 |
 3 STAGE EXTERNAL CANISTER AQUARIUM FILTER SALTFRESH OK 264 GPH w FILTER MEDIA $56.48 Time Remaining: 11d 17h 36m Buy It Now for only: $56.48 |
 Marineland HOT Magnum 250 canister filter with Bio Wheel Pro 30 $31.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 33m |
 FLUVAL 406 CANISTER FILTER 400 LITER 100 GALLON NEW $112.50 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 54m |
 3 STAGE AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER 265 GPH FOR FRESH SALT WATER $48.99 Time Remaining: 29d 23h 40m Buy It Now for only: $48.99 |
 NEW EXTERNAL 5 STAGE FISH CANISTER FILTER PUMP AQUARIUM $74.95 Time Remaining: 21h 43m Buy It Now for only: $84.95 |
 AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER 9W UV Sterilizer 525 GPH FRESH SALT WATER 175G $97.28 Time Remaining: 1d 13m Buy It Now for only: $97.28 |
 FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER 265 GPH FREE MEDIA $49.98 Time Remaining: 21h 48m Buy It Now for only: $55.98 |
 CANISTER FILTER w 9W UV Sterilizer 525GPH FRESH SALT AQUARIUM 175GAL FREE MEDIA $107.78 Time Remaining: 12d 2h 18m Buy It Now for only: $107.78 |
 265 GPH AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER W 9W UV LIGHT MEDIA $81.99 Time Remaining: 21h 53m Buy It Now for only: $90.99 |
 3 STAGE EXTERNAL CANISTER AQUARIUM FILTER SALTFRESH OK $49.48 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 41m Buy It Now for only: $49.48 |
 AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM MEDIA W 9W UV LAMP HW 303B $76.90 Time Remaining: 22h 26m Buy It Now for only: $84.90 |
 PERFECT AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM MEDIA 265 GPH $49.98 Time Remaining: 22h 38m Buy It Now for only: $55.98 |
 Aquarium Canister Filter External CFS 500 GPH 60 100g $59.95 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 49m Buy It Now for only: $59.95 |
 Eheim 2028 Professional II Canister Filter $137.50 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 23h 32m Buy It Now for only: $219.99 |
 3 STAGE EXTERNAL CANISTER AQUARIUM FILTER w 9 WATT UV $78.55 Time Remaining: 23d 15h 5m Buy It Now for only: $78.55 |
 TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV $110.00 Time Remaining: 23h 38m |
 264GPH Aquarium Canister Filter Fish Tank 75G New $49.00 Time Remaining: 26d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $49.00 |
 50G Aquarium Canister Filter Fish Tank filter 211GPH New EF 200 $49.95 Time Remaining: 23h 38m |
 Aquarium Filter Canister 9W UV Sterilizer 370 GPH $89.95 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 40m Buy It Now for only: $89.95 |
 264GPH Aquarium Canister Filter Fish Tank 75G New $49.00 Time Remaining: 23h 38m |
 Aquarium 4 Stage CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV Sterilizer $111.98 Time Remaining: 12d 19h 37m Buy It Now for only: $111.98 |
 80G Aquarium Canister Filter Fish Tank filter 317 GPH New EF 300 $69.95 Time Remaining: 23h 39m |
 150 GALLON AQUACHIARA AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER $84.95 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 41m |
 NEW EXTERNAL 5 STAGE FISH CANISTER FILTER PUMP AQUARIUM $74.95 Time Remaining: 17d 21h 15m Buy It Now for only: $74.95 |
 AQUARIUM Canister FILTER uses Eheim 2026 filter pads $79.95 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $89.95 |
 Aquarium 3 Stage CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV Sterilizer $88.99 Time Remaining: 12d 19h 37m Buy It Now for only: $88.99 |
 FLUVAL CANISTER FILTER AQUARIUM IMPELLER COVER $5.00 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 46m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 |
 Fluval 206 A207 External Canister Filter up to 45 Gal $89.99 Time Remaining: 16d 22h 37m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 You are biding on 2 used lock down for a rena filstar XP canister filter $1.00 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 56m |
 Fluval 406 A217 External Canister Filter up to 100 Gal $159.99 Time Remaining: 16d 22h 2m Buy It Now for only: $159.99 |
 You are biding on 2 used lock down for a filstar XP canister filter $1.00 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 57m |
 You are biding on 2 used lock down for a filstar XP canister filter $1.00 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 1m |
 FLUVAL A212 A211 305 306 NEWEST MODEL EXTERNAL AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER 303GPH $123.90 Time Remaining: 18d 11h 10m Buy It Now for only: $123.90 |
 RENA Filstar XP3 Canister filter for aquariums 175 gal $99.99 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 6m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 |
