Don’t you just hate it when the aquarium looks dirty? Especially when it’s a big aquarium with lots of fish in it. Keeping the water clean with the best 90, 100 gallon aquarium filter is vital.
If buying one feels too intimidating, I understand why. It’s because buying aquarium filters with so many choices available is confusing! I agree with you when you’re just as perplexed with the selection process. But I don’t want you to settle on the first aquarium filter you see.
It’s time to kick the old ways out! This impressive review article holds some of the best aquarium filter brands. From user-friendly and intuitive features, there is no such thing as “inadequate.”
It will help you understand how an aquarium filter works. And why choosing the best 90, 100 gallon aquarium filter is good for you and your fish. Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?
Top 5 Choices for the Best Aquarium Filters
| IMAGE | NAME | SPECIFICATION | PRICE? |
 | Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Aquarium Filter | CAPACITY: Up to 100 gallons TYPE: Canister SPEED: 265 GPH | Check on Amazon |
 | Aqua Clear 110 Fish Tank Filter | CAPACITY: 60 to 100 gallons TYPE: HOB SPEED: 500 GPH
| Check on Amazon |
 | MarineLand Magniflow Canister Filter | CAPACITY: Up to 100 gallons TYPE: Canister SPEED: 360 GPH | Check on Amazon |
 | Polar Aurora Free Media External Aquarium Filter | CAPACITY: Up to 100 gallons TYPE: External Canister Kit SPEED: 370 GPH | Check on Amazon |
 | Aquatop CF Series Canister Filte | CAPACITY: Up to 125 gallons TYPE: Canister SPEED: 370 GPH | Check on Amazon |
Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Aquarium Filter Review
The Penn Plax Cascade 1000 is a competent and reliable canister filter. It is suitable for 100 gallon fish tanks, aquariums, and turtle tanks. It uses a trickle water technology making it the easiest canister filter to use.
Assembling this canister filter is simple and quick to do. It comes in a variety of parts such as the flow valve, extra-large capacity, suction, and the base. The main container has 3 media chambers to remove particles and impurities.
The 360-degree rotating valve makes the quick-start primer work fluently. This is what makes this canister really impressive at its job. And that is to clean water without uttering a single noise.
The dirt impurities in the water enter through the directional clamps. And while flowing out, these clamps keep the dirt impurities in and the clean water out. The filters include bio-floss, bio-sponge, carbon, and other media filters.
You can use these filters in combination with each other. Or use a specific filter such as bio-sponge to get rid of discoloration, bacteria, and odor. This best 90, 100 gallon aquarium filter lets you choose your best route.
I don’t want to forget about the ergonomic design. A lot of times, having a canister filter is not as much about performance. What it can also be about is ease of use. And the fold-up handle on this filter is worth mentioning. It helps lift and remove media filters without shaking the whole filter.
It’s safe to say that this aquarium filter really takes care of itself. The exceptional value, ergonomic design, and quiet operation are proof of that fact.
Pros:
All components are made from hard plastic.
Traps and removes floating impurities in the water.
Cons:
No installation manual for newbies.
Aqua Clear 110 Fish Tank Filter Review
Designed for multiple gallon aquariums, the Aqua Clear 110 is worth going over. It boasts of a high GPH flow with high-quality components. It’s a hang-on-back filter system with its own AquaClear flow technology.
This means it reduces the flow to 50% in order to filter more accurately. This it does without interrupting the impeller and motor. This makes it more user-friendly and efficient to handle. The filter uses less energy to give you more filtration.
What’s also good for you is this filter’s re-circulation technology. The water comes into contact with filters more than once. But this only happens when the water flow from the impeller are slowed down by 50%.
If you own an aquarium, you need to know about the importance of contact. If the contact time between the water and the filter is slow. It allows for better water filtering and quality check. This also creates a healthier, crystal clearer, and shinier tank.
The media filter basket is equipped with its own Cycle Guard System. One of its special features is the BioMax ceramic media insert. It enhances the water filtering process when compared to standard cartridge filters.
This is not only economical but also adequate. The water will pass slower through the filters ensuring more filtration and accuracy. This has its own upshot which is that the water stays clean for a long time.
Pros:
The media filter baskets are large and versatile.
The performance is quiet and effective.
Cons:
The motor needs manual priming.
MarineLand Magniflow Canister Filter Review
You’re in luck because the MarineLand Magniflow Canister is here for you. It is backed by thorough scientific research and testing. So what you see here is a high-quality and advanced aquarium canister filter.
