Canister Design Questions

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andrew.lownick

Registered Member
Jun 5, 2013
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Hello I'm new to this forum but I was hoping I could get some good advice here.
I'm looking for some solid sources on canister design and function. Why? In short, because I'm a engineering student (engineering science mechanics) and I want to build my own canister filter. I have some design questions such as:

best flow rate for piping?
best flow rate for the canister interior?
does pressure affect nitrifying bacteria?
ideal temp. for nitrifying bacteria?
canister size vs. tank size?
media (for bacteria) surface area vs tank size?
media?
Anything else appropriate to canister design or nitrifying bacteria growth.

I understand answers to many of these questions will be function of tank size. Also I have not bought anything or taken any steps towards building the canister yet so any thing is still on the table. Thanks in advance. May the best advice win!

-Andrew
 
Best flow rate for piping and the canister itself is going to be a function of pipe/tube/fitting size, canister size, what media you choose, how much water you want to move.. etc, etc.. ugh.. Way too many variables.

IMO, I don't see the point in a DIY canister given the low cost, decent quality and excellent reliability of an import canister.
 
FreshyFresh said:
Best flow rate for piping and the canister itself is going to be a function of pipe/tube/fitting size, canister size, what media you choose, how much water you want to move.. etc, etc.. ugh.. Way too many variables.

IMO, I don't see the point in a DIY canister given the low cost, decent quality and excellent reliability of an import canister.
Click to expand...

Freshy there's multiple DIY canister filters out there that would cost less and be just as reliable as a import canister. Ive seen a few on youtube. But i dont know much on canisters since i dont own one *yet*.

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You should go to youtube and look it up and also do a google search. For the compatibilty for a canister and tank size all comes down to what you're going to have in the tank. Some people will "over" filter their tanks while others would be on the minimalist side. In my opinion and limited experience ive always put a crud load of filteration because i like it and i feel the need to because i tend to overstock my tanks.

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Uaru Joey made a great video on this on youtube. He gives a design, flow rate and size recommendations and more, just search DIY canister filter on youtube and it will probably be the first video that pops up.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I watched the video you recommended; it had some good/useful info. I've also been doing some internet/library research which has yielded some useful info. But I'm still left with some questions, most of which are concerning the nitrifying bacteria.

I should also say. Design is no issue, it's the design criteria I need. I've already made a basic PVC canister for my small (20 gallon) tank and which seems to be able to handle a large bio-load. Also I've dealt with pressure systems (construction/repair) on occasion. And perhaps more excitingly I've recently learned how determine flow resistance, flow rate, turbulence, etc.. from a series of fluids/thermo classes I had to take. Again design itself isn't the issue...

I guess if I could have one burning question answered it would be:
"at what pressure/flow rate is the nitrification maximized?"

This question is sorta the "center-piece" of the design, as it will determine a lot. For example, if the bacteria can withstand a small amount of pressure (more than head pressure that is), I'll aerate the water at canister pressure before it enters the canister. Because at higher pressures the dissolved oxygen potential is higher. However if a higher pressure isn't desirable I'll aerate in the tank only.

Also I've been reading a lot about ideal temperature which is interesting. I think I've settled on 80 degrees... which seems to be a nice compromise of temperature effects on dissolved oxygen, nitrification and of course happy Oscars. Opinions?

Finally, what are the best canister filters on the market and why? I think examining canister designs (factory made or otherwise) that are favored by experienced veterans will help me a lot too. Thanks!


Thanks
-Andrew
 
ktrom13 said:
Freshy there's multiple DIY canister filters out there that would cost less and be just as reliable as a import canister.
Click to expand...

I hear you. I've seen a few great write-ups on DIY canisters. I get it if it's something you enjoy doing, or you truly need something large or custom.

For a typical 30-55g setup or the likes, I don't see how you could go lower cost than a Sunsun 302 shipped to your door for under $47.

If you had to start from scratch and buy all the parts and media for a DIY job, you'd approach or exceed that cost.
 
best flow rate for piping?-- Depends on the desired pressure at the output. Higher flow - faster flow in the tank.
best flow rate for the canister interior? Keep it as low as possible to and still keep the flow moving thought the media.
does pressure affect nitrifying bacteria? Yes it does eventually. But they can take a lot of pressure before they feel it. The stuff does live on the bottom of lakes, oceans etc..
ideal temp. for nitrifying bacteria? depending upon the species there is some variation but a good rule for the family is around 80F.
canister size vs. tank size? The bigger the canister and the more media you have in it the more stable the tank will be and less maintenance you'll have to do. Go big.
media (for bacteria) surface area vs tank size? The key is to keep up the porosity.
media?
Anything else appropriate to canister design or nitrifying bacteria growth.
 
To answer one of your questions; many people go for the Eheim products and Hagen products (such as fluval). They are of higher quality than that other canisters.

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They have a better reputation, which isn't quite the same thing in every instance. FX5 is frequently after market modified because the hose clamps are not optimal, for example. My AquaTop (granted, I've only had it for 3 months) does an *excellent* job of cleaning the water, judging by how filthy the sponge pads got after about 6 weeks and cost a fraction of what an equivalent Fluval or Eheim would.

That said, if you're looking for what the "best" canister filter is, I'd recommend hitting up a site like Amazon or drsfosterandsmith, and checking out their various filters, and seeing what the reviewers have to say. It'll be a selection of responses that are apparently exactly what you're looking for, and since the reviews are already available, you won't be waiting for us to respond to you.
 
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