Keeping a healthy aquarium is an imperative part of nurturing your fish. The use of water filters helps get rid of toxins that contaminate the water, providing clean habitation for your fish.
There’s a gigantic selection of aquarium filters available on the market, with each type having its own positives and negatives, so which type should you go for?
While they may seem a bit intimidating and complicated for many, canister filters have proven to be the most effective in the filtration department. As a matter of fact, they’re considered superior to all other types of filters.
Before we begin reviewing some of the best canister filters on the market, let’s look at why these filters are held in such high regard.
Perks of Using Canister Filters
- Extremely Easy to Clean – Cleaning a canister filter is much easier than an undergravel or a HOB power filter with the right tools and the right manual. These filters can be easily disassembled, granting you the ability to clean internal components. Reassembling such models is pretty easy as well.
- Simple Installation – The instructions provided by the manufacturers of these filters are usually easy to follow. As proven by many users of different types of filters, canister units tend to be the easiest to install.
- Quiet Operation – There’s nothing worse than a noisy filter. The best way to avoid these filters is to go for a canister filter. Most users who have tried canister filters tend to praise these brilliant devices for operating smoothly and quietly.
- High Flow Rate – Compared to other filters, it’s clear as day that canister filters offer the best flow rates. A high flow rate means that the filtration process will require a short time to be concluded.
- Flexible Filtration Media – You have the ability to choose between filtration media when working with canister filters. It’s very important to learn about such media so that you find out which one you’d rather work with.
5 Best Canister Filters on the Market
Now that you have a good idea about the perks of canister filtration systems and what they’re are all about, let’s look at our top contestants for the title of best canister filter on the market.
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1. Fluval 406 External Canister Filter
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Elevating the success of the 405 models to new heights, the 406 external canister filter makes a forced entry with a quieter and much more efficient filtration performance and much easier setup process.
The Fluval 406 is the big boy of Fluval’s 06 lineup, as it can handle up to 100 gallons with grace and ease. It also has an impressive flow rate of up to 383 gph, which is 1450 lph. This ensures a crystal clear aquarium for your fish to swim in.
The Fluval 406 is equipped with a sound-dampening impeller that grants it its stealthy and quiet performance. We’re not saying that it’s utterly silent, just barely audible unless you sit and pay attention to it.
This filter is very well thought out and its build quality is just admirable. Even though some parts are made of plastic, the plastic feels very sturdy and durable. Also, the lid lock clamps that tend to break on cheaper filters are extremely rugged on the 406.
Our only problem with the construction of the Fluval 406 is the ribbed tubing. It feels quite cheap and you may face some difficulties connecting it to accessories such as diffusers. Additionally, it can get clogged up quickly, so we’d advise buying high-quality tubing instead.
This filter is rich with convenient traits. It features 4 media baskets so that you can let loose with your choice of filtration media. Moreover, it’s super easy to clean, thanks to the patented valves and easy-open lock clamps.
The patented valve design of AquaStop allows you to clean this canister without even removing the intake and output hoses. And speaking of hoses, the valve includes locking nuts that secure the hoses in place, allowing for easy adjustment of the flow rate.
The Fluval 406 is an all-around awesome canister filter that’s very durable and provides smooth and almost maintenance-free operation. It’s also backed by a 3-year warranty, assuring you that Fluval stands behind it with complete confidence.
Pros
- Smooth and almost silent operation
- Incredibly sturdy and durable construction
- Great volume-handling and flow rate
- Extremely versatile with filtration media
- Simple installation process and easy cleaning
Cons
- The package doesn’t include a spray bar
- Low-quality ribbed tubing that can get clogged
2. Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter
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The Penn Plax Cascade is among the most popular canister models on the market and it’s ideal for use on large aquariums, as it can handle up to 150 gallons. There’s also other models of this canister filter with smaller and larger capacities for your convenience.
The model we’re talking about, which is the Cascade 1200, has a superb flow rate of 315 gph. It also includes a spray bar that you can use to aerate and circulate the water in your aquarium.
