Aquarium Canister Filters for Beginners

By Jeffry Johnston

Aquarium canister filters are needed in order to maintain the balance and cleanliness of the aquarium. This type of canister filters may be used for either a freshwater or saltwater aquarium. Depending on the type of canister filter, it may contain media that may filter the water through mechanical, chemical, or biological means.

When you look at the built and functions of the canister filter, these are quite similar to that of the ?hang on? filters. However, the canister filters are designed to provide more mechanical filtration compared with that of other filters. These filters are best used for aquaria that have fish types that tend to be messy eaters. Unlike most filters that are hung on the tank, canister filters are usually placed below the tank. At times, you might also find them inside the tank. For this type, the term ?submersible filter? is used. Some aquarium owners also choose to attach a wet-dry wheel to the outflow of the canister filter, which leads to the improvement of the biological filtration.

Canister filters boast of their large water filtering capacity. Therefore, they can filter greater amounts of water than the power filters in the market. Canister filters also saves you space since you can hide it under your aquarium. These are also easy to customize so that you can have a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filter devices.

For this filter, the water is pumped at regular speeds into the filter. The filter usually performs its task using mechanical filters, such as a micron filter cartridge or glass wool. After the mechanical filtration stage, the water is then allowed to pass through different layers of media, including carbon and other absorbents. This will trap the odor, chlorine, ammonia, and other unnecessary chemicals that are in the water.

The canister filter has three types of filtration device. First, the water is allowed to pass the mechanical filter, which usually has the glass wool or the micron filter cartridge. This will filter the solid wastes in the water. Next, the water is subjected to chemical filtration by allowing it to pass through a layer of carbon. This will absorb the odor and chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine from the water. Biological filtration is the last step. Here, a mixture of bacteria is allowed to act on the nitrites that are in the water. These toxic chemicals are converted into nitrates, which are less toxic.

Guide to proper choice of canister filters

1. Availability of replacement parts

When shopping for a canister filter, you have to inquire if the store also carries replacement parts for the filter. Although the filter is durable and is guaranteed to last for a long time, there will be a time that you will have to change the parts of the canister filter as part of maintenance. It is best if you have spare o-rings, impellers, and rubber gaskets. You can?t be sure when you will need to replace them.

2. Type of aquarium

Before you purchase a canister filter, you have to inform the seller on whether you have a freshwater or a saltwater aquarium. There are canister filters that are not appropriate for saltwater and you have to clarify this before you close the sale.

3. Ease of installation and use

While you can get someone to install the canister filter for you, it should be easy enough for you to operate without any help from an expert. Also, you have to make sure that during emergencies, you will be able to manipulate the filters to prevent any danger on your pets. Many hobbyists prefer getting canister filters because they are inexpensive and have a variety of functions. With sufficient information on how to use them, your aquatic pets will have a better aquarium environment. - 29953

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