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Top Aquarium Power Filters

Best Power Filters for Filterting Saltwater Aquariums

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com

Here's a list of top aquarium power filters recommended by your About Guides as being some of the most efficient and best aquarium power filters to choose for filtering not only saltwater aquariums, but freshwater systems as well.

Aqueon Power Aquarium Filters

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One of the first in designing this new kind of revolutionary power aquarium filter, the best feature of Aqueon Filters (previously All-Glass Aquariums brand) is the internal, submerged in water pump, which makes the aquarium filter self-priming! That's right. This unit starts automatically after cleaning or when power interruptions occur! Combining this top feature with high gph water turn over flow rates, silent and no leaks operation, ease of cartridge changes, and four stage mechanical, chemical, biological and wet/dry filtration make an Aqueon an excellent choice. Filter Model/Up to Aquarium Size/Flow Rate: 10/10/100 gph, 20/20/125 gph, 30/30/200 gph, 55/55/325 gph.
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Hagen AquaClear Power Aquarium Filters

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Hagen AquaClear power aquarium filters are designed to prevent water by-pass around the filter media, thus maximizing filtration efficiency. Although not a self-priming filter, the patented flow control device, high gph rate and complete 3-stage filtration features make it one of our top picks. But, the best feature we like is the open and non-restrictive, large capacity media chamber of these filters. Instead of using the media included, it can be filled with whatever you want. Our top product of choice for turning an AquaClear into an even more efficient wet/dry filter -- HDL Tri-Based Pelletized Carbon.
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Marineland Emperor Power Aquarium Filter

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Emperor Bio-Wheel cleans the aquarium water through mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration mechanisms to remove debris, water impurities, and toxins. Redesigned models feature: Bio-Wheel filtration, refillable coarse media containers, and a hang-on design with a flip-top hinged cover, plus an adjustable intake system that can simultaneously filter water from both the lower and middle levels of the aquarium. Epoxy-sealed, moisture-proof motor ensures safe operation. The 400 filters up to 400 gph through two BIO-Wheels. It includes two each of the Rite-Size "E" Filter Cartridges and 4 ounce media containers. The 280 filters up to 280 gph through one BIO-Wheel with one filter cartridge and a 4 ounce coarse media container.
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Marineland Penguin Power Aquarium Filter

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Eliminate toxic ammonia and nitrite on contact. Extra large BIO-Wheels provide biological filtration (10 times more than other power filters). Adjustable intake system draws water from bottom AND mid-level for total water circulation and filtration. Innovative vented-hood reduces noise for quiet operation. Clear two-piece design means unobstructed view and convenient access to easy-change, longer-lasting, Rite-Size mechanical/chemical filter cartridges. Traps more debris and removes more odors, discoloration, and impurities. Models 200 and 350 feature an additional media slot for optional Media Basket(s), to customize your filtration needs.
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Tetra Whisper EX Series Aquarium Filters

The Intuitive Aquarium Filtration System by TetraPhoto from PriceGrabber
Whisper EX Series Filters are Tetra's version of the newest submerged in water pump design aquarium power filter, which best of all are self-starting, high flow rated units. Two other very special features of The Intuitive Filtration System by Tetra is an easy to view and change Timestrip® filter cartridge replacement indicator, and the simple to remove cartridge housed in a unique holder that allows for no-drip, no-touch disposal. In all likelihood this new innovative line of Whisper filters by Tetra will eventually replace their older PF series. Filter Model/Up to Aquarium Size/Flow Rate: EX20/20/110 gph, EX30/30/160 gph, EX45/45/240 gph, EX70/70/340.
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