How exactly do canister filters work?

[emilyekk]

I guess what I am really asking is how they connect to the actual tank.

I know it would sit under my tank in the cabinet, but how do you connect the tubes to make them stay?

Also - I have a 55gal with an aquaclear 70 - do I also need a canister filter?

 

[LuciferSam]

They are usually held in by the design of the outflow, and intake pipes to not fall off, but are also held in place by suction cups usually.

And yes you can always have more filtration

 

[emilyekk]

Is the fluval 305 a good canister?

 

[LuciferSam]

I have personaly never used ones but have heard good things.
I can however recomend Eheim as i have neverhad one fail, even ones that are 20 plus years old.

 

[emilyekk]

Thanks for answering me so quickly about extra filtration never hurts. =)
I was bidding on ebay and luckily won the item so I am pretty excited.
I think I got a pretty good deal too, so yey! Hope I like it! I got the fluval 305 and I have a 55g.

 

[andyjs]

Eheims are good. Mine is 5 years old and has taken plenty of abuse and still works fine. I expect at LEAST another 5 years from it. I also really like Fluvals. The maintenance is very easy. To disconnect the hoses, you unplug the filter, close a valve, and flip one latch, then you're free to open it up for cleaning and other maintenance. Much easier than my Eheim (although it still isn't bad either)

 

[emilyekk]

Eheims are good. Mine is 5 years old and has taken plenty of abuse and still works fine. I expect at LEAST another 5 years from it. I also really like Fluvals. The maintenance is very easy. To disconnect the hoses, you unplug the filter, close a valve, and flip one latch, then you're free to open it up for cleaning and other maintenance. Much easier than my Eheim (although it still isn't bad either)

Easy is better for me, so I am glad to hear that, lol.

I am having some extreme buyers remorse right now (just for spending $100) lol, but I know in the long run it will be worth it.... I hope!!

 

[jpappy789]

To be honest, I have not heard of any major canister brand (Rena XP, Eheim, Marineland C-series and HOT Magnums, Hagen Fluval) that does not work reasonably well. With filters, you get what you pay for really. Find what is available and within your budget and most likely it will work. JMO...