Best Filters for Planted Tanks: Canisters and HOB Picks by Tank Size (2026)
Canister and hang-on-back filters for planted tanks, grouped by the maker's rated tank volume, with media capacity, placement, and maintenance notes.
Size the filter by the maker's rated tank volume first. For roughly 10 to 30 US gal, the Fluval 107 is the smallest canister here. For 20 to 45 US gal, look at the Fluval 207 or the EHEIM classic 250. For 40 to 70 US gal, the Fluval 307 and EHEIM classic 350 overlap. From 50 to 100 US gal there's the Fluval 407, and the Fluval FX2 and FX4 cover large display tanks. If you'd rather not run hoses to a canister in the stand, the Seachem Tidal 35 and Tidal 75 are hang-on-back alternatives rated up to 35 and 75 US gal.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for planted tanks where you want filtration that stays out of the display. Most of the picks are canisters, but two hang-on-back options, the Seachem Tidal 35 and Tidal 75, are included for smaller tanks and for setups without a cabinet to hide a canister in. A canister sits in or beside the stand and connects to the tank with an intake and an outlet hose. That leaves room for more media, and you can add inline equipment such as a CO2 reactor or an inline heater. It works for both low-tech and CO2-injected tanks. In a CO2 tank, keep an eye on surface movement, because strong surface agitation drives off CO2. Our planted aquarium filter guide covers that trade-off, plus lily pipes and media choices.
Before you buy, measure two things: the tank's actual water volume, and the height from the filter's position to the water surface. Every canister has a maximum water column or head height, and all of them must sit below the tank. A hang-on-back filter instead needs clearance behind the tank and on the rim.
Comparison table
| Product | Fits | Best for | Skip if |
|---|---|---|---|
 Fluval 107 Performance Canister Filter (107)Model A440 | 10–30 gal; low-tech tanks, CO2 tanks | A 10-30 US gal planted tank where you want external filtration with room for media. | Your tank is outside the 10-30 US gal range Fluval specifies for this size. |
 Fluval 207 Performance Canister Filter (207)Model A443 | 20–45 gal; low-tech tanks, CO2 tanks | A 20-45 US gal planted tank where you want external filtration with room for media. | Your tank is outside the 20-45 US gal range Fluval specifies for this size. |
 EHEIM classic 250 Canister Filter (classic 250)Model 2213 | 22–66 gal | A planted tank of about 22-66 gal (EHEIM rates it for 80-250 L) where you want a simple, long-proven canister. | Your tank is under about 21 US gal or over about 66 US gal. |
 Fluval 307 Performance Canister Filter (307)Model A446 | 40–70 gal; low-tech tanks, CO2 tanks | A 40-70 US gal planted tank where you want external filtration with room for media. | Your tank is outside the 40-70 US gal range Fluval specifies for this size. |
 EHEIM classic 350 Canister Filter (classic 350)Model 2215 | 32–92 gal | A planted tank of about 32-92 gal (EHEIM rates it for 120-350 L) where you want a simple, long-proven canister. | Your tank is under about 32 US gal; the classic 250 is the smaller size. |
 Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter (407)Model A449 | 50–100 gal | A 50-100 US gal planted tank where you want external filtration with room for media. | Your tank is under 50 US gal; the 307 or 207 fits better. |
 Fluval FX2 High Performance Canister Filter (FX2)Model A213 | up to 175 gal | A large planted tank (roughly 75 gal and up) where you want one high-capacity canister. | Your tank is small enough for a 07-series or hang-on-back filter. |
 Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter (FX4)Model A214 | up to 250 gal | A large planted display tank where you want very high flow and media capacity. | Your tank is under about 75 gal; the FX2 or a 07-series filter is easier to fit. |
 Seachem Tidal 35 Power Filter (Tidal 35)Model 6581 | up to 35 gal | A small planted tank up to 35 US gal where you want a hang-on-back filter with a surface skimmer. | You want an external canister or need more room for media. |
 Seachem Tidal 75 Power Filter (Tidal 75)Model 67106501 | up to 75 gal | A planted tank up to 75 gal (Seachem rating) where you want a hang-on-back filter with surface skimming and adjustable flow. | Your tank sits close to a wall, or you prefer a canister hidden in the stand. |
The volume ranges in the table come straight from each maker. Fluval states the 07-series ranges in US gallons, based on North American standard aquarium usage. EHEIM states its ranges in liters, so we converted them to US gallons and rounded inward.
