Best Sponge Filters
Choosing a sponge filter: how it works, sponge size and foam density, air pumps and lift tubes, where sponge filters suit best, and cleaning.
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Equipment
Best Canister Filters
What to look for in a canister filter: when one makes sense, flow rate and head height, media baskets, hoses and outlets, and ease of cleaning.
Best HOB Filters
What to look for in a hang-on-back filter: when it suits a tank, flow and size, media and cartridges, intake safety, noise and restarts.
Best Nano Aquarium Filters
Choosing a nano aquarium filter: sponge, hang-on-back, internal and small canister options, gentle flow and intake safety, and easy maintenance.
Best Aquarium Heaters
An aquarium heater has one job that matters more than every feature on the box: keep the water within a stable, appropriate temperature range for the animals you keep.
Best Aquarium Lights
The best aquarium light depends on what the aquarium contains.
Best Air Pumps
The best aquarium air pump is not automatically the largest or most powerful model.
Best Aquarium Thermometers
An aquarium thermometer is a small piece of equipment with an important job: independently verify the water temperature.
Best Gravel Vacuums
Choosing a gravel vacuum: tube and hose size, manual and self-priming designs, use on gravel, sand and planted substrates, and flow control.
Best Aquarium Test Kits
An aquarium test kit turns invisible water conditions into information you can act on.