Best Filter for 55 Gallon Aquarium

Filters can be different from each other but they all do the same thing – to keep your aquarium water sparkling clean and crystal clear.

However, not all filters can fit on all aquarium sizes – some fish tanks or reptile tanks can have difficulties for filters that have too harsh filters or pumps that may blow or suck fish.

There are also instances where filters don’t match the amount of water inside, causing an ineffective filtering process.

If you own a 55-gallon tank, you may want something that’s just right for your tank. That’s why you may want to look for the best filter for 55 gallon aquarium out there. This kind of filter should be one that can address the needs of small to medium-sized fish.

Top 5 Best Filters for 55 Gallon Aquarium

We’ve got you covered with our filter for 55 gallon tank reviews:

Huijukon Air Pump Double Sponge Filter

With a low noise design, this double sponge filter comes with all the accessories you need, such as the airline tubing, air pump, air valve, suction cups, and more.

Due to the dual sponge design, it can cycle faster than most filters while it operates with minimal noise.

Fish that can use this for their tank include breeders, baby fish, guppies, goldfish, Betta, and even fry and shrimp. You can also adjust the sponge filter for up to 360 degrees due to the rotating design of the T-type connector.

Things We Liked

• Adjustable t-type connector
• Minimal noise
• Can be great for breeding fish
• Doesn’t flood when it gets clogged

Things We Didn’t Like

• Can be a bit difficult to clean

Aquapapa Pack of 2 Bio Sponge Filter

Also a sponge filter set, this one measures 6.5 x 2.4 x 9.5 inches each and they can be used for breeding fish as a secondary filter or as a main filter.

It also uses the power of aerobic bacteria to deliver the beneficial bacteria to your fish to keep them healthy and it also gives your fish tank both mechanical and biological filtration.

Due to the dual sponge design, you can use this for two separate aquariums or just one that’s a little bigger or wider. It can be used for fish, shrimp, and the like and it has a quiet operation.

Things We Liked

• Can be used for breeding fish
• Easy dispersal of beneficial bacteria for fish
• Quiet operation
• 2 filters in a pack

Things We Didn’t Like

• May not fit standard airline tubing

uxcell XINYOU XY-380 Biochemical Sponge Filter

As a sponge filter, it measures 5 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches for its filter and the tube measures 13/15 x 2 3/4 inches. It’s not very heavy at only 306 g and can be a good addition for biochemical sponge filtering as well as mechanical filtration. It also adds aeration to your fish when you install an airline to it.

Due to the slim design, you can fit in two of these same units in just one 55-gallon aquarium. It will be safe for babies, plants, and the like and it is also easy to hide within any aquarium decor.

Things We Liked

• Adds aeration to fish for beneficial bacteria
• Can fit two in one 55-gallon tank
• Safe for babies and breeders
• Easy to install

Things We Didn’t Like

• Can be a bit cumbersome in some tanks

Lee’s 40/55 Premium Undergravel Filter

If you prefer an under gravel filter, this one could be a great choice for you. It measures 12 x 48 inches so it can fit in most aquariums of such size.

It can be used by saltwater aquariums as well and it can also help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria due to its design.

This undergravel filter fits under most gravel beds and it can be used as an additional or supplemental filter for your existing system. It can also possibly reduce cracking or splitting due to the multi-level plate design.

Things We Liked

• Less maintenance
• Promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria
• Good quality plastic material
• Has free activated carbon cartridges

Things We Didn’t Like

• The holes of the filter tubes can be too big

Tetra 25931 TetraFauna Viquarium

If you have an amphibian tank, this one can be a great decor and filter system at the same time. It can also be used for fish tanks and aquatic reptiles with its 3-stage water filtration, which has a quiet operation. It can fit most 55-gallon aquariums and can also be used for turtle tanks.

The set also includes medium cartridges for you to use. Since it has a realistic waterfall and riverbed basking area, it will be a great decor for your tank that also helps to clean the water.

Things We Liked

• Great for attracting beneficial bacteria for the fish
• Can be used for fish, reptiles, and turtles
• Keeps the gravel in place
• Can become a hiding place for fish or reptiles

Things We Didn’t Like

• May look fake to some people with design concerns

Things to Consider

Before buying a filter for 55 gal aquarium, you may want to consider the following FAQs first:

What are the different tank filter types?