Up to about 45 US gal
Fluval 107 Performance Canister Filter (107)
- Best for
- A 10-30 US gal planted tank where you want external filtration with room for media.
- Skip this if
- Your tank is outside the 10-30 US gal range Fluval specifies for this size.
- Recommended aquarium size
- 10-30 US gal (40-130 L)
- Pump performance
- 145 US gal/h (550 L/h)
- Filter circulation
- 95 US gal/h (360 L/h) (measured with intake and output hoses of the same length)
- Vertical pre-filter area
- 514 cm2
- Basket volume
- 1.2 L
- Total chamber volume
- 2.0 L
- Canister volume
- 3.9 L
- Filter dimensions
- 7.5" x 7" x 13.7" (19 x 18 x 35 cm)
- Max water column height
- 1.45 m
- Rated by Fluval for 10-30 US gal aquariums, so sizing is straightforward.
- 3.9 L canister with 1.2 L of media basket volume.
- Shares the 07-series platform and service parts across sizes.
- Attached instant-prime handle for starting the filter (per the manual).
- AquaStop valve shuts off flow and locks the hoses to the canister cover for maintenance.
- More setup and maintenance (hoses, gasket lubrication) than a hang-on-back filter.
- Manual calls for yearly replacement of the motor head gasket and impeller as preventive maintenance.
The 107 (model A440) is the smallest 07-series canister. Fluval rates it for 10 to 30 US gal (40 to 130 L). The canister measures 7.5 x 7 x 13.7 in (19 x 18 x 35 cm) and holds 3.9 L, with 1.2 L of basket volume. Fluval lists pump performance of 145 US gal/h. Measured circulation with same-length hoses is 95 US gal/h, and that second figure is closer to what reaches your tank. Maximum water column height is 1.45 m. For maintenance, the manual says to lubricate the gasket and to replace the motor head gasket and impeller every year as preventive maintenance. It's worth keeping those parts on hand.
Fluval 207 Performance Canister Filter (207)
- Best for
- A 20-45 US gal planted tank where you want external filtration with room for media.
- Skip this if
- Your tank is outside the 20-45 US gal range Fluval specifies for this size.
- Recommended aquarium size
- 20-45 US gal (60-220 L)
- Pump performance
- 206 US gal/h (780 L/h)
- Filter circulation
- 121 US gal/h (460 L/h) (measured with intake and output hoses of the same length)
- Vertical pre-filter area
- 803 cm2
- Basket volume
- 1.8 L
- Total chamber volume
- 3.1 L
- Canister volume
- 5.3 L
- Filter dimensions
- 7.5" x 7" x 16.5" (19 x 18 x 42 cm)
- Max water column height
- 1.45 m
- Rated by Fluval for 20-45 US gal aquariums, so sizing is straightforward.
- 5.3 L canister with 1.8 L of media basket volume.
- Shares the 07-series platform and service parts across sizes.
- Attached instant-prime handle for starting the filter (per the manual).
- AquaStop valve shuts off flow and locks the hoses to the canister cover for maintenance.
- More setup and maintenance (hoses, gasket lubrication) than a hang-on-back filter.
- Manual calls for yearly replacement of the motor head gasket and impeller as preventive maintenance.
The 207 (model A443) is rated for 20 to 45 US gal (60 to 220 L). It's taller than the 107 at 7.5 x 7 x 16.5 in (19 x 18 x 42 cm), and the canister holds 5.3 L with 1.8 L of basket volume. Circulation is 121 US gal/h with same-length hoses, and the maximum water column is 1.45 m. It uses the same 07-series platform and service parts as the 107, so the yearly gasket and impeller schedule is the same. Check the height inside your stand before you order.
