Is this filter enough for a 28-gallon tank?

It is rated for tanks up to about 28 gallons, so it suits a lightly stocked tank of that size. Heavily stocked or messy fish need more filtration.

Can I add my own filter media?

Yes. There is open space at the top and bottom of the barrel for ceramic rings or other media, though the sponge trays take up most of the volume.

Does it work on saltwater tanks?

It is listed for both freshwater and seawater. Rinse the sponges in tank water and watch for salt creep around the seals.

How often should I clean it?

Rinse the sponges every two to four weeks in tank water. Because there are no shutoff valves, plan for a bucket and towels during cleaning.

What is included in the box?

The filter barrel with pump, two hoses, an inlet adjuster, and inlet and outlet fitting sets. No tools are needed.

Owners describe it as quiet for a small canister. Vibration noise can rise if the barrel sits on a hard, uneven surface.

Where is the 3-Stage External Canister Aquarium Filter cheapest?

At Deal.ai, for $95.58, as of our latest check.

3-Stage External Canister Aquarium Filter

Sold and shipped by Deal.ai

$95.58Free shipping

Size: S

Arrives about Nov 14–23, from a US warehouse

No returns for change of mind. If it arrives damaged or isn't what you ordered, or never arrives, report it within 30 days and we refund you in full.

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $95.58 at Deal.ai on Nov 8.

Our take on the 3-Stage External Canister Aquarium Filter

This is a hang-on external canister filter for freshwater and saltwater tanks up to about 28 gallons. It stacks three sponge layers plus a basic pad, with open space at the top and bottom for your own filter media. A 6W pump moves roughly 105 gph and lifts water about 33 inches, and the kit includes hoses, an inlet adjuster and inlet and outlet fittings. It is a budget-minded alternative to name-brand canisters like Fluval or Eheim: simpler media trays and no spray bar or quick-disconnect valves, but enough flow for a small community tank.

What reviewers say

Owners of small tanks generally find it quiet and easy to set up, and the adjustable inlet helps dial flow down. Complaints center on the sponge-only trays and on priming and cleaning without shutoff valves.

What people mention

NoisePraisedOwners say the pump runs quietly enough for a bedroom tank.
SetupPraisedBuyers report connecting the hoses and fittings takes only minutes without tools.
MediaCriticisedThe three sponge layers clog fast and leave little room for biological media.
MaintenanceCriticisedWithout shutoff valves, cleaning means wrestling with hoses and water spills.
FlowMixedThe inlet adjuster helps, but some owners find flow weak in larger tanks.

About the 3-Stage External Canister Aquarium Filter

*Features*: *Reliable Filter System*: From up to down of our filter barrel,orderly built in three biological filtering layers(coarse filter sponge,medium filter sponge and thin filter sponge) and one basic filtering layer to purify the water,besides,at the top and the bottom of the filter barrel separately leave space for you to place different media to reach additionally biological filtration. *Great Pumping Performance*: Adopting effective 6W water pump,our filter is silent,low consumption and the flow rate and H-Max can reach 105gph/400L/h and .85m/33.46in separately to speed up water circulation and filter. *Complete External Canister Filter Kit*: Including 1pcs sealing-well filter barrel with a powerful pump,2pcs hoses for inlet and outlet,1pcs inlet adjuster to conveniently adjust the flow rate,1set inlet components and 1set outlet components. *Easy to Install*: Well-equipped with all needed accessories,just connect the accordant components with each other,no more tools are required. *Wide Application*: Can be used for 28-gallon freshwater and seawater aquariums and fish tanks lower than 23.6inches. *Specifications*: Product Type: External Filter Material: ABS Applicable with: 28-Gallon Tanks with a Dimension of Approx. 60cm x 35cm x 50cm/23.6in x 0.14in x 0.2in (L x W x H) Rated Voltage: 110V (US Standard) Rated Frequency: 60Hz Pump Power: 6W Flow Rate: 105gph/400L/h Height Max: 0.85m/33.46in Hose Size: 16mm/0.63in (OD), 12mm/0.47in (ID), 1.5m/59in (Length) Item Size: As the Picture Show Item Weight: 1.28kg/2.82lbs Package Size: 25*17*30cm/9.84*6.69*11.81in Package Weight: 1745g/3.84lbs *Package Lists*: 1 x Filter Barrel with Pump 2 x Hoses (Inlet and Outlet) 1 x Inlet Adjuster 1 x Inlet Component Set 1 x Outlet Component Set 1 x User Manual