Having a nice and clear fish tank is essential for the health of your fish and using the right filter for the tank is essential.
Why is a filter important?
There are many things that the filter on your fish tank does and the most important one is that it catches debris that comes through the intake tube. This is the mechanical filtration and most filters out there use a sponge or a pad to keep the debris from flowing back into the fish tank.
The filter is also responsible for the chemical filtration and some substances (activated carbon is one) go into the system for managing waste chemicals made by your pets. Cartridges or inserts into the filter take care of the chemical filtration.
But the filter needs to be able to ensure biological filtration too. Natural bacteria gather in the tank and the filter has to eliminate ammonia and harmful chemicals. Many filters offer a surface so that the microorganism may hold.
How to choose the filter?
The capacity of your fish tank is and how much money you’re willing to pay for the filter are the main aspects when going shopping.
The most common choice is the HOB filters (hang on back) as they’re easy to install and to clean. The more you’re willing to pay for the filter, the more you can expect in terms of durability, performance and efficiency.
Nevertheless, the best filter for your 55 gallons’ fish tank is the one that meets your needs the best way possible.
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TOP 5 Best Filter For A 55 Gallon Fish Tank Reviews
1). Marineland Penguin Power Filter
Even though the low price may be the selling point for many, the Marineland Penguin Power Filter w/ Multi-Stage Filtration brings many other good things to the table.
The filter has a certified flow rate of 350GPH and it’s made for aquariums up to 70gallons. You need to use two Rite-Size C” filter cartridges for it.
You shouldn’t doubt the efficiency of the filter that sustains three stage filtration: chemical, mechanical and biological. The filter comes ready out of the box and it’s dependable for eliminating discoloration, waste, odors and discoloration.
The mechanical filtration looks for debris and dirt and uses the patented ribbed back, improving contact of water with carbon. The filter comes with Black Diamond Premium Activated carbon that removes impurities, discoloration and unpleasant odors.
Another part very special about the filter is the Bio-wheel that takes care of the biological filtration. The Bio-Wheel eliminates ammonia and nitrite and the water becomes all clear and nice. The Bio-Wheel has a 50% bigger surface, which increases the efficiency of the filter.
The filter comes with a two-piece vented cover so that you get easy access to the filter cartridge. This nice addition also lowers the noise level of the filter.
The mid-level intake is easy to adjust and to attach to the intake tube. The water circulation is improved and the flow is powerful.
The filter is easy to set up, to use and to clean so it checks most boxes on value and price.
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Pros
- The filter offers chemical, biological and mechanical filtration
- It’s easy to install, to use and to take care of
- It comes with Bio-Wheel for biological filtration
- It runs rather quiet
Cons
- Once the water starts to evaporate, the filter gets a bit loud
- It clogs easily, according to some
Nevertheless, for the buck you’re paying, the filter is a dependable and efficient option to use on your 55galons fish tank.
2). AquaClear Power Filter
Quiet and affordable, the AquaClear Power Filter is not only a popular choice, but also a dependable option for many.
The filter clears the water in your fish tank pretty fast and easy. The explanation comes from the fact the filter is big and equipped with Activated Carbon, Aqua Clear, BioMax and Cycle Guard. The filter ensures continuous biological filtration, maintaining the water clean and clear for longer time.
The hang-on filter is versatile and it’s dependable. It presents the patented Re-Filtration System that ensures easily adjustable flow rate, without undermining the efficiency. When you’re minimizing the flow rate, 50% of the water inside the filter chamber is going to be processed for multiple times.
The filter provides mechanical, biological and chemical filtration as it comes with Cycle Guard Multi Stage Filtration System. The “good” bacteria still remain as they’re important for eliminating the toxic ammonia and nitrite.
The filter moves a lot of water and keeps your fish tank clean and clear for a good amount of time. It’s easy to clean and versatile as you can use it for saltwater filtration too.
As for the noise, no worries either. Its lid fits snug and there is no rattle. The filter runs pretty smooth as well.