EHEIM classic 250 Canister Filter (classic 250)
- Best for
- A planted tank of about 22-66 gal (EHEIM rates it for 80-250 L) where you want a simple, long-proven canister.
- Skip this if
- Your tank is under about 21 US gal or over about 66 US gal.
- Recommended aquarium size
- About 80 L to approx. 250 L (about 21-66 US gal)
- Pump output (EU 50 Hz version)
- Approx. 440 L/h
- Max pumping head (EU 50 Hz version)
- Approx. 1.5 m
- Power (EU 50 Hz version)
- 8 W
- Container volume
- 3.5 L
- Filter volume
- 3 L
- Canister dimensions
- 160 mm diameter x 355 mm high
- Hose diameter
- 12/16 mm
- Max installation height (water surface to filter base)
- 180 cm
- Included accessories
- Spraybar, inlet pipe, hose and installation accessories
- Freshwater / saltwater
- Both
- Manufacturer guarantee
- 2 years
- Rated by EHEIM for about 80-250 L (about 21-66 US gal) aquariums.
- Low 8 W draw (EU version) and a silicone sealing ring in the pump head.
- Can be filled with filter pads and/or loose media.
- Smaller 3 L filter volume than the classic 350.
- Basic design without self-priming or the quick-disconnect valves of newer canisters.
EHEIM rates the classic 250 (2213) for about 80 to 250 L, which works out to roughly 22 to 66 US gal. Its range overlaps both the Fluval 207 and 307. The canister is a 160 mm diameter by 355 mm cylinder, with a 3.5 L container and 3 L of filter volume. One thing to note: EHEIM publishes flow (about 440 L/h), head height (about 1.5 m) and power (8 W) for the EU 50 Hz version. The US variant runs on 60 Hz, and its pump figures may differ. We also leave out the included media, because the EU and US listings describe different contents. The filter must sit below the tank, with no more than 180 cm between the water surface and the filter base. It takes 12/16 mm hose and comes with a spraybar and inlet pipe. It doesn't self-prime and doesn't have quick-disconnect valves.
About 40 to 100 US gal
Fluval 307 Performance Canister Filter (307)
- Best for
- A 40-70 US gal planted tank where you want external filtration with room for media.
- Skip this if
- Your tank is outside the 40-70 US gal range Fluval specifies for this size.
- Recommended aquarium size
- 40-70 US gal (90-330 L)
- Pump performance
- 303 US gal/h (1150 L/h)
- Filter circulation
- 206 US gal/h (780 L/h) (measured with intake and output hoses of the same length)
- Vertical pre-filter area
- 803 cm2
- Basket volume
- 3.1 L
- Total chamber volume
- 4.5 L
- Canister volume
- 7.3 L
- Filter dimensions
- 9.5" x 7" x 16.5" (24 x 18 x 42 cm)
- Max water column height
- 1.75 m
- Rated by Fluval for 40-70 US gal aquariums, so sizing is straightforward.
- 7.3 L canister with 3.1 L of media basket volume.
- Shares the 07-series platform and service parts across sizes.
- Attached instant-prime handle for starting the filter (per the manual).
- AquaStop valve shuts off flow and locks the hoses to the canister cover for maintenance.
- More setup and maintenance (hoses, gasket lubrication) than a hang-on-back filter.
- Manual calls for yearly replacement of the motor head gasket and impeller as preventive maintenance.
The 307 (model A446) is rated for 40 to 70 US gal (90 to 330 L). It measures 9.5 x 7 x 16.5 in (24 x 18 x 42 cm) and holds 7.3 L, with 3.1 L of basket volume. Circulation is 206 US gal/h with same-length hoses. The maximum water column rises to 1.75 m, which helps if your stand is tall. Maintenance follows the same 07-series schedule.
EHEIM classic 350 Canister Filter (classic 350)
- Best for
- A planted tank of about 32-92 gal (EHEIM rates it for 120-350 L) where you want a simple, long-proven canister.
- Skip this if
- Your tank is under about 32 US gal; the classic 250 is the smaller size.
