Featured Guide
9 Best Canister Filters: Reviews, Buying Guide, Pros & Cons (2018 Best Sellers)
Overview
If you’re a fish owner and you want a better way to make your tank water clearer than average, then you’re going to need the best aquarium canister filter on the market. If you don’t, you could risk the health of your fish and any aquatic plants you have in the tank. To help you choose the best canister filter, we have researched based off of canister filter reviews.
Aquarium canister filters are an excellent choice for larger tanks especially when you want the water to be crystal clear and clean. What makes them different from standard filters is that they can be concealed entirely and therefore not in eyesight when you look at the aquarium. These fish tank canister filters will help force the water in the tank through what is called a filter media. These filter media are good at removing any additional matter or the breeze within the aquarium. Canister fish filters are very adaptable to a variety of different situations which require cleaning of the tank water. You can choose to customize the type of filter media you install which will then take care of many various problems. It is possible to make a custom build filtration system specifically for your aquarium type. You can install diatomic sleeves to help give that water a better polish look, or you can install extra rings or sponges which will help encourage healthy bacteria colonization and increase the Factive Ness of the biological filtration system. Using any other mechanical media can help aquarium get rid of any waste of your choosing. Chemical fill Traciann can also help remove any harmful toxins, resins, and help remove anything that could compromise the health of your aquatic friends. You'll find that many other filtration Systems work poorly and sometimes they could even damage the health of your aquatic friends. By owning a canister filter, You can customize the type of filter to which type is needed in your tank. Many other types of filters can be harmful and damaging and produce chemical waste that you do not want in your tank. Many of the other filtration systems will also fall into the tank and will be hard to remove. Why waste your money on a unit that is harder to use, maybe dangerous to your animals, and isn't designed to help give them a healthy living environment? Choose the best canister filter that will serve your tank well!
External Canister Filters Buying Guide
In the following part of the article, we are going to delve into the exact features and specifications you need to check before purchasing a canister filter. Let’s see what you should take into account so that you can also make informed buying decisions.
How to Choose THE BEST Canister Filter
When you first start checking products on the Internet, it can be daunting. So many features, so many reviews, and so many possible issues. Let’s see exactly what you need to know, as we go deep into every possible issue you might encounter.
Why Do You Need A Canister?
The whole purpose of having a canister filter is to help your field Traciann system. So, when you’re choosing a canister filter, you’re going to have to keep a few things in mind. This means you need to keep in mind the different types of filter features with your filtration system. Ask yourself questions about the volume of the filter, filter, it’s versatility, and any other features you wanted to have. It is recommended to get a canister filter that has an excellent flow rate, so the fill Traciann process does not take an extended period.
Adaptability & Durability
Before installing the best canister filter, you’re going to need to think about where you want it to be located. Think about if you wanted to be concealed inside or outside of the aquarium, or put it on a stand outside of the tank. If you’re buying a total filter, you May need to find other ways to keep it concealed in your aquarium. So, when it comes to the durability of the canister filter, look for one that is built to be durable and long-lasting. Most of them on the market today will be made of plastic, and you’re going to want to avoid these. The reason for this is because plastic is the cheapest material to use, so make sure you’re getting one built of highly durable plastics or other materials.
The Motor
When looking at the motor of your canister filter, it’s going to be essential to understand that the Motors function is to help pump water throughout the filter. You can tell what a great motor can do from a cheap motor. The motor will need to be built with reliable materials as this is important for us efficiency and maintenance. Many motors will require extra maintenance compared to others. I maintenance filters will need to be tended to more often. To perform maintenance, you will have to open the filter up and make sure it is clear of all debris. Chances are if the motor is clogged or backed up then it will start to produce noise while it is filtering your aquarium’s water. It’s vital that this is taken care of ASAP.
