10 Best Canister Filters for 50-55 Gallon Fish Tanks
An efficient and functional canister filter for your fish tank is necessary.
These devices are known to aid in filtration of water in aquariums, keeping the environment conducive for the survival of your fish.
In particular, canister filters for 50-55 gallon fish tanks are ideal when it comes to keeping water clean.
At the same time they help cut down maintenance costs you would incur to keep a large tank in the best working condition.
But it can be extremely difficult for you to find the right product among dozens of available models on the market today.
Best Canister Filter for 50-55 Gallon Fish Tanks
Below are a selection of ten best canister filters for 50-55 gallon fish tanks you might find appropriate for you.
1. Penn Plax Cascade-Canister Aquarium Filter
If you are looking for a heavy duty canister filter for your 50 to 55 gallon fish tank, then you should settle for Penn Plax Cascade. This model will provide your aquarium with a multistage filter, thus getting rid of all the dirt in the best way possible.
With its outstanding filtration capability, this product will keep tank water clean, leaving your fish in a safe, clean environment. Multi Purpose by design, this canister filter works best in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Penn Plax Cascade has a huge capacity that sets it miles ahead of its closest competitors. This should tell you that this canister filter can handle up to 200-gallon tanks perfectly.
Besides, its installation is effortless, thanks to the manufacturer’s generous offer of all necessary parts.
Speaking of essential parts, you will find the flow rate valve on this model to be quite handy in preventing leaks at any given time.
The filter trays play a significant part in facilitating the entire filtration process, and are designed to stay longer than you would expect.
During maintenance, you will only require to use an easy-lift clamp to gain access to the entire filtration media.
Penn Plax Cascade is a perfect choice if you are keeping goldfish in your aquarium.
2. OASE Indoor Aquatics-Biomaster Thermo 250
The Biomaster Thermo 250 from OESE Indoor Aquatics is one of the best canister filters for 50-55 gallon aquariums.
This state-of-the-art fish tank equipment comes with all the right features that will enhance filtration within the tank. With its compact design, this device takes very little space when mounted inside the aquarium.
From its name you can easily tell that Biomaster Thermo 250 has a special feature that makes it unique. This feature is none other than the built-in heater to keep the tank water temperature warm.
At the same time, the heater maintains the precise temperature levels in the tank throughout.
The integration of the product enables it to deliver unobstructed views of the entire aquarium while ensuring that filtration process is going on as expected.
Apart from that, the external filter on this equipment operates quietly but efficiently. Due to this mode of operation the tank environment remains peaceful for your fish.
The most fascinating thing about this canister filter is its filtration process. The product is designed to carry out filtration in 4 stages which are mechanical, chemical, biological and prefiltration.
All these processes are facilitated with the help of Hel-x suspended filter media that creates a conducive environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria.
3. Fluval-407 Performance Canister Filter
Fluval-407 comes with all the features that make it one of the top ten best canister filters for 50-55 gallon fish tanks. Ergonomic in design, this canister filter is known for its smoother operation.
This process is made possible thanks to its raised lips and other additional features.
The single action coupled with the dual locking clamps makes it easier for you to release and attach this equipment to the aquarium.
Its center handle allows the removal of main media stack, leaving the tank environment clean and safe for your fish.
As a redesigned system, Fluvial-407 requires fewer number of pumps during the filtration process.
This is due to the fact that this latest design incorporates both the power and reliability, the two most important factors in aquatic filtration.
To add on that, this canister filter features other new performance upgrades, making it up to 25 percent quieter, efficient, easier to operate and flexible.
4. Marineland Magniflow-Canister Filter
Marineland Magniflow is a newly produced canister filter, designed to provide a quick support as well as spill-free setup.
Its superior features make this equipment the right choice for both freshwater and marine aquariums because of its efficiency and simplicity in design.
With its multi stage filtration, this product guarantees you a healthy, safe and clean aquatic environment in the tank for your fish. This means that you can use it for biological, chemical and mechanical filtration for effective water filtration.
The Marineland Magniflow canister filter for 50-55 gallon tanks is stacked with user-friendly components to make your aquarium work effortless.
Unlike most other products on the market today, this one comes with a lid to create a water-tight seal, especially when it is compressed.
The fast-prime buttons on the device serves the function of loading the filter chamber (with water) for quick and self-priming setup.
On the other hand, the specially-designed valve allows you to instantly control the flow of water as well as separating the cover from the main engine housing for spill-free upkeep.
Finally, the advanced components on this aquatic equipment provides you with the right tools. These tools will help you create a healthy aquatic environment for the survival of your fish.
5. Aqueon Canister Filter-55 to 100 Gallons
This new model comes with notable features that make it efficient during the filtration process. These amazing features give it an edge over other models and you can use it on all types of fish tanks with capacities ranging from 55 to 100 gallons.
