The most important thing that any aquarium needs is a good filter. That filter is needed to keep the water clear, and to keep your fish alive.
If you have a 60 gallon aquarium, then you need a fairly large filter.
This is what we are here to help you find today, the best filter for 60 gallon aquarium. Let’s get right to it and take a look at the top five contenders.
Best Filter for 60 Gallon Aquarium: Reviews
1. Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter
Here we have a large canister filter for aquariums that can handle up to 100 gallon tanks.
Review
The flow rate of this particular filter is 360 gallons per hour. That’s enough to filter a 60 gallon tank up to six times per hour. This should be more than enough to keep the water crystal clean and clear.
This filter comes complete with three stage filtration. This includes mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. It also features some water polishing capabilities as well.
What’s nice is that the media section is very well organized. The interior of this filter is easy to get to, and the media is very easy to change. Keep in mind that there is some media included.
This unit can actually be used for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. To make life easier, it also has a simple primer button located at the top.
Pros
- Easy maintenance
- Fresh and saltwater use
- High flow rate
- 3 stage filtration
- Comes in various sizes
Cons
- Takes up a good deal of space
2. Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO Aquarium Power Filter
Here we have a nice hang on back power filter for your aquarium. Keep in mind that this particular unit is designed for aquariums up to 90 gallons.
Review
This hang on back power filter has a great flow rate. It should be able to process a 90 gallon tank at least three times per hour. This should be enough to keep your water clean.
What is pretty cool is that this hang on back filter features four filtration types. This includes specialty pad filtration, chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration. It also features a little waterfall, which helps to aerate and oxygenate the water.
What’s nice is that it comes complete with an indicator light. This helps to inform you when the filter media is clogged and requires replacement.
Moreover, it uses simple media cartridges that are very easy to replace. This filter also has a self priming pump that starts all on its own. It then also has an internal pump that helps to keep noise down to a minimum.
It’s also a nice option because it really doesn’t take up much space inside or outside of the tank. That said, its overall durability is slightly limited.
Pros
- High capacity
- Great flow rate
- All 3 major types of filtration + more
- Helps aerate the water
- Easy maintenance and media replacement
- Very quiet
Cons
- Somewhat limited durability
3. Fluval 07 Series Performance Canister Filter
Here we have another large canister filter that has a great flow rate and various types of water filtration.
Review
Right off the bat, one of the coolest things here is that this unit is designed to be extremely energy efficient. As far as energy efficiency goes, it’s one of the best canister filters out there. On a side note, this filter is also designed to be extremely quiet.
In terms of the flow rate, this filter can handle up to 383 gallons per hour. That’s enough to filter a 60 gallon tank over six times per hour. This should be good enough for even the most heavily of stocked tanks.
What’s also nice is that this filter engages in all three major types of water filtration, and more. The interior of this unit is designed to be very easy to access.
It’s very easy to maintain, and the media is easy to change as well. To make life a little easier, it also comes complete with a quick primer pump.
Pros
- Very durable
- Great capacity and water flow
- All 3 major types of filtration
- Easy maintenance and media changing
- Quiet
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Takes up a good deal of space outside the tank
- Not exactly budget friendly
4. SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 75 Gallon
Here we have a nice hang-on back power filter that won’t take up any space inside of your aquarium. It’s a very simple and affordable unit, although it comes complete with quite a few awesome features.
Review
What is quite impressive is that this filter can handle up to 350 gallons per hour. That’s enough to filter a 60 gallon tank almost six times per hour. What’s nice is that it also has an adjustable flow rate.
It comes complete with a very high-capacity media basket. You can really customize this filter for your needs. You can add any number of mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration media.
It also comes complete with a nice surface skimmer inlet to help remove solids from the water. You might also like how it has a little waterfall, as this helps to aerate the water.
It’s also a very easy-to-use and maintain filter. You just have to hang it on the rim of your aquarium. It also comes with a built in maintenance monitor to tell you when media requires replacement.
Pros
- Doesn’t take up much space
- Easy maintenance
- Customizable media basket
- Aerates the water
- Allows for all 3 major types of water filtration
- No plumbing required
Cons
- Not overly silent
- Somewhat limited durability
5. Fluval C Series Power Filter
Here we have a nice filter that is designed for aquariums between 40 and 70 gallons. Keep in mind that this is a five stage filter, which in itself is quite impressive.
Review
Here we have a fairly high capacity power filter. It can easily process up to 200 gallons of water per hour. This should be more than enough for any 60 gallon tank.
You might also like how this unit can be used for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Now, it does come complete with five separate stages of filtration. It features two types of mechanical filtration, two types of biological filtration, and chemical filtration as well.
Moreover, these are all simple media cartridges that are very easy to replace. The fact that you can just hang this filter on the rim of your aquarium, plug it in, and use it is also beneficial.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Helps aerate the water
- 5 stage filtration
- All 3 major types of water filtration
- Simple setup
- Decent flow rate
- Flow rate is adjustable
Cons
- Requires many media types
Conclusion
If you are looking for a powerful and efficient yet simple filter, the Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter is what we recommend. It comes with everything you need to keep aquarium water clean and crystal clear.
Jenn Frazier
Aquarist & Writer 22+ Years