Tank Size
Not all canisters will work for the same tank sizes. We’re going to need to choose a canister based off of your tank size. So, the tank size is going to be important when you’re selecting a canister filter. Every canister you look at you Will need to read the description and recommended tank sizes for that filter. In most cases, you will have either ten gallon/20 gallons/29 gallon/55 gallon/or more. If the canister does not have this information, you will have to either refer to the website or contact their support team for more details. This could help give you a better idea of which canister filter will be good for your tank. It’s imperative that you choose the correct canister filter, or else you’ll find that your aquarium tank will not be filtered correctly.
Brand
The type of brand of filter you buy is going to play an important role when it comes to buying the best canister filter for your tank. All the brands that we have listed in this buying guide are some of the best aquarium canister filters on the market. You can always be rested Sheard that these products will work, and will not Malfunction like other models. However, if you choose to get another brand make sure you research beforehand so that you know that the works so well. Do not always believe everything that you read on a label for the canister filters, and some will claim that their product is the best however it only ends up failing in the end. Do you want to provide the best living environment for your fish, so make sure to do your research or else you’re risking their lives.
Budget
Before you go and set out to buy a canister filter for your tank. You should always research what type of budget you will be willing to spend on a canister filter. You should base this number on the tanks and your ability to afford it. There’s always going to be one in your price range that works just as well as another, but you don’t want to skimp out and choose one of the worst ones just because cheaper. You’ll be surprised at what you can get for a small price when IT comes to different types of canister filters. Online stores are a great place to start, as you’ll find more information regarding the canisters and you’ll be able to I understand the product because of the reviews. Also listed online are usually all of the specs, Keith features, or extra features that come with the best canister filter. Many of these may be overlooked if you’re just going by what’s on the pet store shelves.
How Do They Work?
Hey, canister filter works by using a UV sterilizer or a canister filter media. You should first understand how these both work before you can understand how canister filter works. The canister filter will usually be located outside of the tank and has tubes that are adjustable, and they will be fitted to touch the back of the tank. These filters have what you will call, and in-tank pump, these are essential for forcing the water from the canister into the filtration system. You may find that other models will rely on pumps, gravity, other types of filtration systems to get the water going. Once the canister gets filled with water, but internal pump well then clear the water put it into the filtration system and then back into the tank. The water will pass two different filtration systems inside the canister, thus cleaning the water as it goes. All of these filters will help trap and get rid of the breeze and other organic matter that is passing through the filter. As always, you will still have to clean out your canister filter every once in a while. This is usually very simple is all you will need to do is disconnect some of the valves and then clean inside of it. Make sure you follow the directions given by the manufacturer, or else they risk damaging the canister itself, which would render the product useless. Make sure you always put it back together correctly following whatever, and you facture’s cleaning structures are before putting it back into your tank.
Canister FAQ
Saltwater Canister Filter
The best canister filter for saltwater aquariums is suitable for a saltwater aquarium when it has mentions features for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. You just need to check based on the menu facture’s suggestions on what type of tank the canister filter should be used for. This will usually either be on the website, on the site you’re buying it, or listed on the package. If you cannot find this information that it is best to call the company to be sure.
Freshwater Canister Filter
Usually, you can use any canister for any freshwater aquariums. However, if you have a big aquarium, you may want to buy a canister filter but can handle larger aquariums with more fish. This also those without saying but if you happen to have any living plants, many fish, or other organic matters in your tank, the more crowded it is you may need to get a stronger/more durable filter that can handle these conditions.
How Do You Prime a Canister?
In many cases, you’ll find the canister filters well, specific directions that are provided to you in the manufacturer’s guide. However, there are still some tricks you can use. First, assemble the canister, have been submerged into the tank correctly, and then make sure to plug it in. You’re going to want to have the canister had a slight tilt, as you want to submerge them pillar help start sucking the water into the filtration system. Make sure to hold it in for a minute at least until the tilt is keeping its balance on its own and making sure that is expunging any air that comes out of it. This should prime the canister filter, but you will want to check later to make sure it is still working.
