If you need a small yet powerful filter for your nano aquarium, you have come to the right place. Right now, we want to take a look at the top five contenders for the best nano aquarium canister filter. Let’s help you keep that nano aquarium tank water clean and crystal clear.
The Best Nano Aquarium Canister Filters: Reviews
1. Finnex PX-360 Compact Canister Aquarium Filter
Here we have a canister filter that is ideal for aquariums up to 30 gallons in size. It’s small, yet powerful and functional.
Review
This compact aquarium filter is designed for aquariums up to 25 gallons. It features a flow rate of up to 95 gallons per hour. It can therefore clean the water in a 25 gallon tank nearly four times over per hour. On that note, the flow rate is also adjustable.
This is a very convenient filter thanks to the fact that it comes complete with its own mounting hardware. It comes complete with suction cups that attach to the inside of the tank. This then allows the filter itself to rest on the outside of the tank. It’s nice because it doesn’t take up interior tank space.
The canister itself is made out of very high-quality plastic and features a really solid design. It also comes complete with an easy to access top compartment for easy filtration media maintenance.
Speaking of media, it comes complete with ceramic rings, a sponge, and a carbon floss pad. It therefore means that it can perform all three major types of aquarium filtration.
Pros
- All 3 filtration types
- Easy mounting and maintenance
- High flow rate + Adjustable
- Media included
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Pump may suck in air at times
2. SunSun Tech’n’Toy HW-602B External Canister Filter
Here we have a functional, yet affordable aquarium canister filter designed for tanks up to 20 gallons.
Review
Not only is this filter designed for tanks up to 20 gallons, but it has a flow rate of up to 106 gallons per hour. Moreover, the flow rate is also adjustable as needed. This means that this filter can process the water in a 20 gallon tank over five times per hour. This should result in crystal clear and clean water.
The unit itself does not come with any mounting hardware, but you just have to place it on an ideal space beside the aquarium. It does come complete with all necessary equipment, such as the tubes and valves.
Keep in mind that this is a three-stage filter, which means that you can customize it as needed. Now, do keep in mind that filtration media is not included with your purchase, but there are many compatible types. Being able to customize the media that you use is beneficial depending on your needs.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Low maintenance
- Durable housing
- Can customize the media
- Very easy to set up
- Great flow rate + adjustable
Cons
- Can be loud
- No media included
3. EHEIM Classic Canister Filter
Here we have a very compact external canister filter that is more than ideal for nano aquariums.
Review
This filter does come to us from a highly trusted brand name in the aquarium world. This does speak to its overall durability. On that note, this unit is built out of very solid materials and is known for its great longevity.
It actually comes complete with a special silicone sealing ring that is fixed on top of the pump head so you can easily and safely close it after cleaning. This is a filter that is surely not going to spring a leak on you anytime soon.
The official recommendation is that this filter is designed for tanks no larger than 10 or 12 gallons. This is due to the fact that it has an hourly flow rate of 40 gallons. This means that it could process the water in a 10 gallon tank up to four times per hour.
Perhaps the coolest feature is that this is a five stage filter. It features all three major types of aquarium filtration including mechanical, chemical, and biological, and it also comes with all of the necessary media included.
Pros
- Ideal for very small tanks
- Good flow rate
- 5 stage filtration
- Low maintenance
- Durable build
- Fairly quiet
Cons
- On the more expensive side
4. OASE Indoor Aquatics Filtosmart Thermo 100
If you are looking for a combination aquarium heater and filter, then this is a great option to consider. If you need a heater, we think it is worth the extra investment.
Review
What you get here is a nice external canister filter that is designed for aquariums up to 30 gallons. It does have an adjustable flow rate and can process nearly 100 gallons per hour. This should be more than enough to keep any small nano aquarium clean and clear.
What’s really cool is that both the inlet and the outlet can also be adjusted for flow. The fact that it comes with locking features into both the inlet and outlet connections allows for a leak-free design and easy maintenance. The self-priming pump is pretty cool too.
Not only is this filter built out of very durable materials, but it is also specially designed with sound dampening qualities. Another cool feature is that you can use this filter for both marine and freshwater tanks. Of course, coming with an integrated heater is nice too.
Pros
- Durable
- Quiet
- Low maintenance
- Self-priming
- High flow rate + adjustable flow
- Integrated heater
Cons
- Only mech and bio filtration – no chemical filtration
5. AQUANEAT Canister Filter
This canister filter is quite large, but it is an external one, so it should still work fine for nano aquariums.
Review
This filter is designed for tanks up to 55 gallons in size. It also has a flow rate of 210 gallons per hour. This is quite impressive, and more than enough for any nano tank. Thankfully, it does have an adjustable flow rate, so it won’t be too powerful for your very small tank.
It might be a very large and powerful filter, but it is designed for external use, and therefore won’t take up any space inside of your small tank.
What’s nice is that this filter comes complete with four stages of filtration, and it comes complete with all of the media. This includes a white floss pad, a black sponge, bio balls, and ceramic rings. It can therefore perform all three major types of water filtration to help keep your aquarium clean.
Pros
- 4 stages of filtration + all 3 major types
- Durable design
- Media included
- Low maintenance
- Can handle a tank of up to 55 gallons
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy
Conclusion
The best nano aquarium canister filter on the list today has to be the Finnex PX-360 Compact Canister Aquarium Filter. It has a whole lot of power for its small size and comes complete with everything you need to get started.
Jenn Frazier
Aquarist & Writer 22+ Years