Are you looking for the best filter for a 55-gallon aquarium? Then you’ve come to the right place! Aquariums are a beautiful addition to any area, and 55-gallon tanks offer a larger surface area for fish to swim in. In addition, you can keep a larger number of fish in a 55-gallon tank than in a smaller tank. However, a larger tank also means more water to filter.
When you’re shopping for a filter for your large aquarium, it’s important to find a filter that will not only keep your water clean but also will be quiet. The best filters for a 55-gallon fish tank are one that is quiet, easy to install, and will not take up a lot of space in your aquarium. In this article, I will review the best filters for a 55-gallon aquarium and offer a buying guide to help you find the right filter for your needs.
Our Top 11 Filter for 55-gallon Tank
- MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter
- Fluval C Series Power Aquarium Filter
- AquaClear Fish Tank Filter
- Penn-Plax Cascade 700 Aquarium Canister Filter
- SunSun Hw304B 525GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit
- Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter
- Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter
- Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter
- Aqueon QuietFlow Aquarium Canister Filter
- Supreme EZ Clean External Aquarium Filter
- EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter
1. MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter
The MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter is one of the best aquarium filters for a 55-gallon tank. It is an internal canister filter that has two refillable chambers. It has two refillable chambers that house aquariums up to 97 gallons and can filter up to 290 gallons of water per hour. This filter also has two refillable cartridges. It can be used for both fresh and saltwater aquariums. MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter is also very easy to install and use. The micron cartridge (included) helps to polish the water and remove impurities. It also has a self-priming pump for easy setup and operation. I highly recommend this filter for anyone with a 55-gallon aquarium.
- Very affordable
- Two refillable chambers
- Comes with a micron cartridge
- Houses up to 290 gallons of water per hour
- The filter can be a bit noisy
2. Fluval C Series Power Aquarium Filter
The Fluval C Series Power Filter is an excellent option for a 55-gallon aquarium. It is a five-stage clip-on power filter that is designed for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It has a mechanical stage to trap debris, a chemical stage to remove impurities, a biological stage to promote healthy bacteria growth, and a final stage to polish the water. This filter is also very easy to install and comes with all the necessary hardware. It is a great choice for a beginner or someone who wants a low-maintenance filter. I would recommend this filter to anyone with a 55-gallon aquarium.
- It is very affordable
- This filter has five different stages
- It has a clip-on design that makes it easy to install and remove
- This filter can be used for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- This filter is not the best filter for huge aquariums
3. AquaClear Fish Tank Filter
The AquaClear Fish Tank Filter is one of the most popular options for a 55-gallon aquarium. It is quick and easy to install and is recommended to be cleaned every 2 weeks. The AquaClear offers mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, making it a great all-in-one option. Also, the filter media is included, so you don’t need to purchase it separately. It is one of the most popular aquarium filters on the market and is a great choice for a 55-gallon aquarium. This filter also provides excellent filtration, removing both small and large debris from your aquarium. So, I highly recommend the AquaClear 50-Gallon Aquarium Filter.
- It’s affordable
- It is easy and quick to install
- It’s highly effective at filtering water
- It has a powerful three-stage filtration system
- Not as powerful as some other filters
4. Penn-Plax Cascade 700 Aquarium Canister Filter
The Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter is a great filter for a 55-gallon aquarium. It has a flow rate of up to 200 gallons per hour, and it can filter up to 30 gallons of water. It also has a self-priming feature, which makes it very easy to use. Also, it comes with 360-degree rotating valve caps. It has a flow rate cut-off water flow. This filter is easy to install, and it is very quiet. This filter also has a flow rate cut-off feature, which prevents the water from flowing back into the aquarium when the power is turned off. I would highly recommend this filter to anyone with a large aquarium.
- The filter has a self-priming feature
- The size is great for a 55-gallon aquarium
- Its 360-degree rotating valve caps make it easy to access the filter media
- The filter has a flow rate cut-off feature that prevents the filter from overworking itself
- May be too intense for some species of fish
5. SunSun Hw304B 525GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit
If you are looking for a filter for your 55-gallon aquarium, the SunSun Hw304B 525GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit with a 9-watt UV Sterilizer is a great option. This filter has a flow rate of 525 GPH and includes 1lb of premium filter carbon, 1lb of ceramic rings, and 1 set of bio balls. This filter also features a 9-watt UV sterilizer to help keep your aquarium water clean and clear. The filter carbon helps to remove dissolved organic compounds from the water. The ceramic rings and bio balls provide biological filtration and help to keep the water clean and clear. Also, this filter is easy to set up and use, and it comes with everything you need to get started. I would highly recommend this filter to anyone looking for a good filter for their 55-gallon aquarium.
