The Hydor Company has been producing many aquarium related components for decades now. It is only until recently that they decided to try out the filter market. It might be a new model in terms of years on the market, but it sure creates a buzz based on the features it has to offer.
It is easy to find people not being comfortable with all the hype around the canister filter, until they actually get to use it. To help you worry no more about the hype, this review will get to highlight the best features and functionality you will get after buying this model.
Table of Contents
Hydor Professional External Canister Filter Review
Canister Construction
From just feeling it in your hand for the first time, you will conclude that it is an amazing product. It is well-constructed to have it withstand all the needs the user might have for it when it comes to the filtration process.
You will no longer have to worry about dealing with products that often had cheap plastic materials for their construction.
The Hydor filters come with a 4-locking clamp system that offers more support to the motor and keeps it working properly. The system helps to also prevent cases of water leaks as you have all the points sealed tightly.
The different shapes of the various parts are important to ensure that you end up with the correct installation process. You do not want to have a part in the wrong section.
Ease of Setup
You do not really need to have installed a similar model before, as the Hydor models are easy to assemble and install. You should be done with the whole setup process within 30 minutes.
No more dealing with the complex instructions that other models might have. Hooking up it to your aquarium with the hoses is also a breeze.
To make it easier on the mounting process, the inlet and outlet connectors can easily swivel so that you have an easy time connecting the hoses from various angles.
If you have any problem with the mounting process, simply refer to the manual for additional information. You will always have an easy time mounting the canister then.
Impressive Flow Rate and Capacity
The flow rate is something quite desired in most filters. Any aquarium owner would want to own a filter that can deliver the best flow rate at all times.
The flow rate of the Hydor ranges from 240 gallons per hour to 280 gallons per hour. As you can see, such a flow rate would always get people talking about it all the time.
Now that you know about the flow rate, you would want to know what about the aquariums it can support in terms of gallons?
You can use the models on aquariums as from 20 gallons models to 150-gallon fish tanks. It all depends on the type of model you decide to choose for the aquarium.

Low Noise when Turned On
Being the new kid on the block might make people think that it has not mastered the art of producing silent filters. You may be surprised after learning that it is also very quiet when using it more often.
No more humming noises you would commonly hear with other models in the same category. Some people have actually had to put their hands on the model just to make sure it is running.
Filtration Media Layers
The filters also quite vary from one model to another. For this model, you get 3 media trays. In the advanced models, you can end up with even 5 media trays. The 3 media layers should still be enough to handle your filtration needs for the aquarium.
The arrangement of the filter media can always be changed to what you want, as there is enough room in the canister chamber.
Clean with Ease
At some point, you will have to open it up for maintenance. You will need a model that is quite easy to open and deal with the mess inside. Make sure to lock the main supply hose first to reduce the number of water leaks.
It should be easy to un-mount and clean too. During the cleaning process, make sure that the impeller is removed for thorough cleaning.
Pros
- It is easy to set up even for amateurs
- It comes with a safety lock system
- It is easy to use and clean
- It comes with a powerful flow rate
- It has an easy priming system
Cons
- It might not have many replacement parts available as it is still new in the field
- It has issues with the leaks when disconnecting the valves
Hydor Canister Filter Review Video
Verdict
Being high capacity is just something you would enjoy when using the model. You will have an easy time also knowing the water level as the canister is made to be translucent. The large media trays also help it to have a great filtration process with no lags at all. If you want an effective filter for your aquarium, you should consider this model.
I purchased the Pro 600 their top model because I previously had used Cascade canister filters by Penn Play and was very satisfied with this very similar styled canister filter.
While I like the overall quality of this canister filter and the large capacity, there have been several times when servicing the Hydor Pro 600 filter when the trays appear to be well stacked / interlocked and the motor head appears sealed, flat and locked only to turn on the filter and it leaks down the sides!!!
I really do not care for the sliding side locks / clamps I wish there was a better system.
i find the filters have to be lined up just so or it will not lock correct i only thing i do not like it trying to put the impeller back in but i do have four of these filters and some of them no problem there is a little washer that does not line up good
I removed both hose’s to place the filter on the opposite side of the tank stand. I hooked every up and it will not start. What did I do wrong
Dennis
Filter will not start after removing hose’s to relocate filter
Hello,
I own the Hydor Pro 450 Canister Filter that I use for my Discus tank. I am trying to obtain some information concerning replacement of the flexible hoses. I have no information as to the size of each hose. I believe one is a 16/22mm and I am sure of the other is 18/24mm. Can anyone tell me if I have the correct size and where I can purchase these hoses.
Can i keep hydor 350 canister filter at tank level?