canister filters
- Thread starter ajgreer_99
- Start date
I just started using canister filter s on my tanks with great results.
my favorite is the filstar xp models,for the cheap money at bigals ,you can't beat them.They are very quiet,easy to clean,they have a large filter media capacity with many types of media too choose from,all in all a very good canister filter.
my favorite is the filstar xp models,for the cheap money at bigals ,you can't beat them.They are very quiet,easy to clean,they have a large filter media capacity with many types of media too choose from,all in all a very good canister filter.I think canister filters are the way to go.They give you the most filtration for your money.While there are many excellent brands on the market, all my experience is with Fluval models.Select the one that fits your tank size and you won`t be disappointed.
For the most part it's a matter of preference of canister or HOB.
I prefer canisters over HOB, but on my 3 large tanks I have combos of Fluval's and AC's. I like the options I have with this combination.
I prefer canisters over HOB, but on my 3 large tanks I have combos of Fluval's and AC's. I like the options I have with this combination.
For tanks over 50 gallons, canisters are a good solution. HOB's are convenient, but are not very efficient and have to be cleaned often. Good canisters are set and forget. The canister will cost you more up front, but will pay for itself by lasting longer with longer maintenaince intervals. I have a Hydor Prime 30 canister (now Proquatics 2400 at Petsmart). I would say comparable to the older Eheims...
Filstar Canisters
I prefer canisters, but, HangOnBack's (HOB) are good too. HOB are not good for planted tanks though, due to surface agitation. I think Rena Filstars are the canisters to get, and AquaClears (HOB) would be my choice.
I believe in 'overfiltering' a little. I have 2 canister filters.
I prefer canisters, but, HangOnBack's (HOB) are good too. HOB are not good for planted tanks though, due to surface agitation. I think Rena Filstars are the canisters to get, and AquaClears (HOB) would be my choice.
I believe in 'overfiltering' a little. I have 2 canister filters.
A filter does not remove the waste, only temporary stores the waste until the media is cleaned or replaced. The "set and forget" way is a wrong way to run a canister which can lead to high nitrate build up despite large water change, and worst of all turning it into a potential anaerobic time bomb. AIt's better for the water quality if a filter is cleaned frequently than far in between.
There are three reasons why a canister is preferrable to an HOB. It is absolutely quiet, hidden from view, and great for plants because it won't drive out CO2. If none of the above is the objective, an HOB is superior to a canister in simplicity, energy usage, convenience in cleaning, and cost.
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Uh, Tiger15, by set and forget I meant 3 to 6 month cleaning intervals for a canister. A typical HOB needs attention at least once per month. For busy people that could be enough to warrant a canister.
Canisters aren't exactly set and forget as you describe it. If used improperly, they do indeed need just about as much maintenance as a HOB filter. I use my canisters exclusively as biofiltration units. They work best that way. HOBs and internal filters are used as mechanical filters. With a prefilter over the intake of the canister, you can cut back on maintenance by quite a bit. All you need to do is rinse the prefilter once a week while you do your water change.
HTH
-Richer
HTH
-Richer