Cichlids are beautiful fish, and they need spacious tanks. These territorial creatures can be complicated to keep in peace, so make sure you have plenty of room!
A large aquarium involves a lot of water, requiring a high-quality aquarium filter.
So if you’re looking for a filter that can handle the needs of a 125-gallon cichlid tank, you’ve come to the right place.
This blog post will look for the Best Filter For 125 Gallon Cichlid Tank by reviewing some of them based on their features and performance.
What Size Of Filter Do We Need For A 125 Gallon Tank
Your filter’s capacity should be three to four times as large as your aquarium’s total volume. For example, a 125-gallon tank requires at least 375-500 GPH in a filter.
What Type Of Filter Do We Need For A 125 Gallon Tank
There are various types of aquarium filters, however, not all are suitable for Cichlid tanks or for the large tanks (125 gallons).
For tanks larger than 50 gallons, canister filters are usually the best option since they provide better water circulation and filtration. So for large cichlid tanks, like 125-gallon tanks, we always recommend an external canister filter.
HOB power filters may be considered by some aquarists. HOB filters are fine for tanks with a capacity of smaller than 100 gallons, and they’re also effortless to set up and keep clean. However, they usually are not built to handle tanks of this size (125-gallon).
An external canister filter is the only option if you have a large aquarium. However, many people also use a mix of a HOB and a canister filter, depending on the setup.
Read also:
- How To Set Up A Canister Filter For Fish Tank (A Step-By-Step Guide)
- Fish Tank Filter Not Working? Here’s How To Fix It
- How To Clean Canister Filter In 15 Simple Steps
Best Filter For 125 Gallon Cichlid Tank: 6 Top Picks
Fluval FX6 Canister Filter
The Fluval FX6 Canister Filter is the perfect filter for large aquariums. This filter is durable and robust, ideal for large cichlid tanks with serious fish enthusiasts.
Flowrate:
This canister filter can be used for saltwater or freshwater tanks up to 400 gallons in size and has a flow rate of 925 gallons per hour. That is to say, it can process more than 7 times the volume of water in a 125-gallon tank each hour, which is more than enough for even the messiest of Cichlids to live happily within. The adjustable flow rate is another benefit of this aquarium filter.
Filtration:
Large capacity media baskets are an essential component of multi-stage filtration, as they give the ideal combination of layers for your aquarium. It comes with all three stages (Mechanical, Chemical & Biological).
Furthermore, it is possible to achieve up to 6-stage filtration using this. In addition, baskets are designed to eliminate water bypass.
Maintenance:
This powerful filter features an easy-to-use design that makes setting up a breeze. Plus, the rubber feet make it one of the quietest filters on the market.
Flexzion Canister Filter
Looking for an effective and efficient canister filter for your cichlid tank? Indeed, you can consider the Flexzion Canister Filter! It’s excellent for freshwater and saltwater aquariums and will give your fish tank the healthy, crystal clear water it deserves.
Flowrate:
This top-of-the-line filter comes with a maximum flow rate of 525GPH. It’s suitable for fish tanks up to 150 gallons, accommodating even the messiest cichlids! You’ll love its adjustable features, like its silent operation, so you have complete reign over your water quality without annoying noise.
Filtration:
The Flexzion Canister Filter is a top-of-the-line filtration system for your aquarium. This 3-stage media tray filter gives you the choice of filtration media to suit your needs. The included spray bar and the canister design help remove water from the tank while forcing it through different filter media stages. If the canister filter has no spray bar, the water will simply spill into the tank in one spot, like a waterfall.
Maintenance:
You’ll love the Flexzion Canister Filter – it’s easy to use and maintain! The convenient primer pump button is designed to eliminate air from the filter, and the single valve disconnect makes it a breeze to clean. Just note that the instruction manual can be a little hard to understand
Polar Aurora Canister Filter
The Polar Aurora is a sleek and robust filter with four media trays for your filtration media of choice and an adjustable spray bar to manage the output flow. This filter has many features that make it an excellent choice for a 125-gallon cichlid tank.
Flowrate:
Perfect for tanks up to 150 gallons, this filter features a built-in pump with a maximum flow rate of 525 GPH. In addition, the UV sterilizer will keep your water clean and clear of algae.
Filtration:
Media phases include chemical, biological, and mechanical filtering in this canister. These media stages ensure that your fish are getting the cleanest water possible. In addition, a coarse filter sponge and bio balls are included as well as ceramic rings and activated carbon. Because of this, you don’t need to purchase it separately.
The 9-watt UV sterilizer bulb removes bacteria or algae spores from the water, keeping your fish healthy and happy.
Maintenance:
The self-priming pump eliminates the need for manual siphoning for convenient maintenance, and the single valve disconnect makes routine maintenance a snap.
The O-ring is another fantastic feature. It may appear to be a simple feature, but it ensures that your filter does not leak. When you open the top of the filter, you’ll notice an O-ring surrounding the circular aperture on the canister.
Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter
The Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter is one of the best filters you can buy for your cichlid aquarium. It’s easy to use and maintain, has lots of capacity, and is highly customizable. Plus, it comes with great value for the price.
Flowrate:
The 500, 700, 1000, 1200, and 1500 sizes of this filter are available. 1500 is rated for up to 200 gallons of aquariums, while 1200 is suited for up to 150 gallons of aquariums. But due to this unit’s relatively low flow rate, we recommend the 1500 model for your 125-gallon Cichlid tank.
The Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter (1500) can filter up to 350 gallons per hour, or roughly three times the volume of water in a 125-gallon tank.
Filtration:
This powerful filter comes with 3-stage filtration and 5 large media baskets and is fully customizable – meaning you can put whatever kind of media in it that you please.
However, because it has three stages of filtration, it can easily handle mechanical, biological, and chemical filtering.
Plus, its efficient design means it will produce clean water quickly and easily.
Maintenance:
Thanks to the included hoses and other parts, installing the Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter couldn’t be easier.
On the other hand, the top can be readily opened, and the stacked media baskets may be quickly removed for cleaning or media replacement. Also, the flow valves are easy to remove and can be rapidly cleaned.
It’s as simple as plugging it in, connecting the hoses, and placing it wherever convenient. For a quick start, it even has a push-button primer.
OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo
OASE Indoor Aquatics BioMaster Thermo is the perfect solution for keeping your fish happy and healthy. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo is unmatched for innovative features. Designed for freshwater and marine conditions, the filter can be used in your cichlid tank.
Flowrate:
Rated for aquariums up to 160 gallons, the OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 has a flow rate of 350 gallons per hour. However, a minimum flow of at least three times the tank volume is generally recommended; hence we suggest Biomater Thermo 850 with 400 GPH.
Filtration:
This filter uses a four-stage filtration system to remove all contaminants from the water. The enclosed filtration paths ensure optimal media filtering while also preventing leakage. It has a flow control design that can be adjusted on both the filter’s inlet and outlet adapters.
To remove trash and contaminants from the water, it uses biological, mechanical, chemical, and prefiltration procedures. The Hel-x suspended filter media mimics the natural aquatic state by providing a stable habitat for bacterial growth.
Maintenance:
It is easy to use and maintain with adjustable flow control, easy priming, and quiet operation.
It has a built-in heater that maintains a consistent temperature throughout the tank. It also has the EasyClean pre-filter module, which is unique. This module can be removed independently from the filter, simplifying filter maintenance and improving efficiency.
Aqueon QuietFlow Canister Filter
If you want a highly efficient and silent filter, you need to go no farther than the Aqueon QuietFlow canister filter. So if you’re looking for something easy to use and quiet, this is it. It’s also simple to set up to get to work effortlessly.
Flowrate:
As per rated capacity, up to 155-gallon aquariums can use this filter. It can move 400 gallons of water each hour, so quite okay for your 125-gallon tank.
Filtration:
Pre-loaded with mechanical, chemical, and biological filters, the Quietflow removes trash and pollutants from water. Filtration is accomplished using a combination of activated carbon, bio-balls, biochemical rings, and a coarse-foam pad. Multi-stage filtration ensures the healthiest and cleanest conditions for fish.
Maintenance:
The installation of this filter is a breeze. The Aqueon Quietflow’s hang on the backwater polishing unit is one of its most notable characteristics. Because of this, performing maintenance is so effortless.
You don’t have to remove the entire canister to replace the media basket with this filter. Unlike other canister filters. After replacing the polishing unit’s carbon cartridge, you’re done!
FAQs
Do Cichlids Really Need A Filter?
No doubt, keeping cichlids requires an effective filter. Cichlids are known for their ravenous appetites and may also be untidy. They generate a lot of garbage, which will contaminate the water if not properly disposed of.
An average Cichlid tank of any size requires a water-filtering capacity of at least three times the tank’s capacity. Therefore, these fish do necessitate high-capacity filters.
Is A Sponge Filter Suitable For Cichlids?
It’s unfortunate, but a single sponge filter (or even several) will not suffice to keep a Cichlid aquarium clean. When it comes to maintaining Cichlids in a 125-gallon tank, even the most powerful powerhead and the most enormous sponge will not provide enough water turnover to keep them healthy.
Summary
An overview of our best 3 picks is provided below…
Best All-Rounder
After testing several filters, we believe the OASE Indoor Aquatics BioMaster Thermo is the best all-arounder.
The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo is unrivaled in terms of functionality and innovation. The filter can be used in your cichlid tank and is designed for freshwater and marine settings. It features a built-in heater that keeps the temperature consistent throughout the tank. It also has the EasyClean pre-filter module, which is a one-of-a-kind feature.
Best On A Budget
You can get a great filter for your cichlid aquarium at a reasonable price with the Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter. Easy to use and manage, with a large capacity and customization options. It’s a terrific value for the money, and it’s also dependable.
Editor’s Choice
The Fluval FX6 Canister filter is my all-time favorite. It’s a well-known product. A flow rate of 925 gallons per hour makes it suitable for tanks up to 400 gallons in size. Even the messiest of Cichlids can thrive in this tank, as it processes more than seven times the volume of water in a 125-gallon tank every hour. This filter will also come in handy if you decide to upgrade your tank in the future.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Our top 6 filters for a 125-gallon cichlid tank. We hope that this article has helped you decide which filter will work best for your tank.
If you still have any questions, please leave us a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Happy fishkeeping!
More On Tank Specific Filter:
- Premium Fish Tank Filter for 75-Gallon Tank (Reviewed)
- What Are The Best Filters You Can Buy For A Large Tank
- 10 Best 48 Inch LED Aquarium Light For 55+ Gallons (Fish/Plant/Reef) - April 15, 2022
- Freshwater Sump Filter | Convenience, Planning & Designing - April 13, 2022
- 10 Best Refugium Light For Chaeto: Review And A Complete Buying Guide - April 7, 2022