Canister Filter Setup
Before using it you’ll have to know about aquarium canister filter setups, you’re going to want to make sure you have all the parts that are necessary to put it together. Make sure all the parts are assembled first before attempting to put the canister filter in the correct position located on the back of your tank. You can now connect both the inflow and outflow pipes and connected to your tank following the manufacturer’s guide and instructions. Place it where you desire and make sure that it’s a place that you will be comfortable leaving it permanently as it should not be moved once installed. One side note, please make sure that it does not get installed in a place that has the risk of getting knocked out or over into the machine as this could be dangerous.
What’s The Best Canister Set?
The best fish tank canister filter setup will depend on which model in which features you will need. Make sure that the one you’re buying will feature the type of key features you need for your fish tank. Just make sure to look for one that is durable, long-lasting, and one that will work for your tank size.
How Often Do You Need to Clean The Canister?
You only need to clean the canister filter every once in a while. This will significantly be dependent on how often it is used and how big of a tank you’re using. If you happen to have a very crowded think, or own a lot of fish, or have a lot of organic matter, then you should clean it out more often. The recommended length for leaving a canister in is around every three months and then change the filter. However, if it looks like it needs cleaning, then you should probably change it out.
Where to Put Purigen in the Canister?
You should place the Purigen right where the water is leaving or, you can place it for the water goes right into the ceramic rings.
How Much does it Cost To Run A Canister Filter?
It does not cost a lot of money to run best canister filter. They do not take up a lot of energy, and they will not make a huge impact on your bill. There are eco-friendly or energy saving canister filters out there, but they aren’t needed because they do not use much energy in the first place.
How to Get Air Out of a Canister?
If you run into the problem and happen to have air in your canister, you should make sure that all of the properties of the canister filter are joined correctly they need to be sealed. The air is going to lick or suck in places that it usually one, therefore make sure all of these are correctly connected. When you have a proper ceiling, you should not be able to hear any noises, and there will be no signs of any air bubbles or leakage.
How to Layer Media in Canister?
To get your media laid correctly in the canister, you’ll need to make sure you have the right layer media to fit into your canister filter. If you do not have the right one, it will be impossible to fix it. The most general way to do this is by layering from front to back with a few ceramic rings, then use a coarse sponge and then put in the bio media on top of the filter would pad. If this is still Not clear to you, you should contact the company or check out some videos on YouTube, as they can help guide you through this whole process.
Top Rated Canister Filter Reviews
Listed below are the top canister filters for 2018 and the canister filter price. Each of these has a list of key features, a pros and cons list, and user reviews from online websites. Hopefully, this compiled list will help you find the best budget canister filter that will fit your needs for your specific aquarium tank.
1. Fluval 406 Canister Filter Review
The Fluval canister filter has superior filtration and works for many sizes of aquarium tanks. It is the best freshwater canister filter and for saltwater aquariums. The canister often offers a tremendous capacity for fill Traciann systems. It has an advanced motor technology which has a powerful motor, contains a steady flow, and helps scheduled maintenance is. It also has quiet operation. This quiet operation has precise engineered burying minimizing impellers which vibrate upon the cover to help reduce but noise. With a multistage filtration system each part will be separated for max and min maintenance using the entire canister to help optimize all of the filtration efficiency. The mechanical stage has a large capacity, which has twin foam pre-filters which absorb more debris and any other organic particles and it helps prevent the media from getting clogged. After the last stage is the chemical and biological stage. These models allow easy and mess-free media removal.
- Multi-Stage Filtration - health spf healthier water and healthier fish
- Large Size - This is the best canister filter for 100 gallon aquariums.
- Sound Dampening Impeller - The sound dampening impeller is quiet and will help push the water around and into the filter.
- CLog Proof Intake Strainer - Reduces the chance that a clog will occur.
- Dual Layer Foam Screen - Helps prevent the buildup of foam.
- 3 Year Warranty
- Leaks - This unit leaks from every once in awhile.
