The 10 Best Filter for 55 Gallon Tank in 2023

Fish tanks are the real beauty in your interior. The attractive tank with various sorts of fish in it sure makes your home or office look more adorable. But have you ever thought of the psychological benefits of these fish tanks?

Many types of research prove that fish tanks are a great way to calm your mind. They are a great help to your sore eyes. When you are overworking your head, a short glimpse of the colourful fish swaying around is bound to cheer your mind.

But beauty comes with a cost. And it is not that easy to keep a fish tank. If you think big and want to have a 55-gallon tank, you have to put the equal effort. You have to look for the best filter available.

To make your work easy, we have articulated here the most effective best filter for 55 gallon tank. Just go through the list, and you will know which one is the best as per your need.

Best Pick and Budget Pick Short Quick Review

Best pick

The best filter for 55-gallon tank would be SeaChem Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter. This product is a bit expensive, one available in the market. But the features it provides will surely meet the lack.

This device is a highly efficient filter. The 250 GPH of water flow makes it sure that your tank is always clean and tidy. You can control the flow of the water with the adjustable nozzle in the back of the product.

This filter is a submerged pump. So you get a noise-free filter here. A unique feature in the filter efficiently cleans the surface of the water level. All these together make it the best pick product for your 55-gallon tank.

Budget pick

If you want a filter that gives you the most efficient service but within a budget, MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter is your choice. It presents all the features of a good filter and fits into your account.

The product comes with a quick and easy start-up. This device is a submerged pump and ensures the quiet environment you love. This machine is an efficient product.

The filter possesses a versatile filtration system. There are two refillable carbons in it. You will get a micron cartridge included with the product. It also comes with added components that make it the best deal in a budget.

10 Best Filters for 55 Gallon Tank

By this time, you have already known your best pick and budget pick. If you think that you want to know more, we have a list here. Along with your best pick and budget pick here, we have ten other best filters for you.

1. SeaChem Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 55 Gallon (200 Liters) by Sicce

We choose the best pick for you based on some criteria. While doing this, we focus on whether the product works efficiently or not. Based on that criterion, this filter is the best product for you.

With this filter, you are going to get 250 gallons of water flow per hour. There is an adjustable flow at the back of the filter, making it easier to control the water flow. The product also includes a unique design that cleans the surface water in the tank.

Another good part of the filter includes a blue notch that indicates whenever your filter needs cleaning. So you can always be alert even in your busy schedule. The device comes with a sponge with according shape. This feature makes the filtration even better.

But the best part of the product is that the pump submerges inside the water. This phenomenon makes the filter extraordinarily quiet. You can blindly rely on the filter. If the power flips or anything else happens, this filter just starts working on the internal motor.

On top of that, it fits both freshwater and saltwater. All these qualities make this filter the best filter for 55 gallon tank.

Pros:

• Highly efficient product
• Comes with a versatile filtration system
• Includes accordingly cut cartridge
• Noise-free filter
• Has a unique design

Cons:

• High in budget
• Takes proper maintenance

2. MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter

Now, your search for a budget-friendly pick for your 55-gallon tank, you would need an all-in-one option. In such a case, this filter is the right choice for you. The product provides you with all your needs within a budget.

This filter ensures a quick and easy start-up. The motor is fully submerged. This feature makes it well-fit for your 55-gallon tank, which takes comparatively more filter attention.

There is a reason behind making the filter your budget-friendly option. This product comes in versatile filtration. There are two refillable chambers house carbon in it. The product also comes in customizable filter media.

The product is highly efficient, makes it more of a budget picks. There is a micron cartridge included in it. This feature ensures that the product is highly efficient, not to mention the water flow in it. As it is a submerged pump, it gives the best output when it comes to water flow.

To top that all the filter comes in with included components. It is pretty hard to get all these features embodied in one sort of filter. All the added features and details together make it the best filter for 55 gallon tank.

Pros:

• Comes with easy start-up
• Includes added components
• High water flow rate
• Noise-free product
• High efficient product

Cons:

• Needs extra valve for water flow adjustment
• Takes proper maintenance

3. Fluval 306 canister filter

Everyone wants a clean and hygienic atmosphere for the fish in their tank. This filter will make sure your fish get the proper environment inside the tank. This device is a filter that you can use to filtrate tanks up to 70 gallons.

The design of the product maintains mechanical, biological, and chemical balance in your tank. You will not need to bother much about manual siphoning. The device comes with primary capability; thus, a continuous flow of water is a must here.

