Taking care and maintaining a small aquarium can be challenging. Beginners tend to get started with a small aquarium. However, the small tank requires to be cleaned more frequently than the larger one.
The best small aquarium filter will help you keep the proper water condition and healthy environment for your fish tank dwellers all the time. Not all of the filter tanks available in the supermarket could execute the job of filtration perfectly. So we introduce to you here two common filters for a small tank with a lot of information, pros and cons: Penn Plax world aquarium filter vs Fluval U2 underwater filter.
#1 Flow rate
It is important to look for a fish tank filter that can handle your tank water. In general, you should choose the filter that comes with a flow rate that is capable of filtering all the water in your aquarium at least 4-6 times every hour.
For example, if you have a 20 gallons fish tank, then the filter for your tank will come with a low rate of minimum 80 GPH. But this flow rate could be higher if your tank has lots of decoration and plants.
Fluval U2 flow rate is 150 GPH, it is an ideal option for 12-30 gallon tank size. While Penn Plax world can deliver 20 GPH. It is specifically designed for a small fish tank of 5 gallons or less.
#2 Size
Since you have a small tank, so one of the important considerations is the size of the filter. The slim filter that has a compact size and shape will not occupy much space in your tank. You will have more space for adding decoration and a larger living space for your fish.
Fluval U2 is designed to go inside your fish tank; it does not need the external space. But it will take the internal space of your tank. Its dimensions are 3.9 x 5 x 8.8 inches.
Penn Plax World is the tiny filter. This filter measuring 6,00 x 2,00 x 6,00 inch and fits in almost any small aquarium. Even if your tank I globes, rounded corners or small-size panels, this is compact and narrow profile can be able to fit with the smallest areas.
#3 Filtration process
The best filter will come with three stages of filtration as much as possible. They are mechanical, biological and chemical filtration.
Penn Plax offers the 3 stages of SmallWorld filtration. SmallWorld filter includes the high-quality disposable cartridge, which is consists of carbon and zeolite for chemical filtration and a bio-foam sponge. The zeolite removes ammonia while the top-quality activated carbon removes harmful gases and odors. The bio-foam helps promote biological filtration that helps you maintain the clearness of the water.
Fluval U2 Underwater Filter is also three-stage filtration that is ideal for both freshwater and saltwater environments. At the first stage, 2 foams pad will work for removes large particles and fish waste that floating in the water.
In the second stage, the 2 poly/carbon cartridges trap fine debris, improves water clarity and removes impurities. In the third stage, 40 grams BioMax provides optimal biological filtration efficiency.