Best Canister Filter for Aquarium 2020

If you are an aquarium enthusiast, then you must know how difficult it could get to keep the waters clean. It is necessary to keep the water clean to grow some healthy and beautiful fish. Without having the proper care of the water, you have the chance to lose your lovely guppies.

However, it takes a lot to find the right canister filter for your aquarium. It would be best if you considered yourself lucky to have found this post, as this covers everything about the Best Canister Filter for Aquarium.

Why not read this until the very end to make things easy for you. We have incorporated everything in regards to canister filters. The best ones will be a combination of chemical, mechanical, and biological filtration. We have found you some handy ones in here, do have a look.

What is Canister Filters?

Canister filters are aquarium filters which is used to remove water from the fish tank. The whole process needs an intake tube, valve, and a filter. In a Canister, the water passes through a pressurized filter and pump, which filters the water and again spills the water into the fish tank.

Canister filters are used in the aquarium as well as in the fish tank. There are many canister filters in the market. Some of the best aquarium canister filters are

• Hydor Professional. The Hydor Professional canister filter series uses a high-quality ceramic shaft on the pump motor.
• Fluval FX4 and FX6
• API Filstar
• EHEIM Classic
• Penn Plax Cascade
• Sunsun 4-Stage with 9-watt UV Sterilizer

However, the best canisters filter has some unique features. They are beneficial things for those people who have a fascination with aquarium

Best Canister Filter for Aquarium Buying guide

Before investing in an aquarium filter, we would request you to look into its functionality. You should think about what kind of screen do you require. Installing a filter that meets your requirements is a must.

Of course, there is more to it, and we have discussed it down here. Before buying a canister, you must know about the pros and cons of it. It will help you to find the best fish tank canister filter.

Your budget

You must be able to afford a canister filter, and that is the most important thing. Again, while buying a filter, you must be pragmatic enough. You must not give in to the fads of the times but invest in something that can stand the test of time at any budget. Be sensible and take a call.

It is not apparent that all the best aquarium canister filters are costly. What you should think is about your budget and the specifications you need.

Brands

The brands that we have reviewed here are top-notch in this industry. Hence, it is recommended that you must stick to reliable brands only. It will keep confusion at bay for you and ultimately help you buy the best canister filter for aquarium.

It would be best if you chose a renowned brand rather than an unknown. However, well-known brands are sometimes costly.

Tanksize

You can either read the product details for this or contact their customer service to know more about getting the right tank size. Tanks would come marked 10 gallons, 20 gallons, at times 29 gallons, and even 55 for gallons or more.

Suit yourself and select the correct size to avoid trouble. Avoid a massive sized tank or the tiny tank. The best fish tank canister filters come with different sizes.

Motor

Choosing a suitable motors can be pivotal for an aquarium filter. The best canister filters offer quality motor, which makes them instinct form others.

The motor must be competent enough to pump water and do it all. You must opt for an engine that is sturdy and extremely low on maintenance. Meeting these prerequisites would cut you a deal, and you must not neglect any of these features.

Tips on choosing the best canister filter for turtles

If you care for your reptile friend, then you must make them comfortable in their abode. Getting a canister filter for your turtle could be one way of doing so. We have a few ways to find the best canister filter for turtles. Read this section with attention.

Size of the tank

Read more about the filter and then make sure that the canister filter is fit for your tank. These filters are designed for individual containers if your tank fits the bill, and your turtle will enjoy it the most.

Durability

You must invest in a filter that is made from durable materials and can perform to its full. That means a well-built filter will provide you with quality filtration.

Motor

The motor pumps the water and makes it all work. So, you must purchase a filter that has a reliable engine. It should be easy to maintain, efficient, and, if possible quiet.

Top Eight Quality Canister Filters for Aquarium in 2019

1. Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter for 

Aquarium

The Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter for Aquarium is one of the best canister filters in the market. They are robust, reliable. It offers excellent user experience. The flow valves of the screen provide a 360-degree flexibility, which will help you to move it in any direction depending upon the space inside the aquarium.

The media baskets are of enormous capacity, and you can customize your media needs as per your wish. Now, you can easily prime the filter with just a press of a button.

The kit comes with a spray bar to direct water to any area of the tank, tubes, directional spout, and filter media. These canister filters are easy to install. It is long-lasting and built well to give you a hassle-free experience.

2. EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter for Aquarium with Media

The EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter for Aquarium is one of the best canister filter for turtles. It is the most reliable and efficient filter in the market. Every component of this filter has been tried and tested following the best of standards.

