10 Best Salt Water Canister Filters And Their Reviews For 2022
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Getting a salt water canister filter all too often new aquarium owners are faced with the challenge of identifying and purchasing a suitable cleaner for their Aquariums.
Some get themselves into unrealistic costs because of being misinformed on what kind to purchase.
That being the case, more advanced technologies have been put in place to ensure that you are furnished with all the needed information for purchasing a suitable filter that will suit your pocket and fish.
Experiencing aquatic life in the past meant that one would have to visit a marine park to explore the fish and other invertebrates in their habitat.
With new technological know-how, owning an aquarium has been made possible for those who take this as a hobby.
Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter For aquariums, Easy Maintenance,Black | 3,861 Reviews | $144.49 | View on Amazon |
 | OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 350 | 584 Reviews | $319.99 | View on Amazon |
 | SunSun HW703B 370GPH Pro Canister Fish Tank Filter Kit with 9-watt UV Sterilizer | 107 Reviews | $89.99 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-12-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Salt Water Canister Filters Reviewed
If you have finally decided to purchase a salt water canister filter instead of other filters in the market, I have shared with you some vital information that you can consider before purchasing one.
1. Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter
The Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter is excellent for those looking to experience a multi-stage filtration process that is easier and faster.
The lid is designed with press down and up features that ensure that water is tightly sealed in and for easy cover removal.
Filter trays are fitted with a revolutionary design that forces water through and not around media layers for total mechanical filtration, chemical filtration, and biological filtration.
These canister filters are fitted with a Quick Prime Button that allows water to fill up the filter chamber for self-priming system startup.
A valve block that quickly shuts down water flow and separates it from the motor housing for quick and spill-free filter maintenance.
The polishing filter pad acts as a water polisher by removing fine debris which increases water clarity.
The porous ceramic rings and the biofilter balls provide a broad, multi-faceted surface area for Bio-Spira growth, and beneficial ammonia-neutralizing bacteria responsible for biological filtration.
Pros & Benefits:
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Built with heavy-duty construction
- Very respectable with 360 gph rated for fish tank up to 100 gallons
- Multiple (4) trays
2. OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 350
This product is revolutionary with an integrated heater in the compact filter design that provides a uniform temperature level.
The BioMaster is suitable for aquariums with a volume of 250 to 600 liters.
It boosts the 4- stage filtration: biological, mechanical, chemical, and prefiltration in a compact design.
The BioMaster filters are designed with sealed filtration pathways that allow you to get the full benefits from all 4- stages of filtration.
Adjustable water flow control is built into the outlet and inlet of the filter.
Carrying feature handle for simple handling and maintenance.
The EasyClean pre-filter chamber enables convenient filter cleaning.
It can be removed separately from the rest of the filter for simple cleaning, extending the life of your filter.
It contains a self-priming function for simple startup and continued operation.
It includes a customized pre-filter with coarse, fine ultra-fine, and activated filter foams.
Pros & Benefits:
- Energy efficient
- Made in Italy and backed by German engineering
- 3-year warranty
- Has a chamber to hold heaters
- No mess during the removal of mechanical filtration
- German engineered
3. SunSun HW703B 370GPH Pro Canister Fish Tank Filter Kit with 9-watt UV Sterilizer
This canister filter is highly recommended for those who are moving from using HOB and do not want to spend a considerable amount of money.
It has three media trays capable of handling your choice of filtration media.
The SunSun canister filter has a built-in 9 watt UV sterilizer that helps kill algae spores and bacteria.
Ideal for reef tanks up to 150 gallons.
It can handle up to 525gph.
Suitable for saltwater aquarium, including reef aquarium.
It has four flexible media trays that allow you to add other media such as SunSun’s activated carbons, porous ceramic rings, or bio-balls to achieve excellent mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.
It has a convenient self-priming pump that eliminates the need for manual siphoning.
It comes with an adjustable spray bar which is a helpful feature if you want to adjust the filter’s output flow.
These canister filters are designed with a priming button.
You only need to press the button to fill the tank with water.
After that, you connect it, and the canister filter starts pumping.
Pros & Benefits:
- Easy on your wallet
- Have a large tank of up to 150 gallons
4. Aqueon Quietflow Canister Filters
It fits saltwater aquariums up to 150 gallons.
This saltwater canister filter is designed for saltwater aquariums.
It has a unique hang-on-the-back water polishing unit that makes maintenance quick and easy by replacing the cartridge.
The canister filter is preloaded with biological, chemical, and mechanical media to efficiently remove waste and harmful toxins from your fish tank’s water.
Its first stage uses a sponge instead of filter floss.
Which will save you the money to spend in the long run on mechanical filtration since you can clean the sponge in a bucket instead of disposing of it.
It is featured with a quick disconnect valve that is adjustable for easy cleaning and water flow adjustment.
There is an option of using a spray bar, a flow director or connecting it to the included water polishing unit.