 FRESH WATER SALTWATER FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 320GPH 6FT CLEAN UP TO 100GAL $58.80 Time Remaining: 8d 22h 33m Buy It Now for only: $58.80 |
 Bidding On 1 Used Basket And Divider For A Rena Filstar XP4 Canister Filter $2.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 19m |
 175G Aquarium Canister Filter w 9W UV Sterilizer Build in 525GPH New CF 500 $119.95 Time Remaining: 6d 13h 20m Buy It Now for only: $119.95 |
 You Are Bidding On A Used Input For A Rena Filstar XP Canister Filter $3.00 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 3m |
 5 LBS Activated Carbon Aquarium Pond Canister Filter Phosphate Free Mesh Bags $19.95 Time Remaining: 24d 16h 58m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w ZIPPER 8 x 55 BLACK $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 31m |
 Fluval A216 405 Canister Filter 340 GPH NEW $144.95 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 29m Buy It Now for only: $144.95 |
 AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w ZIPPER 8 x 55 WHITE $1.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 32m |
 Aquarium 4 Stage CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV Sterilizer $82.95 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 35m Buy It Now for only: $92.95 |
 Fluval FX5 A218 Canister Filter w Foam Carbon Pads $234.99 Time Remaining: 21h 16m Buy It Now for only: $234.99 |
 Aquarium Sponge Filter Fish Tank Air Pump Canister S $0.10 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 24m |
 Fluval 306 A212 External Canister Filter up to 70 Gal $123.99 Time Remaining: 16d 22h 19m Buy It Now for only: $123.99 |
 NEW EXTERNAL 5 STAGE FISH CANISTER FILTER PUMP AQUARIUM $74.95 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 43m Buy It Now for only: $84.95 |
 49 LBS Activated Carbon Aquarium Pond Canister Filter Phosphate Free Mesh Bags $18.99 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 57m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 |
 Hagen Fluval 105 External Canister Filter Brand new in Box $101.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 4m |
 AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER POWER FILTER 100 G $49.48 Time Remaining: 2d 15h 40m Buy It Now for only: $49.48 |
 60 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 404 405 406 $32.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 16m Buy It Now for only: $43.99 |
 36 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 404 405 406 $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 19m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 Replacement Filter Floss for JBJ Reaction 4 Stage Canister Filters 6 Pack $9.95 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 48m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Marineland Canister Filter C 160 Brand New in Box w 1000 Rebate Warranty $91.00 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 21m |
 Marineland C 360 Multi Stage 100 Gal Canister Filter $149.99 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 16m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 Marineland Canister Filter C 220 Brand New in Box 3 year Warranty in box $116.50 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 21m |
 AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER 265GPH BRAND NEW $54.95 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 39m Buy It Now for only: $54.95 |
 Marineland Canister Filter C 160 Brand New in Box w 1000 Rebate Warranty $91.00 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 21m |
 375 GPH AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER W UV STERILIZER 100 GALLON $80.99 Time Remaining: 10d 20h 44m Buy It Now for only: $80.99 |
 4 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 404 405 406 $3.59 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 22m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 Hagen Fluval FX5 External Aquarium Canister Filter NEW $229.99 Time Remaining: 14d 21h 16m Buy It Now for only: $229.99 |
 3 PCS SUNSUN EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER REPLACEMENT PADS $7.55 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 27m Buy It Now for only: $8.55 |
 60 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 205 305 $24.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 32m Buy It Now for only: $33.99 |
 FLUVAL FX5 AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER WARRANTY SHIPS DAILY M F IF PAID BY 3PM EST $229.75 Time Remaining: 17d 16h 8m Buy It Now for only: $229.75 |
