Canister Filter

GEV83

GEV83

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Jun 19, 2002
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Gabriel (Gabe)
Hi Ive only used Hang On Filters but have read canisters are way better I just dont know how they work. I was wonderin if anyone could explain this to me also Ive seen several aquariums with overflow systems built into them already with the holes drilled n everything is this needed for a canister filter??? Can someone show some good pics how everything is conected and how it looks in the aquarium Ive seen so many pics of diff filters but have no idea how the plumbin work or how its conected. Thanks in advance.
 
A canister filter is a nice filter because you can fully customize the media inside. I used to use a fluval canister but stopped using it because it was just such a pain to clean. One of the benifits is that you can hide the cansiter inside a closet where it is out of site giving your aquarium a more "natural" look. It also will not disperse CO2 as much as a HOB filter so it could be useful for a planted tank. The overflow system on your tanks are more for setting up a sump which is a nice little tank that you can put heaters and other equipment in such as bioballs for biofiltration so that you don't crowd your main tank. In addition you could top off your tank through the sump allowing you to not disturb the main tank. This is more used in saltwater though.
 
How do they go into the tank though??? I dont see how they would be unseen would there be somethin visable in the tank like a pipe or hose or somethin??? Like I said Ive never used one or seen one for that matter so really wanna know as much as I can. Also you mention it be a pain to clean what is involved that makes it such a hard filter to clean??? Thanks for the info I asked bout the overflow cuz the place I was lookin for gettin a bigger aquarium next year sells them with n without an overflow n was wonderin if that was meant for a canister filter or not. Been lookin online for aquariums since the local fish stores dont carry anything bigger then a 90gal.
 
I believe there is an inflow and outflow tube that sit inside the aquarium. They are small enough to not be obtrusive. The actual canister sits inside a cabinet then.
 
Tanks with holes drilled into them or comes with an overflow box are designed to work with sumps and wet/dry filters.

Canister filters are designed to work with regular tanks. It consists of an intake tube and an outlet (suctioned to the tank) attached to the canister below via flexible plastic hoses. Depending on the size of the canister, it can have 2-4 sections alotted for different types of filtration. Water gets sucked down to the bottom of the canister and as it fills, the water goes through the multiple layers of filtration until it is pushed back into the tank. The intake and outlet are inconspicuous and are easy enough to hide. The closed design of canisters makes them extremely quiet.
 
thanks phanmc that clears it up alot for me thanks everyone maybe Ill go with the canister then if or when I get a bigger aquarium next year.
 
Here is another question, what are your favorite canister filters? Best for the cost, best overall... I'm just getting into these babies myself, so anything is helpful. :)
 
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