The filter comes with multi-stage filtration. This feature ensures the most efficient experience. This is the best filter for 55 gallon tank because it is more durable.

The higher the tank’s water flow, the more dissolved water your fish will get in the tank. This product will give you a flow rate of 303 GPH in the tank. And if you need to adjust the flow rate, you can use Aquastop.

Pros:

• The product is a lot versatile.
• High efficient filtration enabled
• The motor ensures the uncontrolled flow of water.
• Top-quality materials make the device.
• The water flow rate makes it more compatible.

Cons:

• The extra mechanism needed for water flow control
• The impeller does not hold up for long.

4. Aqua Clear Filter

Do you think the submerged filter looks odd in your tank? Do you want something that will not hinder the beauty of the fish in your tank? Then this is the right choice for you. It will not cling to the inside of your tank. Rather hang behind it. Your beautiful fish and plants inside the tank are safe with this filter.

The filter fits perfectly for even larger tanks. It is perfect for the use of a 55-gallon tank. The product is also sustainable when many fish are there in the tank and still creates an accurate balance. It can filtrate up to 110 gallons of the tank.

There are three layers of filtration designed in the filter. You can easily adjust them according to your need. Moreover, the filter can supply a water flow of 550 GPH. You can control it too with the help of an adjustable valve outside it. Thus, you will get the best filter for 55 gallon tank.

Pros:

• It saves place inside the tank.
• Builds in with the tank without disturbance
• Can filtrate even larger size of tanks
• Suitable for a more considerable amount of fish in the tank
• High water flow rate

Cons:

• It can be a bit noisy.
• It needs an extra valve to adjust the water flow.

5. Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi–Stage Power Filter for Aquariums

Multi-stage filtration is essential to make sure you get a properly clean filter. The manufacturer designed the product for that. This feature makes it the best filter for 55 gallon tank.

The water flow rate is very high in this filter. It can rise to 340 GPH, which means in a 55-gallon tank, the filter recycles the water six times per hour. Therefore, you have the most effective filter for your tank.

The product is of high efficiency. The GPH guarantees that the filter fits even more generous use, such as 70 gallons of the tank. It is easy to use and sophisticated filter. The fast setup feature of the product makes it easy to use without any priming setup.

The cartridge change in the product is effortless due to the no-mess filter cartridge feature. This design minimizes the dripping, which eventually results in easy to change the filter. So you need not face any difficulty when it comes to regular filter changes.

The filter works in a way that it never stops to filter your tank. There is a continuous flow feature that enables the device. This phenomenon does not let any debris sit in your tank for long. Thus, you get a fresh and clean tank all day long.

Pros:

• Advanced accessible to setup filter
• Noise-free filtration
• Fit for any larger size of the tank
• Continuous flow feature for all-day clean tank
• No-mess cartridge change feature for no dripping filtration

Cons:

• No self-priming capability
• Needs proper maintenance

6. AquaTop Canister Filter

Your fish tank needs to maintain a certain ecological balance for the good health of the fish. The design of the product keeps intact the environmental balance in the tank. Thus you can provide a conducive home for your pets in the tank with this filter.

This filter is a fully functional device for your tank. The device includes UV features and every other feature needed for a safe home for your pets. This product is sure to provide a top-quality filtration in your tank.

Better filtration means a better environment in your tank. And this product gives you a three-stage filtration. Therefore, there remains no doubt of stuck debris inside the tank area.

The filter enables 264 GPH water flow. This rating may seem low than other products on the list, but you need to look at the additional features to make up for it. The device includes three flexible media trays. So you can add the filtration media of your own choice with it.

Manual siphoning is not needed for the filter. It includes a convenient self-priming pump. It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater. And the capacity of the filter is mesmerizing. It can work in 20 gallons to 70 gallons of the fish tank, making it the best filter for 55 gallon tank.

Pros:

• Includes three filter pads
• The device comes with solid construction.
• Includes UV features
• Comes with three flexible media tray
• Includes a convenient self-priming pump

Cons:

• Might cause noise
• Lower water flow rate

7. Aqueon Quiet Flow LED PRO Aquarium Power Filter

If you think that keeping a fish tank is tricky and the trickiest part is to look after the filter, this device might ease your pain. Here is a user-friendly filtration device that can make your hobby of fish keeping easier.

