Nitrate issues are most commonly caused due to debris and detritus build up that rots and decomposes inside the filter. Additionally, your item might have to work harder and result in higher energy bills. Consideration – the ‘Nitrate Factory.’Īs I’ve already touched on, one of the problems associated with canister filters is how often they require cleaning to avoid a nitrate issue. If you plan to store your canister at the bottom of your aquarium, the head pressure is likely to reduce its maximum water flow and consequently, also negatively affect its usefulness. If you use extra materials – which could include sponge, floss or micron pleat cartridges – in the media chamber in a bid to enhance your canister’s filtering capabilities, you’ll likely diminish your filter’s flow rate and actually reduce its effectiveness.
You can usually find out the flow rate of your filter by checking the manual or instructions, but bear in mind that the measurement you read is usually based on the filter not having to pump water upwards. I can imagine that saving cash is a huge factor affecting why you’re wondering about the usefulness of canister filters for saltwater aquariums, but I’d suggest you at least consider a sump system if you want a durable single filtration system. Considerations – Water Flow Rate Most canister filters don’t have the capacity for the amount of organic media needed to eliminate water contaminants effectively.Īt the very least, you should use two hang on canister filters for medium sized tanks, but I’d suggest going for another source of biological filtration in conjunction with canister filters for larger tanks. I would certainly suggest using at least one other system for biological filtration such as live rock or a wet/dry trickle filter. Using a Canister Filter with Multiple Filtration SystemsĬanister filters require cleaning at least once a month to maintain their effectiveness, and that’s why you might consider using it in conjunction with other filtration systems to avoid problems that can occur when a filter gets too clogged. Though in my opinion, you’d be better not to rely on the canister solely for larger tanks. Many of these filters are designed mainly for their biological filtering capabilities, and they usually work quite well with smaller aquariums.
You can bolster your canister’s mechanical filtering ability by placing granular activated carbon in the media chamber which will help eliminate odors and contaminates. When you need to improve the quality of your saltwater, you’ll need a system for chemical filtration. But overall, these filters are – in my opinion – best used during tank cleaning for their mechanical filtration functionality. It’s also excellent for getting rid of those small white specs you see floating in your tank, or to put it more technically, the copepod and amphipod larval blooms. However, you might prefer to use a different device for mechanical filtration such as an under gravel filter.
Regarding mechanical filtration functionality, it draws in small free floating pieces of particulate matter and effectively removes it from the water. Many people use a single canister filter as the sole means of filtering the aquarium, and as long as it’s kept clean and maintained regularly, there’s no reason you need to use it in conjunction with other systems (but it’s arguably a better option). To help you decide whether to use a canister filter or an alternative system, this article will answer the question of can I use a canister filter for a saltwater tank? Using a Canister Filter as the Sole Filtration System
We know we need to filter our saltwater tanks, but is it necessary to buy an expensive sump system when you already own a canister filter? Saltwater aquariums require mechanical, biological and chemical filtration – what’s the best way to do it?Ĭanister filters have the capacity to handle all the filtration needs of an aquarium, but the ‘nitrate factory’ fear and required maintenance cause many saltwater hobbyists to opt for alternative options.