NEMO AQUA STOREBest Aquarium Filters Under ₹1000
You don't need an expensive canister to keep water crystal clear. Under ₹1000, three filter types cover almost every tank up to 100 litres — here's how to choose.
1. Sponge filter (₹150–₹400) — best for breeders & small tanks
- Runs on an air pump; gentle flow that won't stress bettas, fry or shrimp.
- Huge surface for beneficial bacteria — great biological filtration.
- Downside: needs a separate air pump (~₹300) and looks utilitarian.
2. Internal power filter (₹300–₹700) — best all-rounder for 20–60L
- Submerged unit with a pump and sponge cartridge; simple and silent.
- Choose one rated at 4–5× your tank volume per hour (e.g. 200 L/h for a 40L tank).
- Downside: takes up space inside the tank; rinse the sponge weekly.
3. Hang-on-back / HOB filter (₹500–₹1000) — best for 40–100L display tanks
- Hangs outside, so no space lost inside; easy to clean and to add media.
- Waterfall return adds oxygen. Our 300 L/h HOB filter handles tanks up to 60–80L.
- Downside: slight hum if the tank level drops low.
Sizing rule of thumb
Flow rate ≥ 4× tank volume per hour, and never wash filter media in tap water — rinse in removed tank water so you don't kill the bacteria colony (see why cycling matters).
Frequently asked questions
A sponge filter or a low-flow internal filter. Bettas struggle in strong current, so gentle flow matters more than raw power.
Pick a flow rate at least 4–5× your tank volume per hour — a 40 litre tank needs roughly a 200 L/h filter.
Rinse the sponge every 1–2 weeks in water removed during a water change — never under tap water, which kills beneficial bacteria.
Yes. Long-finned fish like bettas and fry get exhausted in strong current. If fish struggle to swim, baffle the outflow or choose a gentler filter.
Related: HOB Filter 300 L/h · 20L Starter Tank
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