Filters · Nano Tanks (20–60L)

Best Nano Filters (UK 2025)

Quiet, reliable filters perfect for betta tanks, shrimp setups and nano aquariums under 60 litres. UK-friendly picks that run silently, keep water crystal-clear, and won’t blow your fish around.

Skip to Top Picks ↓

Quick Summary

  • Best overall: Aquael Pat Mini (with pre-filter sponge)
  • Quietest: Tetra IN 300 Plus
  • Best sponge filter: Hygger Dual-Sponge Nano
  • Tank sizes: 20–60 litres

Top Picks (At a Glance)

Model
Best For
Flow Rate
Aquael Pat Mini
Best overall
50–400 L/h
Tetra IN 300 Plus
Quietest
300 L/h
Hygger Dual-Sponge Nano
Shrimp & bettas
Air-powered

1. Aquael Pat Mini – Best Nano Filter Overall

The Aquael Pat Mini is the most popular nano filter in the UK for a reason: it’s powerful, compact, adjustable and incredibly reliable. With a simple pre-filter sponge attached, it becomes one of the best options for bettas and shrimp tanks.

  • Perfect tank size: 20–50L
  • Flow control: Fully adjustable (gentle to strong)
  • Noise level: Very quiet
  • Shrimp safe: Yes, with pre-filter sponge

Pros:

  • Very strong for its size
  • Adjustable flow for bettas
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Cheap and long-lasting

Cons:

  • Needs a pre-filter sponge for shrimp safety
  • Max flow too strong for tanks under 20L

Buy it: Add Amazon UK link

2. Tetra IN 300 Plus – Quietest Nano Filter

If noise is your biggest concern, the Tetra IN 300 is one of the quietest internal filters available in the UK. It also has great flow control, making it ideal for sensitive species like bettas.

  • Perfect tank size: 20–40L
  • Flow control: Full adjuster
  • Noise level: Practically silent
  • Maintenance: Very easy

Pros:

  • Extremely quiet
  • Very beginner-friendly
  • Strong but smooth flow
  • Compact design

Cons:

  • Not ideal for heavily stocked tanks
  • Needs a sponge added for shrimp

Buy it: Add Amazon UK link

3. Hygger Dual-Sponge – Best Sponge Filter

If you want the gentlest possible filtration for shrimp, bettas or baby fish, a dual-sponge filter is unbeatable. Hygger makes one of the best-designed ones available in the UK.

  • Perfect tank size: 10–40L
  • Flow control: Depends on air pump
  • Noise level: Silent (pump-dependent)
  • Shrimp safe: 100%

Pros:

  • Gentlest flow for bettas
  • Perfect for shrimp tanks
  • Big sponge surface area
  • Runs for pennies per month

Cons:

  • Requires an air pump
  • Not the prettiest

Buy it: Add Amazon UK link

How to Choose a Nano Filter (Beginners, Start Here)

1. Check the real flow rate. For bettas, shrimp and nano fish, you need adjustable flow. Aim for:
• 20L tank → ~50–150 L/h
• 40L tank → ~100–300 L/h

2. Go quiet. Nano tanks are usually in bedrooms or living rooms. Quiet filters = better life.

3. Make it shrimp safe. Add a £2 sponge pre-filter to ANY internal filter. Done.

4. Pick the right type:

  • Internal filters: Most powerful
  • Sponge filters: Safest for shrimp/bettas
  • Hang-on-back: Great for planted nanos

Next Steps

Now that your filter is sorted, here’s what to read next: