The 7 Best Filter for 100 Gallon Tank in 2023

Do you like the look of your dirty aquarium? I am pretty sure you don’t, especially when you own a giant 100 gallon tank. The solution is simple; just get a good filter and keep your tank clean. However, selecting the best filter for a 100 gallon tank can be an intimidating process. There are so many different options available in the market, and finding the perfect filter is a confusing task; you certainly don’t want to waste your money by buying a useless filter.

You do not need to worry about finding the best filter for 100 gallon tank anymore; you came to the correct place. In this following review article, I will be reviewing the top 7 filters for 100 gallon tank along with everything else that you need to know about filters. So just hop on tight and go through all the details of this review article.

 

Best Filters for 100 Gallon Tank:

 

1. Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Filter

 

Weight and dimension

The Penn Plax Cascade filter has a dimension of 17 x 11.5 x 10 inches with a weight of 12 pounds.

 

Description

Penn Plax makes filters in various different models, but this canister filter works very well for cleaning of 100 gallon tanks. Setting up this filter is very easy and doesn’t take very long. It arrives in an assortment of parts, for example, suction, the flow valve, and the base. The primary holder has three filter chambers to eliminate particles and debasements.

The Penn Plax has a flow rate of 265 GPH. It conveys ground-breaking biological, chemical, and biological filtration, which produces completely clear water in both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. Their revolutionary floss pad eliminates fine harmful particulate, while the enacted carbon media eliminates poisons and pollutions from the water, leaving a cleaner and more beneficial condition for your fish.

The biological filtration is supported by the coarse sponge, which provides enough space for helpful natural bacteria to grow, which helps to remove waste and ammonia nitrates.

 

Pros

• The build of the filter is of the highest quality.
• Helps to remove floating impurities of the water.
• Have a reasonable flow rate of 265 GPH
• The media baskets have a large capacity.
• You can use your own combination of filter media.

 

Cons

• There is no installation manual with the filter.

 

Our thoughts on Penn Plax Aquarium Cascade Canister Filter:

The Penn Plax Cascade 1000 is one of the adequate filters out there for 100 gallon tank. Easy to set up and to provide high performance. You can even control the flow rate according to your needs using tubing connectors. Not only this, but you will also get free filter media along with the Penn Plax 1000 Cascade filter.

 

2. Polar Aurora 3– stage Canister filter

 

Weight And dimension

The polar aurora has a dimension of 11 x 11 x 17 inches with a weight of 15.95 Pounds.

 

Description

The Polar Aurora comes in three different flow rate options. However, you must get the one with the 375GPh for 100 gallon tank. This is a very powerful filter, and it comes with three filters media which can be further adjusted according to your needs. Moreover, you will have all the accessories that you need to use the filter.

This filter comes with a 9 watt UV sterilizer which makes sure that your tank doesn’t get filled with algae and also controls the growth of harmful bacteria. The motor comes with a self-priming pump. To start with the filtering process, all you need to do is turn on the filter and the self-priming pump will take care of all the mechanical, biological and chemical filtration.

 The water stream is controllable as in it offers predominant water and filter contacts. The water is superior quality clear because of the filter, which removes bacteria and spores. You will also find three media trays which contain more efficient filters like bio-balls, ceramic rings and carbon, which helps in biological, chemical and mechanical filtration.

 

Pros

• It comes with 9 watt UV filtration which controls algae and harmful bacteria growth.
• The Spray bar is adjustable so your fishes won’t feel stress inside the tank.
• Media trays are flexible and hold three different types of media.
• It has a unique 3- stage filtration system.
• The filter looks aesthetically pleasing.

 

Cons

• You should avoid using it with turtles.

 

Our thoughts on Polar Aurora External Aquarium Filter

The Polar Aurora is an excellent looking powerful filter for a 100 gallon tank that offers unique 3 stage filtration to ensure proper cleaning of your tank. The adjustable spray bar provides flexibility in cleaning without disturbing plants and fishes inside the aquarium.

 

3. Fluval FX4 Canister Filter

 

Weight and Dimension

The Fluval FX4 filter has a dimension of 15.6 x 15.6 x 17.7 inches with a weight o 14.17 Pounds.

 

Description:

This filter is basically designed for large tanks like a 250 gallon tank; however, it works beautifully in a 100 gallon tank. Hence, it was a must to include this tank in our list of best filter for 100 gallon tank.

Fluval FX4 is an elite canister channel with numerous exceptional features intended to make aquarium fish keeping simpler and more comfortable. This smaller yet significant canister filters has a water flow rate of 450 GPH with a pump output of 700 gallons of water. So, you can be sure of the fact of clean and healthy water in your fish tank.

You can easily set the filtering media in a removal heap of filter media baskets. The media baskets have a huge holding capacity of 1 gallon of filter media; you can even mix and match different combinations of filter media according to your choice. There is a foam insert which will further help in mechanical filtration. You can even separate the trays easily.

The best part of Fluval FX4 is their smart pump, which is designed to work through an electrical board that always monitors impeller speed, pump and forces. This is measured on a daily basis by the smart pump for giving you the best efficiency and performance of the filter.

 

Pros

• It is built-in with a smart pump that provides maximum efficiency.
• Comes with stackable media baskets that can be removed easily.
• The media baskets can hold 1 gallon of filter media.
• The size is pretty small compared to the performance it provides.
• The Filter is self-primed.

 

Cons

• The price is a bit on the higher side.

 

Our thoughts on Fluval FX4 Canister Filter:

The Fluval FX4 is a compact filter, yet it produces maximum power, and the smart pump technology ensures that you can get maximum efficiency of the motor. With this filter, you do not need to manually evacuate trapped air, since it is done automatically every 12 hours. And more importantly, you can even use it with larger tanks than 100 gallons like 200/250 gallon tanks.

 

4. Marine Magniflow Canister Filter

 

Weight and Dimension

The Marineland Magniflow has a dimension of 14 x 11.02 x 18 inches with a weight pf 19.62 Pounds

 

Description

The Marineland Magniflow is not just any regular filter; this filter has been designed after years of research with an aim to provide you with perfect filtering of 100 gallon tank.

This filter uses 3- stage filtration and can be used for both freshwater and saltwater. The access to media baskets is very easy due to the easy-open lid, and the top is sealed fully with a top-sealing gasket. The powerful 360 GPH is enough to give you perfect filtration. The Marineland Magniflow also has a polisher which eliminates all types of debris and floating particles.

Just nit the polishing pad, you will also have the carbon, foam and biofilter. Hence, you need not worry about the cleaning of 100 gallon tank. This filter also has a self priming button; just turn on the self priming button, and the filter chamber will be filled with water, and your filter is ready for action.

 

Pros

• IT has a massive water flow rate.
• The operation is noiseless.
• You can take apart all the media baskets individually since all of them has a lid.
• The Marineland Magniflow has an advanced 3-stage filtration system.
• The maintenance is very easy.

 

Cons

• This filter can be a bit difficult to use for beginners.

 

Our thoughts on Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter for Aquariums

The Marineland Magniflow canister filter is a highly designed advanced filter and is intended for the more advanced user since this isn’t very easy to use. However, it is very easy to maintain unit; you can take apart all the parts and clean them separately. With the advanced 3-stage filtration and high water flow rate, you are sure to get your 100 gallon tank clean like never before.

 

5. Hydor Professional 450 External Canister Filter

 

Weight And dimension

This filter has a dimension of 14 x 11.02 x 18 inches with a weight of 19.62 Pounds.

 

Description

The Hydor’s Professional External Canister Filter is the ideal fit for your aquarium needs. This filter has a built-in ecosystem inside the box and along with you will get easy priming, safety locks, telescopic intake tubes and safety locks. Moreover, this filter can work with both saltwater and freshwater.

The setup of the aquarium is very easy; it is powered by a maximum flow rate of 320 GPH. Hence you can be sure about the fact that your 100 gallon tank will be fully cleaned. You do not need to buy anything extra with the filter since it will come with everything that you will need to set up the filter.

 

Pros

• You can use the filter even for larger tanks than 100 gallons.
• The priming is very easy.
• The filter has a complete ecosystem inside the box.
• Can perform biological, mechanical and chemical filtration.

 

Cons

• The filter is a bit on the heavier side.

 

Our thoughts on Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter for Aquariums

The Hydro Professional 450 external canister filter is a very good high performing filter with an e flow rate of 320 GPH which can work with 100-125 gallon tank easily. This filter is designed to successfully give biological, chemical and mechanical to give your fishes and plants and plants along with other aquatic animals living inside the tank a healthy living environment.

 

6. Aqua Clear 110 Power filter

 

Weight and dimension

The Aqua Clear 110 has a dimension of 17.4 x 12.5 x 11 inches with a weight of 4.52 Pounds

 

Description

The Aqua clear makes hang on filters for many different sizes of the tank, and the Aqua clear 110 power filter is a perfect choice for a 60-110 gallon tank. It gloats of a high 500 GPH water flow with top-notch parts. It can further reduce the flow of water to 50% for more accurate filtering of water. However, this doesn’t cause any reduction in motors or impellers. Hence the Filter will give filtration using much less energy making the Aqua Clear 110 energy saving filter.

The filter capacity is at least 7 times much larger than other traditional filters of the same type which allows it to hold a huge amount of filter media and you even can use any types of filter media you want to. Your aquarium will be cleaned, and your fishes will have a healthy living environment in no time.

 

Pros

• You can use filter media of your own choice.
• It has a noiseless operation.
• Have a very powerful flow rate of 500 GPH
• It comes with BioMax ceramic rings for biological filtration.
• The installation of the filter is very easy.

 

Cons

• You need to prim the models manually.

