Pro Tip: For more information about different kinds of filter media, please check out this article. For the impeller to spin freely, youll need to make sure that no pieces of debris are caught in the impeller housing, and you can buy special cleaning brushes for that purpose. 
Also, it can suck in things you dont want, like food you just added. There are many different types of aquarium filters, but the best filtration systems for large, 55-gallon tanks are canister and power filters. If not for the bubbles that come out of this water filter, I would have sworn that it was not working.
I thought back then that this would not be enough to keep a large 55-gallon tank clean.
The filter media also requires replacement periodically.
This means you do not need to use a separate air stone. NO.17 Submersible Aquarium Internal Filter, 7. The chemical filtration elements function is to extract heavy metals, chemical waste, and other toxins from the aquarium water. I liked this feature especially since I live where the temperature usually drops to below freezing during the winter. For the system to remain effective, you need to clean the cartridges regularly.
The versatile filtration unit features two mechanical stages that trap fine and large floating debris, and the foam media slides out easily for quick, hassle-free cleaning.
But, you can easily hide it behind plants and decor so its not very noticeable.
It is mostly my fault for not reading the label. 
And those things are NOT cheap. 
This gave my aquarium a clean and uncluttered look.
A good aquarium filter does not require frequent maintenance.
This canister style filter really is the next level of filtration.
I was surprised at how small this HOB (hang-on-back) 55-gallon fish tank filter system was when I first saw it. If you keep a close eye on your tank and you dont let too much water evaporate, this filter will treat you well. The thing I like the most about this filter is that it doesnt use cartridges. It is still a great filter nonetheless.
On the other hand, once the hoses cooled down, they held onto the hose connectors tightly.
Once up and running, the system siphons water from the tank into the canister filter unit. Every filter system needs maintenance to keep it operating efficiently. I love these powerful, well-designed, efficient filters for larger tanks!
This system has two sets of sponge filters that are great for clearing up a cloudy tank. If you keep fish that creates a large amount of waste, you need to get this filter. Dont be afraid to have a GPH thats eight or ten times your tank volume.
(My tank is less than 50 gallons), Hi Sarah, water polishing is a component of the filter.
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If you have a 55-gallon tank, you will need a filtration system that can move water at a rate of at least 220 gallons per hour. For a more in depth discussion of the nitrogen cycle, please check out this article. All Rights Reserved. I have to admit my bias towards this filter, I have this exact one on my 55 gallon cichlid tank. You will also be getting a couple of recommendations for the best 55-gallon fish tank filter.
This filter has to be primed or it will not start.
I loved that I can tear it apart without tools. For good oxygenation, you need a system that moves the surface water, and ideally, you want a system that enables hassle-free, quick maintenance.
This stage of the filter process uses several species of beneficial bacteria that process all the harmful chemical byproducts produced by rotting food, fish waste, general detritus, and plant debris.
First, you need to consider how much space you have outside and inside your aquarium. The water coming out of the output pipe is not just clear but also free of chemical contaminants. Living in your filters are colonies made up of millions of beneficial bacteria (also known as nitrifying bacteria) that detoxify ammonia, making your aquarium water safe.
And it has a huge biomedia capacity, which I love.
There have been times when the water temperature would fluctuate by an entire degree or two.
Compared to the other 55-gallon fish tank filter cartridge, this one is relatively easier to set up and use.
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Theres sometimes confusion among new aquarists about exactly what an aquarium filter does. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. However, it is also so compact that it was easy to hide behind aquarium decorations. The general guideline for optimal filtration rates is that the total volume of water in your aquarium is circulated around the tank and through your filter system at least once every hour.
The first filter I had burned out was when the water level got a bit too low.
This marineland filter is a bit different than all rest since it is an internal filter, which means the entire thing sits inside the aquarium itself. I had to use a couple of shims to give the clamp an even surface to latch onto. This is great for planted tanks populated with small fish like tetras, mollies, and the like. Unlike submersible filters, you dont need to submerge your arm inside the tank. The biggest selling point of this device, for me, is its durability.
The thing I liked the most about this water filtration system is that it has an all-in-one function.
GPH stands for gallons per hour. It is also easy to put back together. Eheim is a highly reputable manufacturer of excellent quality products for the fish-keeping hobby.
