Canister Filter Question

[kmkshaw]

I was looking into getting a new filter for my 60ga tank. I was thinking of getting a eheim classic 2213, fluval 05 series a211 305, marineland c 360. First would it be worth it to get the canister? Also What is your opinion on these brands.

 

[Chad]

I like canister filters for freshwater tanks and enjoy using them. I've had good experience with the Fluval and found it to be a well built canister. However, the other two brands are also quite good and come recommended. I would say it comes down to which one is the most affordable since you will get comparable filtration out of each brand. That's my opinion. A few other people should chime in and give you a better idea before you buy which is best for you.

 

[kmkshaw]

Thank you

 

[Ruskull]

You may also want to consider the Rena XP canister filters. I have 2 of them & flow vs. $$$ they are second to none. You can find them cheap on amazon also...........

Oh, and specifically I'd look at the Rena XP3 for your tank.

 

[Mikey1]

in my opinion a canister filter is a waste on any tank smaller than 80-100 gallons, all you need is a good "hang on the back" type filter....in addition to that or as an alternative you could go with an internal sponge filter or two, and/or an undergravel filter

 

[Chad]

I have a canister on my 6 gallon! It's just an appropriately sized canister. It is nice because of the small footprint inside my tank. There are so many plants that maintenance of an undergravel would be difficult if not impossible.

 

[Ruskull]

I prefer canisters for any size tank. Canister filters require much less regular maintenance when they're hooked up. Most of the time you simply shut them off, do your water change/vacuuming out, add new treated water, turn back on. I don't actually clean the canisters themselves for months. With Hang On Back Power Filters you have to do a good cleaning every 2 weeks or so because they get clogged so easily. If you clean them too much, you may end up with a mini cycle.

 

[Mikey1]

With Hang On Back Power Filters you have to do a good cleaning every 2 weeks or so because they get clogged so easily. If you clean them too much, you may end up with a mini cycle.

you have obviously been using the wrong kind....

i could clean my filter every day and not end up with a mini cycle....bacteria dont die if you clean your filter properly.....

 

[Ruskull]

You'll note I said "if you clean the filters too much" or something to that effect. I'm not here to argue.

I'm currently running a Marineland Emperor 280, a Penguin 200, a Penguin 150B and a Penguin 100 on 3 of my tanks, all are bio wheel type hang on back filters and I haven't had a mini cycle in over a year. I even have sponge filters in my Betta Tanks, all my tanks have more than one type of filter on them. I also run Rena XP3 & a Rena XP2 canister filters on 2 of my tanks. The difference in maintenance alone is ridiculous combined with the added benefit of more power, the ability to spread out the intake & outlet, more surface area for the bacteria to flourish & less junk hanging off the tank. The only real benefit of HOB filters is the initial cost, but to each his own, that's why they make so many flavors...............

 

[Yanks15]

This is obviously a personal opinion issue. I run HOB's and have had no problems. Cleaning them is probably the biggest pain because as Ruskull stated, they do dirty-up pretty quick. I just got an Aqua Clear 110 for my 55gal.(US)- (Christmas present). I've been toying around with the idea of getting a canister for a while but I'll see how this works first. It filters quite a bit more water than most canisters but cleaning frequency may still be an issue. For those of you that love canisters, why is it that they don't need to be cleaned for a few months? If it's based on ... reduced flow=cleaning, wouldn't that equate to any filter? Why so preferred? Is it just the capacity of filtration you like? Flexibility with media? Do you feel they give you cleaner/clearer water? As you can tell, I'm looking for my arguing points for the misses

Don't let down!

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Chad]

I won't say I love canisters... I just say they are effective... so are HOB. So is a sump. Personally I think it depends on the tank.

 

[Mikey1]

I just got an Aqua Clear 110 for my 55gal.(US)- (Christmas present).

thats one of the best filters on the market....ditch the carbon, use TWO foam inserts and your set

 

[Sammy1911]

I had an eheim classic 2217 (600) for my 65 us g tank bought for me as a birthday pressy... im really pleased with it infact im amazed! ive previously had a drip tray/1200lph powerhead along side a HOB and found the maintenance a nightmare.
I had a look at my canister 6 weeks after setup and it was still virtually clean. having been used to cleaning my filters so frequently i was getting a twitchy if you know what i mean haha - i cudnt wait any longer and not look and was pleasantly surprised ;-)

 

[sadguppy]

I have an eheim 2217 on my 200l and a 2213 on my 125l. MUCH prefer them to internals and they need far less maintenance, and of course take up less room in the tank. They are pretty quiet too and i have never had any leaks.

 

[Ruskull]

This is obviously a personal opinion issue. I run HOB's and have had no problems. Cleaning them is probably the biggest pain because as Ruskull stated, they do dirty-up pretty quick. I just got an Aqua Clear 110 for my 55gal.(US)- (Christmas present). I've been toying around with the idea of getting a canister for a while but I'll see how this works first. It filters quite a bit more water than most canisters but cleaning frequency may still be an issue. For those of you that love canisters, why is it that they don't need to be cleaned for a few months? If it's based on ... reduced flow=cleaning, wouldn't that equate to any filter? Why so preferred? Is it just the capacity of filtration you like? Flexibility with media? Do you feel they give you cleaner/clearer water? As you can tell, I'm looking for my arguing points for the misses

Don't let down!

Thanks,
Steve

I think the reason they require less cleaning is due to more surface area that the water draws through. HOB filters usually have 1 or 2 slots for loading filter cartridges or sponges & they clog within a week or two. Some HOB's are better than others though, and have little baskets to hold more media.