Aquariums require plenty of maintenance and labor on the part of their owners. Much like gardens, their needs must be regularly seen if you hope to keep them clean and healthy and allow them to flourish.
Fortunately for aquarium owners, this does not mean changing the water every day or scrubbing the tank clean with a toothbrush. Aquarium maintenance means equipping yourself with the right tools for the job, making your life that much easier.
One of the essential pieces of equipment you will need to maintain your aquarium is a filter. Filters come in various shapes and sizes, but not all of them are up to the task of keeping your water clean.
NICREW Aquarium Internal Filter
Aquarium filters can be severely hit-or-miss. They are either really great or exceptionally shoddy, and it can be a pain to find one that you can rely upon without spending heaps of money.
That may sound like quite a lot to ask for. After all, a high price also means high quality to most people. But is it possible to find an effective aquarium filter without breaking the bank? NICREW seems to think so, where their small internal aquarium filter comes in.
Above all, the main question we need to answer is this: is the NICREW internal aquarium filter worth your money?
Who Is This Product For?
What is immediately apparent regarding the NICREW internal aquarium filter is its size. It is significantly smaller than some of the other filters we have covered. The standard mid-range model measures just 5.3 inches in height and 1.6 inches by 1.2 inches in length and width.
As a result, the maximum power output that the NICREW can provide is far below your standard canister filter. As such, it is only suitable for small aquariums.
Newcomers should appreciate this, as they have a relatively high-quality piece of gear to get their hands on. The price is also incredibly undemanding, making it a superior alternative to some of its competitors.
Still, so long as you have a small aquarium, anyone can use this filter.
What’s Included?
The NICREW aquarium internal filter is a surprisingly comprehensive package considering its price. The first thing to note is that it includes an adjustable spray bar, which may not seem like a huge deal, but it is something that so many other aquarium filters fail to deliver, at least with the initial purchase.
Secondly, the adjustable air regulator allows you to adjust the airflow, allowing for a gentler, more even flow of water in the case of more delicate fish or shrimp.
The casing itself is fitted with four suction cups which allow you to easily attach it to just about any part of the tank you desire. The package also includes various accessories which can help to supplement oxygen.
All in all, if quantity is what you are after, the NICREW certainly delivers.
Overview of Features
A handful of valuable features are included in the NICREW internal aquarium filter, though nothing that will amaze aquarium aficionados. Still, what is here is perfect for beginners, allowing them to get to grips with how aquarium filters function and can show them what to look for if they ever decide to upgrade.
The NICREW’s water filtration process comes in two stages, biological and chemical, which should effectively clean the water in a small tank but will undoubtedly struggle when it comes to larger tanks.
Before you can even get there, you will notice that the NICREW is quick and easy to assemble, thanks to its small, compact design. The casing is equipped with four suction cups which allow it to stick to just about any surface.
The NICREW is also suitable for both saltwater and freshwater tanks, meaning that you will not have to second-guess yourself before making your purchase. The airflow can also be adjusted to be more intense or a lot gentler, accommodating smaller, more delicate species of fish.
Overall, while it does not have the most features we have seen from an aquarium filter, it does not bother us because of its low price and compact design.
How to Use It
After following the assembly instructions, attach the filter to the inside of your tank and switch it on.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Small, compact design
- Can regulate the airflow
- Quiet and discreet
- Quick and easy to assemble
Cons
- Not at all suitable for even slightly larger tanks
- Experienced aquarium owners will find it lacking
Alternatives
Consider the FREESEA Internal Aquarium Power Filter if you want something a little more robust and are willing to pay more.
Conclusion
While not the most comprehensive when it comes to features, the NICREW internal aquarium filter offers excellent value for money and should be perfect for beginners looking to equip their aquariums with something practical.
Jenn Frazier
Aquarist & Writer 22+ Years