- Recommended aquarium size
- About 120 L to approx. 350 L (about 32-92 US gal)
- Pump output (EU 50 Hz version)
- Approx. 620 L/h
- Max pumping head (EU 50 Hz version)
- Approx. 1.8 m
- Power (EU 50 Hz version)
- 15 W
- Container volume
- 4.8 L
- Filter volume
- 4 L
- Canister dimensions
- 185 mm diameter x 370 mm high
- Hose diameter
- 12/16 mm
- Max installation height (water surface to filter base)
- 180 cm
- Included accessories
- Spraybar, inlet pipe, hose and installation accessories
- Freshwater / saltwater
- Both
- Manufacturer guarantee
- 2 years
- Rated by EHEIM for about 120-350 L (about 32-92 US gal) aquariums.
- 4 L filter volume in a 4.8 L container.
- Can be filled with filter pads and/or loose media.
- Basic design without the self-priming of some newer canisters.
- EHEIM's published flow and wattage are for the 50 Hz EU model.
The classic 350 (2215) is rated for about 120 to 350 L, roughly 32 to 92 US gal. It's a 185 mm by 370 mm cylinder with a 4.8 L container and 4 L of filter volume. EHEIM's published figures are again for the EU 50 Hz model: about 620 L/h, about 1.8 m of head, and 15 W. The manual says the pump head must sit at least 10 cm below the water level. The maximum is 180 cm from the water surface to the filter base. You can fill it with filter pads, loose media, or both.
Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter (407)
- Best for
- A 50-100 US gal planted tank where you want external filtration with room for media.
- Skip this if
- Your tank is under 50 US gal; the 307 or 207 fits better.
- Recommended aquarium size
- 50-100 US gal (150-500 L)
- Pump performance
- 383 US gal/h (1450 L/h)
- Filter circulation
- 245 US gal/h (930 L/h) (measured with intake and output hoses of the same length)
- Vertical pre-filter area
- 1074 cm2
- Basket volume
- 4.2 L
- Total chamber volume
- 6.0 L
- Canister volume
- 9.2 L
- Filter dimensions
- 9.5" x 7" x 19.3" (24 x 18 x 49 cm)
- Max water column height
- 2.25 m
- Rated by Fluval for 50-100 US gal aquariums.
- 9.2 L canister with 4.2 L of media basket volume.
- Shares the 07-series platform and service parts with the 107/207/307.
- Attached instant-prime handle for starting the filter (per the manual).
- AquaStop valve shuts off flow and locks the hoses to the canister cover for maintenance.
- More setup and maintenance (hoses, gasket lubrication) than a hang-on-back filter.
- Manual calls for yearly replacement of the motor head gasket and impeller as preventive maintenance.
The 407 (model A449) is the largest 07-series canister, rated for 50 to 100 US gal (150 to 500 L). It measures 9.5 x 7 x 19.3 in (24 x 18 x 49 cm), so check the height under your stand first. The canister holds 9.2 L with 4.2 L of basket volume. Circulation is 245 US gal/h with same-length hoses, and the maximum water column is 2.25 m. If your tank is under 50 US gal, Fluval's own range points you to the 307 or 207 instead.
Large display tanks
Fluval FX2 High Performance Canister Filter (FX2)
- Best for
- A large planted tank (roughly 75 gal and up) where you want one high-capacity canister.
- Skip this if
- Your tank is small enough for a 07-series or hang-on-back filter.
- Aquarium capacity
- 175 US gal (750 L)
- Pump output
- 475 US gal/h (1,800 L/h)
- Filter circulation
- 343 US gal/h (1,300 L/h) (measured without media, with same-length hoses)
- Mechanical area (foam)
- 178 sq in (1,150 cm2)
- Biological volume
- 1 US gal (3.9 L)
- Filtration volume
- 2.5 US gal (9.5 L)
- Max head height
- 6.9 ft (2.1 m)
- Power
- 27 W (120 V/60 Hz)
- Priming
- Electronic automatic priming; pump stops for 1 minute every 12 hours to evacuate trapped air
- Warranty
- 3 years
- Automatic electronic priming after plug-in.
