Top 10 Best Aquarium Filter For Large Tanks: Reviews 2022

Many pet enthusiasts are now keeping little fishy in their homes. Several fish pets are good enough for beginners, however, for the real enthusiast, more means merrier.

And if you got a 90-gallon and above fish tank, then you will absolutely stock it with several species of medium to large sized fishes. And in order to keep such large tank realistically clean, then you will need an aquarium filter that can accommodate huge tanks and with a monstrous water turnover capacity.

Here is the best aquarium filter for large tanks this 2022:

Penn Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Aquarium Filter

Suitable for 100 gallons of aquarium, the Penn Plax 1200 is rated for 265 GPH for clean aquarium without worries. This filter is super easy to install that comes with all the necessary accessories in order to connect your tank and starts filtering in just 30 minutes with visible improvement in less than a day.

It features a quick push-button primer which makes start-ups super easy and comes with two independent direction 360-degree rotating valve taps that makes placement worry free. Adjustments and setup are super easy, thanks to the pool-style hose clamps and flow-rate control valves.

Each pump features a large filter tray, input/output tubing, and start-up filter media. Its large filter tray allows you to use more media and longer periods between replacements. Its airtight seal ensures that proper flow rate is always maintained and offers a super quiet operation. Lastly, its sturdy rubber mounted tip-proof base should keep the unit in place.

Pros:

• Includes everything for setup and installation
• The low flow rate will not disturb fish and plants in your tank
• Strong plastic for durability
• Motor makes no noise and only the water trickling back into the tank
• Sturdy rubber mounted tip-proof base

Cons:

• Air bubbles can ruin pressure and make set up difficult

Fluval 406 External Filter

Built on the success of Fluval 05 Series filters, the Fluval 406 External Filter delivers practical benefits all designed in order to make your fish keeping stress-free and enjoyable. The filter offers enhanced performance and functionality in order to create the healthiest and cleanest aquariums ever.

Featuring the Fluval patent Aqua-Stop Valve that stops water flow without disconnecting the hoses and eliminating mess and leaks. Its lift lock clamps allow a quick and secure lock onto the motor housing in place and are made of high-quality fiber for durability and strength.

It also comes with instant priming for an instant startup without the need for manual siphoning. Precise-engineered Bearing reduce impeller vibrations and cover in order to offer quiet operation. Lastly, the Fluval 406 offers a complete, multi-stage filtration for aquariums of up to 100-gallon capacity.

Pros:

• Powerful filtration works really well even when the flow rate is reduced
• Quiet operation
• Works quickly to clearing up water
• Customizable for the right filter mix
• Instant priming
• Patented Aqua-Stop Valve

Cons:

• The top doesn’t always close tightly causing microbubbles
• Setup is complicated

Aqua Clear 60 – 110 Gallons Fish Tank Filter

The Aqua Clear Power Filter offers one of the most versatile and dependable hang-on filter systems available today. This particular model is suitable for tanks with 60 – 110-gallon capacity. It has a refiltration system which offers superior contact time with the filter media and an energy-efficient pump that lowers the operating cost.

Its filter features a unique design that allows for up to 6 times more media volume as well as the longest water to media contact time in the market. It provides a multi-stage filtration system with biological, chemical and mechanical filtration. Its patented flow control allows for customized filtering performance.

Filtration volume is up to 7 times bigger than other filters and comes fully equipped with Cycle Guard, Biomax and Activated Carbon, and AqauClear Foam for continuous biological filtration and excellent water quality. And for a risk-free buying, Aqua Clear offers 2-year warranty and a Lifetime Guarantee on all non-replaceable parts.

Pros:

• Certified flow rate
• Convenient 3-stage filtration
• Effortless maintenance
• Easy to clean
• Filter media adjustment
• Works with both saltwater and freshwater tanks
• Very little noise
• Fits well on most tanks

Cons:

• The motor doesn’t always self-prime
• Small grain sand substrate can clog the filter

Fluval FX6 Canister Filter

From Fluval, the FX6 Canister Filter is an enormous aquarium filter intended for really large tanks or for tanks crowded with life and requires a lot of power in order to stay clean. The unit itself is rated for tanks up to 400 gallons, producing a flow rate of 92 GPH and is great for hobbyists with big tanks to maintain at home or for commercial use.

Since it is a larger filter, it is only natural that it takes up more space and might even be harder to place it discretely than other filters. This filter comes with multi-stage filtration— chemical, biological and mechanical. You can also set up the filter media area in order to accommodate 3 types of media in large quantities.

Sealing the canister lid, you will have to lock it in place with multiple screw tabs in order to help avoid leaks. All the necessary parts in using the filter are included with the kit— tubes and hoses, seals, O-rings and other auxiliary parts used for setup.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Reliable function with regular maintenance
• Solid construction
• Runs quietly despite the large size
• Programmed with built-in monthly maintenance reminders
• Best filter for large aquariums

Cons:

• Very heavy
• Powerful suction may accidentally suck in small fishes

Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter

The Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter is recommended for tanks under 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525 GPH from its built-in pump. This aquarium filter features a special ultraviolet sterilizer with 9 watts power for killing algae, bacteria, germs and any other types of microorganisms which could cause harm to your pet fishes.

The pump of this canister filter is 55 watts and also includes a set of filtering media that makes it outright ready to use. This is a convenient self-priming pump which eliminates the need for manual siphoning and features a 4-stage process of filtering water.