Pros & Benefits:
- An additional replacement filtration media is included
- Valves for easy clean
- It is pocket-friendly
- Well built and solid canister
- Ample filter media space
5. Fluvial All New 07Series Performance Canister Filter
This model of canister filter comes with a superior filtration ability that makes it suitable for saltwater aquariums.
It has an advanced motor that makes sure that there is a steady water flow rate maintained in the saltwater aquarium, even during maintenance.
You could have experienced noise while using other filters during the filtration process.
These models of canister filters have been engineered to minimize vibration and general noise produced during its operation.
This makes this canister filter a better option since fish does not like vibration.
The filtration stages include the mechanical filtration stage, chemical filtration stage, and biological filtration stage.
This canister filter has been fitted with aquastop valves that will stop the water from flowing without disconnecting the hoses.
Models include:
- 106: for saltwater aquarium sizes up to 100 L (25 gal)
- 206: for saltwater aquarium sizes up to 200 L (45 gal)
- 306: for saltwater aquarium sizes up to 300 L (70 gal)
- 406: for saltwater aquarium sizes up to 400 L (100 gal)
- 107: for saltwater aquarium sizes up to 130 L (30 gal)
- 207: for saltwater aquarium sizes up to 220 L (55 gal)
Pros & Benefits:
- It has a 3-year warranty
- Its black design makes it possible to hide pipes in the aquarium
- It uses flex tubing instead of cheap vinyl
- Square-shaped
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
6. Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Filters
Penn Plax has a reputation for offering heavy-duty canister filters.
This one is no different.
This canister filter provides an intuitive setup that is powerful and has 3 stage filtration leading to reliability.
This model offers a multi-stage filter meaning that all dirt and debris are eliminated in all possible ways.
It is a multi-purpose filter that you can use in saltwater aquariums.
In terms of capacity, this canister filter holds more water than the other competitors and you can use it for a 200-gallon tank.
It is easy to assemble because the manufacturers provide you with all the necessary parts so you will not have to spend extra money on purchasing the parts.
You will get flow rate control valves which are essential during maintenance because they reduce leaks.
The large filter trays are long-lasting, therefore, you will not have to consider spending on a replacement.
The media comes with a secure- lift clamp that will make changing the media easy for you and you can also customize what media to use.
It is made out of durable and hard plastic.
It is fashioned with a flow valve that rotates 360 degrees for easy maneuvering even in tight cabinets.
Pros & Benefits:
- It is affordable
- Made from hard plastic
- User friendly with a push-button self primer
- Includes filter media
7. Fluval FX Series Aquarium Canister Filter
This is a fantastic canister filter that comes from a reputable company.
The FX series canister filters are known for their strength and durability.
It features a utility valve at its base making it possible to empty the canister and perform a seamless water changes by draining and refilling directly from it.
It sweeps the tank harder and faster while picking up more significant amounts of debris which translates into a less maintenance frequency.
The lift-out stack of media baskets enables you to stack filtration media in the precise combination of layers that will work best for your aquarium.
The latest generation of FX canister filters incorporate two additional trays for even greater media flexibility.
It comes with a high capacity needed to handle more filtration and it maintains its compact size.
When you compare this to other models, it is considered to be great for tanks that range from 250gallons to 400gallons.
- FX4: for saltwater aquarium sizes up to 1000 L (250 gal)
- FX6: for saltwater aquarium sizes up to 1500 L (400 gal)
This model is fashioned with several technological features that make it efficient.
It has a self-priming start systems that prepare the canister for the filtration process immediately you hook it up.
It has an intake filter that is manufactured to be clog- proof which can be useful for longer.
You will not be stressed over debris passing through it which would impede the water flow in a planted aquarium.
The Aquastop valves on these canister filters make your maintenance easier.
This valve separates the housing from the filter in a single step.
Pros & Benefits:
- Free media is included
- Has rubber feet
- Twin output nozzles
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
8. Cobalt Aquatics 2600 Ext Canister Filter
It is the most unique of all the canister filters in this list and it is designed for a proper filtration process.
It has an inline pump that allows complete flexibility on any aquarium.
Easy to close and open the clip which makes it easy for you to open the unit.
In this canister filter, water flows through 4 different stages separately.
In contrast, for the other filters, the water flows through the unit on one side and out the other which leads to debris filtering into the different stages.
This canister pushes water one stage at a time resulting in cleaner chemical and biological media.
It is equipped with an inline pump which is different from the other canister filters which have pumps inside the canister, it makes cleaning messy and becomes prone to clogging.
The flow on the unit is easily adjusted with a dial at the top of the unit.
The total canister rating is 55gallons but can be more.
The innovative five-eight hose barbs allow the pump to continue to run and keep vital circulation even when the canister is disconnected for maintenance.
Pros & Benefits:
- Unique features like the inline pump
- Amazing filtration systems design that pushes water flow through each stage one at a time
- 3-year warranty
9. Eheim Classic Canister Filters
Permo-elastic (double component cement based, acrylic modified) silicon sealing ring fixed on the head of the pump for easy and safe closing after cleaning.
Eheim classic canister filters are equipped with filter sponges/ loose filter media.
