For any tank to be properly maintained, good filtration is a must. There are three types of filtration: Chemical (most often provided by activated carbon), Biological ("Good" bacteria that neutralizes toxins in aquarium water), and Mechanical (aquarium water filtered through media so that particles are removed). In my opinion, having three different filter methods is the best way to keep any size tank clean. Puffers especially need perfect filtration, due to their meaty diet and messy eating habits. For small tanks (under 50 gallons) an Under Gravel Filter, a Power Filter and an oversized Canister Filter will be sufficient, but there are other choices for excellent filtration. Here are some of the most common:
| Type of Filter | Filtration Method(s) | Preferred brands* | Comments |
Under Gravel Filter |
Biological, little Mechanical and Chemical |
No preference |
Powerheads can replace pumps and airstones on larger tanks. Great for starting the bacteria bed in new tanks, but should not be used as the sole filtration system. |
Canister Filter |
Biological, Chemical, Mechanical |
Fluval Power Filters or Eheim Plus Canister Series |
Either brand is a good choice. I think Eheim is the superior filter, but way more expensive. |
Modular Canister Filter |
Biological, Chemical, Mechanical |
Rainbow Lifegard Aquarium Filter System |
Each module has a separate task, also available: UV sterilizer and Heater modules. Excellent System, although maybe difficult for beginners. |
Power Filters |
Biological, Chemical, Mechanical |
Penguin Bio-Wheels |
I prefer the Bio-Wheel design as they add more Wet/Dry Biological Filtration. Also, Penguin has no O-ring to leak like other brands. |
Wet/Dry Filters |
Wet/Dry Biological, Chemical, Mechanical |
Gulf Stream Wet Drys, Eheim, or Millenium |
Gulf Streams are designed as aquarium plumbing, but the Eheim and Millenium don't require holes drilled in your tank. The Millenium is more similar in looks to standard power filters, and the least expensive. |
*The brands mentioned are not listed here as an advertisement of any kind, I am in no way affiliated to any of these companies, this page is based on my knowledge and opinions only, in other words, do not take any of this as Gospel, what works for me may or may not work for you. Thank you. (Sorry for "soapboxing")