Why do you need a canister filter?
A canister filter is extremely versatile and will work with a wide range of aquariums, whether fresh or saltwater tanks. This type of filter is extremely versatile, and so it works for a wide range of aquariums. You can also use this for a turtle tank bearing in mind that turtles are a lot messier than fish.
Compared to other filters, the best canister filter for 55-gallon saltwater tank has better flow rates. Some can even do up to 320 GPH. If you want to save your time and energy, a canister filter is an ideal option. Of course, the flow rates might vary from model to model, so if you purchase one, ensure you check various models and their flow rates before making a choice.
Setting up a canister is easy compared to other types of filters. Though the ease will depend on the canister filter model, many canister filters are a breeze to install. Ensure you follow the instructions on the manual to make sure the setup procedure is correct.
If you have a manual and the right tools, cleaning a canister filter is easy. Besides, cleaning the filter is basically part of normal aquarium duties, and with the best canister filters, cleaning is not difficult or time-consuming. You can easily disassemble to access the inside components for cleaning.
Having an aquarium in your room can give you a truly soothing atmosphere. But not when you have a noisy filtration right beside it. The noise can be distracting when you need to relax. Though the quietness could differ through models, among the best ways to avoid noise and vibrations is using a canister filter. The best canister filters can stay in your bedroom without causing trouble.
- Mechanical Filtration Removes Particles
The whole idea of mechanical filtration is to remove unwanted particles from the water. The fish excretes in the water. Uneaten food also remains in the water. You don’t want such stuff floating around them. The 2-layer system for mechanical filtration is the typical configuration for canister filters. It filters the larger particles first, and another layer gets rid of the finer particles.
- Biological Filtration Removes Ammonia in Water.
The ammonia in water can easily kill your pet fish since it’s highly toxic. Since your mechanical filtration system might not filter fecal matter and leftover in time, they could produce ammonia in the fish tank. The ammonia in the water, the mechanical filters convert the ammonia into nitrogen, which is less harmful.
Chemical filtration for canister filters usually comes in the form of activated carbon. The carbon removes water impurities such as chlorine, especially if you’re getting water directly from your faucet. Basically, the activated carbon eliminates discolorants, and the water becomes crystal clear. If you choose to include a chemical filtration in your filter setup, it improves the aquarium’s water quality.
Features to consider before you buy a canister filter for 55-gallon tank
Buying a canister filter is an awesome idea, but you need to realize that the machine you pick determines the results. If you have to choose a canister filter and don’t know where to start, we can help you select one with ease. You need to check out its maximum tank capacity, maximum flow rate, size, weight, and extra accessories. Here is more information.
Max tank capacity
The tank capacity is an important factor to consider when shopping for the best canister filter. As a rule of thumb, buy a double or triple-sized canister filter. If you have a 20-gallon tank, you must get a 40 or a 60-gallon rated canister. You must check out the aquarium capacity first. If your aquarium is small, you should go for a low filter. If your tank is bigger in capacity, the Polar Aurora Free Media 4-Stage External Canister Filter is a good choice.
Max flow rate
The number of gallons per hour for a canister filter is significant when choosing one. It would be best if you compared the rate to the size of your aquarium. With a flow rate of up to 383 GPH, Fluval 307 Perfomance Canister Filter has excellent flow rates. However, if the fish tank is smaller, it is advisable to buy a filter with a slower flow rate to avoid circulating clean water.
Canister filters typically have a higher flow rate than most other types of filters, but they can still vary from brand to brand.
Stages of filtration
For the cleanest water in your aquarium, the best filters will have media trays for each filtering stage: mechanical, chemical, and biological. In the three-stage filtration, the aquarium water goes through a media that catches tiny particles, removes toxic chemicals, and gets rid of ammonia. Consider getting a model like MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter with a three-stage filtration. Some models might even have more than three filtration stages.
Size
The size of the canister filter you choose is among the most important features. It determines how much space the filter occupies in your cabinet.
If you have enough space and some room to spare, any size of the canister filter will do.
Smaller cabinets call for smaller sized filters. A model like the
Fluval 307 Perfomance Canister Filter on our list is versatile and can fit in very small spaces.
Weight
You also need to check out the weight of the canister. Weight is a factor that you cannot overlook as it indicates the size and volume of the filter. Heavier models are more stable, but they are also difficult to carry around. Lighter models are easier to handle and carry.
Extra features
Extra features in a canister filter might mean digging deeper into your pocket. However, they will give you more convenience when using your filter. Some canister filters like the Polar Aurora Free Media 4-Stage External Canister Filter have a UV light component that kills microorganisms in the fish tank.
You can look out other extra features for include water polishing ability, handles to remove the filter baskets, sturdy base, and energy efficiency.
