If you recently purchased an axolotl or are thinking about bringing one home, you probably know that an essential step to getting your home ready for one of these salamanders is preparing its tank. One of the most important things that you need to do is purchase a filter to make sure the tank water stays clean.
The specific model that you buy depends on many factors, including the size of the tank, the filtration speed, and your experience and comfort level working with certain types of filters. In these reviews, we discuss six different filters to help you decide which is right for you and your needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)
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Best Overall
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Penn-Plax Cascade All-in-One Aquarium Canister Filter |
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Best Value
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AquaClear 50 Power Filter, Fish Tank Filter |
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Premium Choice
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Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter for Aquariums |
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Fluval 107 Performance Canister Filter for Aquariums |
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Polar Aurora 3-Stage External Aquarium Filter |
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The 6 Best Filters for Axolotl Tanks
1. Penn-Plax Cascade All-in-One Aquarium Canister Filter — Best Overall
The Penn-Plax Cascade All-in-One Aquarium Canister Filter is the best filter for axolotl tanks because of the versatility offered by this brand. We have showcased the Cascade 1000 here, but there are four other models that you can choose from. This particular model works with tanks up to 100 gallons, but Penn-Plax makes filters that work with tanks up to 200 gallons. Another great feature of this filter is that it comes with a spray bar, which is great for promoting water movement and oxygenating your axolotl’s water.
Overall, customers feel that this filter is easy to clean and operate, making it a great option for people who have never had an aquarium or used a filter before.
2. AquaClear 50 Power Filter, Fish Tank Filter for 20- to 50-Gallon Aquariums — Best Value
The AquaClear 50 Power Filter, Fish Tank Filter for 20- to 50-Gallon Aquariums is the best filter for axolotl tanks for the money, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t effective. This is a hang-on-back (HOB) filter, which means exactly what you think: It hangs on the outside of the aquarium. This type of filter has a few benefits: First, it’s great for beginners because it is easy to use and requires less maintenance than many other types of filters. Second, it’s usually more cost effective than other types of filters.
This HOB filter may not perform as well as a canister filter would, but for the price, the Aquaclear Fish Tank Filter does an excellent job. If you are still concerned about performance, the guaranteed lifetime warranty should put your mind at ease about taking a chance on this filter.
3. Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter for Aquariums — Premium Choice
If money is no object, you may want to consider splurging on the Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter for Aquariums. This filter comes in three different sizes for tanks that range from 30 to 100 gallons. It’s also extremely quiet, which means it won’t bother you as it works. The filter has four stages of filtration, meaning your axolotl’s water will be as clean as possible if you use this.
Like some other canister filters, the Marineland Magniflow comes with many different parts that can make it somewhat difficult to install.
4. Fluval 107 Performance Canister Filter for Aquariums
The Fluval 107 Performance Canister Filter for Aquariums was created to make the filter quieter and more energy efficient than previous iterations. According to Fluval, the 107 model uses just 10 watts of electricity, which is about equivalent to one LED light bulb. Customers note that the canister is so quiet, they don’t even realize that it is on.
One drawback to this canister filter is that it does not come with a spray bar. So, although this filter is already pricey, we recommend also purchasing the spray bar if you plan to buy this product.
5. Polar Aurora 3-Stage External Aquarium Filter
The Polar Aurora 3-Stage External Aquarium Filter comes in four different sizes. The largest model can accommodate tanks up to 200 gallons. It’s more all-inclusive than many other filters in that it comes with both a spray bar and the actual filter media. It also comes with an easy-to-use self-priming pump that you can operate simply by pressing a button.
Customers note that this filter is fairly difficult to put together, but once you do, it should work beautifully. This filter is tried and tested by many aquarium owners who approve of its quality.
6. SunSun HW-404B 525 GPH 5-Stage External Canister Filter With 9W UV Sterilizer
The SunSun HW-404B 525 GPH 5-Stage External Canister Filter With 9W UV Sterilizer is a great choice for large tanks up to 150 gallons. With four stages of filtration, this filter has the ability to keep your axolotl’s water as pure and clean as can be. Its large media baskets mean you have a great deal of flexibility as to what type of media you would like to add to the filter. In addition to its four-stage filtration system, this filter comes with a UV sterilizer that has the ability to kill bacteria that are harmful to your axolotl.
Similar to other canister filters, you may not want to purchase this product if you are brand new to keeping an aquarium, as the instructions for setting up this filter are not that clear.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Filter for an Axolotl Tank
What to Look For When Buying an Axolotl Tank
As axolotls are aquatic animals, you need to purchase a tank that will be adequate for their needs. In this buyer’s guide, we go over what to look for when purchasing a tank for your axolotl, including minimum tank size, tank material, and setup.
Minimum Tank Size
The tank that you purchase for your axolotl should be at least 15 gallons. Although an axolotl only grows to be about 9–12 inches long, they produce a relatively large amount of waste and require a tank with large floor space. These salamanders are also known for sometimes jumping out of their tank, so you need to make sure the lid is secure.
If you have more than one axolotl, you should plan to purchase a much larger tank. Two axolotls need a tank that is about 55 gallons large.
Tank Materials
When you are looking for an axolotl tank, make sure to check its durability. You should search for glass tanks that are at least a 1/4-inch thick in order to ensure that they will be able to withstand the water pressure and prevent any cracks from forming. This is particularly important if you are buying a large tank.
Tank Setup
In addition to the tank itself, you will need to think about purchasing filters, lights, plants and other décor, and chillers. In some cases, it may be easier to purchase a tank kit that comes with all these accessories. That way, you don’t need to worry about purchasing the right ones.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Filter
Once you have your tank, you need to purchase a filter. Axolotls produce a large amount of waste, so you are doing yourself a favor by purchasing a filter. Otherwise, you will need to change the water frequently to make sure your axolotl stays healthy.
Most of the filters on this list are canister filters; while they are more difficult to maintain than other filters, they are also one of the most efficient types of filters. They frequently come with spray bars too, which will help improve the oxygenation of your axolotl’s tank.
Make sure the filtration rate remains relatively slow. If the current is too strong, your axolotl can become stressed. When you are choosing your filter, look at its filtration rate in gallons per hour (GPH). Generally speaking, you should buy a filter whose GPH is about four times your tank’s capacity. So, if your tank’s capacity is 30 gallons, for example, you should look for a filter with a GPH of 120.
Final Thoughts
The Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter stands out as one of the best options out there given how versatile and easy to operate it is. The Aquaclear Fish Tank is our value choice because despite being half the price of some other filters, it still delivers on performance.
As you can see from these reviews, there are many great options available if you are looking for an axolotl tank filter. We hope that you have learned something new about axolotl tanks and filters and that you can find an option that works for you.
Featured Image Credit: Tinwe, Pixabay
