The 55 gallon aquarium is the most popular fish tank in the hobby. Many of our readers ask what is the best canister filter for 55 gallon aquariums? Please see below for our top ten recommendations.
1. Aqueon QuietFlow Canister Filter 200, 55 Gallons

Aqueon QuietFlow Canister Filter 200 is a great choice for the buyers who want the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium. Its three media baskets come with multiple filtration media that include activated carbon, coarse foam, bio-balls, and bio-ceramic rings. They remove physical, chemical, and biological impurities from the water while promoting the growth of healthy microorganisms. Aqueon QuietFlow Canister Filter 200 has a flow rate of 200 gallons per hour and is suitable for up to 55-gallon aquariums. Its quick-disconnect valves and pump locking heads make it easy to install. A water polishing unit is also included in the package for easier maintenance.
2. OASE Indoor Aquatics Filtosmart Thermo 200

OASE Indoor Aquatics Filtosmart Thermo 200 is a versatile product for the hobbyists who are searching for the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium. It comes with an integrated heater that ensures a uniform water temperature throughout the fish tank. You don’t have to invest in a heater separately. Filtosmart Thermo 200 employs a 2-stage filtration process for removing biological, chemical, and mechanical impurities from the water. Its inlet and outlet valves have adjustable flow control for added convenience. A diffuser and spray bar ensures natural water movement and improves oxygenation. The self-priming function makes it simple to use while the easy click opening mechanism facilitates easier maintenance.
3. Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter 220 for Aquariums, Fast Maintenance 55 Gallons

When it comes to the best canister filter for 55gallon aquariums, Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter 220 is a well-recommended option. It has a flow rate of 220 gallons per hour and will be adequate for up to 55-gallon aquariums. There are multiple filtration media used in the filter for keeping your aquarium clean and fishes healthy. It has black diamond carbon for getting rid of impurities that may cause odors and discoloration. A polishing filter pad removes fine debris and waste from the water. Its bio-filter balls and ceramic rings promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Magniflow Canister Filter 220 has a water-tight lid for preventing leakage.
4. Penn Plax Cascade 700 Canister Aquarium Filter

Penn Plax Cascade 700 is a highly popular option among the fish hobbyists who are looking for the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium. It uses a 3-stage filtration process for removing mechanical, chemical, and biological impurities from water. There are two large media baskets in the filter that give you the freedom to choose different filtration media. Its 185GPH flow rate makes it suitable for up to 65-gallon fish tanks. A push-button on its top side allows you to prime the filter easily. The flow valves can be rotated 360° for adjusting the pipes and even be removed for filter maintenance.
5. Fluval 307 Performance Canister Filter

If you want the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium, then the Fluval 307 Performance Canister Filter is a high-quality product for you. It is equipped with three layers of filtration media for keeping your aquarium clean. A handle on the top of the filter enables you to remove the main media stack for replacing the filtration media quickly. Its flow rate of 303 US gallons per hour makes it more than sufficient for a 55-gallon aquarium. You can adjust the water flow using a lever. Its quick primer technology saves time and effort and allows for simple operation.
6. Hydor Professional External Canister Filter 250

Hydor Professional External Canister Filter 250 is an excellent offering for the buyers of the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium. The filter employs mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration processes for keeping your aquarium clean, healthy, and odor-free. You can use generous amounts of filtration media in its large trays. Its flow rate of 225GPH allows you to use it with 40 to 75-gallon aquariums. The easy priming feature enables you to start the filter effortlessly after routine maintenances. Its valves are fully adjustable and come with quick-release taps for easily connecting and disconnecting pipes.
7. EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter with Media 66 US Gal

EHEIM Classic is a popular choice of the aquarium owners who want the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium. It comes with EHEIM Mech & Substrat Pro filtration media for cleaning the water of your fish tank and ensuring the health of its inhabitants. A carbon filter floss and polishing media further enhance its filtration capabilities. Its mechanical-biological filtration process also ensures adequate oxygen levels. A spray bar creates a natural water flow for constant water circulation. EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter can be used with up to 66 US gallon aquariums.
8. Aquatop CF Series Canister Filter CF300

Aquatop CF300 is a well-selling product that will be suitable for the people who need the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium. Its 3-stage filtration system keeps your aquarium clean and fish healthy. It has three flexible media trays that give you the freedom to add filtration media as per your requirements. The self-priming pump of the filter eliminates the need for manual siphoning. Aquatop CF300 canister filter has a flow rate of 264GPH and may be used with aquariums ranging from 20 to 75 gallons. It comes with the required filtration media.
9. National Geographic CF70 UV Aquarium Canister Filter with Ultraviolet Sterilizer

If you want the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium, then the National Geographic CF70 is a versatile offering for your fish tanks. The filter uses a 3-stage process for mechanical, biological, and chemical cleaning of water. Additionally, it also has a built-in UV light that sterilizes the water and keeps it crystal clear. The light prevents the water from turning green due to floating algae. Its interchangeable media baskets give you complete freedom over the filtration process. National Geographic CF70 UV canister filter is suitable for up to 70-gallon aquariums. It comes with the self-priming feature as well.
10. API Filstar XP Size M

API Filstar XP Size M is an item that is highly recommended by the buyers of the best canister filter for 55gallon aquarium. It employs a powerful 3-stage filtration process for mechanical, biological, and chemical cleaning by using API’s filtration media. The Anti-Airlock system of the filter prevents overheating. It is leak-free and has been designed to facilitate fast and effortless cleaning. The quick-disconnect and self-priming features further add to the value of the API Filstar XP Size M canister filter. It has a flow rate of 300GPH, and you can use it with 55-gallon and even larger aquariums (up to 75-gallon).