It is durable and works efficiently. However, if you have plenty of space behind your tank, a compact size HOB filter will do the job. The drawbacks to this filter unit are that not much hose length or filter media is included with the product. I needed to soak the hoses in a basin of hot water for a couple of minutes to get them nice and loose. Plus, when you throw away the cartridge, youre also throwing away any beneficial bacteria that have grown on the surface. However, I do wish that the heater feature was a bit more consistent.
This filter is also very quiet because the water will muffle any noise.
These filters are pressurized units that can contain all three filtration elements, as described above.
So youre throwing away the bacteria you do need so you can replace the carbon you dont AND it costs a small fortune.
This filtration system is suitable for use with saltwater and freshwater tanks. The only issue I had with this aquarium filter is that it is quite tricky to clean due to it having so many parts. For something so versatile, this aquarium filter is surprisingly easy to use. However, it is always good to err on the side of caution.
Even the bio-wheels are easy to remove and clean. It allowed me to put several more filter sponges. It also comes with a large reusable sponge that is great for mechanical filtration. The water goes through 4 filtration stages, namely pre-filtration, mechanical, chemical, and biological filters.
There are lots of cheap aquarium filters that you need to clean every other day or so; otherwise, the water output will significantly lessen, and eventually, the pump motor will burn out.
I only need to use a small air pump, which I already have because I used an air stone.
It has a 250 GPH internal motor, meaning that the motor stays inside the aquarium. Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyAccessibility Statement, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, Powerful fish tank filter is easy to install and maintain.
Power filters are available in different styles but are designed to hang on the back of your aquarium. Thankfully, I was able to jerry-rig a flow limiter to slow down the water coming out of the outlet.
This set already came with all the fittings and filter media, I just needed to connect the hoses and the output pipe then place the filter mediate inside the canister.
Eheim filters are simple to set up, easy to clean, and very reliable. The white noise it produces is also quite relaxing.
If your tank is sited in a cramped space, you wont want a HOB filter (hang-on-back) that will be difficult to access for maintenance. This filter cartridge essentially purified the water as it passed through, thus keeping all the fish in the tank happy and healthy. If the time comes that you need to give the filter a thorough cleaning, it should be easy to dismantle so that it will be easier to clean. How Often Do I Change My 55 Gallon Aquarium Filter?
Biomedia is usually made from some sort of porous material, like unglazed ceramic or sintered glass, that has tons of little nooks and crannies that are perfect homes for beneficial bacteria, kind of like apartment buildings for microscopic critters.
There is also one to use the filter as a submersible pump.
I did not need any tools to disassemble the filter completely, even the impeller was easy to remove and clean. SunSun Hw302 265GPH Pro Canister Filter, What to Look For When Buying a Filter For 55 Gallon Aquarium, The Best Aquarium Plant Fertilizers for 2022.
This filter is an external canister-style filter with a push pump button to kick off the siphon process.
The GPH for filter systems is usually shown on the product packaging. It is like you can hear the water gushing inside them.
However, it is possible to stop dead spots from forming by using a filtration system that gives you a higher GPH than your 55-gallon tank actually needs.
The Fluval C4 is a fairly sophisticated filter that forces water through several chambers containing different media. Canister filters are kept underneath your aquarium in a cabinet.
It helped quicken the entire process. With proper use and maintenance, you can get a couple of years worth of use at least. Just like all external canister filters, this one has a priming button for when you need to start the water pump again.
Even running it dry for a short while is enough to cause the motor to burn.
Mechanical filtration media can be made from diatomaceous earth, foam, floss, or paper pleats.
But, if youve got a heavily stocked tank, nothing can beat the biomedia capacity of a canister.
In that case, you need an external canister filter or HOB filter that wont ruin your view.
It will keep your tank ammonia-free if it is working properly.
Nitrates are still dangerous to aquatic life and can trigger algal blooms if allowed to accumulate to dangerous levels.
It features a big insert that holds coarse and medium mechanical media, but instead of it laying in a horizontal tray, its in a vertical position.
For something so powerful, I was surprised that it was not bigger.
Your email address will not be published. It also draws very little power, only about as much as it takes to run a household LED bulb.
Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 Aquarium Canister Filter, Multi-stage aquarium filter for healthy freshwater and saltwater tanks, Increased water filtration for cleaner, healthier water, Could be supplied with more filter media and hose, Pro4+ filter replaces the EHEIM Pro 3 range, This new filter doesnt just boast a new sleek black color but it also has a Range Xtender Function, As with most EHEIM filters, the Pro4+ comes complete with filter pads and media and all installation equipment, 5-stage clip-on power filter designed for freshwater and saltwater aquariums between 40 and 70 gallons, Two mechanical stages trap large and fine debris, foams easily slide out for quick cleaning, Chemical stage with activated carbon effectively removes toxins, Sponge filter pad media requires frequent replacement, Preserves beneficial bacteria for a stress-free environment, Patented refiltration system for a healthy aquarium and clear water, Gentle waterfall design creates oxygenation, Replacement filtration medium is expensive.
This attachment is a lot better at aerating the water using an air stone because air is mixed with flowing water.
When it comes to cleaning, it is easy to dismantle. Even after a couple of thunderstorms tripped the fuse box, this filter kept on chugging.
Whenever I need to thoroughly clean the water filter, I just lift it off the side and place it on an old towel. Maintaining the unit is extremely easy, largely thanks to the easy-lift clamps and removable filter baskets. You can choose to use the wavemaker attachment, which is ideal for turtle ponds.
Thankfully, I could fit a decent number of biospheres in the filter compartment after pulling out the included sponge media. As I mentioned earlier, I also use this water filter for a smaller tank. Inside the body of the filter are layers of mechanical filtration that can be cleaned and reused.
However, I am also glad that I can adjust the flow rate because at maximum power, this filter disturbed the substrate of my aquarium. Expensive when compared to other similar products.
A lot of filter companies will try to sell you on the idea that filter cartridges are great, that they make filter maintenance easier and give you everything you need to keep your tank healthy.
Its a measure of how much water the filter pump can move in an hour.
It has huge baskets that can handle up to a pound of ceramic biomedia each.
A nice little addition to this filtration system is the activated carbon filter. This is important because other designs can fail to push water through media, letting it just flow around it, making it less effective. The main downside to chemical filtration is that youll need to remove the media if your fish are undergoing any form of drug therapy.
I just had to remove the plastic covering of the filter media and it was already good to go.
The chemical stage filter contains activated carbon to remove harmful toxins from the water. This is a huge benefit because you dont have to worry about this filter starting up on its own after a power outage.
As Im sitting here, I literally cant even remember the last time I even bought carbon.
First of all, its got great flow.
The only real downside is that it is a little bit of an eyesore in the tank.
Canister filters are sold as a complete unit that includes an integral pump or a modular format that needs a separate pump. It is not enough to kill them, but you can see their agitation.
This product is probably the best sponge filter for a 55-gallon tank because it does not need a water pump to work.
If the ammonia level gets too high, your fish will get sick and eventually die. Ideally, you want a filtration system that provides a suitable GPH flow rate and adequate water circulation to keep the water clean and safe for your livestock.
I used a HOB filter on the tank once, and it did not take more than a couple of days before it was full. The following are just some of the qualities that a good water filter needs to have: Mechanical filtration pertains to how effectively a filter removes solid matter from the water. Pro Tip: It takes time to get your filter to build up the beneficial bacteria you need to process wastes and make your tank safe for fish. However, what I did not like about this filter is that the suction cups that were supposed to hold the filter in place are not that strong. It helped keep the water clear for weeks even without partial water changes. Instead, it has a large media basket that you can pack with whatever kind of media you like. If you mounted your 55-gallon aquarium on a sturdy cabinet with plenty of storage space, an external canister filter system might be more to your speed. If you have fish or plants that dislike a strong current, youll need to choose a system that features an adjustable outflow valve. And sometimes, like after a short power failure, it wont start on its own even if the back is full of water.
I have been unlucky enough to go through a couple of water filters because their motors burned out after a brief power outage.
The spinning ceramic water wheel allows beneficial bacteria to grow on their surface, and the rotating action constantly exposes them to air, which makes them work more efficiently.
There isnt enough surface area inside a filter box to house all of the beneficial bacteria you need for your fish tank. If You'd like to see more of my tanks, check out my Instagram, Your email address will not be published. Speaking of the output pipe, I noticed that I can set this top fin filter 55-gallon aquarium to work in many configurations. It was also nice that it did not need any additional tools to disassemble and clean. You can easily add on a sponge pre-filter if you plan to keep shrimp or fry in the tank.