10 Best External Aquarium Filter

Updated on: September 2023

Best External Aquarium Filter in 2023


Penn Plax Cascade CCF3UL Canister Filter For Large Aquariums and Fish Tanks – Up To 100 Gallons, Filters 265 GPH

Penn Plax Cascade CCF3UL Canister Filter For Large Aquariums and Fish Tanks – Up To 100 Gallons, Filters 265 GPH
BESTSELLER NO. 1 in 2023

Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter 220 GPH For aquariums, Easy Maintenance

Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter 220 GPH For aquariums, Easy Maintenance
BESTSELLER NO. 2 in 2023
  • 3-STAGE FILTRATION: Water flows through media layers to filter water and ensure a clean aquatic environment.
  • FAST SETUP: Water-tight canister lid lifts up for easy removal.
  • THREE SIZES AVAILABLE: Comes in 220 GPH, 360 GPH and 360 GPH sizes.
  • MARINELAND FILTRATION PRODUCTS: Count on Marineland brand for the most reliable, technically advanced aquariums and accessories on the market.

Finnex PX-360 Compact Canister Aquarium Filter

Finnex PX-360 Compact Canister Aquarium Filter
BESTSELLER NO. 3 in 2023
  • Filtration media includes activated carbon floss pad, sponge and ceramic rings
  • Perfect for both Aquatic and Turtle Aquariums up to 25 gallons
  • Completed accessories include durable water intake strainer, spray bar and filter hanger
  • Video: http: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKF-CzLFuKk
  • 2' Lift available

PENN PLAX (CPF3) Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter With Quad Filtration System Cleans Up to 35 Gallon Tank

PENN PLAX (CPF3) Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter With Quad Filtration System Cleans Up to 35 Gallon Tank
BESTSELLER NO. 4 in 2023
  • Hang on aquarium filter quietly delivers 150 gallons per hour of crystal clear water for your fresh or marine aquariums from 20 to 35 gallons in size.
  • Revolutionary Bio-Falls Quad-Filtration system provides efficient filtration with anaerobic bacteria for additional ammonia and nitrite removal providing maximum oxygenation.
  • Activated carbon cartridge removes harmful chemicals, toxins, odors, discoloration, and other contaminants for your aquarium.
  • Internal sponge optimizes colonization of beneficial anaerobic bacteria and polyfiber floss cartridge traps floating particulate matter.
  • Adjustable flow knob allows you to reduce filtration during feeding times or as needed. Aquarium filter is recommended for both freshwater and saltwater applications.
  • Age Range Description: All Life Stages

SunSun Hw302 265GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit

SunSun Hw302 265GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit
BESTSELLER NO. 5 in 2023
  • HW-302 Pro Filtration Kit, Good for up to 75 gallon aquariums
  • Flow rate: 265 GPH (1000L/Hr)
  • Dimension: 9" L X 9" W X 15.5" H
  • Pro Kit Includes Canister Filter, 3 White Filter Pads and 3 Media Baskets
  • Includes 1lb of Premium Filter Carbon, 1lb of Ceramic Rings and 1 Set of Bio Balls

Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter 120Vac, 60Hz, 10.8 LB

Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter 120Vac, 60Hz, 10.8 LB
BESTSELLER NO. 6 in 2023
  • The 07 series features new engineering solutions that work cohesively to produce a fluent operation that is up to 25% quieter than before
  • Depending on the model selected, the 07 Series generates between 145 - 383 US Gal/h (550-1,450 L/h) of constant pumping power and pressure that endures over time
  • 07 filters are big on power, yet small on energy consumption. The 107 and 207 models, for example, draw as little as 10 watts of electrical energy, which is EQUIVALENT TO A SINGLE HOUSEHOLD LED LIGHTBULB!
  • The 07 Series features several new design refinements that reduce the effort and time involved for maintenance, so you can spend more time enjoying your aquarium, and less time working it
  • The 07 Series utilizes every square inch of available canister volume, and positions media resourcefully to maximize media space in a compact footprint

SunSun HW-302 3-Stage External Canister Aquarium Filter 264GPH

SunSun HW-302 3-Stage External Canister Aquarium Filter 264GPH
BESTSELLER NO. 7 in 2023
  • Canister filters for aquariums use high water pressure, from a properly powered pump, to force water through the dense filter media. A pump can draw water from an under-gravel filter, and run it into a canister for double filtration
  • 3 media trays capable of handling your choice of filtration media; Comes with an adjustable spray bar. This is a helpful feature if you want to adjust the output flow from the filter
  • Convenient self-priming pump that eliminates the need for manual siphoning; Single valve disconnect & priming pump ease routine maintenance
  • Provides quiet, efficient filtration for fresh and saltwater aquariums is great for living rooms, offices or bedrooms

