What is the Best Filter for 75 Gallon Tank?

Best Filters for a 75 Gallon Tank

Having an aquarium is a rewarding and fun activity – it provides a window into another dimension where you can enjoy the peacefulness of the underwater world that your fish live within …. whilst letting the stress of the day dissssolve away ….

Larger tanks, like a 75 gallon (close on 350 litre) need an effective and more powerful solution in terms of keeping up the crystal clear appearance inside the tank – especially if you are carrying close to the capacity of fish species that the aquarium ideally can support ….. plus the plants.

It is critically important that the tank is kept pristinely clean as this will enable your fish to maintain optimal health and the tank will be the glistening jewel in the room!

6 Best Filters for 75 Gallon Tanks

There are many filter types, however, not all are suitable for a larger tanks like a 75 gallon aquarium where the filter must be capable of filtering the entire tank 3 to 5 times an hour – thats 225 to 375 gallons / hr!

HOB filters are most popular type of filter on the market because they are easy to install and highly effective. These filters are simple and require only basic maintenance and care. As the filters hang on the back edge of the aquarium, the full view of your fish and anything in your tank is unobstructed.

Some HOB (Hang on Back) types can manage the task, but the Canister range of filters is where large gallon tank requiring a relatively powerful filter setup so as to maintain the health of the tank, come into their own and Canister filters generally are the choice where the budget allows.

Here are our top picks for the best filters for 75 gallon tanks – ALL are top rated units and each have their own pros and cons and price bracket.

Ultimately, as the Aquarist, you will choose the one that ticks all the boxes for you 🙂

Marineland Penguin 350 BIO-Wheel Power Filter

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Marineland has a very cool reputation when it comes down to aquariums and aquarium accessories.

With a flow of 350 GPH (gallons per hour), this is definitely rated for 75 gallons so it can be quite a powerful competitor.

It can be used for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

The filter can accept Rite-Size C filter cartridges and it has a 3-stage system, which is composed of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration methods to effectively make your tank crystal clear.

Things We Liked

• 3-stage filtration
• The powerful flow rate of 350 GPH
• Okay for freshwater and saltwater species
• No need for shutting down valves
• Easy to fix and maintain
• Can be quiet

Things We Didn’t Like

• May suck up small gravel

SeaChem Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter

As another filter for large aquariums, this one has a self-priming pump so it can be easy to operate and maintain.

Its impeller even has a self-cleaning feature and it also has a surface skimmer.

Its telescoping intake pipe allows you to draw water out specifically out of the tank.

You can use it for either saltwater or freshwater tanks and it also has a maintenance alert feature.

This can be helpful so you don’t have to always manually check the filter inside the tank. The surface skimmer can work against algae, fish oil, and the like.

Things We Liked

• Self-priming
• Surface skimmer
• Self-cleaning impeller
• Maintenance alert feature
• Telescoping intake pipe

Things We Didn’t Like

• Can be more expensive than other filters

Polar Aurora Free Media 3-Stage External Aquarium Filter

As an aquarium filter that is built for heavy-duty use, this one is a canister type that has a flow rate of 265 GPH.

It comes with its own pump and hose that can reach up to 4.6 feet.

There is also an adjustable spray bar so you can aim the filtered water anywhere in the aquarium.

What’s more, this one has a low noise level due to its design while its flexible media trays can allow you to use activated carbons, bio-balls, ceramic rings, and the like.

Things We Liked

• Self-priming pump
• Heavy-duty design
• Adjustable spray bar
• Flexible media trays
• Low noise level
• Beginner-friendly

Things We Didn’t Like

• Intake parts could be improved

Aqueon Ammonia Remover for QuietFlow

Made with a pre-cut design, this can be a supplemental filter that can go in your QuietFlow filter or system.

It is rated for up to 75 gallons and can be safe for both fish and plants.

A total of 4 ammonia reducing filter pads are included. They can be replaced every 2 to 3 weeks.

IF you have exotic goldfish in your tank then this can be useful in keeping their water clean and not bad-smelling. It is also backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.

Things We Liked

• Compatible with QuietFlow filters
• Pre-cut design
• Good for exotic goldfish
• Backed by a manufacturer’s warranty

Things We Didn’t Like

• A little overpriced for filter pads

Lee’s 70/90 Premium Undrgravel Filter

If you prefer an under-grave filter, this one can be a choice for you.