- 9.5 L filtration volume, rated for up to 175 US gal.
- 3-year warranty.
- Large canister for small planted tanks.
- Flow pauses for 1 minute every 12 hours to purge air.
Fluval gives the FX2 (model A213) an aquarium capacity of 175 US gal and doesn't state a minimum. It has 9.5 L of filtration volume, a 27 W pump, and electronic automatic priming. Two operating details are worth knowing. The pump stops for 1 minute every 12 hours to clear trapped air, so flow pauses briefly by design. And the maximum head height is 2.1 m. On a small planted tank, a canister this large is usually more than you need.
Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter (FX4)
- Best for
- A large planted display tank where you want very high flow and media capacity.
- Skip this if
- Your tank is under about 75 gal; the FX2 or a 07-series filter is easier to fit.
- Aquarium capacity
- 250 US gal (1,000 L)
- Pump output
- 700 US gal/h (2,650 L/h)
- Filter circulation
- 450 US gal/h (1,700 L/h) (measured without media, with same-length hoses)
- Mechanical area (foam)
- 217 sq in (1,400 cm2)
- Biological volume
- 1 US gal (3.9 L)
- Filtration volume
- 3.7 US gal (14 L)
- Max head height
- 6.9 ft (2.1 m)
- Power
- 30 W (120 V/60 Hz)
- Priming
- Electronic automatic priming; pump stops for 1 minute every 12 hours to evacuate trapped air
- Warranty
- 3 years
- 14 L filtration volume, rated for up to 250 US gal.
- Automatic electronic priming.
- 3-year warranty.
- Very large for typical planted tanks under 75 gal.
- 30 W draw, more than smaller canisters.
The FX4 (model A214) is rated for 250 US gal with 14 L of filtration volume and draws 30 W. The FX manual says to pour at least 1.6 US gal (6 L) of water into the canister before the first start. Like the FX2, it has a 3-year warranty and the same 12-hour air purge. For tanks under about 75 gal, the FX2 or a 07-series filter is easier to fit.
Hang-on-back alternatives
Seachem Tidal 35 Power Filter (Tidal 35)
- Best for
- A small planted tank up to 35 US gal where you want a hang-on-back filter with a surface skimmer.
- Skip this if
- You want an external canister or need more room for media.
- Aquarium size
- Up to 35 US gal (130 L)
- Flow rate
- 130 US gal/h (500 L/h)
- Power
- 6 W (120 V, 60 Hz)
- Filter volume
- 0.2 US gal (0.7 L)
- Unit dimensions
- 6 1/8 x 5 1/8 x 7 1/8 in (15.5 x 13 x 18 cm)
- Media chamber
- 5 3/8 x 2 x 4 7/8 in (13.8 x 5.2 x 12.5 cm)
- Clearance needed
- Wall 2 3/4 in (7 cm); tank trim 1 in (2.6 cm); inside tank 1 3/8 in (3.5 cm)
- Features
- Self-priming pump, self-cleaning impeller, surface skimmer, flow regulation, maintenance alert, overflow prevention, leveling dial
- Self-priming pump and built-in surface skimmer.
- Adjustable flow, rated 130 US gal/h.
- Compact unit for tanks up to 35 US gal.
- Small 0.7 L media capacity.
- No intake flow regulation or heater holder (the larger Tidal models have them).
The Tidal 35 isn't a canister. Seachem rates this hang-on-back filter for tanks up to 35 US gal (130 L), with 130 US gal/h of flow, 6 W of power, and 0.7 L of media capacity. It needs 2 3/4 in (7 cm) of space behind the tank and 1 in (2.6 cm) of rim clearance. It has a self-priming pump and a surface skimmer, which helps clear surface film in planted tanks.
Seachem Tidal 75 Power Filter (Tidal 75)
- Best for
- A planted tank up to 75 gal (Seachem rating) where you want a hang-on-back filter with surface skimming and adjustable flow.
- Skip this if
- Your tank sits close to a wall, or you prefer a canister hidden in the stand.
