Canister filters are usually the best option if you want to clean an aquarium that is too large for most filters out there. Canister filters work best on those that are above 75 gallons in terms of their capacity. If you have a 100-gallon aquarium, you may be looking for or the best filter for 100 gallon aquarium.
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Many filters out there may be too weak, such as the sponge filters, to take care of the business of your fish that may be living in your large tank.
Therefore, you may need something that is more powerful than that. If you want power filters that are not so obtrusive yet can do the right job then you came to the right place.
In this article, we will review some of the best filters for this aquarium sizes as well as pointers on how to choose one for your needs.
Our Top Picks: Best Filter for 100 Gallon Tank
Here are our top picks for the best filter for 100-gallon aquarium:
Polar Aurora Free Media 3-Stage External Canister Filter
This canister filter is what we think would be the best if you want quality without breaking the bank as much.
Polar Aurora’s canister filters have always been popular among many fishkeepers out there.
It has a flow rate of 370 GPH so it is definitely rated for larger tanks such as those at 100 gallons.
It also has an adjustable spray bar so you can aim the nozzle anywhere you like. This would be useful for not blowing away your fish (especially the small ones).
The 3-stage filtering can be useful for thoroughly cleaning up your tank from debris such as fish ammonia. Its 9-watt UV sterilizer can help control the growth of algae and unnecessary bacteria (but not the beneficial ones!).
Things We Liked
- Adjustable spray bar
- High flow rate
- 3-stage filtration system
- UV sterilizer
- Flexible media trays
- Good customer service
Things We Didn’t Like
- The flow cannot be adjusted
Fluval FX4High Performance Aquarium Canister Filter
Yet another canister filter, this one may look like it’s rated for 250 gallons and above but it can also be used for those with a smaller tank size, such as 100 gallons.
It has a stackable set of media baskets so you can find it more effective than the layering system of other filters (which usually cause water bypass).
The filter has a strong rate of 700 GPH so it may be useful for larger aquariums with bigger fish. It also has a smart pump and a self-priming feature for convenience.
Every 12 hours, it also automatically evacuates trapped air so you don’t have to do this kind of thing manually. The tall design makes it compact and not obtrusive under most aquarium setups out there.
Things We Liked
- Strong output
- Self-priming feature
- Automatic evacuation of trapped air
- Stackable media baskets
- Compact design
- Comes with filter media ready to use
Things We Didn’t Like
- Can be a bit pricey
Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Power Filter Cartridges
Made for up to 300 GPH of flow rate, this filter cartridge set may work on your existing Penn Plax system.
It also has a carbon material that keeps its place inside the basket to eliminate water by-pass. The cartridge is ready to be used and sold in packs of 3.
The carbon material can be used for aquariums that have a terrible smell. It has no requirement for assembly so it can be a straightforward item for beginner fishkeepers.
You can use it just fine for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. Since it has two sides, it can be much more effective than store-bought filter cartridges.
Things We Liked
- Activated carbon
- The design prevents water by-pass
- Works with most Penn Plax filters
- Easy to install
- Can remove odors
- Can last up to 12 weeks
Things We Didn’t Like
- Fits only Penn Plax Cascade filters
Lee’s Triple-Flow Corner Filter
If you want a corner filter as a supplemental one, this filter may do the trick.
It is applicable for tanks up to 100 gallons and can be used by beginners due to its straightforward design.
The 3 intake vents can be attached to any air pump that you have.
The corner filter is not too bulky and can also be used on isolation tanks as well as those with breeding fish.
You can choose the filter media that you want, such as for biological, chemical or mechanical filtration. It can even be used if you have an axolotl tank or even a goldfish tank.
Things We Liked
- Easy to set up
- Works with most fish species
- Can be okay with breeder tanks
- You can choose your own filter media
- Has 3 intake vents
- Space-saving
Things We Didn’t Like
- The included air stone could be too lightweight
Lee’s 15/20 Original Undergravel Filter
If you want an under gravel filter for your large tank, this may do the trick.
With a size of 12 x 24 inches, it has optional setup pieces so that you can attach it to an existing powerhead.
Since it is made with a special kind of plastic, it won’t be too prone to cracking.
You can use this under gravel filter for most fish, such as bottom feeders, goldfish, Bettas, algae eaters, and even snails.
Since it is an undergravel filter, it won’t be obtrusive and can be less of a maintenance problem due to not having any cartridge to replace.
Things We Liked
- Less obtrusive
- Durable plastic material
- Can accommodate different species of fish
- Easy to assemble
Things We Didn’t Like
- May require a powerful air pump
Things to Consider
In choosing the best filter for a 100-gallon aquarium, here are some criteria:
How do I choose the best tank filter for 100 gallons?
To choose the best tank filter, you should consider the following criteria, if you have 100 gallons for the tank:
Criteria | Typical type/range | Best for 100 gallons |
Filter type | Canister filter Hang-on back Sponge filter Undergravel filter Internal filter | Canister filter |
A canister filter is recommended better for 100 gallons since it is a big tank, which needs a more powerful filter to suck up dirt and remove all the bad stuff from your fish.
You can also place larger filters such as the canister or the internal filters just fine because the tank is quite big and roomy. Unlike with a smaller tank, a 100-gallon tank may be just fine with bulkier filters as long as they are unobtrusive to your fish (and your plants).
Criteria | Typical type/range | Best for 100 gallons |
Filter media | Carbon cartridges Ceramic rings Bio-balls | Carbon cartridges |
Carbon cartridges work best for large tanks such as those up to 100 gallons since they may also have a bad smell. Carbon is great for removing bad odor as well as being strong enough to handle most dirt and debris from a fish tank.
What are the benefits of a filter for a fish tank?
A fish tank can benefit from a filter by the following:
- Cleanliness. A fish tank can benefit from a filter since it cleans up all the debris, waste material, and other things that may make the water cloudy or smoky, which may feel disgusting to you and your guests (and your fish).
- Gives oxygen to the fish. Filters also circulate water better to add aeration and better oxygen for your fish to breathe.
- Removes ammonia. The ammonia that is removed from fish can be toxic to them if it is still lingering around your tank, so it’s best to leave that job to the filter.
- Fewer water changes. With a tank filter, you don’t have to do the chore of water changes much more often than you think.
What are the different kinds of tank filters to choose from?
To help you decide, here are the different fish tank or aquarium filter types:
- Canister Filter. They tend to be powerful with their flow rate and are best for larger tanks.
- Undergravel filter. They are the best for saving space inside and have no filter cartridges to change.
- Sponge Filter. They are the best for smaller fish tanks due to their small power.
- Hang-on back filter. These filters hang on the back and are usually not that obtrusive. They are best for medium-sized tanks.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best filter for 100-gallon aquarium is the Polar Aurora Free Media 3-Stage External Canister Filter because of the adjustable spray bar, the high flow rate, the 3-stage filtration system, the UV sterilizer, and the flexible media trays.
Apart from that, Polar Aurora offers good customer service, according to most reviews, and if you ever find defects in your product, they can be communicative.
While it does lack a flow control, this is an optional thing and you can just remedy that by positioning rocks along the way.