Internal aquarium filter Aquael PAT MINI and TURBO FILTER 1000

Regular price $22.00
Regular price Sale price $22.00

Aquael submersible internal filter, ready to place in an aquarium or small aquaponic system. Adjustable flow, Venturi aeration nozzle, tool-free installation, 24-month warranty.

PAT MINI: 400 L/h for 4 W, tanks from 10 to 120 litres. TURBO FILTER 1000: 1,000 L/h for 11 W, tanks from 150 to 250 litres.

Aquarium volume : 50 to 150 l

7/7 customer service by e-mail

Payment in instalments, free of charge

The summary

  • What you receive: the assembled filter, its foam, the suction cup bracket, the air stone and instructions.
  • How to choose: the PAT MINI up to 120 litres, the TURBO FILTER 1000 from 150 to 250 litres.
  • How long to install: 10 minutes, no tools needed, suction cups attached to the glass.
  • Daily upkeep: rinse the foam when flow weakens, clean the rotor once a month.
  • What to provide: a socket positioned higher than the tank, and space to remove the unit.
  • Warranty and origin: 24 months manufacturer's warranty, designed and produced in Poland by Aquael.

Aquael submersible internal filter: it circulates, filters and aerates your tank

In an aquarium as in a small aquaponic system, an internal filter does three jobs at once. It keeps the water moving so no corner stagnates, it traps suspended particles in foam, and it provides nitrifying bacteria with the moist, oxygenated surface without which ammonia never becomes nitrate. The two models offered here, the PAT MINI and the TURBO FILTER 1000, are fully submersible and cover most domestic setups, from a desk tank to a main living room tank.

Aquael is a Polish manufacturer based in Suwalki that has produced aquarium equipment since 1984. Its internal filters rest on two practical points: a sealed synchronous motor that requires little maintenance, and a design that is fully hand-disassemblable with no tools, making service manageable on a Sunday morning rather than put off week after week. If your setup needs greater flow, or filtration placed outside the tank, the rest of our pumps and pump-filter range takes over.

Two usage profiles, not just two sizes

The small tank and the quarantine tank

A desktop tank, nano planted aquarium, shrimp tank, breeding tank or hospital tank that you frequently set up and break down. Here you're looking for gentleness: adjustable flow down to a minimum, a footprint that disappears behind décor, and foam that rinses clean in thirty seconds.

The main tank and the small aquaponic circuit

A well-stocked display tank, or a small aquaponic system where water needs to be pumped up to a grow bed. Here you're looking for flow rate, a reserve of filter media that you build yourself, and headroom as the foam begins to load up.

Foam is not just a sieve. First and foremost, it's a bacterial medium: this is where the colonies settle that transform ammonia into nitrites, then nitrites into nitrates. This is why it is almost never replaced, and why a new filter provides no protection for its first three to six weeks. Our article on the nitrogen cycle in aquaponics details this mechanism and the order in which the parameters rise and then fall.

Choose carefully before ordering

Start with your actual water volume, subtracting décor and grow medium: up to 120 litres the PAT MINI is sufficient, between 150 and 250 litres the TURBO FILTER 1000 gives you the margin you need as the foam loads up. If the water then needs to be pumped back up to a grow bed, measure the height between the surface and the highest outlet point, then compare it to the values in the technical specifications table, keeping a third as safety margin. Finally, check you have enough space in the pond: an internal filter goes underwater and you need to be able to remove it without dismantling all your décor.

Installation requires no tools. The suction cup bracket and its adjustable hook allow you to hang the unit at the desired height on the glass. The water outlet can be angled by hand, which prevents you from bending plants or constantly disturbing a school of shy fish. An air pipe can be connected to the Venturi nozzle if you want to introduce air into the jet: this is the simplest way to increase dissolved oxygen in summer, when warm water retains much less of it. For a heavily stocked tank, an independent air pump remains a useful addition.

Mistakes to avoid

Never run the unit out of water, not even for a few seconds: the motor is cooled by the water flowing through it. Do not rinse the foam in tap water; chlorine destroys the established flora. Do not cut the power cable and do not attempt to replace it: it is not replaceable, and a damaged cable makes the unit permanently unusable. Finally, unplug all electrical equipment from the tank before putting your hand in the water, and leave a loop of cable hanging below the socket so condensation doesn't drip into it.