The unique thing about this product is its hang-on the back (HOB) unit that is included to make maintenance work effortless.
In this case, you will only be required to replace the cartridge and continue using it.
Also, the product comes with a number of traditional water return options in the form of a water director or spray bar to make filtration easier and timeless.
These options include the course foam, carbon, bio-ceramic rings and bio balls. All these combine to guarantee you crystal clear water in your aquarium.
The quick disconnect valves , hoses and pump locking heads are additional features that make Aqueon Canister Filter to become one of the best products for your fish tank.
You can attest to this fact with its ability to filter about 300 gallons of water per hour (rate flow).
6. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter
Polar Aurora Free-Media is known for its enhanced fish tank filtration, thanks to its large capacity and 4-stage canister filters. With its revolutionary canister filters, this product boasts of superior media storing capacity.
This allows all the water in the aquarium to come into contact with a larger surface area of the filter media at the onset of the filtration process.
The equipment has advanced and high-performance features that will help you achieve high water quality. You will also experience quickly and effective filtration including high routine filter maintenance.
The filtration process using Polar Aurora Free Media is something to marvel at. This is because the process removes all the organic film or debris from the surface, leaving water in the tank clean and fresh.
That explains why this equipment is suitable for tanks with capacities as high as 200 gallons.
The equipment’s maximum flow rate of about 525 gallons per hour is powerful enough to handle different tank capacities.
When it comes to handling the choice of your filtration media, you will find four media trays and an adjustable spray bar to be of great assistance. These two devices help you make your output flow adjustment easier than you ever thought.
Other features of great importance on this canister filter include the built-in 9 watt ultraviolet sterilizer, ceramic rings, and activated carbons.
The UV plays a crucial role in controlling bacteria, algae and any other harmful pathogens in the aquarium water.
7. Aquatop CF Series-Canister Filter
The Aquatop CF Series comes with all the unique features not found in most of the other canister filter models. One of these features is the UV stabilizer which is plays the role of controlling all harmful microorganisms in tank water and substrate.
For the construction, the Aquatop CF Series gives that adorable solid filter with most of its parts crafted from high quality and long-lasting plastic materterials.
Inasmuch as many people would disregard the plastic parts on this equipment as being unattractive, the truth of the matter is that it will serve you better than most canister filter models found on the market today.
So, if you’ve ever installed a canister in the past, you will definitely find this one to be easier than the rest. This is because its setup is simplified and pretty easy, saving you time and effort in the process.
But for new users, there are a few challenges here and there, especially in the manual where the information is not so clear as such.
The Aquatop CF Series has a strong flow rate of 370 gallons per hour, meaning that it is an efficient filter for most tanks.
As a result, it will make the environment inside the aquarium conducive for your fish or other aquatic living things.
Even though its capacity is smaller, this canister filter lies among the most respectable equipment when it comes to filtration of water in aquaria.
So, if your tank has a capacity of 175 gallons, this model will serve it well.
8. Eheim Pro 4+ 250 Canister Filter
The Eheim Pro+4 250 Canister Filter is used mostly as an external filter. As a matter of fact, filters in this series are designed mainly for external use, hence their popularity.
The filters are available in various shapes, sizes and features to meet different people’s needs. That’s why the Eheim Pro+4 250 Canister Filter has made it among the top-ten best canister filters for 50 to 55 gallon aquariums.
With its solid build, this model assures you great functionality and durability. This means you will use it for quite a long time without even thinking of buying another one.
Instead of using plastic materials in its construction, Eheim Pro+4 is crafted from high quality stainless steel materials on its clips.
Another thing that will make you love this canister filter is its ability to keep the motor in better working condition for longer. And for the setup process, you will find it to be quite easy although the diagrams in the manual may challenge you a little bit if your a new user.
The model itself is designed to save energy, meaning that you will not worry about its overall power consumption.
This is evident right from its powerful and impressive flow rate which enables it to handle tanks with capacities of up to 300 gallons. Most importantly, this canister filter has low noise levels and can accommodate a variety of marine life.
9. Hydor-Professional-External Canister Filter
Even though there are numerous models of external filters on the market today, none can beat the Hydor-Professional-External Canister Filter.
This is because the filter comes complete with all the features that make it a remarkable equipment for your aquarium environment.
No wonder the whole canister filter unit is referred to as a complete ecosystem in a single box.
The canister filter is equipped with telescopic intake tubes which makesit a perfect model for external use.
Just like other known models, this one is capable of carrying out mechanical, chemical and biological filtration process in what is commonly referred to as multi-stage filtration process.
With a flow rate of 225 gallons per hour, this canister filter will work well on aquarium with capacities as high as 250 gallons.