It also comes with an adjustable spray bar which is quite helpful if you want to adjust the output flow from the filter. It also has 4 flexible media trays that allow you to add other filtration media such as bio-balls, ceramic rings, and activated carbons in order to achieve excellent biological, chemical and mechanical filtration.

Pros:

• Integrated UV kill switch
• Easy to install
• Easy to remove and clean
• Multi-stage filtration
• Includes 4 flexible media trays

Cons:

• Instructions are not helpful
• Priming is a bit hard

Hydor Professional 600 External Canister Filter

Unlike other canister filters, the Hydor Professional External Canister Filter comes in a sleek and rectangular shape. Its biggest and most powerful pump is the 600 model which is suitable for tanks with 90 – 150 gallons capacity and operates at 345 GPH.

You get 3 types of filtration with each filter media allows separate replacements to fit what you most need the most. You can even choose to swap out any type of filtration for another type if you really want to build up more filtration of a specific kind.

Inlet and outlet tubes also create an airtight siphon seal inside its filter system. Furthermore, an optional bar spray is included in this kit for the outlet bar, so you can adjust how the water is returned, making it more suitable for various kinds of aquariums.

Pros:

• Sturdy and durable housing
• Clears up water quickly
• Thick hoses for good water flow
• Sucks up debris
• Conveniently fits into a cabinet under the tank

Cons:

• Water spills when opening it to clean
• Setup is a bit complicated

Penn Plax Cascade Black 1500 Elite Aquarium Filter

The Penn Plax Cascade 1500 Elite Aquarium Filter is the most popular aquarium filter in Penn Plax’s Cascade Series that can handle up to 200 gallons of aquarium. It has state of the art flow valves that rotate 360 degrees for easy maneuvering in even the tightest aquarium. Flow valves can also be removed for easy maintenance.

Featuring an extra-large media basket, it allows you to customize your media needs to your heart’s content. Its easy to push button prier also allows easy and quick priming of the filter with just a few button press.

This aquarium filter also comes with tubing, spray bar and directional spit for your full customization as well as filter media such as bio floss, ceramic rings, bio-foam and pro carb so you can use the Cascade Aquarium Filter out of the box.

Pros:

• Easy to push button primer
• 360-degrees rotating valves
• Extra-large media basket
• Durable construction
• Sturdy tip-proof base

Cons:

• Nit a c-series pump

Eheim Classic 350 External Canister Filter

Eheim offers a very unique looking translucent green aquarium canister filter. There are 3 different sizes for this filter, however, the largest model should serve tanks of at least 92-gallon capacity.

Inside the filter, you can put any kind of filter media and it does not use cartridges so you are not limited with a particular shape and size. You can even use filter sponges of the right size to fit into the canister well, a loose-fitting filter media poured on top of the other, or a combination of both.

A permo-elastic silicon sealing ring is fixed on the head of the pump for an easy and safe closing every time you clean. It includes all necessary accessories such as hose, an inlet pipe, and spray bar. The mechanical-biological purification and filtration are achieved in a single process with constant water circulation as well as simultaneous oxygen enrichment.

Pros:

• Long-lasting
• Maintenance is simple
• Lids secure easily
• Clears water quickly
• Loose filter media is super easy to use

Cons:

• Included mechanical filtration media easily clogs
• Instructions can be confusing

Penn Plax Cascade 300 Hang-on Aquarium Filter

A Hang-On Aquarium Filter Model, the Penn Plax Cascade 300 provides a comprehensive filtration for today’s modern aquariums. This filter has a flow rate of 300 GPH and is suitable for aquariums of up to 00 gallons capacity.

It features 3 stages of filtration that provide crystal clear and healthy water for your aquatic pets. The filter comes with intuitive features such as an adjustable intake tube and flow rate which allow you to manipulate the filter for your individual needs with ease as well as a self-leveling system so it is ready to go right out of the box.

In addition to being an extremely powerful filter, the Cascade 300 Hang-on Filter are some of the quietest and lightest filters available on the market today. This filter is designed for both saltwater and freshwater environments and comes with a 3-year warranty for a risk-free buying.

Pros:

• Clears up water quickly
• Large surface area
• Silent operation
• Easy to replace filter cartridges

Cons:

• Tends to burn out more quickly than smaller models

SunSun HW304B Pro Canister Filter Kit

The SunSun Pro Canister Filter is excellent for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums and is suitable for tanks with up to 150 gallons capacity and has a flow rate of 525 GPH. It comes with a built-in UV sterilizer to kill harmful microorganism and algae spores.

Furthermore, the canister filter comes with flexible media trays which allow you to add other media such as SunSun’s bio-balls, ceramic rings, and activated carbons in order to achieve a great biological, chemical and mechanical filtration.

In addition, the canister filter also features a convenient self-priming pump which helps eliminate the need for a manual siphoning. The Pro Kit includes a canister filter, 4 media basket, 1 blue coarse pad, and 4 white filter pads.

Pros:

• Quiet operation
• Features a UV sterilizer
• Easy to setup

Cons:

• Issues with filter motors

Conclusion

Filters are crucial in any aquarium. And if you tend to collect more and more fish pets and ending up with an extra-large tank to accommodate your colorful pets, then the aquarium filters mentioned above should be able to clean the environment ofyour growing aquatic family.