Many filters out there may be too weak, such as the sponge filters, to take care of the business of your fish that may be living in your large tank.
Therefore, you may need something that is more powerful than that. If you want power filters that are not so obtrusive yet can do the right job then you came to the right place.
In this article, we will review some of the best filters for this aquarium sizes as well as pointers on how to choose one for your needs.
Our Top 10 Picks: Best Filter for 100 Gallon Aquarium (REVIEW & GUIDE)
Here are our top picks for the best filter for 100-gallon aquarium:
1. Polar Aurora Free Media 3-Stage External Canister Filter
This canister filter is what we think would be the best if you want quality without breaking the bank as much.
Polar Aurora’s canister filters have always been popular among many fishkeepers out there.
It has a flow rate of 370 GPH so it is definitely rated for larger tanks such as those at 100 gallons.
It also has an adjustable spray bar so you can aim the nozzle anywhere you like. This would be useful for not blowing away your fish (especially the small ones).
The 3-stage filtering can be useful for thoroughly cleaning up your tank from debris such as fish ammonia. Its 9-watt UV sterilizer can help control the growth of algae and unnecessary bacteria (but not the beneficial ones!).
Things We Liked
- Adjustable spray bar
- High flow rate
- 3-stage filtration system
- UV sterilizer
- Flexible media trays
- Good customer service
Things We Didn’t Like
- The flow cannot be adjusted
2. Fluval FX4High Performance Aquarium Canister Filter
Yet another canister filter, this one may look like it’s rated for 250 gallons and above but it can also be used for those with a smaller tank size, such as 100 gallons.
It has a stackable set of media baskets so you can find it more effective than the layering system of other filters (which usually cause water bypass).
The filter has a strong rate of 700 GPH so it may be useful for larger aquariums with bigger fish. It also has a smart pump and a self-priming feature for convenience.
Every 12 hours, it also automatically evacuates trapped air so you don’t have to do this kind of thing manually. The tall design makes it compact and not obtrusive under most aquarium setups out there.
Things We Liked
- Strong output
- Self-priming feature
- Automatic evacuation of trapped air
- Stackable media baskets
- Compact design
- Comes with filter media ready to use
Things We Didn’t Like
- Can be a bit pricey
3. Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Power Filter Cartridges
Made for up to 300 GPH of flow rate, this filter cartridge set may work on your existing Penn Plax system.
It also has a carbon material that keeps its place inside the basket to eliminate water by-pass. The cartridge is ready to be used and sold in packs of 3.
The carbon material can be used for aquariums that have a terrible smell. It has no requirement for assembly so it can be a straightforward item for beginner fishkeepers.
You can use it just fine for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. Since it has two sides, it can be much more effective than store-bought filter cartridges.
Things We Liked
- Activated carbon
- The design prevents water by-pass
- Works with most Penn Plax filters
- Easy to install
- Can remove odors
- Can last up to 12 weeks
Things We Didn’t Like
- Fits only Penn Plax Cascade filters
4. Fluval 406 External Canister Filter For Tanks Up To 100 Gallons – Crystal Clear Water
Fluval is a reputable brand in the world of aquarium pet lovers thanks to the quality of the aquarium filters they make. The Fluval 406 canister filter features a very large filtration capacity making it the best option to keep your 100 gallon fish tank clean for a long period.
The filter comes with four large media baskets for you to put any filter media into. The mechanical filtration stage is achieved through vertical large foam pads to capture more debris, prevent clogging and reduce maintenance. The design also makes it quick to maintain the mechanical media without having to remove media baskets.
Despite not being the quietest canister filter, the Fluval 406 operates quietly with its sound dampening impeller design. The impeller is also designed to last a long lifetime.
Besides the good impeller, other parts of this filter are made of high-quality materials making the entire unit very durable. Some hobbyists reported that their Fluval 406 canister filters can last for over five years without any problems.
What I love best about this model is its design for easy setup and maintenance. The filter features AquaStop valves designed to stop the flow of water without requiring you to disconnect the hoses, thus eliminating leaks and messes during maintenance.
It also features lift-lock clamps which rapidly and securely lock the lid in place for easily assembling the filter after cleaning. The instant-prime feature eliminates the need of manual siphoning to get the filter started.