Fluval 207 Perfomance Canister Filter

Fluval 207 Perfomance Canister Filter
BESTSELLER NO. 8 in 2023
  • Ergonomic design and raised lip for smoother operation
  • Single action dual locking clamps for quick release & attachment
  • New center handle allows Main media stack to be removed
  • Redesigned system – requires less pumps to engage
  • The all-new 07 series marks the 7th incarnation in nearly 4 decades of fluval’s top selling canister Filter family Worldwide. Not only does the latest generation incorporate the power and reliability you’ve come to expect from the leader in aquatic filtration, but it also features several new performance upgrades that make it up to 25% quieter and more robust, energy-efficient, flexible and easier to use than ever before

Fluval 107 Perfomance Canister Filter

Fluval 107 Perfomance Canister Filter
BESTSELLER NO. 9 in 2023
  • Ergonomic design and raised lip for smoother operation
  • Single action dual locking clamps for quick release & attachment
  • New center handle allows Main media stack to be removed
  • Redesigned system – requires less pumps to engage
  • The all-new 07 series marks the 7th incarnation in nearly 4 decades of fluval’s top selling canister Filter family Worldwide. Not only does the latest generation incorporate the power and reliability you’ve come to expect from the leader in aquatic filtration, but it also features several new performance upgrades that make it up to 25% quieter and more robust, energy-efficient, flexible and easier to use than ever before

Sunsun Tech'n'Toy HW-602B 106 GPH 3-Stage External Canister Filter

Sunsun Tech'n'Toy HW-602B 106 GPH 3-Stage External Canister Filter
BESTSELLER NO. 10 in 2023
  • Good for up to 20 gallon fish tanks
  • Dimension: 5.7" L X 5.7" W X 10" H
  • Flow rate: 106 GPH (400L/hr.)
  • Pump Power: 6W
  • Includes filter pads, hoses and all parts to get started

Weekend Crowds at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Illinois

Find out what weekend crowds are like at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Illinois. Through a personal experience review, you will also find out how long the lines are, the cost of express passes and more.

Weekend Lines and Massive Crowds

If you are wondering how long it will take to get into the Shedd Aquarium on the weekend, be prepared to stand in line with crowds of people for hours on end. I had no idea that the line to get in would extend way beyond the steps of the building to a concrete courtyard hundreds of yards away. Crowds of people were waiting in that line. If we had chosen to stay, it would have taken hours to get into the building. It was hot out, and we were not willing to spend hours of our weekend in a long and uncomfortable line with crowds of people.

Those that buy express passes to the Shedd Aquarium can enter through another door and just about go right in, but be prepared to pay an exorbitant amount of money when making that choice. I paid approximately $135 for two adults and one child, and we still had to wait 20 minutes in a hot corridor. The price of the tickets included all of the shows and special exhibits, but it was still very expensive considering how much those activities cost when purchased separately.

I bought the express passes in an attempt to improve our weekend experience, but they were far from worth it. By the time I had purchased a $22 parking ticket in the north garage and a small set of family photos for $30 in the Shedd Aquarium, I had put out $179.00. That did not include gas or the overpriced drinks and snacks. Our weekend trip to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago IL cost me a whopping $275.00! My boyfriend paid for our lunch and a stuffed walrus for my daughter. That added another $33 to the total, and I did not want to spend another dime. More importantly, paying extra did not eliminate the crowds or improve our experience.

Massive Weekend Crowds Make it Almost Impossible to See the Displays

If you are not bothered by long lines and crowds of people, by all means, visit the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Illinois on the weekend. You will encounter countless strollers that are used as battering rams by rude people with screaming babies and young children. Also, be prepared to be hit by backpacks again and again. Many people wear backpacks filled with mystery items when visiting the Shedd Aquarium, and they do not care who or what they hit. I was hit by several protruding backpacks throughout the day as people thoughtlessly barged their way through the dimly lit halls and rooms.

It was difficult to see most of the displays because of the crowds, but now and then we were lucky enough to find a tank with an opening. Crowds of visitors seemed to linger in front of the jelly fish and seahorses the longest, and just about everyone had to take photo after photo. It felt more like a fight to survive at the Shedd Aquarium than a pleasure trip.

My Recommendation

Although the aquatic and plant life was absolutely amazing, I will never go back to the Shedd Aquarium on the weekend. I was very disappointed by the crowds and the exorbitant cost of it all. It was reminiscent of a February trip to Disney World when my ex husband unknowingly booked a trip when kids from the East Coast were on break. All that was missing at the Shedd Aquarium was the Disney characters and the rides. The crowds were as massive and as rude as ever.

Do your family a favor and take a day off from work during the week to visit the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Illinois. Pull the kids out of school for an educational experience. Unless you do not mind paying upwards of $35 a person, waiting in long lines and struggling to see the displays, visit the Shedd Aquarium on a week day instead of on the weekend. I would love to see it again someday, but without having to stand several feet back from the tanks because of crowds, and without having to spend far more money than the overall experience was worth.

Source: Personal Experience

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