- Aquarium size
- Up to 75 US gal (300 L)
- Flow rate
- 350 US gal/h (1500 L/h)
- Power
- 8 W (120 V, 60 Hz)
- Filter volume
- 0.50 US gal (1.9 L)
- Unit dimensions
- 9 3/8 x 7 x 9 1/2 in (23.4 x 17.8 x 24.2 cm)
- Media chamber
- 9 3/8 x 3 x 7 in (23.9 x 7.6 x 18 cm)
- Clearance needed
- Wall 3 1/2 in (8.5 cm); tank trim 1 5/16 in (3.3 cm); inside tank 1 3/4 in (4.3 cm)
- Features
- Self-priming pump, self-cleaning impeller, surface skimmer, flow and intake flow regulation, telescoping intake, heater holder, maintenance alert, overflow prevention
- Self-priming pump with surface skimmer and adjustable intake and output flow.
- Rated 350 US gal/h for tanks up to 75 US gal.
- Built-in heater holder and telescoping intake.
- Needs 3 1/2 in of clearance behind the tank.
- 1.9 L media capacity is less than a canister of similar rating.
The Tidal 75 is rated for tanks up to 75 US gal (300 L), with 350 US gal/h of flow and 1.9 L of media capacity. It adds intake flow regulation, a telescoping intake, and a heater holder. Leave 3 1/2 in (8.5 cm) behind the tank. On a rimless tank, check that the wall and inside-tank clearances work with your glass and lid setup.
Alternatives and when to skip buying
If your current filter covers your tank's volume, keeps the water clear, and gives visible flow across the whole tank, a new filter probably won't improve plant growth. Most planted tank problems come from light, CO2 and nutrients. For very small tanks, a canister rated from 10 US gal up can be more than you need. In that case, a small hang-on-back filter like the Tidal 35 is simpler to run. If you are torn between the two main canister lines here, our Fluval 07 series vs EHEIM classic comparison sets them side by side on tank-size fit, media room, and maintenance, and the Fluval 307 review looks at the mid-size Fluval in detail. You can browse other filter types on the Filters: what to check before you buy ↗ hub, or answer a few questions in the setup finder.
How we chose
Each filter was matched to its Amazon listing by model number. Specifications come from Fluval, EHEIM, and Seachem documentation, either product pages or user manuals, and we note where a maker's figures apply to a regional variant. We only included products rated 4 stars or higher on Amazon when we checked. Compatibility came first: rated tank volume, head height for canisters, and rear and rim clearance for the hang-on-back picks. We haven't tested these filters hands-on, and we don't rank or score them.
Related guidance
- Planted aquarium filter guide
- Aquarium CO2 system guide
- Cycling and water testing
- Fluval 07 series vs EHEIM classic
- Fluval 307 Performance canister filter review
- CO2 regulators and parts, including inline diffusers that sit on a canister's outflow hose
Sources
- Fluval 07 Series canister filter user manual (Rolf C. Hagen, doc 09520001), Rolf C. Hagen / Fluval
- EHEIM classic 250 product page with technical data, EHEIM
- EHEIM classic external filter range page, EHEIM
- EHEIM classic 350 product page with technical data, EHEIM
- EHEIM classic 350/600 (Typ 2215/2217) operating manual, EHEIM
- Fluval FX2/FX4/FX6 canister filter user manual, Rolf C. Hagen / Fluval
- Fluval FX4/FX6 user manual, Rolf C. Hagen / Fluval
- Compare Tidal Filters (official specifications), Seachem
This page is research-based: we have not tested the equipment or methods ourselves. It draws on the sources listed and established hobby practice.
Keep reading
Choosing a Filter for a Planted Aquarium
How canister, hang-on-back, sponge, and internal filters suit planted tanks, how to size flow realistically, and how to maintain media without harming the cycle.
Aquarium CO2 Systems Explained: A Planted Tank Guide
When injected CO2 helps a planted tank, how each part of a pressurized system works, how to dial it in safely, and the mistakes that put livestock at risk.
Aquarium Cycling and Water Testing for Planted Tanks
How the nitrogen cycle works, how to cycle a tank without fish, how to tell when it is ready, and which water tests matter for planted tanks.