Aquarium canister filters are responsible for the mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration of particulates in your aquarium water. They come in different sizes but most are small enough that they do not dominate your aquarium. They are often called submersible filters because they are placed inside the tank and not hung on the side. Tank filters are a requirement in all tanks, but they are very important in tanks which contain fish that are messy eaters.
How to know which type of filter you need
There are three types of filters depending on the function. Mechanical filters remove debris and other particles from the water with a foam layer or any other type of porous material. Mechanical filters are a must for all tanks. A chemical filter removes dissolved materials with a carbon layer. This is most effective for removing ammonia but it is also useful in removing metals and odors.
All aquariums require mechanical filtration to clean the tank of debris and fish waste. For good mechanical filtration, you need a filter with good filter pads that come in varying degrees of coarseness. For clear aquarium water, you will need a good chemical filter, while a good biological filter is the answer if you are keeping fish that tend to produce a lot of waste on a regular basis. Biological filters contain nitrofiers that remove ammonia and convert toxins in the waste to non-harmful particles. It usually takes about a month for the nitrofiers to form a thriving biological community in the tank. Aside from these functions, you can also choose filters that come with water chillers and UV sterilizers.
Regular aquarium canister maintenance
Regular cleaning for your aquarium canister when is a must because aquarium filters do the main part of cleaning the tank and they tend to collect a lot of debris quickly. Accumulated debris can clog your filter and this could lead to an accumulation of harmful toxins in the tank.
What kind of filter do you need? The kind of filter you need depends on the kind of fish you have. Even though most tanks require mechanical filtration most of the time, other kinds of filters may be needed depending on the inhabitants of your tank. For sparkling tank water, for example, a chemical filter will do the job. For tanks with fish that tend to give out a lot of waste, you need a filter with an efficient mechanical pad, while ceramic rings and sponges are also needed if you want a good biological filter. However, you can also get a filter that can perform all three functions easily.
Tips in choosing a filter
When you choose aquarium canister filters, it is important to choose a filter that is suited for the type of tank you have, whether you have a saltwater or freshwater tank, because filters are often sold according to the type of tank they are designed for. Also choose a filter that has parts that are easy to replace. When buying your tank parts, it is important that you ask the salesperson if they keep a regular supply of tank parts so that you can easily get replacement parts when the need arises, such as spare O-rings, rubber gaskets, and tubings.
Finally, make sure that your filter is built for the kind of tank you are keeping because there are filters that are built specifically for freshwater tanks, and others for saltwater aquariums.
Jeffry Johnston is a marine fish store owner and an aquarium enthusiast who likes to help others succeed in raising healthy, happy fish as well. He is a member and guest speaker at many aquarium clubs, as well as having a few very large tanks of his own. To find out about about aquarium canister filters and other fish tank equipment, please visit marinedepot.com.