The filter is also famous for its noise-free operation, and sometimes you have to touch it to understand whether the motor is running. The filter has a capacity of 40 gallons, is durable, power-efficient, and provide exceptional value for money.

The filter comes with high-quality components and offers superb filtration. Again you will find all at a low price. It is an ideal product to buy if you are looking at value for money. The product kit includes promo-elastic silicone ring attached to the pump head.

The kit helps you to open and close the head after cleaning filter sponges, filter valves, filter basket, spray bar, inlet pipe, hose, and other accessories for installing the filter. The sealing ring not only helps in easy cleaning but also help in locking after cleaning to avoid water leakages. The screen inserts present help in cleaning the filter easier.

3. Hydor Professional External Canister Filter for Aquarium

The Hydor Professional External Canister Filter is among the best canister filter for Aquarium in the market. It is an all-rounder having a solid build, telescopic intake tubes, and a 3 stage filtration process in place.

There is a four lock clamp system which holds the motor in the filter in place. The lock keeps it working properly. This system also helps to avoid any form of water leaks as everything is tightly held together.

The model is easy to assemble. The install process takes very little time to set up and run. You will be impressed with the flow rate this filter offers and the range of the capacity. The operating noise for this filter is very minimum, and sometimes you have to come near it to make sure that it’s running.

You can do priming very quickly, which finally adds to easy maintenance. All of these facilities make it one of the best canisters on the market.

4. Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter for Aquariums, Fast Maintenance

The Marineland Magniflow Canister is among the best canister filter in the market. The high-end features with a mid-range price, make it an excellent value for the users. This filter has a capacity of 3.4 gallons and is one of the largest in its class of filters.

The canister lid is made such that it creates a watertight seal when pressed. The filter has multiple media layers in filter trays, which allows for different filtration levels, such as mechanical, chemical, and biological.

There is a quick prime button which helps in fast starting the filter once it is set up. There is a polishing filter pad installed to remove the fine debris from the water. This facility keeps it clean and fresh. The black diamond carbon present in the package will remove any odor, discoloration, and water impurities from your tank.

5. Aquatop CF Series Canister Filter for Aquarium

The Aquatop CF Series Canister Filter is among the best canister filter, famous for providing multistage filtration at an affordable price. This filter is active majorly in fresh and saltwater aquariums, which has a range of close to 175 gallons.

There is a UV sterilizer which helps in keeping the water clean and fresh. The filter has large filtration trays where you can add media of your choice. The screens come with a white and a blue filter pad, which helps in enhancing the mechanical filtration process. The self-priming system in this filter will save you from manual siphoning and also time-consuming maintenance.

6. Fluval Canister Filter, FX6 Filter (400 Gal)

The EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter is one of the best canister filter for turtles. It is the most reliable and efficient filter in the market. Every component of this filter has been tried and tested following the best of standards.

The filter is also famous for its noise-free operation, and sometimes you have to touch it to understand whether the motor is running. The filter has a capacity of 40 gallons, is durable, power-efficient, and provide exceptional value for money.

The filter comes with high-quality components and offers superb filtration. Again you will find all at a low price. It is an ideal product to buy if you are looking at value for money. The product kit includes promo-elastic silicone ring attached to the pump head.

The kit helps you to open and close the head after cleaning filter sponges, filter valves, filter basket, spray bar, inlet pipe, hose, and other accessories for installing the filter. The sealing ring not only helps in easy cleaning but also help in locking after cleaning to avoid water leakages. The screen inserts present help in cleaning the filter easier.

7. Marineland Multi-Stage Canister Filter for Aquariums, C-Series

The Marineland C-Series Multi-Stage Canister Filter is among the best canister filter for turtles. It is trendy among large tank enthusiasts. Although it is suitable for both medium and large tanks, it is best for large fish tanks with a big fish community.

The filter works efficiently to provide clean and freshwater for your fishes. There is a 3 stage filtration process which includes biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration.

The biofilter balls are great for biological filtration, and the replaceable media slots help in filtering the dirt and waste, keeping the water clean and fresh. The multistage filtration in this filter does not have any bypass option, which forces it to produce only pure water.

Although the screen looks complicated, you can easily set this up with the user manual and the DVD present in the box.

You can clean this filter quite quickly and within just a couple of hours — the only thing which needs changing the activated carbon and polishing pads. The ceramic rings and biofilter balls do not get damaged so easily.