It is a modern device. The features of the product make it accessible to anyone. The tool is fully automated. If any unexpected power cut occurs, it can auto-start itself as soon as the power is stable. You do not have to work manually with it.

Sophistication is the virtue of the best filter for 55 gallon tank. This feature gives a different sort of charm to the machine. The LED flashes when it is time to change the cartridges, so you are alert when in need.

This filter is an excellent product for beginners. If you are new to this job, you might confuse about how the filtration works or controls water flow. The LED display in the filter makes it easy for you to understand the whole process.

The water flow in the device is as high as 400 GPH. This device gives you an uninterrupted water flow for better filtration. Water in a 55-gallon tank is recycled seven times with this filter. Thus, you get the most efficient cleaning of all time.

Pros:

• High water flow rate
• Fit for any tank up to 75 gallons
• User friendly
• Includes LED display
• Auto start after power reconnection

Cons:

• It can be noisy sometimes.
• Requires proper maintenance

8. Marineland Penguin Power Filter w/Multi–Stage Filtration

You have heard of the saying old is gold. This saying applies to this filter. This device has been used and appreciated by fish tank keepers for decades. The brand, too, is a favourite of many.

People appreciate the filter for the efficient work it does. The water flow of the device is 350 GPH. This feature creates a high-efficiency reputation for the device. It works perfectly for more giant tanks too.

The product is a hang on the back device. It makes your tank look the best at its full potential. And your pets can roam around freely as they want. It does not take any space inside the tank, making it the best filter for 55 gallon tank.

The device works in multiple stages of filtration. It does biofiltration, chemical filtration, and physical filtration. Therefore, you get the best possible environment for the fish in your tank.

In the biofiltration stage, the device can easily remove toxins like ammonia and nitrate from the water. For this, the machine uses a bio-wheel planted filter. This feature has been proven very efficient for the health of your fish in the tank.

If you purchase this product, you can customize the media of the `work. You can optimize the tank performance according to your preferences. This product allows you even to use a cartridge of your own choice.

Pros:

• Include multiple stage filtration
• Uses bio-wheel planted filter
• Personal optimization option available
• Does not take space inside the tank
• High water flow rate

Cons:

• Might be noisy
• Changing the cartridge can be troublesome.

9. Hydor Professional External Canister Filter

If you want precise water control in your fish tank, this is the filter you should be searching for. The advanced filtration formula in this filter gives the command of the tank in your hands. You can adjust the exact specification of the filter use.

As it gives you the control of the tank, the filter requires an experienced user. The product is not for beginners. It takes experience for setting up, such as connecting the hoses or finding the nozzle’s location.

Still, this extra work can be worth it for the service it provides. This best filter for 55 gallon tank is fit for both marine and tropical aquariums. So you can have your choice of fish in the tank. Then the water filtration feature is very efficient in this filter.

The setup might sound a bit tacky, but the use of the product is straightforward. The device gives the most accurate rating of the temperature for the electronic temperature feature.

The product is best suitable for external use. You can hang the device at the back for your fish tank. It does not take any space inside the aquarium. And the hang in the back feature makes the tank look more beautiful.

Pros:

• Personal set up for the passionate ones
• Electronic temperature feature
• Hang in the back part saves space.
• Fit for even larger tanks
• Easy to prime

Cons:

• Troublesome for the beginners
• The filter can leak with passing the time.

10. Eheim Pro 4 600 Filter

If you want a filter that will do your work in style, this product is your solution. This filter has a futuristic design that will surely add to the looks of your whole aquarium. It sure will draw attraction through the slick design.

This filter is easy to use the product. It is fit for experienced users because it gives control of the water to the user. The German manufacturer has introduced the product. This product comes with a complete package of filter pads, media, and other installation equipment.

This filter is suitable for even bigger sizes of tanks. It can clean up the whole of your 55-gallon tanks without any effort. The super-efficiency power of the filter can take responsibility for even greater tanks.

This product is best for experienced fish keepers. They know the nook and corners of the whole fish keeping journey. This device can add to their experience by placing the perfect control of the water with the users. This feature makes it the best filter for 55 gallon tank.

Pros:

• The slick design draws attention.
• Saves space inside the tank
• The user takes control of the water.
• Quiet in nature
• Fit for even bigger size tanks

Cons:

• Troublesome for beginners
• Takes proper maintenance

Buying guide for the best filter for 55 gallon tank

Buying the best filter for 55 gallon tank is not an easy task. The wide range of products available in the market might already have made you confused. Although there is the best pick and a budget pick included here, you need to focus on the features you need in your product.

