Condition dependences of defect formation in 4H-SiC epilayer induced by the implantation/annealing process were investigated using synchrotron reflection X-ray topography and transmission electron microscopy. Nitrogen, phosphorus or aluminum ions were implanted in the 4H-SiC epilayers and then activation annealing was performed. To compare the implantation/annealing process, a sample receiving only the annealing treatment without the implantation was also performed. Two different crucibles (conventional and improved) were used in the annealing process. The formation of single layer Shockley-type stacking faults near the surface was found to have no ion-implantation condition or crucible dependence. The formation of BPD half-loops and the glide of pre-existing BPDs showed clear dependence on the crucibles.