2. Penn Plax Cascade 700 GPH Canister Filter Review
The pen plaques cascade 700 canister filter is effortless to install and works excellently. The filter will come with all essential accessories to help connect your tank to the canister filter and less than 30 minutes. There is a quick push button that will help prime your canister, and it has two independent directional rotating valves that make the place easy to fit. It has adjustable Flori control, and you will be able to adjust to your liking. On the side, it has a pool style hose clamp to make it easy to set up and put into place. The sturdy rubber mounted tip base will keep the unit in place even if it is knocking. The pump comes with some large filter trays which you can put your type of media into the input/output tubing. These large filter trees mean that you no longer have to clean out the filters as you can insert more massive media into the train. It comes with an airtight sealed which helps ensure the flow rate will be as quiet as possible while in operation. Lastly, there is a directional suspender that helps pump the water into the filter making sure that it does not miss anything.
- Self Priming - The system comes with an easy to push button that will instantly prime the canister filter to your aquarium tank. Making it easy on you to set it up within a short amount of time.
- 360 Rotating Valves - These rotating values help push the water into the filters and then dispurse it to the rest of the tank.
- Sturdy Tip-proof Base - Helps keep the whole canister filter located in the spot you locate it even after a long period of time.
- Adjusted Waterflow - You can adjust the water flow to your liking.
- Large Canister Filter - There are large media baskets that allow you to install bigger filters that ensure that you have to do less cleaning.
- Short Lifespan - Many people enjoy this model, however, it has a short lifespan of under a year and will need to be replaced. This is likely due to the fact that it has larger media filters and thus works harder than most other models.
3. Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter Review
The Marineland canister filter is a great pic or larger tanks. The canister lid's help creates a watertight seal. Include a polishing filter which helps remove any debris that is not seen to the naked eye. The biofilter balls and ceramic rings help create a good amount of good bacteria within the water. The black diamond carbon helps remove any smells, discoloration, and any bacteria in the water. And includes a filter foam pad which will help screen out any dirt or debris which are commonly seen by the eye. It has a multi-stage filtration system which works better faster and quicker than many other brands on the market. It has a powerful designed that offer see the ability to customize any upgrades if you would like. Be sure to install the seal on the gasket in the canister lid or else he will risk it not working correctly. The quick prime button can also help you filter any water out of the chambers and will help sell prime the system.
- Water Tight Seal - Ensures that the filter doesn’t leak outside of the tank.
- Polishing Filter Pads - Helps the filter remove any small and fine debris from the water.
- Bio Filter Balls & Ceramic Rings - Helps produce more surface area for the growth of bio spires.
- Black Diamond Carbon - removes any discoloration, water impurities, and remove any odors coming from the water.
- Filter Foam Pads - Helps filter out any dirt or small debris that are visible to the eye.
- Microbubbles & Foam - the unit produces too much microbubbles and foam after a few months of use. This is likely due to some of the filters breaking down and being unable to produce the bubbles slowly.
4. Hydor Professional 600 Canister Filter Review
The Hydro professional 600 canister filter is an excellent external canister filter setup designed to be installed in the modern aquarium tank. You can make the most use of any limited space underneath your aquarium, and it still has maximum performance and is very versatile. It has an easy to prime the system which is integrated, and all it takes to start the filter is a simple press of a button. It comes with many features including a high-capacity filtering system, safety locks to help prevent any slippage. It also comes with a long-lasting ceramic shaft which helps filter water at a superior. It also operates super quietly and does not produce any noise or vibrations.
- Easy Priming - Easy priming with the simple press of a button. No hassle or installation and changing settings.
- External Filter - The external filter is located outside of the tank and can easily be cleaned.
- Durable Ceramic Shaft Motors - These help cycle the water throughout the tank and are created to be durable.
- Safety Lock - Safety lock feature is installed so that it does not slip.
- Silent - No noise or vibrations are created thus leaving both you and your aquarium dwellers undisturbed.
