If you are new to taking care of an aquarium, you have probably heard of the benefits of using a canister filter. This filter has a variety of uses that many aquarium owners prefer using these to hang-on type filters. Although the canister filter has a compact design, it is capable of performing mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.
The canister filters and the hang-on type of filters are comparable in the way they look and perform their functions. However, one of their major differences is that the canister filter may be placed in different locations in the aquarium. Aside from hanging the canister filter, it may also be placed below the aquarium, which will allow you to improve the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium. It may also be placed inside the aquarium. This type of water filter is also referred to as ?submersible filter.? Because of the improved filtration mechanisms of the canister filter, this is usually recommended for those aquariums that have messy eaters that tend to produce a lot of waste.
Canister filters boast of their large water filtering capacity. Therefore, they can filter greater amounts of water than the power filters in the market. Canister filters also saves you space since you can hide it under your aquarium. These are also easy to customize so that you can have a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filter devices.
The most noteworthy disadvantage of having a canister filter is the need to clean it frequently. Because this functions mainly as a mechanical filter, the debris from the water can easily clog it up. If you decide to submerge the water filter, clean up will get even more tedious than if the filter is located outside the aquarium. Despite the trouble in cleaning the filter, you have to do this often to prevent the decaying and toxic waste from coming back into the aquarium's water.
There are three types of filtration media found in the canister filter. These are the mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media. The first level of filtration takes place when the water is allowed to pass through the glass wool layer that traps the solid wastes from the water. This is the part of the filter that gets clogged up, that you have to clean it regularly. The filtered water is then passed through the charcoal layer. Charcoal acts as an absorbent that traps the odor and some chemicals from the water. This procedure gets rid of ammonia and chlorine, which can cause the water to smell. The last filtration stage is the biological filtration in which bacteria are used to clean the water. Not all chemicals are trapped in the charcoal layer. Toxic nitrites have to be acted on by the bacteria in order to convert them into less toxic nitrate compounds.
Factors to consider when choosing filters
1. Replacement parts are readily available
It is best if you have replacement parts of the canister filters readily available when you need them. If the store has this, it is best to get a set and place them in an accessible place. Once a part has to be replaced, do this as soon as possible to prevent leaks. Look for replacements for the impellers, o-rings, and rubber gaskets.
2. Type of aquarium
While there are canister filters that will work for both freshwater and saltwater, there are some that are not recommended for saltwater. Inform the seller what type of aquarium you have before buying one.
3. Installation process
While you can get someone to install the canister filter for you, it should be easy enough for you to operate without any help from an expert. Also, you have to make sure that during emergencies, you will be able to manipulate the filters to prevent any danger on your pets. Many hobbyists prefer getting canister filters because they are inexpensive and have a variety of functions. With sufficient information on how to use them, your aquatic pets will have a better aquarium environment.
The canister filters and the hang-on type of filters are comparable in the way they look and perform their functions. However, one of their major differences is that the canister filter may be placed in different locations in the aquarium. Aside from hanging the canister filter, it may also be placed below the aquarium, which will allow you to improve the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium. It may also be placed inside the aquarium. This type of water filter is also referred to as ?submersible filter.? Because of the improved filtration mechanisms of the canister filter, this is usually recommended for those aquariums that have messy eaters that tend to produce a lot of waste.
Canister filters boast of their large water filtering capacity. Therefore, they can filter greater amounts of water than the power filters in the market. Canister filters also saves you space since you can hide it under your aquarium. These are also easy to customize so that you can have a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filter devices.
The most noteworthy disadvantage of having a canister filter is the need to clean it frequently. Because this functions mainly as a mechanical filter, the debris from the water can easily clog it up. If you decide to submerge the water filter, clean up will get even more tedious than if the filter is located outside the aquarium. Despite the trouble in cleaning the filter, you have to do this often to prevent the decaying and toxic waste from coming back into the aquarium's water.
There are three types of filtration media found in the canister filter. These are the mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media. The first level of filtration takes place when the water is allowed to pass through the glass wool layer that traps the solid wastes from the water. This is the part of the filter that gets clogged up, that you have to clean it regularly. The filtered water is then passed through the charcoal layer. Charcoal acts as an absorbent that traps the odor and some chemicals from the water. This procedure gets rid of ammonia and chlorine, which can cause the water to smell. The last filtration stage is the biological filtration in which bacteria are used to clean the water. Not all chemicals are trapped in the charcoal layer. Toxic nitrites have to be acted on by the bacteria in order to convert them into less toxic nitrate compounds.
Factors to consider when choosing filters
1. Replacement parts are readily available
It is best if you have replacement parts of the canister filters readily available when you need them. If the store has this, it is best to get a set and place them in an accessible place. Once a part has to be replaced, do this as soon as possible to prevent leaks. Look for replacements for the impellers, o-rings, and rubber gaskets.
2. Type of aquarium
While there are canister filters that will work for both freshwater and saltwater, there are some that are not recommended for saltwater. Inform the seller what type of aquarium you have before buying one.
3. Installation process
While you can get someone to install the canister filter for you, it should be easy enough for you to operate without any help from an expert. Also, you have to make sure that during emergencies, you will be able to manipulate the filters to prevent any danger on your pets. Many hobbyists prefer getting canister filters because they are inexpensive and have a variety of functions. With sufficient information on how to use them, your aquatic pets will have a better aquarium environment.
About the Author:
Aquarium canister filters are an important addition to your fish's ecosystem because they keep the water clean and breathable. That's one reason they are so beneficial for your aquarium maintenance. Learn more at marinedepot.com
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