking, and what you're keeping. Answer a few questions and we'll match you to a filter type, or browse the table below.
| Result | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hang-on-Back | For most freshwater tanks |
| Canister Filter | For larger or heavily stocked tanks |
| Sponge Filter | For fry, shrimp, and small/nano tanks |
How this quiz works
The Filter Type Finder asks what you are filtering and how your budget factors in. It scores the answers and points you to a hang-on-back filter, a canister filter or a sponge filter.
Why these questions
Filters differ in capacity, flow, cost and upkeep. A hang-on-back suits most small and medium freshwater tanks, a canister gives more media and capacity for large or heavily stocked tanks, and a sponge filter gives gentle flow for fry, shrimp and nano tanks. The questions reflect those trade-offs.
What the quiz cannot see
It cannot see your tank's volume, stocking or flow needs. Check the filter's rated flow against the turnover your tank needs with the Filter Flow Rate Calculator, and remember that real flow is lower once media and plumbing restrict it.
Before you decide
Read the instructions for priming and maintenance, and rinse media in tank water, not tap water, to protect the beneficial bacteria. Plan for the cost of replacement media and for an air pump if you choose a sponge. Keep your filter running all the time, and ask what happens to your tank if it stops during a power cut.