- This filter is a great value for the price
- It is ideal for freshwater and saltwater aquariums up to 150 gallons
- Comes with a 9-watt UV sterilizer for maximum water clarity and quality
- The filter is easy to assemble and install and comes with clear instructions
- The filter can be a bit noisy
6. Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter
The Fluval 07 is a high-performance canister filter that is designed for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It has a cutting-edge design and a powerful motor. The cutting-edge design of the Fluval 07 makes it one of the most efficient canister filters on the market. It can be used for freshwater and saltwater aquariums for up to 100 gallons. It is also very easy to maintain. I had never had a canister filter before, and I was impressed with how well this one worked. The water in my aquarium was crystal clear, and the filter kept the water circulating really well. I would definitely recommend this filter to anyone with a 55-gallon aquarium.
- The motor is very powerful
- It is very affordable, and it is a great value for the money
- It has a very sleek design, and it looks great in any aquarium setup
- It is easy to set up and comes with all the necessary parts and accessories
- It is not the best choice for a very large aquarium
7. Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter
The Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter is a great filter for 55-gallon aquariums. It is easy to set up and maintain, and it provides continuous flow and filtration. The no-mess filter cartridge changes make it a great choice for those who do not want to deal with the hassle of changing filter media. Also, the fast setup makes it easy to get your aquarium up and running quickly. I have had this filter for a little over a year now, and it has been amazing. It is very quiet and does an amazing job of keeping my 55-gallon aquarium clean. I would highly recommend this filter to anyone with a similar-sized aquarium.
- It is very quiet
- It is very affordable
- It is easy to install and use
- It has a three-stage filtration system
- It is not the most powerful filter on the market
8. Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter
The Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter is a great filter for a 55-gallon aquarium. It is quiet and efficient, with a 300-gallon-per-hour flow rate. It also comes with disposable, double-sided media cartridges, making it easy to maintain. It is easy to set up and use and is a great value for the price. This filter is a great option for those who want a high-quality, reliable filter for their aquarium. Also, the Penn-Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter with Quad Filtration System comes with a satisfaction guarantee. I have had mine for several months now, and it has worked great. I highly recommend this filter for anyone with a 55-gallon aquarium.
- The filter has a flow rate of 300 GPH
- It’s a hang-on aquarium filter, so it’s easy to install
- The filter is suitable for aquariums up to 100 gallons
- It has a quad filtration system that’s quiet and efficient
- The filter may be too strong for some aquariums
9. Aqueon QuietFlow Aquarium Canister Filter
The Aqueon QuietFlow Aquarium Canister Filter is an excellent filter for a 55-gallon aquarium. This filter provides all three filtration types and has multiple water return options. The filter also comes with quick disconnect valves, pump locking heads, water intake/output connections, hoses, and a water polishing unit with a cartridge and media. The media includes activated carbon, coarse foam, bio-balls, and bio-ceramic rings. This filter is easy to install and use and is very quiet. Also, the Aqueon QuietFlow Aquarium Canister Filter is very affordable. I would highly recommend this filter to anyone with a 55-gallon aquarium.
- It’s very efficient
- Comes with all the necessary hoses and attachments
- Includes biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration
- Can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- The filter can be a bit noisy
10. Supreme EZ Clean External Aquarium Filter
The Supreme EZ Clean External Aquarium Filter is a great filter for a 55-gallon aquarium. It features a built-in water change siphon, gravel cleaner, and dual cartridges (for fresh and saltwater). This filter also has a self-priming pump for easy start-up and an adjustable flow rate knob. The filter is made of durable plastic. Also, it can be used with fresh or saltwater aquariums. This filter is an excellent option for those who want an easy-to-use, effective filter for their 55-gallon aquarium. I would highly recommend this filter for a 55-gallon aquarium.
