This canister filter article is a follow up to a previous post entitled “5 Fish Tank Filters That You Could Set Up“.

One of the best types of filters to implement in your saltwater aquarium is definitely the canister filter. A canister filter does a wonderful job at filtration, is easy to set up and maintain, and generally it is affordable. But not all canister filters perform the same. What i would like to do here is give you 3 tips that will help you select the right aquarium canister filter that you could opt for in your saltwater fish tank.

Tip #1: Canister Filter Parts

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Before buying the canister filter of your choice, check with your local aquarium shop if they carry replacement parts for the model of your choice. If you don’t notice them on the shelves,mask the store clerk if they are stored elsewhere. Some of the more common parts that may need to be replaced from time to time include the impeller, rubber gaskets and O rings. The problem is that you never know when these parts will wear out and when they do, the canister filter will stop functioning or leak badly. These need to be replaced urgently and you won’t be able to wait a few days for the parts to arrive through the mail. It is also a great idea to keep a spare set of these parts. Ask the store clerk what other parts you should keep on hand for an emergency.

Tip #2: Compliant Saltwater Canister Filter

Saltwater and freshwater filters are not the same. The salt in the water tends to be corrosive especially to metal and saltwater filters are generally made of material that does not corrode. Check with the store clerk that the canister filter of your choice is saltwater compliant and also ensure that it is mentioned on the box or the User Manual. Using the wrong type of canister filter in your saltwater aquarium will cause it to malfunction very fast.

Tip #3: Easy To Service Canister Filter

Any type of fish tank filter eventually needs to be serviced and some are harder to maintain than others. Check with the store clerk on how much maintenance needs to be performed and what the tasks involve. You will then need to make a judgement on whether the maintenance tasks can fit easily to your lifestyle and time.

Does the canister filter have fittings that are easy and quick to disconnect? If they do, then it would allow you to easily remove the canister from the hoses while preventing water from leaking out on your floor. Not every canister filter have such quick releases, so you might want to check with the store clerk if the canister filter of your choice has this. While it is not really crucial, it will save you a whole lot of trouble when it comes to maintenance especially if your aquarium is over a carpeted area.

These are three of the most important tips that you should think about and enquire on when you decide to use a canister filter for your saltwater aquarium.

But Aren’t All Fish Tank Filters The Same?

This is a follow up from an earlier post titled “Ideal Fish Tank Filters For A Small Aquarium“.

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Well, I hate to say it but not all fish tank filters are created equal. It is true that some perform better than others while there are also fish tank filters that are suited for specific conditions and perform specific tasks. The also differ according to price and how often they need to be maintained. In this article I will expose you to the various choices of fish tank filters that you have and what you can do to select the ideal fish tank filters for your aquarium.

How Important Are Fish Tank Filters?

Fish tank filters are the most important equipment for any aquarium. Along with fish tank heaters, fish tank filters form a system that ensure the living conditions in a tank is just right for healthy and vibrant fish.  Choosing the right fish tank filters for you is also a matter of personal choice. Even though different fish tank filters work differently, they all have the same basic purpose which is to filter out debris and externals from the water which would otherwise contaminate it .

How Do Fish Tank Filters Work?

Fish tank filters generally perform one or more of the following filtration tasks: chemical, mechanical and biological.

Chemical filtration involves the removal of toxins and dissolved matter usually through activated carbon. The porous carbon filter traps phosphates and waste in its pore. It is also able to remove ammonia and odor from the water. While it really isn’t all that important to perform chemical filtration, it can be useful especially in a tank meant for quarantine to filter out the excess chemicals used for treatment.

Mechanical filtration removes large waste and sediments from the aquarium. All fish tank filters perform this basic but important function.  Biological filtration is a very important filtration task.

Biological fish tank filters utilize a colony of beneficial bacteria to filter out toxins and decay from the tank. If you wish to have healthy and thriving fish, then biological filtration is an absolute must.

Different Types Of Fish Tank Filters

The main filtration function performed by almost all fish tank filters are biological and mechanical. The more expensive ones add on chemical filtration as well. Your choice of aquarium filters to use should depend on the size of the tank, the quantity of fish, how sensitive the fish are, the budget you are willing to spend on the fish tank filters and finally how much time you are willing to set aside to clean it.

