Keeping your 20-gallon tank sparkling clean and providing a healthy environment for your fish can feel like a challenge. Hang-on-back filters are a popular choice, but for superior filtration and a quieter operation, a canister filter might be the perfect solution. This article Tropical Fish Haven will introduce to you canister filter for 20 gallon tank.
Quick Overview: Top Pick
After reviewing the top choices and drawing from my personal experience, I can confidently recommend the Fluval 107 as the best canister filter for 20-gallon tanks.
Why I Think Canister Filters Are Best for 20 Gallon Tanks?
More Biomedia
One of the significant advantages of using a canister filter is its ample space that can accommodate a large amount of biomedia. In contrast, many hang-on-the-back (HOB) filters, particularly those relying on cartridges, often face limitations due to their design.
Canister filters feature expansive compartments that allow for significantly greater amounts of filter media. In fact, they can hold five to ten times more biomedia compared to most HOB filters. This larger capacity not only enhances filtration efficiency but also reduces the frequency of maintenance, making canister filters a preferred choice for serious aquarists looking to optimize water quality and clarity in their tanks.
Increased Flow
A canister filter offers a significant boost in water flow within your aquarium setup. Here’s how it works:
The intake hose draws water from the tank into the canister filter, where it passes through various filtration media to remove impurities and debris. Once filtered, the water is pumped back into the tank through the outflow hose.
Strategically positioning the outflow and intake hoses can create a beneficial water current throughout the entire tank. Placing the outflow on one end and the intake on the opposite end ensures that water circulates efficiently, reaching all corners of the aquarium. This circulation not only helps in distributing heat and nutrients evenly but also aids in maintaining consistent water quality and oxygen levels throughout the tank.
Higher GPH
Canister filters are equipped with robust pumps that generate high water flow rates, typically measured in gallons per hour (GPH). This enhanced water movement is particularly advantageous because it ensures a continuous circulation of water through the filter’s biomedia.
The biomedia inside the canister filter serves as a habitat for beneficial bacteria. These bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by breaking down harmful ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate. The efficient water flow in canister filters maximizes the exposure of water to the biomedia, allowing the bacteria to effectively remove toxins and maintain water quality.
The powerful pumps in canister filters not only facilitate effective filtration but also contribute to better oxygenation of the water. By moving water swiftly through the filter media, canister filters help in distributing oxygen evenly throughout the tank, promoting a healthy environment for aquatic inhabitants.
Easier to Hide
One of the advantages of canister filters, despite their larger size compared to hang-on-the-back filters, is their ability to be discreetly housed within the aquarium stand. In contrast, a comparable hang-on-the-back filter would protrude prominently from the tank’s exterior, making it difficult to conceal.
By placing the canister filter within the aquarium stand, it remains out of sight, contributing to a cleaner and more streamlined appearance of the tank setup. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also helps in maintaining a neat and organized aquarium environment.
Canister filter for 20 gallon tank
Fluval 107 Performance Canister Filter (Top Pick)
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: 145 gallons per hour (GPH)
- Quick release hoses for easy maintenance
- Simultaneous removal of all trays for convenient cleaning
- Vertical mechanical filtration system
- Includes mechanical, chemical, and biomedia
- Easy priming handle for hassle-free startup
- Super quiet motor ensures minimal noise disturbance
In most canister filters, the mechanical media typically occupies one of the media trays. However, in the case of the Fluval 107, it features large vertical sponges housed inside the canister.
Additionally, this filter comes fully equipped with all necessary filter media to facilitate immediate setup.
One minor drawback is the absence of a spray bar included in the package. While it can be purchased separately, ideally, it should be included for optimal functionality out of the box.
Pros of the Fluval 107:
- Quick-release hoses facilitate easy maintenance.
- Includes all essential filter media for immediate use.
- Media baskets are easy to remove for convenient cleaning and replacement.
Cons: No spray bar
Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter
Key Features:
- GPH: 115
- Quick-release hose for easy maintenance
- 360° rotating flow valves for flexible positioning
- Transparent canister body for visible water flow monitoring
- Includes mechanical and chemical filter media
The quick-release hose feature allows for swift disconnection without water spillage, enhancing convenience during maintenance. With 360° rotating flow valves, fitting the canister under a tank stand is made easier.
A notable feature is its transparent canister body, which provides visual confirmation of water flow once primed. However, the filter lacks biomedia, including only mechanical filter media and activated carbon, which may impact its long-term effectiveness in maintaining water quality.
Pros:
- Easy to fit under a tank stand
- Rotating flow valves accommodate any cabinet space
- Includes essential filter media
Cons: No biomedia included
Marineland Magniflow 160 Canister Filter
Key Features:
- GPH: 160
- Includes mechanical, chemical, and biomedia
- Uniform canister lid clamps
- Quick release hoses
The Marineland 160 is a versatile and efficient canister filter choice.
I find the quick release mechanism for the hoses particularly convenient. It allows for easy detachment during cleaning while ensuring a secure lock when reattached.
Another practical feature is the uniform clamps on the canister lid, which allow it to be oriented in any direction. This eliminates the need to align the lid a specific way when reassembling the canister.
The filter includes mechanical, chemical, and biomedia components. While the plastic bio balls are included, I recommend replacing them with ceramic biomedia for enhanced filtration effectiveness. Overall, it’s a solid choice for aquarium filtration needs.
Pros:
- All filter media included
- Quick release hoses
- Easy lid installation
Cons: Consider replacing the bio balls.
EHEIM Classic 150
Key Features:
- GPH: 116
- Open canister design without trays
- Includes mechanical and biomedia
The Eheim Classic 250 stands out as one of the simplest filters on this list.
Unlike other filters with trays, the media inside the Eheim Classic 250 is loose within the canister. This setup has its upsides and downsides. It’s advantageous because it can potentially improve water flow by preventing water from bypassing the media. However, the downside is that without trays, retrieving and cleaning the media can be messy as you have to handle the dirty media directly.
One downside is that there’s no priming button or lever. To prime the filter after maintenance, you need to disconnect the outflow and manually start the siphoning process by sucking on the hose, which can be inconvenient.
Overall, while the Eheim Classic 250 is straightforward and effective with its mechanical and biomedia, its design quirks like the lack of trays and priming mechanism might not appeal to everyone.
However, Eheim, like Fluval, is a renowned German manufacturer celebrated for the reliability of its products. If you prioritize durability over extra features, this Eheim filter should serve you well for many years, all at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Simple, reliable design
- Strong reputation for durability
- Economical pricing
Cons:
- Maintenance can be more challenging
- Lacks media trays
- No built-in priming button
Conclusion
Upgrading to a canister filter for your 20-gallon tank offers a powerful combination of benefits. From improved filtration capacity and reduced noise to a cleaner tank and happier fish, this investment can significantly enhance your aquarium setup. With a variety of canister filters available, you can find the perfect model to match your specific needs and budget. So, if you’re looking to elevate your aquarium’s filtration and create a tranquil underwater world, a canister filter might be the ideal choice for your 20-gallon tank.
