Guidelines for Choosing the Right Canister Aquarium Filters
While talking about aquarium filtration, it's impossible not to talk about the canister filters. Those serious about keeping fish at home must be aware of the best aquarium filters. Whether it's your hobby or a professional, you need to know how much water filtration is important in an aquarium.
The filter keeps the water clear, so the entire tank looks good, but it does more than that. It helps break down the fish's waste to maintain good water quality in between regular water changes.
For your assistance, we come up with one of the best aquarium filters, the canister one. However, to choose one from the available products, you need to consider some factors, and a few of them are given below!
Considerable Factors to Purchase Canister Filters
As canister filters are better than many available options, many things will help you find your preferable filter. Let's check those key points!
Filter Size
Size is the key feature to consider in the canister filter and in whatever type you will choose. You need to find a canister filter that fits perfectly for your aquarium. Usually, the aquarium filters are placed outside the aquarium, so; make sure that the aquarium can cover its size underneath or inside. You can also measure the area to place the filter at a specific point.
Capacity
The filter's capacity is the amount of water filtered & it is measured in gallons per hour. You don't need to buy a filter with a higher flow rate/capacity for the smaller tank. Filtration is your only purpose; you don't need to spend extra money to buy a large capacity filter.
Motor Reliability
The key difference between the canister and other filters is using a motor in the canister, so the motor is like a heart in these filters. The reliability & durability of the motor will determine whether the filter is worth it or not. While purchasing the filter, ensure to focus on the motor and prefer the German or Italy motor.
Benefits of the Canister Filters
- Unlike many other filters, canister filters have a higher water flow rate. These filters are available for both small and large-sized tanks, and the noise production of these filters is also very minimal.
- Canister filters are very easy to install and clean. You can read the given guide to open and clean the filter when required. These filters will provide you with noise and vibration-free functioning and will keep you relaxed all the time.
- A good-quality canister filter with proper maintenance can last for a long time. Usually, the German and Italy filters are highly recommended when it comes to quality, but china filters are more affordable than others.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
1. How does an aquarium filter work?
The functioning of canister filters is divided into three main steps; mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.
Mechanical filtration collects the small debris floating in the water, including dead leaves, waste, and uneaten fish food.
Being the main type, biological filtration helps in waste processing and converts harmful substances like ammonia & nitrate into less toxic forms.
Chemical filtration is the less common type that uses different chemicals to clean the water.
2. After how long a canister filter should be cleaned?
The cleaning of the filter depends on the number of fish and plants in the aquarium. However, you can clean the filters and motor every 3-6 months for amazing results.
3. Are canister filters worth it?
Canister filters are one of the best options for planted and salty aquariums. However, their functionality in freshwater is also amazing. These filters are much more reliable than many other filter types.
Conclusion
For your assistance, we have provided you with complete detail of canister filters to choose the best one. As the market is flooded with a range of different options, you can cut off unnecessary options to save time by following proper guidelines. And this is the line you are looking for.