It has enough space for natural beneficial bacteria to grow so that it can also be used to remove algae naturally.

It can be used as a supplemental filter for your power filters. It is also easy to set up since it is placed under your gravel or substrate.

Measuring 18 x 48 inches, this UGF has plates that are large enough to fit most aquariums, especially those with 75 gallons or even up to 90 gallons. They are also cut to fit, as well as the tubes.

Things We Liked

• Easy to set up
• Works as a supplemental filter
• Not invasive in its design
• The plastic material is quite durable for an under-gravel filter

Things We Didn’t Like

• May need adjustments on the flow

Things to Consider

In choosing the best filter for a 75-gallon tank, here are some criteria:

How do I choose the best tank filter?

In choosing the best tank filter for your needs, you may want to consider the following:

1. Your tank size in gallons. The tank size can dictate which filter is the best for your fish. If your tank is about 75 gallons in its size then you may want to pick a filter that is stronger and has more power. A good starter would be one that has 200 or more GPH or gallons per hour.

 

2. The species of fish. Most filters work well for Betta fish. However, it is important to know if your filter is rated for either saltwater or freshwater fish. There are filters that could be too powerful for some species.

 

3. Power or flow rate of the filter. This is measured in gallons per hour or GPH and is the measurement of how much the filter can process with its air pump. For a larger gallon filter, such as a 75-gallon one, you may want to consider something that is stronger since it is a big tank.

 

4. Size of your fish. Small fish may get sucked in the filter if the flow rate is too high. If you have a lot of fish but are big enough, then the filter can be fine if it has a mid to strong flow.

 

5. The number of fish that you have. For species that reproduce quickly, such as guppies and Bettas, you may want to consider a fish tank filter that is friendly towards them in terms of the power or flow rate.

 

6. Type of filter. These filters can be different in terms of power, setting it up, aspect of cleaning, and maintenance, so it is important to weigh down the pros and cons of each.

 

7. Filter media. The filter media can be different for each filter. For instance, some can accept only bio-filters and ceramic rings while others can also accept carbon filters.

 

8. Ease of maintenance. Your filter should be an aid for you not to often change the water in your tank. It should not give you too much hassle when it comes down to maintenance, so it can be important to look for a filter that takes weeks before you need to clean it up or replace the filter media.

What are the benefits of a filter for a fish tank?

A tank filter can be beneficial with the following:

 

1. Less replacement of water. You don’t have to replace the water for a longer period of time versus when you didn’t have a filter.

 

2. Removes ammonia. Most fishkeepers will tell you that ammonia is bad for fish. It is toxic waste that comes from their systems and therefore must be removed from the aquarium waters. To do this, you don’t have to

 

3. Aerates the water. It gives off a swirl so that your fish gets the right amount of oxygen in the water. Filters do clean up the water so it helps your fish breathe properly.

 

4. Crystal clear water. No one wants a dirty-looking tank! Having crystal-clear water can be easily achieved by using a tank filter.

What are the different kinds of tank filters?

There are many kinds of filters to use and choose for your tank:

1. Sponge filter. These ones are usually mechanical and are air-driven. They are the cheapest as well and they can be ideal for beginners. What they do is they pump beneficial live bacteria into your fish habitat, so they should be cleaned in the right way to avoid losing such bacteria.

 

2. Hang-on back. These types of filters can be great for mechanical filtration since they are powered. They can hang on the back of your aquarium and can be loaded with any cartridge that you have, which is usually carbon. If you have a bigger tank, you can benefit from one that has biological wheels (like our top pick from above).

 

3. Canister filters. These are usually better for bigger aquariums that have more plants in them. They tend to be better in terms of chemical filtration but they could be a little bit more expensive than the other types. They are also ideal for saltwater aquariums due to their chemical filtration.

 

4. Undergravel filter. This one is not obtrusive in terms of design since you kind of just lay it down and have the tubes on the side. It can be great for those who have a substrate and don’t have room for any other filter.

Conclusion

Our top pick for the best filter for 75-gallon tank is the MarineLand Penguin 350 BIO-Wheel Power Filter because of its 3-stage filtration, a powerful flow rate of 350 GPH, and compatibility with freshwater and saltwater species. There is no need for shutting down valves with it and it is easy to fix and maintain.

Its motor can be quiet although it can still suck up some small gravel. We chose it specifically because it does the job and is powerful enough without making too much noise compared to other filters.