- Leaks - leaks from time to time, to prevent this you will just need to make sure that everything is correctly put in place. Also make sure that there is a towel placed underneath the tank and canister filter.
5. Fluval Canister Filter FX6 Review
The Fluval fx6 aquarium canister filter is a very high-performance canister with many features designed to make it easy to clean out your aquarium tank. It has a large capacity which is compact yet can easily help pump and output of 925 gallons of water for circulation. It has a set circulation of around 563 GPH which can help produce cleaner and healthier water. The filter material can be placed with a removable stack of media baskets which will help filter your water to your liking. You can choose the type of filter you wish to install in the system. The baskets are very precision tight and will help illuminate any extra water, making the filtration system more efficiently crew. Basket can hold a total of 9.5 liters of media, and you can mix and match these media and any layer you want. Each of these areas is lined with a foam insert to help maximize the pre-filtering process. This advanced technology will help employee that the electronic circuit board will not malfunction and will continuously monitor the pump. Installed is also an impeller which helps circulate the water for optimal for us. It also has a self-starting feature which if I Q8 air and can help the system quickly start up without any setups or complicated priming. It has a 12-hour cycle and will pause every once in a while to allow any of the trapped air to escape ensuring that there is no extra noise.
- Multi-Stage Filter - helps produce a healthy living environment for all your aquatic animals and plants.
- Smart Pump Technology - helps to produce an even cleaner and more filtered water.
- Self-Starting Filter - will start to operate right after you add water to the filter and plug it in.
- Large capacity - can be used for aquariums that are up to 400 gallons of water.
- Short Lifespan - This unit has a very short lifespan that doesn’t clock over a year of use. You will have to replace it. It works great while it lasts, but many have said that you will start to hear noises and it starts to break down. Please be aware of this.
6. Aquatop CF500UV 5-Stage Canister Filter Review
The Aquatop canister filter includes a UV Sarah Lizer to help expel any algae pores that may be swimming around in your aquarium tank. Canister filter can be used up to 175-gallon tanks. It has an extremely quiet operation and does not make any vibration noises while in use. It has a 4+ one stage filtration system which includes a variety of different types of field Traciann. The whole unit can filter up to 525 gallons each hour and is suitable to be used on very large tanks.
- UV Sterilizer - The UV sterilizer can help eradicate any algae or potential algae spores that may be lurking inside the water tank.
- Large Capacity - You can use this canister filter for up to 175 gallons of water.
- Quiet Operation - The unit has built in systems to help make a quiet and enjoyable filtration system. This can help you and your fish be more calm.
- Fast GPH - This canister filter can filter up to 525 gallons an hour.
- Leaks - Many people have experienced that the unit starts to leak after a few months and can leak up to over a year. Just make sure that all parts are set correctly and that if the unit leaks you either send it in for maintenance or put a blanket underneath it.
7. SunSun Hw304B 525GPH Pro Canister Filter Review
The Sunsun canister filter has a built-in UV sterilizer that is ideal for the use of tanks of up to 150 G. I can handle up to 525 gallons per hour of water and can help produce crystal clean water relatively fast. Only have to wait a few hours before your tank is sparkling clean. You have the option to install flexible media trays what you can custom choose which type of media you wish to install for your tank. They're also carbon and ceramic rings along with bio balls to help give a little extra boost to the Clarion water as it gets filtered. This is because the most time when it's filtered, you'll find that the water misses out on many nutrients and minerals that are usually in waters. This canister filter uses a mix of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration systems. It has a UV sterilizer if I can help kill any algae spores that may be lurking in the tank. It has a self-priming pump which means you don't have to waste time with figuring out what settings it will have to be set at.
- Large Capacity - can filter aquariums up to 150 gallons.
- High Flow Rate - can run at 525 gallons per hour.
- Premium Carbon Filter - Helps filter any debris or bacteria that is forming into the aquarium water.
- Ceramic Rings & Bio Balls - which help put good bacteria and other healthy minerals back into the water.