 36 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 205 305 $18.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 34m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER W 9W UV LIGHT 375 GPH 100 G $80.99 Time Remaining: 15d 16h 30m Buy It Now for only: $80.99 |
 20 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 205 305 $8.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 36m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Aquarium 4 Stage CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV Sterilizer $99.95 Time Remaining: 7d 16h 40m Buy It Now for only: $99.95 |
 4 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 205 305 $3.49 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 39m Buy It Now for only: $4.49 |
 4 STAGE CANISTER AQUARIUM FILTER FOR FRESH SALT WATER $43.95 Time Remaining: 20h 25m Buy It Now for only: $43.95 |
 Eheim Professionel 3e Electronic Canister Filter 2076 $31.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 41m Buy It Now for only: $299.99 |
 20 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 404 405 406 $13.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 42m Buy It Now for only: $16.49 |
 AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER 375GPH BRAND NEW $69.95 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 39m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 |
 8 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 404 405 406 $6.19 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 45m |
 Aquarium Filter Pad 4PCS for SUNSUN PERFECT GRECH SUPER HW 303B Canister CF 400 $9.49 Time Remaining: 8d 46m Buy It Now for only: $9.49 |
 3 HW 303B CANISTER FILTER PADS REPLACEMENT MEDIA HW 303 $8.49 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 46m Buy It Now for only: $9.49 |
 Canister Filter Aquarium 500 GPH 100G marine freshwater $59.95 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 55m Buy It Now for only: $59.95 |
 8 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 205 305 $3.98 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 57m Buy It Now for only: $6.49 |
 AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER POWER FILTER 100 G $54.99 Time Remaining: 19d 17h 59m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 |
 8 pcs Filter Foam Pad Block for Hagen Fluval Filter Canister 205 305 $3.98 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 57m Buy It Now for only: $6.49 |
 Eheim 2213 116G Classic w Bio Media Canister Filter $84.85 Time Remaining: 12d 21h Buy It Now for only: $84.85 |
 Eheim Canister Filter $5.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 1h 35m |
 NIB EHEIM 1L Substrat Pro Biological Canister Filter Media 2236 2217 Pro 3e $26.00 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 46m Buy It Now for only: $29.00 |
 NEW Rena Filstar XP3 External Aquarium Canister Filter $129.99 Time Remaining: 24d 36m Buy It Now for only: $129.99 |
 Penn Plax Cascade 700 Aquarium Canister Filter 185gph $31.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 14h 49m |
 Penn Plax Cascade 500 Aquarium Canister Filter 115gph $69.99 Time Remaining: 22d 18h 25m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 |
 NIB EHEIM 1L Substrat Pro Biological Canister Filter Media 2236 2217 Pro 3e $26.00 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 54m Buy It Now for only: $29.00 |
 Fluval A218 FX5 Canister Filter NEW $229.75 Time Remaining: 17d 16h 8m Buy It Now for only: $229.75 |
 NEW EXTERNAL 5 STAGE FISH CANISTER FILTER PUMP AQUARIUM $74.95 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 18m Buy It Now for only: $82.95 |
 Replacement Coarse Sponge for JBJ Reaction 4 Canister Filter 4 Pack $9.95 Time Remaining: 3d 30m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Marineland Magnum 350 Canister Filter $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 40m |
 Marineland Magnum 220 Canister Filter For Parts $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 22m |
 New Rena Filstar XP4 External Aquarium Canister Filter $189.90 Time Remaining: 17d 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $189.90 |
 Rena XP 4 Canister Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank Filtration Clear Water $113.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 19h 31m |
 3 STAGE EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER 265 GPH FRESH SALT AQUARIUM 100 GAL FREE MEDIA $59.75 Time Remaining: 8d 17h 52m Buy It Now for only: $59.75 |
 3 PCS HW 302 CANISTER FILTER PADS REPLACEMENT MEDIA NEW $7.55 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 13m Buy It Now for only: $8.55 |
