The Basics of Aquarium Canister Filters

By Jeffry Johnston

Aquarium canister filters are responsible for the mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration of particulates in your aquarium water. They come in different sizes but most are small enough that they do not dominate your aquarium. They are often called submersible filters because they are placed inside the tank and not hung on the side. Tank filters are a requirement in all tanks, but they are very important in tanks which contain fish that are messy eaters.

How to know which type of filter you need

There are three types of filters depending on the function. Mechanical filters remove debris and other particles from the water with a foam layer or any other type of porous material. Mechanical filters are a must for all tanks. A chemical filter removes dissolved materials with a carbon layer. This is most effective for removing ammonia but it is also useful in removing metals and odors.

All aquariums require mechanical filtration to clean the tank of debris and fish waste. For good mechanical filtration, you need a filter with good filter pads that come in varying degrees of coarseness. For clear aquarium water, you will need a good chemical filter, while a good biological filter is the answer if you are keeping fish that tend to produce a lot of waste on a regular basis. Biological filters contain nitrofiers that remove ammonia and convert toxins in the waste to non-harmful particles. It usually takes about a month for the nitrofiers to form a thriving biological community in the tank. Aside from these functions, you can also choose filters that come with water chillers and UV sterilizers.

Regular aquarium canister maintenance

Filter maintenance is often done during the regular replacement of the tank water. Make sure that the power to the tank has been disconnected before taking out the filter and its parts. You can clean the impeller from the motor first, inspecting it for any cracks or missing pieces. If the impeller is missing any blades, you will need to replace it.

You can clean the housing, intake and outlet pipes the next, and lubricate the parts that need to be lubricated. The most common lubricant that you can use include petroleum jelly and silicone. You may also need to oil some filter parts before you reassemble and reinstall the filter. You may need to prime the filter before reinstallation. Priming involves filling the filter with water so that the necessary siphon can be started.

Tips for choosing aquarium canister filters

When choosing filters, it is best to buy one that has easily replaceable parts. Ask your salesperson first if they regularly stock up on the parts and accessories of your brand of aquarium filters. Spare o-rings, rubber gaskets, and impellers are some filter parts that you will likely be replacing over time.

Get to know your filter before you buy, such as how to assemble and disassemble it. You can get an expert to teach you how to install the filter for the first time so you can do it yourself later on. - 29953

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