What’s the Best 110 to 179 Gallon Aquarium Filter

Penn Plax Cascade 1500 Elite Canister Aquarium Filter

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The Penn Plax Cascade 1500 Elite is good for freshwater and marine aquariums. Its large capacity blends in with its powerful motor and filtration. It comes with swimming pool-inspired rotating valves. So it looks as aesthetically-pleasant as it feels ergonomic.

There’s incredible quality control on this aquarium filter. Because of its large capacity, you will notice a considerable difference in 24 hours. The filter media is easy, effective, and durable. Changing it or cleaning it is a breeze as well.

All the components are plastic though sturdier and more rugged. The cover, which is also of plastic, is transparent. And it allows you to see everything going on inside which is helpful. Mystery is not what this aquarium filter encourages. And the translucent casing is proof of that.

Each of the media filters come with a handle and lid. So does the main body which helps in lifting and cleaning. The housing has 5 media baskets giving you plenty of filtration options to choose from.

It filters water in the standard biological, mechanical, and chemical way. The motor has its own self-primer to make setup quick and easy. The large filter tray is stable and durable. Hence, it encourages better water filtration.

Pros:

The air-tight seal ensures quiet and effective filtration.
Works with a variety of medial filters including bio-sponge.

Cons:

The filter trays are difficult to snap together.

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Fluval Canister Filter FX6 Filter

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You can buy the Fluval Canister FX6 and use it for the longest time. It has a large capacity, a strong flow rate, and excellent water circulation features. Giving the best 110 to 179 gallon aquarium filter performance for the price.

As you use this canister filter, it will uncover its special qualities. But here are some that caught me off guard. Such as mechanical pre-filtering. The foam filter is lined in such a way that it makes filtration more efficient.

Each basket has a large capacity to promise consistent performance. This consistency really reflects on the filter’s efficacy. Each media basket is removable, cleanable, and sturdy. There are T-handles on each that you can instantly lift them.

This really complements the filter’s multi-filtration system. With mechanical, biological, and chemical media filters. This canister filter doesn’t second guess what it does best. It just does it!

The filtration is also equipped with re-circulation. This keeps the water flowing gently without stirring the rocks. In a big aquarium, the motor is powerful enough to keep the current flowing. So the filtration doesn’t stop!

Pros:

It continuously circulates water through its filtration.
Easy to assemble and maintain.

Cons:

It’s a heavy and bulky canister filter.

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Polar Aurora Free Media External Aquarium Filter

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While the previous pick offers excellent durability. The Polar Aurora Free Media Filter offers unmatched filtration. Having to assemble and notice results within a few hours is shocking. But that’s exactly what this external aquarium filter does.

It is equipped with UV-light and a 4-step filtration system. While the UV light kills bacteria, viruses, and parasite. The 4-step filters take care of what’s remaining. This aquarium filter also offers tremendous media storage capacity.

It ensures a better contact with water. By trapping impurities such as organic debris on the surface of the filter. You can easily remove and clean the filters. Though you don’t have to rush between each cleaning cycle.

All thanks to the filter’s rugged quality. It comprises of so many essential parts. Each offering incredible stability and ruggedness to the performance. For example, the ceramic rings and mesh media bag are sturdy.

With biological filtration, the ceramic rings help enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria. This maintains the filtration of the water. While the media trays trap algae spores with the help of Activated Carbon.

For someone experiencing severe algae problems in their aquarium. This external aquarium filter is a quick and effective solution. Give it 2-3 days and the green of the water and sliminess will disappear forever!

Pros:

Comes with a built-in pump and adjustable spray bar.
Self-primer and large media trays to reduce assembly time.

Cons:

Replace the plastic clamps with metal ones.

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Fluval FX4High Performance Aquarium Canister Filter

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The Fluval FX4High Filter is a smart choice. It runs on a microchip technology which pumps out 700 gallons of water per hour. Now you might think that such a powerful flow rate can’t be for a 200 gallon aquarium. But that’s only it.

This canister filter effortlessly handles a high water flow rate. This means it manages and optimizes the water flow to suit your aquarium. So it’s more customized and micro-managed than what you’re used to.

The motor has a self-starting pump. All you have to do is plug it in and the smart pump will take care of everything else. It traps all sorts of impurities, organic debris, etc. And one thing that’s often overlooked in canister filters. And that’s air; this filter pumps out that too.

So there’s less clogging, lagging, or trapping of dust and air. The filter does this once every 12 hours to make sure the pump runs smoothly. The media baskets are spacious and sturdy. You can remove them for cleaning or replacing and stack them back again.

The water rushes through its intricate valve system which is leak-proof. All thanks to the click attachment system. Water circulation is also steady and consistent. This is because the valves are placed at a 45-degrees angle.

Ideal for freshwater and saltwater aquarium, clean water reaches everywhere. The multi-directional nozzles, drain valves, and telescopic strainer improves functionality.

So you get continuous water flow in the tank. While ensuring that the canister maintains and reboots itself against clogging or traps.

Pros:

Anti-clog and air-evacuating filtration system.
Compact, ergonomic, and sturdy construction.
Cons:

The lid and media baskets are tricky to remove.

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API Filstar XP-L

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The API Filstar XP-L has the same flow rate as the top pick. It’s designed to make water crystal clear and healthy. By using its 3-stage filtration, it removes odors, discoloration, and toxins.

There’s plenty of research behind this best 110 to 179 gallon aquarium filter. It has bio-chem filtration which works faster than activated carbon. To get it started, all you need is a cup full of water. It has a self-primer which eliminates the need for hand-pumping.

Everything inside the filter is kept clean and dust-free. All thanks to the air-tight seal and airlock system. But this has another advantage which I’m sure you’re not so used to. And that is that the airlock eliminates the need for re-priming.

Most of the functions such as the flow rate and power are customized. In case of damages such as an overflow, the filter shuts itself off automatically. They have a self-locking water shutoff system in place for that.

The 4 media baskets come with an inner divider so nothing gets in the way. This also helps when you want to replace only one filter and keep the rest. Allowing you to experiment and improvise with mechanical, biological, and chemical filters.

By the looks of it, the API Filstar XP-L is an intuitive and user-friendly choice. You will love it if you want basic filtration supported by a top-notch filter. It offers good water pressure, flow, and is easy to use.

Pros:

The pump is quiet and smooth.
The filters are easy to replace and clean.
Cons:

Installing some of the parts are tricky.
No instructions manual for upkeep.

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