 Marineland C 220 Multi Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter $105.59 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 16m Buy It Now for only: $105.59 |
 3 SUNSUN PERFECT CANISTER FILTER REPLACEMENT PAD HW 302 $7.55 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 13m Buy It Now for only: $8.55 |
 EXTERNAL 4 STAGE Aquarium Fish Canister Filter Pump NEW $52.99 Time Remaining: 20h 39m Buy It Now for only: $52.99 |
 AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV 100 GALLON HW 403B $84.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 37m Buy It Now for only: $93.99 |
Canister Filter
Choosing the Best Filter for a Freshwater Aquarium
When it comes to setting up your fish tank, the filter deserves major consideration as it is the primary tool for maintaining good water quality in the tank. The question that often arises is, "What is the best filter for a freshwater aquarium?" The answer to that question depends on a number of factors including, but not limited to:
- Tank size
- Number and type of fish
- Live plants in the tank or not
- Budget
- Required maintenance
With that in mind, I will briefly describe the major types of aquarium filters with a few pros and cons about each. This should give a very good base of knowledge to help with the decision of what type of filter to get.
There may be some other obscure filters available, but the most common types on the market today are the following:
- Hang on Back (HOB) Filters – This is probably the easiest filter to maintain, as it is not submerged in the tank and most come with an easily replaceable cartridge. This filter hangs off the edge of the tank so it doesn't interfere with the tank's display. Prices vary, but this style of filter is in the middle of the range.
- Undergravel Filters – This type works well in small to mid size aquariums. The undergravel filter promotes very good biological filtration and generally doesn't require a lot of maintenance. It can be quite a project when it does need service, though. The undergravel filter is not recommended if you want live plants in the aquarium, as the root systems will get intertwined and decrease the effectiveness of the filter.
- Canister Filters – Canisters are among the most versatile, yet most expensive filtration systems available. They are very popular with saltwater tank keepers because of the extra filtration steps that are sometimes required in a marine tank. Like the HOB filters, they are outside of the tank and therefore don't take up any room inside of the aquarium. Once set up, a canister filter can often go months without servicing it. This type is a solid choice for large aquariums.
- Internal Power Filter – As the name states, these filters go inside the tank, usually affixed to the side with suction cups. They are efficient filters and are very good choices for tanks with low water levels like a turtle or biotope tank. These filters can push a fair amount of water with their outflow, and this can be a pro or con depending on the type of fish in the tank.
- Box or Sponge Filters – Many a fish hobbyist has started out with this filter. The simplicity and very low cost are keys to this filter's popularity. It is powered simply by attaching an air pump, and the box filter is best suited for small aquariums. It sits in the corner of the tank so it does take up some internal space, and when it comes time to clean the filter it can be a bit of a messy process. That said, the box filter is still a good, inexpensive choice for a 10 gallon aquarium.
About the Author
Andrew Bartlett is a freshwater aquarium enthusiast who has owned many a freshwater aquarium filter in the past 30 years. You can get more information by visiting his website at www.thefreshwateraquariumguide.com.
Is there a video which shows you how to make a canister filter?
I have a turtle and I don't wanna spend a hunk of money on the filter. I wanna make one my self. Is there any videos? Remember it's CANISTER FILTER, not power filter or anything like that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suNJXpzTkUM
you can make one of those...just a really big version 
mine is similar , just using a 5 gallon-sized case and a MUCH stronger pond filter. Try to think as big as possible so that if you ever upgrade you dont have to build another one. oh and the media is just that sponge stuff that is mechanical and you can buy some bio balls for biological filtration. have fun!
DIY Mini Canister Filter 2.0: Geyser pump proof of concept
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