It features a 3-stage filtration for fresh and saltwater aquariums. The fast GPH flow and filters complete the entire filtration process. The kind you need to maintain water quality in the dirtiest of aquariums.
But that’s not it. This best 90, 100 gallon aquarium filter has a polisher. The polishing filter pad removes fine debris and traps floating impurities. In addition to the bio-filter, carbon, and foam. The polishing pad really adds to the overall performance of the aquarium.
Each filter stage has its own special quality. For example, turtles keep their habitat kind of messy. Plus, during feeding and excretion, bad odor is inevitable. Black diamond carbon filtration cleans up after such a mess.
Meanwhile, the bio-filter increases the production of bio spires. Bio spires are beneficial bacteria that kill unwanted bacterial bloom in the water. The filter does come with ceramic rings to make sure the bio spires prosper in the filter.
As you can see that this best aquarium filter pays attention to details. It traps impurities and dirt particles in the most efficient manner. And it maintains this surface area for the longest of time.
You can take the entire filter apart, piece by piece, to clean. Most of the parts come with locks that allow you to snap them back together in a jiffy.
Pros:
It pumps a lot of water and is quiet.
Each media basket has a lid and a handle.
Cons:
Though it has a self-primer, it’s difficult to use.
Polar Aurora Free Media External Aquarium Filter Review
The Polar Aurora Free Filter is a powerful external filter. It is equipped with 3 media filters with adjustable settings. It comes with all the necessary accessories to keep it running.
The adjustable spray ensures proper water circulation inside the tank. But it’s also helpful for keeping the aquarium with filtered water. While trapping and eliminating impurities, dirt, toxins, and odor.
The motor has its own self-priming pump, hence better performance. You don’t have to do much for it to deliver chemical, mechanical, and biological filtration. The output flow adjusts itself accurately well.
The water flow is controllable in the sense that it offers superior water and filter contact. The filter also eliminates spores and bacteria to keep water clearer and clearer. The large media trays hold on to durable filters. Such as carbon, bio-balls, and ceramic rings.
This may be a total beginner’s aquarium filter. It’s easier to set up, it runs fairly quietly, and is quick to clean. Having 3 layers of filtration, which is an upgrade, can really set things in motion.
You can add more fish to your aquarium. Even adding plants will not hinder the filtration process. Nor will the plants get stuck in the filter or move constantly due to the strong flow. Since it’s an entire kit, you don’t have to be an expert to get the hang of it.
The spray bar, barrel head, flexible tubing, and covers are easy to assemble. That’s probably one of the reasons why you’d want to try this filter out.
Pros:
UV filtration kills bacteria and germs.
The tubing, hose, and lid are well-connected.
The coarse filter sponge traps feces and dirt impurities.
Cons:
Not the best aquarium filter for turtles.
Needs regular filter cleaning and maintenance.
Aquatop CF Series Canister Filter Review
Whether you need a filter for saltwater or freshwater aquarium. The Aquatop CF Series Canister Filter is for you. It is a good option to buy for achieving maximum water filtration. This is one of the most versatile canister filters on the market.
It features a UV sterilizer, 3 media compartments, and a prime pump. It completely eliminates the use of manually siphoning the motor. The primer takes care of start-up just as how the filters take care of filtration.
This best 90, 100 gallon aquarium filter has great capabilities. It doesn’t leak or make a rattling noise. Based on my research, it has a run-time of about 5 years. Maybe even more if you know how to maintain a tank filter.
The tubing and extensions are all up to the mark. You can use it for turtles by installing it toward the bottom of the tank. Make sure there’s a small distance between this filter and other objects.
Though it makes a slight running water noise. Nothing seems to be the problem as far as performance and design are concerned.
Pros:
Customizable filters for enhanced filtration.
Sturdy and easy-to-clean parts.
Cons:
No handle on the top of the media chambers.
Conclusion
What makes the best 90, 100 gallon aquarium filter? Is it the filtration process? Is it the flow rate? Or is it the easy access and maintenance of the parts?
Whatever your reasons for buying an aquarium filter. The point is to avoid getting frustrated with your aquarium. Needless to say, you need a filter to match up to your expectations. Like the Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Filter.
It has large filters, stronger flow rate, and customizable media filters. It’s the one filter you look at for its energy-efficiency and durable connections. So I don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t consider buying this!
Perhaps you could give me your thoughts on the matter. What do you think makes a good aquarium filter for a 90 to 100-gallon? Leave a comment below and share the love!
