Tropical Fish Tanks: Basics of a Canister Filter

Canister filters are considered the "next step" upgrade for tropical fish tank filtration. They are really easy to use, and usually you can go longer periods of time without maintenance (this doesn't mean you don't need to maintain it *at all*). Regardless of what canister filter you choose, it provides excellent mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration (learn about these three types of filtration processes here). These types of filters are useful for tanks which are larger than 40 gallons, and there are appropriate sizes which correspond to the exact size of your tank.

One of the reasons why I like canister filters is that once you turn it on, it pretty much just works. There's no messing with anything, and the manufacturers have made it easier to start with just a push of a button or flipping the "on" switch. Here's a brief photo of what the canister filter looks like on the inside:

Cross section of a typical canister filter

As you can see, there are two pipes: one input pipe, and one output pipe. The water is forced through the various chambers of the canister filter, which contain different types of "media". Once again, there are a variety of "media" available, but it really depends on the tank application you are planning on working with. Examples of these would be activated carbon, Ammo-Lock, ceramic filter rings (similar to bioballs, but smaller), peat, synthetic filter pads, etc. I'll go into these on a different Hub.

Each chamber contains one type of media. Canister filters allow you to customize your chambers with any type of media you prefer, making the filter very dynamic for various applications. Maintenance on a canister filter is not difficult. The tubing attached to the top of the canister filter is usually a simple clamp-lock. Simply unlock the tubing, and you can take the filter outside and change out any of the media that might need replacing.

Between a canister filter and a wet-dry filter, it's a hard call as to which one is better. I think "purists" would say the wet-dry filter is the only way to go, but I think canister filters are just as effective in serving its purpose of filtration for your tank.

I'll be posting a video detailing canister filters later on today, so check back often for updates, or subscribe to my RSS feed!