5. AquaClear 110 Power Filter For Tanks Up To 110 Gallons – Very Quiet
If you are finding a versatile hang-on-back filter for your 100 gallon aquarium, the AquaClear 110 power filter is the best option. The filter boasts of its very large filter capacity that is 7 times as much as that of comparable models.
This means it can accommodate a huge amount of filter media for better filtration and impressive water quality. The large filter chamber also allows you to use any filter media you want.
It comes armed with a large foam pad, a bag of BioMax ceramic rings and an activated carbon bag. These filter materials are included in a patented re-filtration system (Cycle Guard) from Hagen Fluval that offers many helpful features.
Thanks to the Cycle Guard, the flow rate of the filter can be adjusted but not affect its filtration efficiency. Moreover, this system also enhances the filtration efficiency by expanding the contact time between the filter media and the water.
As with most hang-on aquarium filters, the AquaClear power filter is very easy and quick to install. You need no tools and experience to install it correctly as long as you can follow the instructions on the user manual
6. Trickle Box Filter For Up To 100-Gallon Aquariums – Most Efficient
If you are finding a large filtration system for your 100 gallon fish tank or turtle tank, this trickle box filter is one of the best choices. It features a brand new design to optimize biological filtration function and achieve clean and clear water for your aquarium.
The way how this trickle filter works is very easy to understand. It is powered by a water pump (buy separately) which pulls the water from the aquarium into the rain pipes of the filter.
These rain pipes trickle the strong water flow from the pump into a lot of smaller ones that then go through the filter boxes containing filter media for filtering.
The double rain pipe design helps to avoid spillover regardless of the power of the pump. The ideal pump to use with the filter should have a flow rate of 740-1100 gallons per hour.
Trickle Box Filter
The product comes with 18 large filter boxes that are sorted into three layers and are great places for accommodating a huge amount of filter media.
Each box is pre-drilled with a lot of hoses which allow the water to go through. Thanks to this mechanism, the water is enriched with oxygen before it flows through biological filter media, which promotes the activities of friendly aerobic bacteria for better biological filtration. The oxygen-rich water is also good for the healthy growth of your fish.
The product doesn’t come with filter media; however, you can buy and use your own ones. The boxes in the top layer of the filter is a great place to put mechanical filter media such as foams, Japanese filter mat, pre-filter media.
These materials will trap and segregate particulate matter for manual removal. The boxes in the middle and the bottom layers provide abundant spaces for biological and chemical filter media.
You can put bio-foams, ceramic rings, bio-balls, activated carbon… in these boxes to perform the most efficient biological and chemical filtration that keep the water clean and healthy for your fish.
7. Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Elite For Up To 100 Gallon Tanks – Quiet And Sturdy
The Penn Plax Cascade canister filter is a very popular choice because of its very affordable price and quality. It provides a maximum flow rate of 350 gallons per hour and is rated for up to 100 gallon aquariums, both fresh and salt-water. It also features flow-rate control valves for easy adjustment to fit different use purposes.
The Cascade 1000 is easy to install since it comes with all necessary accessories to connect to your tank. The setup process will take only about 30 minutes and the filtration process delivers incredible performance in less than a day.
It is fitted with a quick-push primer for hassle-free setup. The two independent directional full degree rotational valve guarantees worry-free placement.
The unit comes with start-up filter media, large filter trays, and input/output tubing. The trays are large to allow for containing more filter media, hence better filtration.
When the installation is completed, the filter delivers incredible chemical, mechanical and biological filtration for crystal clear and healthy water.
8. Pingkay 200 Gallon Filter Canister Filter With UV – Srong And Silent
The Pingkay canister filter is an affordable and cheap option you can buy for your 100-125 gallon aquarium. The built-in pump is capable of achieving a maximum flow rate of 575 gallons per hour (approx 2000 liter per hour) that will ensure the water are constantly circulated and cleaned.
It features an advanced filtration technology that eliminates all biological, mechanical and chemical impurities from your fish aquarium. Its built-in 9-Watt UV sterilizer is great in killing spores of algae and offending bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
The canister filter offers 5 stages of filtration with its 4 media baskets and a UV stage. The filter media baskets provide for easy use since you can fill them separately.