The Cascade filter comes with 3 gigantic filter trays that serve as filtration media, preventing any dirt from making its way into the water and delivering an aquarium that’s free of impurities.
As far as the construction, the Cascade filter certainly delivers on the durability aspect. Just like most canister filters, the Cascade is made of plastic, the super sturdy type. This allows for great longevity that can only be limited by acts of carelessness and irregular maintenance.
There’s absolutely no need to call a professional plumber to help you install this filter. You’ll find everything you need to set it up in the instructions manual. Just make sure that you tighten all of the hoses and tubing properly.
You shouldn’t have a hard time cleaning this filter either. The manufacturer’s instructions should help guide you step by step through the cleaning process. Before you start cleaning the filter, it’s highly advised to turn off the intake valve and disconnect the hose first.
Last but not least, the unit features a push-down button that simplifies the priming process. You just push down the button for about 5 to 10 minutes as the manufacturer recommends. This will pump out all the air so that the filtration process starts taking place.
Pros
- Superb capacity and flow rate
- Highly durable construction
- The filter includes a spray bar
- Fold-up handle for ideal portability
- High-quality tubes and connectors
Cons
- Lacks a self-priming function
- A power-hungry canister filter
3. EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter
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Available for 44, 66, and 92-gallon tanks, the EHEIM Classic series of canister filters is a simple and extremely efficient lineup that may lack modern-day technology and high-tech gear, but has 30 years of experience invested in it.
This is arguably the most energy-efficient filter on this list, while still delivering a high flow rate. It houses a motor that’s responsible for operating the entire filtration process. Consequently, you get the most out of it when it comes to flow rate.
The EHEIM Classic filters are very different from filters that feature 3 media baskets. This model still has the chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration, but not the way you’re used to. It has its very own Subtrat Pro media and EHEIM Mech.
With such filtration media, any sort of contamination will find it extremely difficult to escape it. It traps large particles of debris and dirt and filters them out effectively. This old-fashioned piece of machinery is just simply impressive.
You’d expect this filter to be quite noisy in its operation since it’s housing a motor. Surprisingly, it can barely be noticed working unless you’re standing close to it.
This is probably the sturdiest filter on the list. All of the components incorporated in this filter are of high-quality material. Additionally, the clamps are made of stainless steel, as they’re designed to lock the head of the motor in position to avoid unwanted wobbling.
If you’ve assembled a canister filter before, then you shouldn’t have a problem installing this one at all. However, we advise hiring a professional to install this filter if you’re new to using canister models since the instructions aren’t presented properly.
As far as cleaning this filter, the instructions manual will be enough to help you through it. Simply follow the instructions and you’ll find it easy to unmount, clean, and then remount the filter once again.
Pros
- Surprisingly quiet operation
- Doesn’t suffer from leakage
- Pretty low energy consumption
- Extremely durable construction
- Incredible water flow and capacity
Cons
- Lacks a self-priming function
- The instructions are useless
4. Hydor Professional External Canister Filter
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Hydor is a well-established company that has been involved in the aquarium-related department for years. Only recently have they decided to delve into the filtration market. This is a new model to the market, but it sure has a lot to offer.
The flow rate of the Hydor canister filter is dependent on the model itself. It can vary from 190 to 345 gph. You can clearly see why these filters have been gaining some momentum lately.
As far as the filter’s capacity is concerned, the available models can handle up to 150 gallons. It all boils down to the model you buy. You’ll also find models that can handle tanks on the smaller side.
The Hydor Professional filter has a well-built construction and features a 4-locking clamp system that provides the motor with the support it needs to prevent it from wobbling during operation.
This effectively-sealed design also prevents any occasional leaks from happening. Overall, this filter feels pretty rugged and none of its components feel cheaply made whatsoever.
Both the assembly and installation processes of any Hydor filter is straightforward. It shouldn’t take you any more than 30 minutes to complete the entire setup. Also, you don’t really need any previous experience with canister filters to install this one.
