When it comes to choosing the best aquarium filter for your 75 gallon tank, there is a lot to think about. Undoubtedly, a filter designed for a tank of such a size needs to be powerful to swiftly and efficiently rid the water of impurities. Large tanks usually need a stronger filter, because few people have time to continuously check the parameters and replace the water.
But you need to keep the tank clean and smelling pleasant. That is why we have come up with some things to consider when purchasing a 75 gallon aquarium filter, so keep on reading.
What are the benefits of a filter for my aquarium?
If you are wondering why you should invest in a 75 gallon aquarium filter, then keep reading. There are a number of benefits of having a filter for your fish tank that go beyond clean water.
- Use tank water for longer. No one wants to have to replace 75 gallons of water every single week. With a filter, you can worry less about constantly replacing the water, which is both economic and environmentally friendly.
- Remove ammonia and nitrates. When waste from fish begins to break down, it produces ammonia and nitrates, which are terrible for your fish and plants. Without a filter, you won’t be able to remove these toxins.
- Aerate the water. Filters don’t just remove waste and debris from the water, it will push air throughout the tank, providing the water with oxygen, letting your fish breathe properly.
- Clarify the water. Dirty water looks gross and is terrible for your fish and If you want clear water that doesn’t stink like a garbage pit, then you need a filter.
- Three kinds of filtration. A filter that handles biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration can help your tank in multiple ways.
Let’s briefly explain the final point. Filtering involves more than removing contaminants. Biological filtration, for example, is when beneficial bacteria in the tank begins to break down ammonia and nitrates in the water. However, you need a place for this beneficial bacteria to grow—such as a filtration system.
Then there is chemical filtration, which is the process of removing chemical additives and other waste from the water. Filters usually achieve this with activated charcoal.
The last kind of filtration is what people generally imagine when they get an aquarium filter. This is when machinery helps pull the contaminants from the water. That said, mechanical filtration is not ideal for removing nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia. You must clean a mechanical filter once every 2-4 weeks.
Now that you know why filters are pivotal to the success of your fish tank, we can have a look at some recommended 75 gallon aquarium filters.
Top 8 Best Filter For a 75 Gallon Tank
The best method for finding the ideal filter for your tank is to see some of the top-rated examples available. Here are our picks for your next 75 gallon aquarium filter:
1. Penn Plax Cascade Hang-On Aquarium Filter
Is your aquarium modern-looking? If so, then you will enjoy the 4-stage filtration and complete cleaning system provided by the Penn Plax filter. Assembling the filter and installing it on the tank is extremely easy, and the self-leveling case means the filter will never go crooked, regardless of the kind of aquarium you own.
Within the filter, you find poly-fiber floss and activated carbon to trap floating debris and eliminate discoloration, chemicals, and toxins. Inside, there is also an internal sponge for growing helpful bacteria.
Pros
- Bio-fall encourages growth of anaerobic bacteria and more oxygen in the fish tank
- Flow knob is adjustable for maintenance
- Flow rate is also adjustable
- Contains activated carbon to remove contaminants from the water (chemical filtration)
- Operation is very quiet
Cons
- The filter cover is difficult to line up and close
2. MarineLand Penguin 350 BIO-Wheel Power Filter
MarineLand is one of the most well-known brands and has been prominent for around 40 years or more. This means that anything you purchase from MarineLand is reliable and applies the latest technologies.
This particular filter applies three-stage filtration, and the cartridges do a wonderful job of ridding your tank of discoloration, toxins, waste, and odor. The most impressive feature, however, would be the carbon included in the filters, because it maximizes the efficiency of both the chemical and mechanical filtration.
Pros
- 3-stage filtration (biological, mechanical, and chemical)
- Amazing flow rate of 350 GPH
- Works in both freshwater and saltwater tanks
- Easy to repair and maintain
- Works quietly
- Adjustable intake strainers
Cons
- May suck up substrate, particularly small pieces
- No adjustable flow
3. Lee’s Premium Undergravel Filter
Are you looking for a filter that doesn’t get in the way of everything lovely in your tank? The undergravel filter by Lee’s Premium is excellent because it is out of sight, provides enough surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow, and also can remove algae from the tank.
If you don’t think it is strong enough, you can use it as a supplemental filter. There are several sizes available, so you can choose which one suits the bottom of the aquarium the best.
Pros
- Noninvasive design that does not disturb the scenery of the aquarium
- Can work as a supplemental filter
- Plastic material is extremely durable
- Hassle-free installation
Cons
- May need to adjust the flow rate
4. SeaChem Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter
With a self-priming pump, the SeaChem Tidal 75 Gallon Aquarium Filter simplifies operation and maintenance. Additionally, the impeller cleans itself, and the filter contains a surface skimmer to rake up more debris.
A telescoping intake even allows you to clean specific spaces within the tank. Find yourself forgetting when to perform maintenance? You won’t with this filter, because it has an alert feature.
Pros
- Contains a surface skimmer
- Self-cleaning impeller and self-priming
- Has a maintenance alert
- Intake pipe can telescope
- Can be used with either freshwater or saltwater tanks
Cons
- More expensive than the rest
5. Fluval External Fish Tank Filter
Boasting one of the most impressive flow rates on this list—a whopping 383 GPH—this external canister tank filter is recommended for either freshwater or saltwater. The square shape of the filter allows it to process up to 50 percent more water than rounder canister types.