Maintenance in practice

The main task takes about a minute. Switch off, remove the unit, take out the foam and rinse it in the water collected from the pond during a water change. How often you do this depends on the pond's bioload: rinse when you notice the flow rate dropping, not on a fixed schedule. Once a month, it's worth opening the impeller chamber and cleaning its shaft, as this is where limescale and fibres accumulate, and it's the most common cause of a pump that hums without turning. The full procedure is detailed in the frequently asked questions.

Filter media and spare parts

The TURBO FILTER 1000 features a chamber of 625 ml, which you fill with your choice of filter media and which can be stacked with other chambers. It comes equipped with BioCeraMax Pro 600 ceramic, but it also accepts biological filter balls as well as clarifying activated carbon after treatment. This is what allows an internal filter to adapt as a tank evolves rather than being replaced after two years, and it also explains the price difference between the two versions.

The PAT MINI sits at the other end of the range: 4 W, a footprint the size of a pack of cards, and replacement foams available in dense versions for shrimp tanks. In both cases, rotor, rotor chamber, foams and suction cups are listed in the manufacturer's spare parts catalogue, which makes repair genuinely possible rather than theoretical. And if your current issue is water that stays cloudy or green, start by reading understanding and correcting cloudy water and five solutions for green water: a larger filter isn't always the answer.

Technical specifications

PAT MINI, version 10 à 120 L

Maximum flow rate
400 L/hRange 50 to 400 L/h in the 2025 catalogue, continuously adjustable via the dial
Power consumption
4 WApproximately £7 per year at continuous operation, based on £0.20 per kWh
Maximum head height
65 cm maximumFlow drops well before reaching this head height
Recommended tank volume
10 to 120 LAquael catalogue figure, for a lightly stocked tank
Dimensions
3.8 x 5.3 x 14 cmWidth, depth, height, excluding air pipe
Manufacturer reference
Aquael PAT MINI, index 107715Spray bar index 100500 compatible, sold separately

TURBO FILTER 1000, version 150 to 250 L

Maximum flow rate
1 000 L/hAdjustable via the dial on the pump head, with no published minimum value
Power consumption
11 WApproximately £19 per year at continuous operation, based on £0.20 per kWh
Maximum head height
110 cm maximumAllow a one-third margin on this value
Recommended tank volume
150 to 250 LPopulated display tank, fed daily
Dimensions
10.1 x 11.3 x 30.3 cmWidth, depth, height, chamber assembled
Manufacturer reference
Aquael TURBO FILTER 1000, index 109403Spray bar index 101145 compatible, sold separately

Common to both versions

Device type
Submersible internal filterFits inside the tank, never alongside it
Filtration
Mechanical via spongeAdditional 625 ml biological chamber on the TURBO FILTER 1000
Oxygenation
Venturi nozzle and air regulatorAir pipe and regulator included with both versions, no air pump required
Flow rate adjustment
Dial, continuousReduces flow in a planted tank
Jet orientation
Adjustable directional nozzleSupplied on both versions, adjustable by hand
Immersion depth
Approximately 3 cm below the surfacePosition recommended by the manufacturer — plan ahead as the water level drops

Power supply, origin and warranty

Power supply
Mains-powered, sealed synchronous motorNon-replaceable cord; replace the unit if damaged
Intended use
Freshwater, indoor useAquarium and small domestic aquaponic system
Manufacture
Poland, Aquael factoryManufacturer founded in 1984, two factories
Guarantee
24 moisDefects in materials and workmanship, excluding misuse

14 further specifications are available in the detailed view.

In the box

  • PAT MINI: 1 assembled filter, complete with foam and intake tube
  • PAT MINI: 1 mounting bracket, adjustable hanger and suction cups
  • PAT MINI: 1 Venturi nozzle, which also serves as the flow adjustment knob
  • PAT MINI: 1 flexible air pipe with its aeration regulator
  • PAT MINI: 1 directional outlet nozzle
  • PAT MINI: 1 multilingual instruction leaflet, French included
  • TURBO FILTER 1000: 1 pump unit, complete with impeller and ceramic shaft
  • TURBO FILTER 1000: 1 filter chamber of 625 ml, its lid and inlet guard
  • TURBO FILTER 1000: 1 starter biological ceramic media BioCeraMax Pro 600
  • TURBO FILTER 1000: 1 foam cartridge with its intake pipe
  • TURBO FILTER 1000: 1 base unit, its mounting bracket and suction cups
  • TURBO FILTER 1000: 1 air diffuser with pipe and regulator, 1 directional outlet, 1 instruction leaflet

Box contents taken from official Aquael instruction leaflets; figures sourced from the 2025 catalogue. Aquael does not publish the number of suction cups, the weight, or the cable length. Their sources differ regarding the PAT MINI: 4 W and 50 to 400 L/h in the catalogue, 4.5 W and 450 L/h in the instruction leaflet and product datasheet.

