How often should filter media be cleaned?

Most setups benefit from a light monthly rinse in old tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria.

Is a canister filter worth it for beginners?

Usually yes on medium tanks, because stable filtration lowers failure risk during early ownership.

Quick answer: For most 80-200L tropical tanks, a quiet canister filter gives the best balance of clarity, stability, and lower long-term effort.

Compare canister, hang-on-back, and internal filters by noise, maintenance effort, and tank-size fit.

Best Aquarium Filters in Australia (2026) comparison table
Type	Best For	Noise	Maintenance	Quick Link
Canister	80-300L tanks	Low	Monthly	Check Canister options
Hang-on-back	40-120L tanks	Medium	Fortnightly	Check Hang-on-back options
Internal	Nano tanks	Low-Med	Weekly	Check Internal options

We prioritize stable flow, practical cleaning time, and filter-media capacity over headline liters-per-hour claims.

Choose based on real turnover at your tank height. Aim for consistent circulation without stressing fish.

How often should filter media be cleaned?: Most setups benefit from a light monthly rinse in old tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria.
Is a canister filter worth it for beginners?: Usually yes on medium tanks, because stable filtration lowers failure risk during early ownership.