- It is easy to clean and maintain
- The filter is easily disassembled for cleaning
- The filter comes with a built-in water change siphon
- It comes with dual cartridges for both fresh and saltwater
- The filter is a bit large and may stand out from your interior
11. EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter
The EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter is designed for aquariums up to 55 gallons and features 220GHP of filtration power. The filter includes no-mess cartridges and sponges, making it easy to keep your aquarium clean and healthy. Also, the EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter is made in the USA, ensuring high-quality construction and performance. It has three types of filtration: mechanical, chemical, and biological.
Each type of filtration is important for keeping your aquarium water clean and clear. Mechanical filtration removes physical debris from the water, while chemical filtration removes dissolved impurities. The biological filtration breaks down harmful ammonia and nitrites, keeping your aquarium water safe for your fish. I recommend the EA Performance Hang-On Power Filter because it is a high-quality filter that will keep your aquarium water clean and clear.
- Comes with no-mess cartridges
- Sponges included for biological filtration
- This is a hang-on filter, so it’s easy to install
- Hangs on the back of the aquarium and doesn’t take up much space
- May be noisy
What to Look For When Buying a Filter For 55 Gallon Aquarium
Aquarium filters are an important part of keeping your fish healthy and your water clean. There are many different types and sizes of aquarium filters available on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for your fish and your aquarium.
Mechanical and Biological Filtration
The first thing you should look for in an aquarium filter is that it offers both mechanical and biological filtration. Mechanical filtration removes physical debris, such as uneaten food and fish waste, from the water. Biological filtration breaks down harmful chemicals into harmless byproducts, such as ammonia and nitrites.
Also these are the two main types of aquarium filters mechanical and biological filters. Mechanical filters remove physical debris from the water, such as uneaten food and fish waste. Biological filters remove harmful ammonia and nitrites from the water, which can be toxic to fish.
If you have a 55-gallon aquarium, you will need a filter that can provide both mechanical and biological filtration. There are many different types of filters that can provide both types of filtration, so you will need to decide which one is best for your fish and your aquarium.
Also, keep in mind that some filters may be better at one type of filtration than the other, so you may need to purchase more than one filter to get the best results. It is also important to choose a filter that is the right power to properly filter your aquarium water and don’t hurt your fish or plants.
Low Maintenance
One of the most important things to look for when choosing a filter for your 55-gallon aquarium is low maintenance. You do not want a filter that is going to require a lot of time and effort to keep it running properly. Look for a filter that is easy to clean and does not require a lot of maintenance. Also, look for a filter that is easy to install. You do not want to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to install the filter.
According to this characteristic, filters can be divided into two types: internal and external. Internal filters are filters that sit inside your aquarium. External filters are filters that sit outside of your aquarium. Internal filters are easier to maintain than external filters because you do not have to worry about cleaning the filter. External filters are more difficult to maintain because you have to clean the filter.
Size
The size of the aquarium filter you need will depend on the size of your aquarium. There are many different sizes of aquarium filters available, so you will need to make sure that you choose one that is the right size for your aquarium. It is important to choose a filter that is big enough to filter all of the water in your aquarium but not so big that it takes up too much space in your aquarium.
So, for a 55-gallon aquarium, you will need a filter that is rated for at least 60 gallons. If you choose the weaker one, it will have to work overtime to filter your water, and your fish will not be as healthy. Also, make sure that the filter you choose can fit inside your aquarium cabinet.
Type
There are many different types of aquarium filters available on the market, so you will need to choose the right type for your fish and your aquarium. The most common type of aquarium filter is the canister filter. Canister filters are large filters that sit outside of your aquarium and use tubes to pump water through the filter. Canister filters are very good at filtering water, and they are very easy to maintain. The only downside to canister filters is that they can be expensive.
Another type of aquarium filter is the hang-on-back filter. Hang-on-back filters are smaller filters that hang on the back of your aquarium. Hang-on-back filters are not as good at filtering water as canister filters, but they are much less expensive. Hang-on-back filters are a good choice for beginners or for people who have a small budget.
The last type of the most popular aquarium filter is the power filter. Power filters are the most common type of aquarium filter. Power filters are small filters that hang on the back of your aquarium and use a small pump to pump water through the filter. Power filters are not as good at filtering water as canister filters, but they are much less expensive. Power filters are a good choice for beginners or for people who have a small budget.
