Setting up your shrimp tank is both fun and time consuming, as you need not only a good tank or the shrimps, but also reliable and efficient accessories.
Setting up a shrimp tank for your Nano shrimp is an easy process but sometimes meticulous. If you have some experience in putting up a fish tank, it will only take you a few minutes.
If you want your Nano shrimp to live longer, you need to find the best filter for shrimp tank. Once you find the right filter, the job of keeping the tank clean and well-maintained are much easier.
Keep in mind that there are lots of different filters in the market, and finding the right one is not an easy task. So, to make your selection process fast and straightforward, we have written this comprehensive review. You must know the pros and cons of each product so you will end up buying the right filter.
There are also essential factors that you need to consider, like the size of your tank, the purpose of having one, and others. A good filter will keep the tank water clean, so your shrimps will stay healthy and happy. To help you decide as to which filter to buy, we have included in this guide six filters that you can consider buying.
Best Filter For Shrimp Tank Product Reviews
1. Aqua Clear Fish Tank Filter
When it comes to the hang-on filter system, the Aqua Clear Fish Tank is the brand you can trust. The filter provides a complete selection of flow rates. It allows up to 6 times more media volume. A tank filter with a flow rate of 100-gallons per hour is recommended for aquariums that range from five to twenty gallons in size. Its re-filtration design provides additional contact time with the filter media.
This filter tank offers pre-bagged proprietary filter media, but you can decide what to combine. Also included in the package are AquaClear Foam, Cycle Guard, Activated Carbon, and BioMax to get the filter function straight out of the box.
Protect the smaller shrimp by putting a pantyhose or a piece of sponge across the water intake and keep it secured using a rubber band.
Things We Liked
- It has a media storage space for mixing filter materials
- With a two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Operates quietly compared to other units
- Accommodates a significant amount of filtration media
Things We Don’t Like
- The price of proprietary media is a bit costly
- Debris may be trapped in the propeller box
2. Fluval External Filter
The Fluval External Filter is recommended for tanks with up to 45 gallons. If you think it is not as efficient as the other filter tanks, you are wrong. Size is not a determining factor when it comes to the shrimp tank filter. This tank filter is for smaller containers, but it’s strong enough to make it quite efficient even if you use it on a slightly bigger tank.
The filtration and functionality performance of this filter helps to create the healthiest and cleanest home for your shrimps. With its additional features, the Aqua-Stop Valves, which makes disconnecting the hose smooth and easy. It also has multiple removable filtration baskets that are full of the needed media for chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration.
Things We Liked
- Can be used for both saltwater and freshwater shrimp tank with its multistage filtration system
- Has advanced motor technology which makes it more efficient as compared to other filters
- Has a powerful flow rate
- Can filter the water chemically, biologically, and mechanically
- With sound dampener, to operate quietly
Things We Don’t Like
- It lacks the output flow height detector
- It is more expensive than others
3. Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter
The manufacturer claims that this filter makes the fish or shrimp life healthy and happy. Hygger Aquarium Tank Filter is a simple and cheap sponge filter that grow healthy-giving bacteria in the tank. It breaks nitrates and ammonia. It also has two suction containers in its fitment that enable the fish tank owner to place any media the owner likes inside.
Hygger Aquarium Filter Tank combines bio-filtration, physical filtration, and oxygenation in one and likewise produces small water flow, you are confident that the water quality of your tank is healthy and clean.
This tank filter has bioceramic media balls to provide an area for helpful bacteria to live easily. The package includes a small bag of ceramic media balls, 0.27 pounds for medium size, and 0.25 pounds for small size. It is best to replace the ceramic media balls every six months or if you think its water permeability turns poor.
Things We Liked
- The shape is very convenient that fits different types of aquarium
- Can be used for both freshwater and saltwater
- Produces medium noise
- Easy to install as the filter part is detachable
Things We Don’t Like
- It requires regular cleaning
- Not a self-prime motor
4. Aquapapa Corner Filter Bio Sponge Ceramic for Fry Shrimp Nano Fish Tank
Aquapapa Corner Filter Air Driven Aquarium Filter is a small corner filter that provides biochemical and mechanical filtration because of its multilayered design with a white filter pad on top for mechanical filtration. The second layer is for biochemical filtration with black bio-sponge, and the final layer is the ceramic rings for the same purpose.
You will need an airline tubing and an air pump that you need to purchase separately. This type of aquarium filter is best for tanks with small fry because they are noise-free, and the risk of getting your fry stuck in the filter inlet is less.
The Aquapapa Corner Filter Aquarium Filter is best for Nano tanks. It can be used in small aquariums where water parameters are hard to keep stable.
Things We Liked
- Easy to install and maintain tank filter
- Water flow is safe for baby fish and small shrimps
- Operates quietly
- Best for spreading beneficial bacteria
- Multi-layered sponge filters
Things We Don’t Like
- Difficulty on finding custom-fit filter pads
- You need to purchase airline tubing and air pump separately
5. Fluval C Power Filter
Fluval C Power Filter is a powerful tank filter but is recommended for a shrimp tank. The ceramic heater core provides the needed heat having a flow rate up to 153 GPH and fits that tanks up to 50 gallons.