PAT MINI or TURBO FILTER 1000?

Same brand, same submersible internal filter principle, two machines that do not meet the same need.

Are you torn between the two versions? Four questions, one minute, and we highlight the version suited to your tank.

Maximum flow rate (L/h)Maximum discharge head (cm)Recommended tank volume, maximum (L)Power consumption (W)Mechanical foam includedFilter media compartmentCompartment volumeStarter biological media includedReplacement dense foam and activated charcoalOverall height (cm)Width (cm)Price
PAT MINI, 10 to 120 L versionYour choice400 L/h65 cm120 L4 WyesnoNot applicable, foam onlynoyes14 cm3,8 cm$22.00
Recommended
TURBO FILTER 1000, version 150 to 250 LYour choice
1000 L/h110 cm250 L11 Wyesyes625 mlyesyes30,3 cm10,1 cm$57.00
PAT MINI, 10 to 120 L version
Performance
Maximum flow rate (L/h)400 L/h
Maximum discharge head (cm)65 cm
Recommended tank volume, maximum (L)120 L
Power consumption (W)4 W
Filtration
Mechanical foam includedyes
Filter media compartmentno
Compartment volumeNot applicable, foam only
Starter biological media includedno
Replacement dense foam and activated charcoalyes
Space and budget
Overall height (cm)14 cm
Width (cm)3,8 cm
TURBO FILTER 1000, version 150 to 250 LRecommended
Performance
Maximum flow rate (L/h)1000 L/h
Maximum discharge head (cm)110 cm
Recommended tank volume, maximum (L)250 L
Power consumption (W)11 W
Filtration
Mechanical foam includedyes
Filter media compartmentyes
Compartment volume625 ml
Starter biological media includedyes
Replacement dense foam and activated charcoalyes
Space and budget
Overall height (cm)30,3 cm
Width (cm)10,1 cm

Both versions are fully submersible internal filters, installed inside the tank rather than alongside it. The stated flow rate is a maximum measured with no height to overcome: it drops as soon as water needs to be lifted and reaches zero at maximum discharge height. The displayed price is that of the corresponding variant on this page, in your currency.

Documents & manuals

PAT MINI instruction manual, current version

Official multilingual Aquael manual, French included: installation, flow rate adjustment, aeration, rotor cleaning and technical table.

PDF · 0,56 Mo

Download

TURBO FILTER manual, range 500 to 2000

Official multilingual manual, French included, covering the 1000 model: box contents, chamber assembly, maintenance, flow rate table.

PDF · 0,77 Mo

Download

Former PAT MINI manual

Manual for the previous generation, in French. Useful if you already own an old PAT MINI model, rated at 3.3 W and 397 L/h.

PDF · 0,44 Mo

Download

PAT MINI 2024 update

Manufacturer's sheet in Polish, highly visual: comparison of the old and new flow rate and aeration adjustment head.

PDF · 1,09 Mo

Download

Aquael General Catalogue 2025

Complete catalogue: positioning of the two filters, official technical tables, compatible filter media and product index.

PDF · 14,0 Mo

Download

Spare parts catalogue 2025

Exploded views and references for rotors, rotor chambers, foams and suction cups. Large file, 77 pages.

PDF · 30,4 Mo

Download

Estimate your
delivery time

Light parcel, dispatched to a Mondial Relay collection point or to your home with Colissimo, your choice during payment. The exact amount depends on the method chosen and is shown in your basket.

Reviews of this product

4.8/5 · 63 reviews · source: Ceneo.pl, PAT MINI datasheet

Very good, high-performing, works faultlessly, quiet. You just need larger foam, as the original is a bit too small.

I've had this filter for a year and a half in a 30-litre aquarium. It performs well, the flow rate is adequate, and I usually set it to less than half its maximum power. Foam inserts are easy to find, including finer mesh ones for shrimp, along with small spare parts or a return pipe. One drawback: it occasionally vibrates, but that can be adjusted.

The filter works efficiently. Good quality, low price, compact footprint, very good flow rate. I recommend this device.

Robust and reliable, it runs for years without breaking down. After several years the old one finally gave up, but I bought the same model to replace it. Efficient and easy to clean.

An aquarium classic, very quiet and reliable, nothing to fault.

Excellent product. If you compare quality to price, I'd give it top marks.

Frequently asked questions

12 questions

6 key questions, 12 in the detailed view

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