- Short Lifespan - The unit works for a decent amount of time and will keep your aquarium stay super clean and clear, however, it usually does not last over a year.
8. Fluval 106 External Filter Review
The Fluval 106 external filter is one of our newly refined aquarium canister filters. It is built to be extremely durable and has a more powerful motor than any other of the Fluval canister filters. It has more user-friendly features which ensure that it's easy to set up, customize, and easy to maintain. Each filter and hold a more substantial amount of media, and you can choose which ones you want to install within your filtration system. These multiple filter ration baskets that are installed are packed with necessary media for either mechanical, chemical, or biological filter rations. For added cost mobility it has four different removable media basket just to which you can install the media you want. It comes with adjustable flow rates and a canister filter for more efficient and powerful cleaning. It also includes instant priming for easy setup, single motion left lower clams to keep it in yes, clog group intake filter, so it does not clog up on you, and a dual air phone screen to help prevent any foam from occurring on top of your water tank.
- Multi-Stage Filtration - Canister filter for saltwater aquariums and freshwater aquariums.
- Small Canister Filter - this is great for smaller units that are up to 25 gallons.
- Sound Dampening Impeller - help create a quiet filtration environment for both you and your fish.
- Clog Proof Strainer - that prevents the filter from becoming backed up.
- Multiple Media - gives you the option to install multiple types of media.
- Low Durability - This product is not created from the most durable parts, so you’ll find that it is susceptible to many different types of cracks or indentations. Please Make sure that you are very careful while installing the product as this can help prevent it from cracking.
9. EHEIM Classic 2215371 Canister Filter Review
The EHEIM canister filter has a promo elastic silicon seal which helps the pump stay closed and save even after cleaning. It has filter sponges and media filters which you can choose between to customize to your tank. It comes with a spray bar, hoes, and let pipe, and installation accessories. All of these will need to be fitted together to create the canister filter. It also comes with filter media provided and created by the company and valves.
- Silicon Sealing Ring - for making sure that the system is sealed and will not leak.
- Filter Sponges - for loose installation of different types of medias.
- Accessories - inlet pipe, spray bar, hose, and many more installation accessories.
- Filter Media & Valves - easy installation and gives you the option to install selected media.
- Leaks - The unit may leak from time to time. If your unit happens to arrive broken then contact the company, as they provide a 1 year warranty.
Conclusion
The benefits of owning one of the best external canister aquarium filters are that you will be able to have crystal clear water in your aquarium tank. You will not only be helping your fish, and aquatic life has a better living environment but will also be providing them with essential nutrients and minerals that will help them live a longer life. Many people don't realize how important it is to put minerals and other essential ingredients back into the water after it's filtered, I canister filter can help you do that. But the canister filter you can also choose what type of media you want to be installed, that way you can be custom-made to the type aquarium tank you have.
When buying the best canister filter for the aquarium, you're going to want to make sure you're buying one that is substantially fit for your size of the aquarium tank. Many people overlook this aspect because they believe that it's not important. However, you need to avoid doing this. The size of the canister filter is extremely essential to get your aquarium tank cleaned. If you buy two small of a canister, you risk not getting enough of your tank clean, plus putting your fish at risk. Getting too big of a filter can also have the same effect, so be careful when choosing the best canister filter. Lastly, you'll want to consider what type of media you want to install and any other features you may want your canister filter to have.
The best canister filter we found on the market for this year is the Fluval fx4 filter. It has a great multistage fill Traciann system that supports both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. You can use it for up to a hundred gallons of water, and it has an increased flow rate of 383 gallons per hour. It's both quiet, holds more water in the canister, and has a clogged proof intake strainer which can help prevent it from clogging up. It also has a dual layer of foam screen preventing that horrible layer of foam congesting the top of the water canister filter. Lastly, if you're not completely satisfied with the filter, it comes with a three-year warranty. Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn more about canister filters and how to look for the correct aquarium canister filters for sale.