Installing the filter is easy thanks to its clip-on model. Replacing the sponge is easy, as you don’t have to remove any parts.
The mechanical filtration uses a poly/foam pad, and its vast area is sufficient for two stages of mechanical filtration. The large particles are filtered on the first stage, and the thick polyester on the second stage handles the fine debris.
The chemical filtration uses a 100% premium grade activated carbon insert. It can suck in impurities and dirt to keep the water clean. Also, the filter eliminates the discoloration and odors in the water.
Things We Liked
- Installing the filter is easy
- The filter provides biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration
- The design is good and with compact filter
- Maintaining the fish tank filter is easy
- Includes a cleaning indicator so you will know when to clean the polyfoam
Things We Don’t Like
- It would be best if it has a bigger bio-media basket
- Others don’t like the two-piece impeller design
6. Upettools Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter
If you are looking for a simple filter that carries out an efficient job for your betta fish and shrimp aquarium tank, The Upettools Biochemical Sponge Filter is the best option. One reason is that it will not suck up small fishes, so it is suitable for starters.
This sponge filter can provide the tank beneficial bacteria that you can use to filter your fish tank naturally as they eat up algae.
The filter is recommended for small to medium-sized tanks up to 15 gallons. Upettools Biochemical Sponge Filter has a total of five layers with its own set of suction cups so you can easily install it on the fly.
The only thing this sponge filter needs is an air pump to make this function, just like the other sponge filters and optional filter media.
Things We Liked
- The filter can generate beneficial bacteria
- Includes a telescoping tube
- Easy to install and maintain
- Enables you to choose your filter media
Things We Don’t Like
- The air pump is not included in the package
- It cannot hold a lot of filter media
What are the Benefits of Using the Best Sponge Filter for Shrimp Tank?
If you are a shrimp aquarium owner, your main objective is to keep the water in the tank healthy and safe for your aquatic pets. Here are the benefits of using a sponge filter for your shrimp tank filter:
Requires Less Water Changes
Fish and shrimp require regular water changes. If you don’t want to undergo the hassle of attending your little ones, buy a filter so your fish tank will remain healthy, clean, and free from ammonia and other unwanted waste accumulations, which can be dangerous to your little pets.
Spread Beneficial Bacteria
The majority of the fish filters are sponge filters. They can help with spreading beneficial bacteria. These bacteria are beneficial in eliminating algae and provide a suitable ecosystem in the fish tank, so the shrimp and betta fish will grow healthy.
Provides the Needed Oxygen
The filter can fill up and provide the needed oxygen with its pumping circulation, which can help in keeping the fish healthy and the water clean.
Removes Ammonia
Ammonia is hazardous to aquatic pets, so it should be removed from your aquarium. The efficient way of doing this without changing the water is by the use of a filter.
Keeps Your Aquatic Pets Healthy
Your fish or shrimp will stay healthy and will live longer in stable water. This is possible with the right temperature and clean water.
How to Choose the Best Filter for Shrimp Tank
Just like any other product, there are factors that you need to consider when buying. Focusing on the vital features your fish need is the key to choosing the most suiting filter for your fish tank. So, below are some of the features that you need to get acquainted with.
Size
The size of the filter you should choose will depend on the size of the aquarium. You need to keep in mind that the water should be purified at least four times per hour. For instance, if the fish tank contains 40 gallons of water, the flow rate should be around 160 gallons per hour. And if you need to choose between 120 and 150 gallons per hour, without a doubt, you have to select 150 gph. Cleaning the aquarium frequently can help keep the water cleaner and healthier for your aquatic pet.
Noise
All fish tank filter produces a specific sound. Some create very annoying and too much noise. Having a noisy aquarium will not bring peace to your home. The noisier type is the wet-dry filter. Sponge filters and under gravel are quieter. But some aquarium owners prefer the canister filter for shrimp tank. It produces less sound as compared to other types.
Fish/Shrimp Amount
The amount of fish in the fish tank is determined not just by its classes, but also by the ability of the filter to keep the water fresh and clean. Because of this, it is best to choose the right filter with a bigger flow rate.
Price
Expensive does not mean it’s the best product. It also goes with the filters. If you choose by noise criteria, the filter that produces less noise does not always cost high. The cheapest type of filter in the market is the sponge filter. The wet-dry filter is one of the best based on the factors mentioned, but you need to invest a lot in it.
Final Thoughts
Based on our review, we find Aqua Clear Fish Tank as the best filter for shrimp tank because it is easy to install, produces beneficial bacteria, and operates quietly. A plus factor is the added features of this fish tank filter such as Cycle Guard, BioMax, AquaClear Foam, and Activated Carbon. Although the price of Aqua Clear Fish Tank is a bit costly, every penny you spend is worth it.
If you have some questions in mind, feel free to comment below. You can also share your personal experience with us.