In this post you will learn how does a Canister filter work in an aquarium and things you should know regarding the use and purchase of a Canister filter.
Many people have a deep and personal love for fish keeping and the affection they show is real. But such affection requires proper care over time. If you are not passionate about fish keeping, then you may quit this in a few months. Because, you can enjoy this hobby, but an the same time there is a lot of hard work and dedication required.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to buy your first aquarium, or if you want to improve your existing setup, it can be confusing to learn about the many benefits of canister filters. Although most people do not start with canister filters, they are an important upgrade for larger fish tanks. Aquarium water without a filter will retain chemicals and other harmful particles. You can make your fish healthier and happier by investing in a high-quality filter.
What is a Canister filter?
A canister filter is an aquarium water filter that stores filtration media outside of the tank. It usually comes with a filter media, pump, lift tube and gravity. The canister filter gives tank owners the ability to use a variety of filtration methods, including fish waste and toxic chemicals.
Canister filter can be used in fish tank setups such as freshwater tanks, saltwater tanks, custom made aquariums, turtle tanks etc. There are aquarium filters which can be submerged in water. Canister filters are the opposite. To function properly, canister filters must be kept outside the tank and below the water level.
In a Canister filter, the water is pushed through the filtering media by gravity and a rotor. This process cleans the water and then, the water is returned to the aquarium or tank via the outlet. When equipped with suitable filtration media, a canister filter can provide water filtration of all types including biological filtration, mechanical filtration and chemical filtration.
What are the advantages of a Canister filter?
Let us check out the advantages of using a Canister filter for your fish tank or aquarium.
- Canister filters are more efficient than most other fish tank filters.
- You can choose the media that works well for your fish tank.
- Suitable for bigger fish tanks.
- Different media helps you deal with water issues like ammonia or nitrites.
- Helps you reduce the nitrate level in the aquarium water.
- It filters large amount of water in a short time.
- You can store more filtration media.
When should you buy a Canister filter?
Canister filters are usually used for large fish tanks or aquariums. Before you buy a Canister filter, you should check whether you really require a Canister filter or not. If your fish tank is of 30 gallons or less water, then you don’t have to upgrade to a Canister filter.
Its better to switch to a Canister filter when you have excess amount of fish in your fish tank or if the size of the fish tank is more than 30 gallons.
How to maintain a Canister filter?
Unlike other aquariums, you are required to take more effort for the maintenance of a Canister filter. You will have to change the filtration media, clean the cartridge etc. The amount of maintenance required will depend upon several factors like size of the aquarium, amount of waste particles filtered etc.
How often should a canister filter be cleaned?
A Canister filter is usually required to be cleaned in every eight months. But, if your fish tank is very large or has excess amount of fishes in it, then you may have to clean it in a gap of three to four months.
Unlike most other aquarium filters, Cannister filter can have long gap between two consecutive cleanings. But it mainly depends on the type of use and the quality of the filter.
Features to check for a Canister filter
Features to check before you buy a Canister filter
- Power of the filter
- Spray Bar
- Media
- Noise while operating
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Components of a Canister filter
The main components of a Canister filter are:
- Main chamber
- Motor
- Tube system
- Cartridge
Main chamber
The main chamber or cartridge is its most important component. The water is pumped in and the entire filtering process begins. There will be a filter media inside the main chamber, which is primarily responsible for the cleaning activity.
Motor
The motor is used to create a pressure on the water and make it flow. Also, the power of the motor plays an important role in the time consumed to complete the filtration process.
Tube system
There are two tubes for a Canister filter, the input tube and the exit tube. These tubes are connected to the main chamber on each end. The water flows through these tubes.
How a Canister filter works in an Aquarium?
Now let us check out how does a Canister filter works in an aquarium.
Usually in a Canister filter, water flows from the top to the bottom of the canister, where it will be discharged back into the aquarium. Here, the pump system is used to make sure that the aquarium water flowing at a consistent rate.
Means, the water enters the Canister filter through the intake port, and then into the main chamber. Here, a pump will create high pressure and force the water to flow through the filter media, and then travels to the other end of the chamber.
As I already said, you can use different type of filter media for different types of filtration in a Canister filter. So, you can address particular water parameter issues easily.
Cons of a Canister filter
Cost
A Canister filter usually costs more than other common aquarium filters regardless of the brand.
Maintenance
Canister filter is one of the most difficult aquarium filter to maintain. Other filters like Sponge filters and Hang On filters can be usually maintained in a few minutes. But, for a Canister filter you have to spend nearly an hour to maintain it properly. This includes taking the thing out, disconnecting the hoses, taking it to the sink and clean, and then put it back all together. If you are a busy person, it will be hard to do all these properly on time.
Leak
Some other types of filters also have the leakage issue. But usually with a Canister filter if they start to leak, then it can cause a pretty decent sized amount of leakage. If the leakage continuous, you may have to keep a small tray under the system to avoid the floor getting wet.
Conclusion
Now I hope you have some basic knowledge about a Canister filter and how does it work. This is a simple guide to help beginners know the common things about a Canister filter. If you have doubts regarding this post, feel free to write them below in the comments.