The mounting process is also pretty simple. Both inlet and outlet connectors are able to swivel, giving you an easy time connecting the hoses. You can always refer to the instructions manual if you’re facing difficulties with the mounting process.
The number of media trays varies from one unit to another. This filter features 3 media trays that are sufficient to handle all of your filtration needs. There’s also enough room canister so that you can change the arrangement of the media.
Opening this canister filter for cleaning is pretty easy. Just make sure that you first lock the main supply hose so that you reduce the number of water leaks. Also, remove the impeller before you start the cleaning process.
Pros
- Easy to set up and clean
- 4-locking clamp system
- Great flow rate and capacity
- Rugged, long-lasting design
Cons
- A little overpriced
- Can leak at connection points
5. AquaTop CF Series Canister Filter
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The CF series from AquaTop is extremely popular because of their UV sterilizer feature. It helps get rid of micro-organisms such as bacteria and algae. It basically leaves no room for parasites.
There are many models in the CF series. The model we’re discussing has a super-powerful, 525 gph flow rate and can handle 175-gallon tanks with ease, making it an ideal filter for larger, more demanding aquariums.
The AquaTop filter is super quiet in its performance. Being quiet is probably its strongest suit. It’s also easy to set up because if its simplistic design and because it includes all the plumbing that you need to get it running. Great for newbies.
Another great thing about this filter is its adjustability. The intake pipe is adjusted in any direction to suit various tank sizes and different setups. Additionally, both in and out pipes can be shut off to avoid leaks.
There are 3 large media compartments that you can fill with the media of your choice, in addition to the mechanical filters. Sadly, the media is not included and must be bought separately.
Lastly, for a canister filter that has such an incredible flow rate and great capacity, it surely has a very competitive price tag. This is another ideal filter for large aquariums.
Pros
- Superb flow rate and volume capacity
- The intake tube is fully adjustable
- A UV sterilizer is great for removing parasites
- Very competitive price tag
Cons
- Filtration media is sold separately
- Awkward media basket shapes
The Buying Guide
While all of the above-mentioned products are highly effective, your choice will depend on a few factors that will ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
Tank Size
Not all canister filters are fit to handle all aquarium sizes. Make sure you read the description of the product and find out the ideal size that it can handle. Generally, you’ll find canister filters that are rated from 10-gallon tanks all the way up to 200-gallon aquariums.
When uncertain, always go bigger. Remember, over-filtering your fish tank is totally fine, but that can’t be said about under-filtering it because it can be catastrophic to your fish.
If such information is missing in the product’s description, make sure that you get in contact with the manufacturer to find out these missing details before you make your purchase.
Flow Rate
The flow rate of a filter simply means the number of gallons that can be filtered out per hour. Not to state the obvious, but the higher the flow rate the better.
This shouldn’t be that much of a concern since most canister filters have high flow rates anyway. However, the number can vary from one filter to another.
Motor Efficiency
The motor which the filter is housing is indicative of many things. A high-quality motor will pump the water into the filter effectively for the filtration process to take place.
A quality motor will require less maintenance than less competent motors. Further, the motor will determine whether the filtration process will be performed quietly or loudly.
Filter Media
One of the things that make canister filters stand out from their counterparts is their media flexibility. You want to make your purchase based on how much media the filter can hold.
You’ll find that most canister filters can hold at least 2 different types of media. You’ll also find a few models that can hold up to 6 media baskets.
The great thing about being so versatile and flexible is that you can use the media that give you the best setup for your tank.
Durability
This one is pretty obvious, but we can’t stress enough how crucial durability is. You’re spending some pretty penny here, so do you really want a filter that only works for just a couple of months?
Look for a filter that features a rugged, well-built design to ensure a sound long-term investment. Don’t be surprised to see most models having a plastic construction – it’s totally fine. All you need to do is to make sure that this is a strong type of plastic that will last for a good while.
Conclusion
Picking a winner isn’t an easy task when all of the products reviewed are simply top-notch in the filtration department. However, one product that seems to garner positive reviews from all users is the Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter. It’s featured in numerous models with different volume capacities and flow rates, so you’re bound to find one that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.