 

Our thoughts on Aqua Clear 110 Power Fish Tank Filter

The Aqua Clear 110 power filter is one of the finest and powerful hang on filter for 100 gallon tank. This filter has a huge space for filter media and gives you the versatility of using filter media of your own choice. Aqua clear 110 has its own patented re-filtration system which helps to control the flow rate. Along with the filter, you will also get BioMax ceramic rings and activated carbon for accurate filtering of 100 gallon tank.

 

7. Aquatop CF Series Canister Filter – 370 GPH’

 

Weight and Dimension

The Aquatop CF has a dimension 16 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches with a weight of 12 pounds.

 

Description

The Aquatop CF Series Canister filter is a perfect filter for both freshwater and saltwater aquarium. This filter comes with three filter media compartments, UV sterilizer and a prime pump. It can be easily started with the primer without much hassle.

The incorporated 9-watt UV Sterilizer helps to remove algae, harmful bacteria which ensures that your aquarium is healthy and toxic free. You will find all the necessary equipment that you need to set up the filter; you will also find three media compartments which will allow you to keep filter media of your own choice.

The Aquatop also includes Ceramic rings, bio balls and activated carbon which further assists with mechanical, biological and chemical filtration ensuring that your tank is fully clean and healthy.

 

Pros

• The filter comes with an integrated 9-watt UV sterilizer.
• You can use your own filter media.
• The Aquatop has three large filter media compartments.
• It is easy to clean all the parts.

Cons

• There is no handle on the media compartments.

 

Our thoughts on Aquatop CF Series Canister Filter:

The Aquatop CF series canister filter is a very powerful filter which is full of useful features. It comes with a self-priming pump. Hence you do not need any manual priming to start the pump, and it is very easy to use the filter. The filter can even be used for your turtle tanks, so you do not need to buy another filter for your turtle tank.

 

Buying Guide for best filter for 100 Gallon tank

So, far I have listed the best seven filters for 100 gallon tank. But if you wish to find the best filter for 100 gallon tank, you need to know how to choose a perfect filter, and hence this buying guide will help you to make your choice of the best filter.

 

Flow Rate

For the larger tanks like 100 gallon, you need a filter with a powerful flow rate. You need to ensure that the filter has a sufficient flow limit or else, you’d have to physically supplant 20% of the water in the tank at least twice a month. On average, if you go for a filter with a flow rate of 300 GPH, should get the work done. A 300 GPH flow rate can filter your whole 100 gallon tank minimum of 3 times within an hour. However, you can choose a filter with lower GPH; in that case, you need to clean the water at times manually.

 

Types of Filter Media

Since you are finding a filter for a 100 gallon tank, it is necessary that you choose a filter that provides every type of filtration like; chemical, biological and chemical. Normally most filter gives you the option of your own filter media, but some only allow you to use filter media of their own. You can choose whichever is more preferable and flexible for you. We prefer that you choose the filter that allows to use you to use your own customization of filter media. But make sure to choose a filter that has a big space for filter media.

 

Size of the Filter

The size of a filter is an important factor while choosing the best filter for 100 gallon tank. But since we are looking for a filter for a 100 gallon tank, the filter will be a bit larger in size since they need to produce more power. However, if you do not wish to use larger filters, you can use the hang-on filter. Hang on filter takes much smaller space compared to the larger canister filters.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Why should I use a filter?

Answer: On general, If you do not use a good filter, you need to frequently change the water of your tank, which will cause stress in your fishes. Filters create an increase in the flow of water to create aeration, which produces more oxygen for the fishes.

Filters also remove ammonia which is produced from fishes; this ammonia can cause harm to the fishes and makes the aquarium dirty and smelly. A filter will further all sorts of debris, waste particles and other toxic materials to make your water crystal clear.

 

2. How can I choose the best filter for 100 gallon tank?

Answer: You can do your own research while choosing the best filter, however, for further assistance you can look into my list of best filter for 100 gallon tank and you can further read the buying guide which will help you to know how to find the best filter for 100 gallon tank.

 

3. How to do proper maintenance of my filter?

Answer: Most good filters do not require high maintenance. You can open the filter part by part following the instruction manual every one or two months and clean them accordingly. Do check the filter media, whether they need replacing or not. The lifespan of filter media depends on the filter you are going for.

4. What should be my budget?

Answer: Best filter for 100 gallon tank comes in a different price range starting from 50-500 dollars. But, on average you can find a good filter for a 100 gallon tanks within 100 dollars. You can see our list of best filter for 100 gallon tank; all of the filters in the list are moderately priced and provides excellent performance for the money you are going to pay.

 

Conclusion

By now you should have a complete idea what makes a filter the best filter for 100 gallon tank. The Criteria to be the best filter depends on many different features like the flow rate, types of filter media and many more. SO, choosing the best filter for 100 gallon tank can be a daunting task. Hence, this review guide was written to help you in your decision to find the best filter. All the filters listed here have been tested and reviewed as top filters by thousands of users using them. So, you can go for anyone of them without a second thought. Regardless of this for further satisfaction of your mind, make sure to do further research before choosing any one of these models of filter. So what are you waiting for, get the best filter for 100 gallon tank and get ready to enjoy crystal clear water in your aquarium.