Here is a general look at the various types of fish tank filters being sold today:

1. Box Filters: Also known as Corner Filters, this is usually a clear box that contains filter floss and other media. Air is push through an air stone that in turn pumps water into the filter, through the floss and filter media which performs mechanical filtration. Over time, there will be a build up of bacterial colony providing biological filtration . Box filters are inexpensive but you should only consider them for small tanks as they are generally not that efficient. Most fish enthusiasts today also do not favor them because the box which is placed inside the tank tends does not compliment the decoration. They require weekly cleaning but are easily to clean.
2. Undergravel Filters: A layer of gravel sits on top of a plastic platform. By utilizing a pump, water is suck from under the gravel, forcing it to flow through the gravel which performs mechanical and eventually biological filtration . Undergravel filters usually comes together with a beginners tank that you buy in a complete set. During the weekly cleaning session, you would have to vacuum the layer of sediments that will accumulate just above the gravel.
3. Aquarium Sponge Filter: These fairly efficient filters are usually used as a secondary filter attached to a main filter to further increase the filtration process. Sponge filters are cheap but the maintenance can be a bit messy because you’d need to remove the sponge from the tank and clean it before replacing it back again.
4. Power Filters: Most fish enthusiasts use this type of filter. They are very efficient and provides a complete filtration process. Some the reasons why they are so famous is because of the mid range price, efficient filtering and simple maintenance. Just right for a mid size tank.
5. Canister Filters: Meant mainly for larger thanks that need a powerful filter. Though they are expensive, they do perform the best filtration process than any other filters. They require very little maintenance usually just a couple of times in a year. Also, the filter is totally out of the water so maintenance does not involve the water in the tank at all.

In Conclusion….

Think carefully about the fish tank filter that you wish to purchase because it should be an investment that is supposed to last you for many years. Selecting the right fish tank filters for you will ensure not only healthy and vibrant fish but a hobby that will be totally satisfying.

From selecting fish tank filters, let’s look into how to move fish between tanks safely.

Benefits Of Canister Fish Tank Filters

by Tim Kessler

This is a follow up from my earlier post “Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Fish Tank Filters“.

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Canister fish tank filters are aquarium filters that are large and powerful and is used for biological, mechanical and even chemical filtration. Canister filters are external filters that are usually placed below the tank. The canisters have locking lids with inlet and outlet tubes through it which directs the water into the filter, goes through a series of various filter media which cleans out the water and is then pumped back into the tank through the outlet tube.

Canister fish tank filters are hardy and require very little maintenance. Some are even able to go for a few months without having to have any maintenance performed on them.

How Do Canister Fish Tank Filters Function

These filters do vary depending on the brand and model. But in general, canister fish tank filters perform their filtration following the same principles. A magnetic impeller motor located in the lid of the canister drives water into the tank through large foam pads which traps large particles. The water will then flow through a series of chambers which contain different filter media which will cleanse the water to greater degrees of purification each time. The final process is when the water is passed through a media that is designed to provide biological filtration by providing a horbour for bacterial colonies.

The final product is a thoroughly purified water that is pumped back into the tank from the top. The water can be supplied back through various options, either through a spill trough or a spray bar.

Maintaining Canister Fish Tank Filters

Maintaining canister fish tank filters are extremely easy. You would only need to do it two or three times a year and it usually only takes less than half an hour. Furthermore, because the entire process is done outside of the tank, so never have to change the water or remove your fish from the tank. This reduces the stress that you place on your pets.

You will be able to purchase the canisters in various sizes depending on the size of your fish tank. It is important to select the correct size canister fish tank filters to meet your needs because using an oversized filter will create too much of water movement which will place undue stress on your fish. Generally, canister fish tank filters are great for medium to large tanks.

Surprisingly, with all the power and efficiency of the canister fish tank filters, they actually utilize very little electricity and create very little noise. The motors used to direct the flow of the ater is usually very hardy and reliable and will last many years without needing replacement or repair.

In short, canister fish tank filters will always be the best choice for your aquarium’s filtration needs as long as your tank is not too small. They may be costly to purchase at first but you will save a lot of money, time and effort in the long run.

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Follow up to Benefits Of Canister Fish Tank Filters:

Aquariums Maintenance | Maintaining Your Fish Tank Well