This means that it can handle even 100 gallons without much issue. The unit is constructed with two foam sponges that remove coarse and fine debris, alongside chemical filtration.
The modular construction lets you clamp it to the aquarium, where it will stay and work securely.
Pros
- Comes with bio-foam media to increase water filtration effectiveness
- Impeller comes with a cover to prevent damages
- Sound-dampening impeller
- Maintenance is hassle-free and fast
- Clog-proof intake strainer
Cons
- Set-up is not beginner friendly
6. EHEIM Classic External Canister Tank Filter
When you need something powerful, you turn to the classics. Although the EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter only has 164 GPH, it works extremely well and is known to keep 75 gallon aquariums smelling fresh and looking clean for weeks on end.
One feature that makes this external canister a wise choice is the silicon sealing ring around the pump head to prevent leaks. It also contains multiple sponges, so impurities stay locked in.
Pros
- Filter includes all necessary media for your aquarium
- Can use additional media to better control filtration
- Does not leak
- Optimized flow rate and oxygen circulation
- Comes with valves and filter media
Cons
- Does not self-prime
7. Polar Aurora Free Media 3-Stage External Aquarium Filter
This canister type filter is made to work hard and long. It has a flow rate of 265 GPH, so you know it can get work done. With three-stage filtration and an included pump and hose that reaches 4.6 feet, you can place the filter exactly where it needs to be, too.
Similarly, there is an adjustable spray bar, allowing you to aim the filtered water where you want it to go. The best part? The quiet operation.
Pros
- Flexible media trays
- Operates quietly
- Great choice for beginners
- Resilient construction
- Pump self-primes
Cons
- Intake pieces need improvement in design and durability
8. Aqua Clear Fish Tank Filter (60 to 110 Gallons)
A hang-on type, the Aqua Clear filter is versatile. The unique shape allows the filter to have a 6-7 times larger media volume than other filters twice the size. The filter gives you flawless control of the flow while avoiding damage to the motor or impeller.
A notable feature is the re-circulation process, meaning that the filter gets far more contact time with the water than other models, thus churning out better quality water.
Other reviews rave about the Multi-Stage CycleGuard Filtration, designed to keep beneficial bacteria from growing too wildly.
Pros
- Super energy-efficient pump
- Only takes 30 minutes for water to be perfectly clear
- The filtration system rapidly removes impurities
- Rated for 60-110 gallons
- Not difficult to maintain and clean filters
Cons
- Requires priming after power outages
- Can be annoyingly noisy at times
Choosing The Best Filter For 75 Gallon Aquarium Filter: Things To Consider
When it comes to picking an excellent 75 gallon aquarium filter for your tank, there are some things to keep in mind. Ask yourself the following questions:
How do I choose the best 75 gallon filter?
This is where most of your research is going to come in handy. You want to think about what you need in terms of tank size, the kinds of fish you are going to keep, and the flow rate of the filter. There are other criteria to help guide your choices, too. Let’s break it down farther.
- Tank size. Depending on the size of your tank, the size of the filter could be big or small. For a 75 gallon aquarium filter, you will want something strong enough to handle all that water without being too much for your fish to Generally, anything rated over 200 GPH (gallons per hour) is going to be decent.
- Maintenance. Your filter should make your job easier, not harder. Therefore, if a filter is too much of a hassle, it is not the best choice for your tank. Get something that is easy to change and clean and doesn’t obstruct access to the tank.
- Fish species. Some filters are meant for freshwater or saltwater. Some filters are too powerful for some fish and will make them stressed.
- Flow rate. Measured in gallons per hour (GPH), flow rate is how much a single aquarium filter can process using its air pump.
- Fish size. If the flow rate is too strong, small fish may be knocked around or even sucked into the filter.
- Amount of fish. Some fish species that reproduce quickly, such as guppies, will need a different kind of filter, since some models will suck up the baby fish.
- Filter type and construction. The style of filter will determine its power, installation process, maintenance, and cleaning. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of every style (which we mention below).
What are the different kinds of 75 gallon aquarium filters?
You may have noticed when looking at our top picks for excellent 75 gallon tank filters is that there are different shapes, sizes, and filter styles available. Knowing the different types and how they affect their tank can help you choose the best filter for your aquarium.
Here are the kinds of filters that you can select:
- Hang-on Back filter. Need mechanical filtration? Hang-on back filters receive power and are loaded with a carbon cartridge. Some hang-on back models also come with biological wheels to help with biological filtration as well.
- Sponge filter. These filters are ideal for tanks with smaller fish and babies, as well as for growing beneficial bacteria. Sponge filters are great, cheap, and work well for beginner tanks. Be careful how your clean these filters.
- Canister filter. Do you have a larger tank with a lot of plants? Then the canister filter will work well, because these filters focus more on chemical filtration. Saltwater tanks also benefit from canister
- Undergravel filter. Tired of obstructive filters? Put one under the substrate. These are ideal for aquariums that are crowded or don’t have room to add a bulky filter.
Conclusion
Whichever of the 75 gallon aquarium filters you choose, you are making a decent pick. Remember to look for decent filtration—with 3-stage filtration being ideal—and a powerful flow rate. You should also consider the ease of maintenance. Keep this article in mind as you shop around, though, and you will have no trouble with finding a filter that is right for you.
Do you have more questions about filters? Ask below! Or leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.