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Pros
- It’s quiet and efficient
- It provides mechanical, biological and chemical filtration
- It’s easy to install and to use
- The water flow is easily adjustable
Cons
- Some experienced unfortunate leaks
- It’s not the most sophisticated filter out there
Simple, yet efficient and dependable, the filter isn’t one to skip one, especially if your budget isn’t very generous.
3). SunSun-China -External Canister Filter
Strong enough to handle up to 150-gallon fish tanks, the SunSun-China HW-304B 5-Stage External Canister Filter with 9-watt UV Sterilizer comes with many good things attached to it and you should give it a chance next time when shopping.
The filter has a flow rate of 525GPH and also a built-in 9Watt UV sterilizer that keeps algae and bacteria under control.
This is a 5-stage external canister filer that features 4 flexible media trays so that you should easily add your favorite media.
The filter presents a self-priming pump so you don’t need to do any many siphoning. You can confidently use it for a planted tank.
The filter has a good build and it’s easy to set it up. Its seals are pre-lubed and the on/off button on top is for the UV light.
The flow is adjustable and the filter is rather quiet. It has a modular design and its trays have a smart design, allowing cleaning without removing the whole filter.
You may use with the filter activated carbon, ceramic rings or bio-balls, which enables the filter to provide mechanical, chemical and biological filtration.
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Pros
- The filter has a modular design
- It comes with 4 flexible media trays
- It sustains chemical, biological and mechanical filtration
- It comes with self-priming pump
Cons
- It has some plastic parts that don’t look durable
- The instructions are poorly translated
No matter the downsides, the filter is a dependable option to take under consideration for so many reasons.
4). Hydor Professional External Canister Filter
Versatile and able to satisfy the needs of many, the Hydor Professional External Canister Filter comes in a great variety of capacities.
The filter is made so that it provides complete eco-system. It sustains biological, mechanical and chemical filtration, keeping your fish tank nice and clean for a long time.
The priming is a breeze and the filter is very easy to set up. It features telescopic intake tubes so everything about its use and installation isn’t difficult at all.
The external canister filter has a 280GPH and comes with many accessories. The filter is efficient and removes all dirt from your fish tank. The flow is strong and the filter runs quiet.
There is no vibration when using the filter that is strong enough to clean your fish your tank in no time. The spray bar is a great addition and it’s easy for you to adjust the speed on the spray bar.
The filter has a good build and everything about it has a durability feel to it. The hoses fit snug and there is no rattle.
The filter baskets have a great design so customizing the filter media isn’t difficult.
The compact size of the filter is another great part and the filter looks cool too.
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Pros
- The filter provides biological, mechanical and chemical filtration
- Priming is easy and the filter is easy to set up and to clean
- It cleans the fish tank easy and fast
- It’s durable and has a sturdy build
Cons
- Some find it difficult to remove its top
- Not everyone followed the instructions with ease
All in all, the filter is reliable, efficient and long lasting so you shouldn’t sit on the fence when buying.
5). Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter
Step up your game and pay the extra buck for your filter with the Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter up to 160g.
The filter stands out with the sleek black color that hides it better, but it’s so much more than meets the eye.
The filter comes with completer filter pads and media and it’s made for the aquariums from 30 to 160 gallons.
The Xtender control function is one special feature that counteracts the blocked filter media and allows longer periods between cleaning.
The canister has a square design which gives it higher stability, but also larger volume. The filter has a good build and a durability feel to it.
Even though the flow capacity is high, the energy consumption is rather low. The pump output is adjustable and the ceramic axle is high quality, making the filter quiet and longer lasting.
We also notice the safety hose adapter that you may remove when the valves are closed.
The top prefilter is going to catch the large dirt particle and it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
The filter also comes with individually filter baskets and an “Easy Clean” grid.
Dependable, efficient, elegant and long lasting, the filter is going to keep your fish tank clear and clean for a good amount of time.
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Pros
- It’s compact and has a square shape for more stability
- It hides well and looks sleek with its black color and tubing
- It presents the Xtender control function
- It’s reliable, efficient and long lasting
Cons
- Some think it’s quite easy for the media to stuck
- It’s not the cheapest filter that you can find
Nevertheless, for its looks, performance and durability, the filter is a good buy and quite a wise investment of your money.
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