For your comfort, we have incorporated a list of buying guide here. You can have a clear idea about the product you need when you know the best for your aquarium is. These are some features that are must require your purchase.

Size and function

These are the two most prominent issues when purchasing a filter for your aquarium. If your filter size does not match with the tank you have, it will create unnecessary problems.

For example, if the filter is not strong enough, you will not get an adequately cleaned tank. On the other hand, if the filter is more significant than the tank capacity, it will take different places and waste your fish tank’s energy.

If you have decoration in your tank, you need a filter that does not cover up much space. Fishes are delicate creatures; the slightest change in the aquarium environment can cause them serious harm. You have to keep that in mind and find filter accordingly.

Effective maintenance

Filter maintenance is a considerable concern. If you think you are not enough experienced in this field, you should opt for a self- priming filter. This way, you will not have to be on alarm for filter maintenance.

But if you are a pro fish keeper, you have to take proper care of the filter priming, adequate filtration, changing the cartridge, etc. The slightest change in the aquarium can cause a massive problem for the fish inside the tank. Keep this in mind too.

Easy filtration and parts durability

Everyone likes a hassle-free proper filtration for their fish tank. You should always look for an option that will make the whole filtration process easier for you. This feature is a must concern for any beginner in this arena.

A fish tank filter is not something you purchase more often. So it has to be the highly durable one. Check if the filter cartridge is easy to remove or not. You need to be concerned about keeping the temperature stable inside the tank. You should check every part before purchasing it.

Media

Not all filter works in the same media. You have to choose a filter system that fits perfectly in your tank. Find the most appropriate match.

The media you can choose for is three-way filtration. This device is the best media for filtration to date. You can maintain the biological, chemical, and physical balance in the tank this way.

You should be aware of the media used in the product you are purchasing. The best filter for 55 gallon tank must include three-stage filtration. Otherwise, you will not get the best service.

FAQ

1. What is the best filter for 55 gallon aquarium?

There is a list of filters available in the market. You need to choose according to your need. You can select from Marineland Penguine Filter, SeaChem Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 55 Gallon (200 Liters) by Sicce, or Aqua Clear: Fish Tank Filter.

2. How many filters should I get for a 55-gallon tank?

According to fish keeping rules, if you have a 55 gallons’ tank, you need to filter the water at least five times per hour. So you need a filter of 275GPH water flow. You need to purchase the filter suitable for this rule.

3. Can you keep an Oscar in a 55-gallon tank?

An Oscar can grow about 10 inches in length when put in an aquarium. Therefore, the fish tank’s required capacity is 55 gallon if you want to keep an Oscar in your tank.

4. What fish can you keep in a 55-gallon tank?

You can keep Zebra Danios, Neon Tetras, or Guppies in the tank. Other than that, you can include Blue Tangs, Clownfish, or Mandarinfish in the tank.

5. How many GPH do I need for a 55-gallon tank?

A 55-gallon tank requires five times of full water filtration per hour. Mathematically, you will need 275 GPH power of filter in your 55-gallon fish tank.

6. Can you over filter a fish tank?

It is easy to under-filter an aquarium, but anyone can rarely over-filter a fish tank. Every aquarium size has a fitted filter type; you better purchase that to avoid confusion.

7. Are two filters better than one?

If you use two filters in one aquarium, none will work as efficiently as they would when putting single. Each filter will face restrictions in this case.

8. Can I use just a sponge filter?

How you want to keep your filter depends on you. A sponge filter will take more of your attention, but you can use just a sponge filter.

9. How many cichlids can I put in a 55-gallon tank?

The number of Cichlids in the aquarium depends on species, maximum size, and temperament. You can keep up to 15 of them in the 55-gallon tank.

10. Can you have too much water flow in a saltwater aquarium?

Aquariums require a constructed environment for the best health of the fish. Having too much water flow in a saltwater aquarium can harm the harmony.

Conclusion

You can never have a fish aquarium without a filter. This filter is the tool that intact the environment inside the tank. And if your aquarium is as big as 55 gallons, that beauty needs some special treatment. You just have to get the best filter.

When you purchase the best filter for 55 gallon tank, you have to think about many points. It has to be budget-friendly, have the necessary features, add to the tank’s beauty, etc. This filter is the tool that keeps your fish in good health. So, choose the perfect filter according to your need.