So, if your aquarium falls within this range, you should consider purchasing this equipment for better filtration.
Additional features of great interest on the Hydor-Professional External Canister include the priming features, and other important accessories that make this product a complete unit.
10. Cobalt Aquatics-26000 Ext Canister Filter
Here comes the Cobalt Aquatics-2000 Ext Canister Filter with all superior features that you will find appropriate for your aquarium.
If you ever thought of acquiring the most innovative filtration equipment then this is the canister filter to spend your money on.
Its unique inline pump is designed to allow complete flexibility when fixed on any fish tank, vivarium or terrarium setup.
When compared to other models, Cobalt Aquatics-26000 Ext Canister Filter comes out as a unique product for a number of reasons.
To begin with, it has an innovative valve (⅝ inches) complete with hose barbs to enable the pump to run continuously while keeping the vital circulation process going on during the entire filtration process.
The removable media and easy to operate clips make the whole maintenance process easy and timeless. This should tell you that this model was designed to save your time and effort when in operation or during routine maintenance process.
Most importantly, this canister filter does not require priming or gravity. Instead, you can let it sit beside, above or below your tank.
Why Use a Canister Filter for a 50-55 Gallon Fish Tank?
Filtration is essential when it comes to maintaining your fish tank conditions. This leads to a healthy environment within the tank where your fish is kept.
Consequently, these lovely aquatic creatures will enjoy the comfort and other benefits brought about by canister filters.
Without a proper filtration system in the aquarium, you can say goodbye to your fish. This is because these little animals will not survive in an environment that is unhealthy for them.
But before that happens, you can always take drastic measures at the right time and save them.
And there’s no better way of doing so if not by installing a functional and efficient filtration system. This is when a canister for a 50-55 gallon fish tank comes into play.
So, why should you use this device on your aquarium?
Can hold more filter media
With a capacity of 50-55 gallon fish tank, the canister filter must be large enough. This means it should hold more filter media compared to those with smaller capacities.
In essence, more filter media translates to efficient filtration, thus keeping tank water clean.
The amount of filter media available in the canister will determine the volume of water filtered at a given time.
This is to say that the canister filter is powerful enough to handle large volumes of water for any aquarium with a capacity ranging from 50 to 55 gallons. In the end, water quality in the tank will keep your fish healthy, active and comfortable.
Another important point to note down is that more filter media means faster growth of beneficial bacteria in the tank. These bacteria play a very significant role in the filtration process.
Once established in the media, they will most likely help remove harmful substances, especially such as ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, during the process of filtration.
So, more filter media makes filtration efficient and effective compared to less media.
Can go for much longer
Time is of the essence when it comes to fish tank filtration. The longer it takes to filter the tank water, the better the quality of water for your fish. It’s critical to ensure that your choice of a filter has the best flow rate and can last longer for proper filtration.
Given that these devices are designed to go much longer, you will not have to worry about frequent maintenance. As a result, you may eventually recover and save your money within the shortest time.
Don’t take up space in the aquarium
Even though the canister filter for 50-55 gallon tanks is more powerful, the truth is that it is compact in size. This feature tells you that you can stash it away in a cabinet or any other place it can fit perfectly.
Likewise, the same filter will not take up more space in the fish tank. For that reason, you can easily make it invisible by installing it at a strategic corner within your aquarium environment.
As a result, the device will not take up more space, hence creating more room for your fish to swim around or hide when the need arises. For instance, you may let it sit nicely and comfortably under the aquarium, away from sight.
Good for moving large amount of water
Another important reason for using a canister filter designed for 50 to 55 gallon aquariums is the ability to move large volumes of water.
In other words, this type of filter has a powerful flow rate which enables it to filter and move large amounts of water in a tank.
A strong flow rate is critical to proper and timely filtration. This will allow tank water to flow faster through the media in order to maintain a healthy environment in the aquarium.
Normally, a good filter is required to filter at least 4 times the total volume of the aquarium per hour.
Why Oversize Your Filter?
It is always wise to choose a bigger filter to ensure optimal water filtration. A large filter holds more media through which the dirt from the fish tank can disperse, letting water to flow smoothly. With more dirt being trapped, there will be efficient filtration of water.
An oversize filter holds more filter media in the canister. The filter media is what purifies water during the filtration process.
With a larger volume of media in the canister, you can rest assured that the quality of water filtration your aquarium receives will be better.
In short, you can use an oversized filter to enhance water filtration and improve the flow rate.
Conclusion
From the description and review of the above top ten canister filters for 50-55 gallon tanks you can easily tell which one will suit your needs.
Each model has its own features that make it special and unique in relation to different types of tanks used today.
With that in mind, invest in a better canister filter and keep your aquatic animals in a conducive environment.