Accessories included in the package: inlet pipe, spray bar, hose, and installation accessories.
Comes with a complete filter media and valves (EHEIM Mech & Substrat Pro).
These Eheim Classic canister filters are famous for their efficient but straightforward filters and have no bypass.
Canisters from Eheim Classic are top-notch, it is old but with a proven design and name.
It has a silent pump.
Pros & Benefits:
- It offers a lower-priced option
- This filter is excellent in catching even the finest debris
- They have the best quality and their durability goes unmatched
- Efficient in energy use
10. Eheim 6666 Pro 4+ Canister Filter
It has a powerful performance with optimal energy efficiency.
This has adopted the many advantages of the professional three stages.
An improved ‘Xtender’ button to counteract blocked filter media and extend intervals between cleaning.
Square canister for high stability and large filter volume.
It is quiet in operation, priming aid, safety hose adapter.
Integrated self priming aid to initially prime the filter.
150: for aquariums sizes 50-150 Liters (12-37 gallons)250: for aquariums sizes 80-250 L (20-63 gal)350: for aquariums sizes 120-350 L (30-87 gal)600: for aquariums sizes 180-600 L (45-150 gal)1500XL: for aquariums sizes 300-1500 L (75-375 gal)
Pros & Benefits:
- High flow capacity with low energy consumption
- A safety hose adapter
- Fully equipped with an original EHEIM filter media and installation accessories
- Flow rate adjustable
- 2 years guarantee
Why Should You Choose A Canister Over Other Power Filters?
Canisters are known as the most reliable when it comes to filtering saltwater and planted aquariums.
They are external filters and use hose pipes that are submerged to filter.
The filter media can provide mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.
You can put a variety of filter media into your canister using cartridges, isolated chambers, and media bags.
It is considered the best in keeping fish healthy because it provides a clean environment.
Most canisters come with integral water pumps that are either that are built into the cover or at the bottom.
I have consolidated a list of canister filters above to help you choose a more relevant and ideal filter for your aquarium.
What You Should Consider Before Purchasing a Canister Filter
The Purpose Of Purchase
Ask yourself whether that particular canister will handle the flow, volume, and versatility you require.
It would be better to get a canister filter with a higher flow rate so that the filtration process does not take a long time to complete.
Durability & Adaptability
Look for a filter that is well built that will guarantee a good and long term service.
Most of the canisters are made out of plastic ensure that it is durable plastic.
It is essential to consider the position the canister will take in the room whether under the aquarium or have it stand beside the aquarium.
The Motor
You will need a motor that can quickly help in pumping the water.
It has to be reliable in terms of efficiency and maintenance.
A high maintenance filter will mean that you will have to open the unit more often which is not a good thing for the canister filter.
The motor will also determine whether the model can operate quietly or make noise when it is turned on.
The Tank Size
The tank sizes will determine the type of canister filter you will purchase.
You have to read the product description to understand the size of the tank the filter will easily filter.
They range from 10-350gallons or even more.
If you miss out on this information, you might have to contact customer support services to get help.
Your Budget
The best canister to purchase should be based on several things and not the ability to afford it.
You need to check out the different prices and filters before settling on one.
Online stores are a great place to start if you are looking to purchase a canister because they have comparison features quickly.
Reasons For Choosing Canisters Over Other Types Of Filters
High Flow Rates
You can observe that when you compare canisters to the other filters in the market, they have better flow rates.
Some can go up to 400ghp.
This means that the whole process of filtration systems takes less time which saves energy and time.
Flexible Media Selection
All canister filters come with several types of filtration media which you can select from.
As a purchaser, you need to know how each will work before placing your order.
Easy To Set up
Canisters are the easiest to set up when compared to other filters in the market.
Easy To Clean
Cleaning up the canisters is easy when you have the right tools and the right manual.
They are designed to be easily disassembled so that you can access all the internal components to clean.
A Quiet Operation
Fishes hate noise and vibration as well!
I believe you desire an environment suitable for both you and your fish.
A filter that does not produce a lot of noise while operating is the most appropriate and this can be experienced by purchasing a canister filter.
Strong Mechanical Filtration
Removing all the unwanted components from your aquarium is the whole idea behind filtering your fish tank, such as debris and algae among others that are introduced into the water.
The canister filter you purchase should easily catch the debris and prevent it from going back into the aquarium.
It is merely a tool that helps you provide a place for biological filtration.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about getting into the fishing-keeping hobbies, you may be wondering if you need a canister filter for your aquarium.
Therefore you will need to use a filter in your tank to provide sufficient biological filtration.
A saltwater canister filter works in your aquarium by cleaning off debris and toxins like ammonia and nitrates.
The screen can oxygenate the water by creating surface agitation.
The filter provides a place for beneficial bacteria to grow, all Aquariums need some form of biological filtration, and filters are the easiest way to give this.
Biological filtration is 100% necessary in any aquarium to help reduce toxins and overall loss of fish
If you are keener on maintaining a healthy environment for your fish, I will advocate for a canister filter because it has media options.
There is no loss of water and fish.
