Best Canister Filters 2023 – Aquarium Canister Filters Review and Recommendations

1. Fluval G Series Filter

Best Canister Filter – This is the ultimate filter that you could own. It has everything.

The quality of the parts is impeccable. Long-lasting, high-quality parts that can be assembled fairly simply. This beast works silently and will not make any noises. The filtered water quality is impeccable making it the Best Canister Filter.

The internal thermometer is accurate, so no need for sticking in a thermometer in your aquarium because it works marvelously. The Fluval G Series comes with a Flow Monitor built in that flashes the rate constantly. Which is coupled with water parameters, so you could constantly monitor your tanks health. Filter maintenance is a breeze as you are alerted when to do so. Maintenance is quite easy with a single lever allowing the entire assembly to be cleaned without actually taking out the hosing.

The media range is phenomenal and comes with a ‘Tri-Ex’ Cartridge that includes a nitrate, phosphate and carbon filter. Other media include a Phosphate Cartridge, a Nitrate Cartridge, Fluval’s Biological filter media etc. Thus have options for Mechanical, Chemical, and Bio Filtration media.

 This Filter is recommended for Freshwater, Saltwater, and Turtle Tanks and you will not be disappointed. 

The Fluval G Series is available in following two variants:

2. EHEIM Classic External Canister

Tried and tested, Durable.

For in styles for up to 40 US Gal. 66 US Gal. and 92 US gal.

You cannot go wrong with this one. Eheim is one of the pioneers and has been in the market for more than a decade. Rather this is the ‘Most trusted filter‘ you could opt for, and we can safely say this as this beast is Millionfold tried and tested by fish enthusiasts across the globe.

It is an easy-to-use filter with a simple assembly, however maybe a little tough for novices to set up because the instructions might not convey the best. But that’s something you can clearly overcome with tons of videos on “how to set up a canister filter” for setting up this brilliant, trustworthy equipment.

EHEIM Classic Canister External comes with all the basic features that one would expect from a Canister Filter. The filter comes packed with some relatively low power consumption electronics, starting from 5 watts for the EHEIM 150 to 65 watts for the 1500XL model. While running the filter operates rather quietly, only audible sound, is the sound of water from spray bar depending upon the placement.

EHEIM Substrat Pro a large surface area Bio-media and EHEIM Mech, as well as a sponge, a Carbon filter floss and a polishing pad, are included in the Media packaging. You could use other EHEIM media as per your tank’s needs.

This product is robust and durable and will outlast most of the competition. Overall a great filter at a great price and it makes our ‘Best Buy‘ Aquarium Filter with a low pricing and brilliant value.

EHEIM Classic Canister External is available in following variants:

3. Fluval External Filter 06 Series

Excellent Filtration and Reliable Brand.

Fluval is one of the Top brands for aquarium products, which includes Filters. The canister filters by Fluval are always exceptional and the quality of this filter is very noticeable even though its pricing is lesser than others.

With no compromise on the quality of the parts, this filter works great. Fluval has made enhancements to the motor hydraulic performance which in increasing the head pressure, increases flow rates. Undoubtedly Fluval Canister filters are quiet, but the Fluval 06 filters come with a Sound-dampening impeller design which helps in 8 to 15% quieter operation.

Fluval 06 filter comes with a Stronger lift-lock and Aqua-Stop valves for easy installation and improved security. Setting up the filter and Maintenance of the filter is very easy, and it comes with a manual to guide you through. The instruction manual is very descriptive and overall very helpful with the setup and maintenance of the filter. In addition to that, we found priming much easier with the Fluval 06 filter, with the re-engineered priming system. In our review, the filter was up-and-running within seconds of switching it on.

The Fluval 06 series filters come stocked with the required media depending on the sizes. The stock media consists of

• Foam Pads
• Polishing Pads
• Bio-Max
• Bio Foam
• Carbon

But can be replaced with any Fluval Media available depending upon your tank’s requirements. You could read a detailed review on Fluval 406 External Canister Filter by our experts over here.

Fluval 06 Series filter comes in following different sizes:

Also, check out Fluval FX series (FX4 and FX6) reviews.

4. Hydor Professional External Canister Filter

Quiet, Sturdy, Easy to use

Although Hydor being new to the market, the product lineup doesn’t fall short of the competition. Made with Quality material to last the filter works great, you’ll not be disappointed.

The best part of this filter is the fact that it’s the easiest to set up for professionals and beginners alike. Hydor Professional External Canister comes with a nice packaging with setup instructions and recommendations on the box as well in the manual inside. This filter is made of sturdy, reliable parts that make this a workhorse. The motor is well insulated and makes absolutely no sounds whatsoever.

The impeller is on a ceramic shaft which increases the life of the motor. One feature we liked about the filter is that it comes with a solid hose as well the rotating hose attachment.

The layout and size of the filter media baskets are amazing and gives enough room to add all that you want to make your filter your own. Comes with all filter media except for Carbon which you can buy easily. Efficiency is optimal and will have your aquarium water crystal clear in a matter of hours.

Hydor Professional Canister is available in following sizes:

5. Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter

Heavy-duty, Exceptional Value, Easy setup

The Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters are the cheapest filter available in the market and one of the easiest filters to setup. You’ll have it up-and-running without any problems at all. Once that is done this filter works just great.

With a pushbutton priming, it is very easy to prime the filter. The Penn Plax Cascade has ergonomically designed baskets for easy removal and a well-built body. Flow rate shut-off valves adjust water flow and make it easy for maintenance. The filter has a very good base and the body is translucent which acts can act as an indicator for maintenance (Looking at the water inside).

Penn Plax Cascade Floss pads and Bio Sponges are easily available filter media. The large filter trays mean you can use more media and have longer time periods between replacement.

Apart from the very low humming sound, the filter operation is quiet and the flow rate is brilliant so whether you have monster fish, goldfish or turtles this filter will do its thing.

The Penn Plax Cascade is available in following 5 variants:

How does a Canister Filter work

As mentioned above an aquarium accumulates waste and debris over time which needs to be cleaned. A canister filter takes in the water from aquarium tank, media in the canister then filters it and sends it back to the aquarium.

Here’s a detailed explanation:

Step 1: Water intake

Unfiltered water is drawn from the aquarium through the inlet piping, straining the large debris through input strainer. Water then enters the filter and sent directly to the bottom of the filter in most of the filters.

Step 2: Media filters the Water

The water is drawn up using the motor from the bottom of the canister and it passes through various layers filtration media. The filtration media is usually a combination of Mechanical, Chemical, and Biological Media. Media is selected as per the requirements of the tank i.e. the type of flora and fauna and the kind of waste it generated.

Step 3: Filtered water to Aquarium

Finally filtered and polished water is then sent back to the aquarium through the outlet pipes. You could either directly let the water in or use a spray bar.

How to choose a Canister Filter?

To ensure that your aquarium is well-maintained, it is important to choose the right canister filter. There are several factors to consider, such as the size of your tank, the flow rate, filtration stages, media capacity, ease of maintenance, energy efficiency, brand and reliability, and noise level.