These trays also feature practical handles to make handling easy and without messes. You will also love the quick-disconnect coupling on the cover lid (top surface) which allows you to easily remove the hoses from the canister filter without having to empty it for faster and leak-free maintenance.
The canister filter comes with the complete kit allowing you to use it right out of the box. To ensure the filter is leak-proof, the manufacturer subjects each unit to pressurized test.
9. Hydor Professional 450 External Canister Filter – Very Powerful
The Hydro Professional 450 external canister filter is one of the quietest canister filters currently on the market. It is fitted with a powerful pump with a maximum flow rate of 320 gallons per hour and ideal for a 100-125 gallon fish tank. The filter comes with everything you need for the setup, even different types of filter media.
The filter is optimized to effectively provide mechanical, biological and chemical filtration that any aquariums require for a healthy and long-lasting aquatic experience.
The manufacturer describes this product as a complete ecosystem in a box. The easy priming feature makes the use and maintenance of this filtration machine extremely easy.
10. Lee’s Triple-Flow Corner Filter
If you want a corner filter as a supplemental one, this filter may do the trick.
It is applicable for tanks up to 100 gallons and can be used by beginners due to its straightforward design.
The 3 intake vents can be attached to any air pump that you have.
The corner filter is not too bulky and can also be used on isolation tanks as well as those with breeding fish.
You can choose the filter media that you want, such as for biological, chemical or mechanical filtration. It can even be used if you have an axolotl tank or even a goldfish tank.
Things We Liked
- Easy to set up
- Works with most fish species
- Can be okay with breeder tanks
- You can choose your own filter media
- Has 3 intake vents
- Space-saving
Things We Didn’t Like
- The included air stone could be too lightweight
Things to Consider
In choosing the best filter for a 100-gallon aquarium, here are some criteria:
How do I choose the best tank filter for 100 gallons?
To choose the best tank filter, you should consider the following criteria, if you have 100 gallons for the tank:
| Criteria | Typical type/range | Best for 100 gallons |
| Filter type | Canister filterHang-on back
Sponge filter Undergravel filter Internal filter |
Canister filter |
A canister filter is recommended better for 100 gallons since it is a big tank, which needs a more powerful filter to suck up dirt and remove all the bad stuff from your fish.
You can also place larger filters such as the canister or the internal filters just fine because the tank is quite big and roomy. Unlike with a smaller tank, a 100-gallon tank may be just fine with bulkier filters as long as they are unobtrusive to your fish (and your plants).
| Criteria | Typical type/range | Best for 100 gallons |
| Filter media | Carbon cartridgesCeramic rings
Bio-balls |
Carbon cartridges |
Carbon cartridges work best for large tanks such as those up to 100 gallons since they may also have a bad smell. Carbon is great for removing bad odor as well as being strong enough to handle most dirt and debris from a fish tank.
What are the benefits of a filter for a fish tank?
A fish tank can benefit from a filter by the following:
- Cleanliness. A fish tank can benefit from a filter since it cleans up all the debris, waste material, and other things that may make the water cloudy or smoky, which may feel disgusting to you and your guests (and your fish).
- Gives oxygen to the fish. Filters also circulate water better to add aeration and better oxygen for your fish to breathe.
- Removes ammonia. The ammonia that is removed from fish can be toxic to them if it is still lingering around your tank, so it’s best to leave that job to the filter.
- Fewer water changes. With a tank filter, you don’t have to do the chore of water changes much more often than you think.
What are the different kinds of tank filters to choose from?
To help you decide, here are the different fish tank or aquarium filter types:
- Canister Filter. They tend to be powerful with their flow rate and are best for larger tanks.
- Undergravel filter. They are the best for saving space inside and have no filter cartridges to change.
- Sponge Filter. They are the best for smaller fish tanks due to their small power.
- Hang-on back filter. These filters hang on the back and are usually not that obtrusive. They are best for medium-sized tanks.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best filter for 100-gallon aquarium is the Polar Aurora Free Media 3-Stage External Canister Filter because of the adjustable spray bar, the high flow rate, the 3-stage filtration system, the UV sterilizer, and the flexible media trays.
Apart from that, Polar Aurora offers good customer service, according to most reviews, and if you ever find defects in your product, they can be communicative.
While it does lack a flow control, this is an optional thing and you can just remedy that by positioning rocks along the way.