8. Cobalt Aquatics 26000 Ext Canister Filter for Aquarium

The Cobalt Aquatics 26000 EXT Canister Filter is a very innovative product and the best canister filter for turtles. This filter is separate from the canister body. As the canister is different from the main body, you can clean this filter without switching it off.

This filter, unlike the older canister filters, does not have a built-in pump. Thus it does not require priming, making it very easy to use. So you can put the filter anywhere you want, below the tank, beside the tub or just above the reservoir.

Another good thing is that it has four layers of filter media. The media includes a sponge filter, activated carbon, ceramic borings, and filter finishing pad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have discussed some questions and answers, which may help you to remove your confusion about the best canisters review.

1. Which is the best filter for the aquarium?

Ans. There is no right or wrongs answer to this, as filters keep the water clean from feces, plant material, leftover food, and other waste products. You need to understand how a filtration system with help you and your fishes to stay safe. Be it mechanical, biological, or chemical filtration, and a filter must be cost-effective.

2. Are canister filters suitable for saltwater tanks?

Ans. All canisters that we have reviewed here are considered suitable for saltwater (and freshwater) tanks. Yes, canister filters make it simple as a one-stop filtration system for sure.

3. How do canister filters work?

Ans. In simple words, a canister filter first draws up water by a lift tube. It goes into an external machine, where the water is pushed through a line of media (filter) for cleaning. Then it is pumped back into the tank, and there is nothing more.

Yes, it is this straightforward, that we thought of mentioning it once in this post for you to understand it once and for all.

4. What is the best canister filter?

Ans. Well, you need to know the models, as there are a lot of them in the market. It would be best if you found out which one suits your needs best.

5. How do you set up a fish tank?

Ans. Assemble the product, as explained in the user manual. Then connect the inflow and outflow pipes into the tank. Make sure to place the canister filter in a secluded place, so that no one touches it. Switch on the system if everything seems right and then see the magic.

6. What does a vapor canister filter do?

Ans. Like the way these filters reduce carbon emission in automobiles, in the same way, they could be used in the filtration system of fish tanks. These filters increase the efficiency of filtration that must be added to this discussion.

7. How often to should you clean the canister filter?

Ans. Usually, these filters take the longest to clean. So, you could do that once in 3 to 4 months. These filters save your efforts, as they do not require you to clean off and on.

8. Does it cost to run these filters?

Ans. You will be surprised to know that these filters do not consume much electricity. They run on small motors, and they are quite energy efficient by themselves.

9. How to find the cheapest canister filters?

Ans. You can find several of them online, and some e-commerce houses have listed their bestsellers for you. This way, you can find the cheapest and also the most unswerving one for you.

Best ways of using Canister Filters

There is no one way of using the Best Canister Filters, as different people will have different ways of doing it. Though, we believe there is a necessary thing that binds all of this with one thread. That is why we would like you to know how to use your canister filter in the best ways.

• First of check if everything is connected securely before switching it on
• Make the valves are safe and open to draw and expel water from your tank
• Some systems may need the canister to be filled with water even before they start operating
• Know your filter, and the do the needful
• If you are satisfied that everything is in place, then you can go ahead and turn it on
• One more thing, keep your tank clean, as that will keep the fish happy and playful, which is something that everyone wants

Maintenance tips

Look, there are no hard and fast rules of cleaning your aquarium filter.

• Nevertheless, you could fix a routine to clean yours like once a week, monthly, and then yearly care. If your fish is like your child, then you need to be a better pet parent.
• You must ensure to keep them clean by hook or crook. Below mentioned are some of the useful ways of cleaning your canister filter.
• Clean canister filters once every 3 to 4 months, yes these can serve you long in between cleanings
• Please turn off the filter and unplug it
• Make sure that you submerge the media filter into a bucket of water, as this will keep the beneficial bacteria alive
• Use a soft scrub to clean the impellers
• Check if everything is clean before you assemble them back, as this assures that your filter will not leak
• Once you are done, fill the canister with water and turn it on again

Conclusion

There are too many options for you when you speak about Best Canister Filter for Aquarium. It may get confusing when you come across so many brands and types of filters. Nonetheless, if you keep practicality in your mind, then it will be easy for you to decide on it. If you love betta fish then you can see our betta fish tank review, where for small gallon filter is not mandatory.

It is what made us compose this post, and we hope that we did a good job. It is a sincere endeavor that we tried our hands at, and we would like you to tell us how did felt about it. Do share your experience with the community and us via the comments section.