To help you choose, here are some tank filter types to get you familiarized:

1. Sponge filter. This one can be capable of chemical, mechanical, and biological filtration and is good for those who are keeping babies or breeding fish. They are usually good for keeping beneficial bacteria and don’t give out too much noise.
2. Power filters. These can suck up water from the aquarium using a siphon tube. They hang at the back of your filter and they make use of a filter pad, which you can load as filter media through its basket.
3. Canister filters. They are great for planted and saltwater aquariums so they are recommended for serious aquarium hobbyists and those with larger tanks. They may not be suitable for tanks that have small fish due to their power and suction.
4. Undergravel filter. As the name implies, this one is capable of filtering your aquarium quietly and can help breed beneficial bacteria for the fish. It uses uplift tubes and is usually planted below the gravel or substrate of your tank. Keep in mind that they are best for keeping as a secondary filter only.
5. Internal filters. If you have a small or nano aquarium, this one can be a good choice for those with 20 gallons or below capacity. They can stick to the aquarium glass and use an airline to suck up the dirt and debris. They are usually small and non-intrusive.

How many fish should I feet in a 55-gallon aquarium?

The rule of thumb is generally to fit 1 fish per 1 gallon of a tank. So to say, 55 gallons of fish may keep 55 inches of species – make sure to measure your fish!

Also don’t forget to consider the other factors such as the number of plants and decors you have in your aquarium in doing so, as well as the shape of your chosen aquarium.

What fish can live in a 55-gallon aquarium?

These fish can be great starters for this aquarium size:

1. Cory catfish. Keep at least 5 of them in a group and you can keep up to 10 in your tank. They benefit most from sinking pellets since they are bottom dwellers. You can choose up to 2 different types of cory catfish, as there are different species of it.
2. Gourami. The gourami can be added as a pair since they grow up to 6 inches in length. Consider putting up hiding spots or lessening the male population since they are usually aggressive fish. You may also consider the dwarf gourami instead if space is your problem. They fit well into a tank with a lot of structures.
3. Loaches. Specifically the clown loach, they fit well into 55-gallon tanks and they feast on snails (bad luck if you want to keep snails around). Driftwood structures can be beneficial for them to become their hiding place. They are usually large so they usually needed to be moved to a bigger tank once they’ve grown to a foot long.
4. Plecostomus or common pleco. They can be great algae eaters and can feed well from algae wafers and sinking pellets. They may get aggressive so it’s good to keep the male population to a minimum. They also tend to grow large so you may want to move them much later. Keep driftwood in the tank or they may ruin your other live plants.
5. Neon tetras. These cute little fish are great for beginners and are quite small. You can keep up to 20 in a tank but make sure they don’t get in touch with large fish. They also tend to overpopulate so watch their numbers from time to time.
6. Angelfish. Growing up to 1 foot, they are usually around the surface of the aquarium. Lessen the plants in your tank to ensure that the fish fins don’t get ruined and such.
7. Cherry barbs. These fish can be kept in schools of 6 to 8. They usually don’t group together not unless something bad’s going to happen.
8. Zebra danio. The striped fish can be an attractive addition to any 55-gallon tank and you can keep them as a lucky fish (in some cultures). They tend to have a docile temperament.
9. Mollies. Nearly any molly species can be kept in a 55-gallon aquarium, as long as they are in a well-stocked tank to avoid bullying.
10. Platies and swordtail. They are bright fish and can be great for most 55-gallon tanks. Since they do tend to get aggressive, stocking more females than males is important.
11. Guppies. For beginners, guppies can be a good starting investment. Make sure that you do control their population when you are stocking them. They tend to swim at the top of the tank.

You can also fit in the following non-fish species into your tank:

Cherry and ghost shrimp. If you plan to keep a bit of fry, you can do so by adding these two species, which help out to clean the tank. These shrimps are only good if you prefer to keep medium-sized fish or smaller ones, as larger ones could make them prey.

Which plants are the best for 55-gallon tanks?

If you want to decorate your tank, you may want to consider the following:

1. Water sprite. They usually get planted on the gravel although their roots float around. They are best for corner plants.
2. Aponogeton. This plant has flowing leaves that may look stylish and natural in your aquarium, which can also act as a good hiding place for fish. It can be placed in the center of your tank.
3. Cryptocoryne balansae. This species of plants (and all other crypts) are good for those who are keeping species that require hard alkaline water. They are also good for aquariums with low lighting.

How much gravel should I put in my 55-gallon tank?

When you’re planning to put the substrate or gravel on your tank, you may want to consider at least 40 to 60 lbs. of gravel.

The general idea is to have 2 lbs. of gravel per 1 gallon of water. It may also depend on the size of your aquarium, as not all aquarium tanks have the same design.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, our best filter for 55-gallon aquarium would be the Huijukon Air Pump Double Sponge Filter due to its included accessories, minimal noise levels, anti-clogging design, adjustable t-type connector, and friendliness towards breeding fish and babies. While it can be a bit difficult to clean, it can be a great investment for quite a lot of fish.

While the other filters are also okay, they work well as supplemental filters. All of the filters we mentioned above can do great on their own, but we picked this one due to its flexibility.