Filtration Systems for Your Custom Fish Tanks – What Works Best?

A custom fish tank is exciting but keeping it clean and healthy for your fish is where the real work starts. One of the most important parts of a successful aquarium is the filtration system. If you’re new to fishkeeping, this blog will help you understand which filtration system works best for your custom fish tank.

Why Do You Need a Filtration System?

Fish tanks are closed environments, which means waste, leftover food, and toxins build up over time. Without a good filter, your fish could get sick or even die. A filtration system helps in:

1. Removing fish waste & food debris

2. Breaking down harmful toxins like ammonia & nitrites

3. Improving oxygen levels in water

4. Keeping water clear & odor-free

Types of Filtration Systems

• Sponge Filters – Simple & Budget-Friendly

If you have a small custom tank or are breeding fish, a sponge filter is a great choice. It’s an air-driven filter that uses a sponge to trap dirt while friendly bacteria grow on it to break down toxins.

✔ Pros:

• Gentle on small fish & shrimp

• Great for betta tanks & fry tanks

• Easy to clean & maintain

❌ Cons:

• Not suitable for large tanks

• May not remove all waste effectively

Best for: Small tanks (under 75 liters), shrimp tanks, breeding tanks

• Hang-On-Back (HOB) Filters – Best for Beginners

HOB filters are Popular among new fish keepers. These filters hang on the back of your aquarium and use a combination of mechanical, chemical & biological filtration to keep the water clean.

✔ Pros:

• Easy to install & maintain

• Suitable for medium-sized tanks

• Provides good water circulation

❌ Cons:

• Can be noisy

• May not be strong enough for big tanks

Best for: 75-189 liters tanks, beginner hobbyists

• Canister Filters – Powerful & Efficient

If you have a large custom aquarium or a heavily stocked tank, a canister filter is the way to go. These filters sit outside the tank and use multiple layers of filtration to keep water crystal clear.

✔ Pros:

• Super powerful filtration

• Quiet operation

• Good for tanks with sensitive fish

❌ Cons:

• More expensive

• Requires regular maintenance

Best for: Tanks over 189 liters, monster fish tanks, planted tanks

• Sump Filters – Best for Custom Tanks

A sump filter is a separate tank, usually placed under the main aquarium, where water is filtered through multiple chambers. This is the best choice for custom aquariums, especially large tanks.

✔ Pros:

• Handles high bio-load tanks

• Keeps equipment hidden for a clean look

• Provides extra water volume = more stability

❌ Cons:

• Requires space under the tank

• Needs plumbing knowledge

Best for: Large custom aquariums, marine tanks, monster tanks

Which Filter Should You Choose?

The best filtration system depends on your tank size, fish type, and budget. Here’s a quick guide to help:

• Small Tanks (Under 75 liters) → Sponge Filter or HOB Filter

• Medium Tanks (75-189 liters) → HOB Filter or Canister Filter

• Large Custom Tanks (189+ liters) → Canister Filter or Sump Filter

• Saltwater or Planted Tanks → Canister or Sump Filter

Keep It Simple!

If you’re a beginner, don’t overcomplicate things. Choose a filter that suits your tank size and is easy to maintain. A good filtration system will save you time, keep your fish happy, and make your custom tank a beautiful, stress-free experience.