Features
When choosing a filter for your 55-gallon aquarium, there are a few features that you may want to look for. One feature is a self-priming feature. This feature allows the filter to start automatically when it is turned on. Another feature to look for is an indicator light. This light will let you know when it is time to clean the filter. Some filters also have a built-in timer. This feature allows you to set the filter to turn on and off at specific times.
If you have a fish tank with live plants, you may want to choose a filter that has a built-in UV sterilizer. This feature will help to keep your plants healthy by preventing the growth of algae. Also, if you have a saltwater aquarium, you may want to choose a filter that has a built-in protein skimmer. This feature will help to remove impurities from the water.
Flow Rate
Another feature to look for when choosing a filter for your 55-gallon aquarium is the flow rate. The flow rate is the amount of water that the filter can move per hour. The higher the flow rate, the more water the filter can move. However, you don’t want to choose a filter with a flow rate that is too high.
If the flow rate is too high, it can cause the water to circulate too quickly. Also, keep in mind that a higher flow rate may create more noise. This can make the fish feel stressed or cause the plants to die. Also, you don’t want to choose a filter with a flow rate that is too low. If the flow rate is too low, the water will not be properly filtered, and the fish may become sick.
Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right flow rate for your aquarium:
- For fish-only tanks: choose a filter with a flow rate of at least 100 gallons per hour.
- For fish tanks with live plants: choose a filter with a flow rate of at least 200 gallons per hour.
- For saltwater tanks: choose a filter with a flow rate of at least 300 gallons per hour.
- For freshwater planted tanks: choose a filter with a flow rate of at least 400 gallons per hour.
But you should remember that it is general information, and the right flow rate depends on other conditions in your aquarium. The best way to determine the flow rate is to ask an expert at your local fish store.
Budget
When choosing an aquarium filter, you need to consider your budget. There are a variety of filters available at different price points. It is important to find a filter that fits your budget and your needs. Aquarium filters can range in price from less than $10 to more than $200.
The type of filter you choose will be the biggest factor in determining the price. Canister filters are the most expensive type of aquarium filter, while power filters are the least expensive. Also, the size of your aquarium will be a factor in determining the price of the filter. The larger the aquarium, the more expensive the filter will be.
The type of fish and plants you have in your aquarium will also be a factor in determining the price of the filter. You will need a more powerful filter if you have a large number of fish or plants. But more powerful filters will be more expensive. Also, remember that some kinds of fish and plants are more sensitive to water quality than others. If you have fish or plants that are sensitive to water quality, you will need to buy a more expensive filter.
So, when choosing a filter for your 55-gallon aquarium, you will need to consider the size of the filter, the type of filter, the filtration of the filter, and the maintenance of the filter. It is important to choose a filter that is the right size for your aquarium, the right type of filter for your fish, and the right filtration for your water. It is also essential to choose a filter that is easy to maintain.
FAQs on Best Filter for 55 Gallon Aquarium
Have questions left about the different filters for the 55-gallon aquarium? Look through my answers to your most frequently asked questions. Chances are you’ll learn something new from them, too.
What size filter for 55-gallon tank?
The size of your filter will depend on the size of your tank. For a 55-gallon aquarium, you will need a filter that can handle at least 250 gallons per hour. It is always best to choose a filter that is rated for a higher flow rate than your tank size so that your filter can keep up with the waste produced by your fish.
How often do I change my 55-gallon aquarium filter?
Generally, it is recommended that you change your filter every 4-6 weeks. Also, keep an eye on the condition of your filter media and replace it when it starts to break down. The frequency of your filter changes will also depend on the fish you have in your aquarium and the amount of waste they produce.
Is it better to have 2 filters in a fish tank?
While there are benefits to having two filters in a fish tank, it is not necessary. A single filter can provide adequate filtration for most tanks. However, if you have a huge tank or a tank with a lot of fish, you may want to consider adding a second filter. Also, if you have a tank with sensitive fish, having two filters can provide redundancy in case one filter breaks down.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of options when you’re looking for the best filter for 55-gallon aquariums. You’ll need to make sure that you have a filter that can handle the size and weight of your aquarium and that will also suit your own personal needs. Also, you should remember about specifics of your fish and their behavior, which is to be taken into account when choosing the filter.
I hope this guide was helpful, and you’ll be able to make your decision more easily now. Good luck with choosing the best filter for your aquarium! If you have any more questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to leave them below.
