One of the more expensive but most effective methods of filtering aquarium water
is an external canister filter. These are purpose built containers of different
filter media which water is pumped through before being returned to the
aquarium. They have a large volume enabling them to process more water than the
smaller surface inside internal power filters.
If you look inside a canister filter you will notice that the filter media sits
in different trays on top of each other. Water trickles through each stage to
first remove particles such as fish food and solid waste. The further stages use
microbes to clean the water of the ammonia. It is broken down into safer waste
products which are more easily dealt with by fish. The trickling movement of the
water also helps to enrich it with oxygen which helps the tiny microorganisms
complete their work.
The media used will vary but it mainly comes down to personal preference.
Ceramic rings or tubes and bio balls are designed to be cleaned and reused if
they become so dirty as to not let water pass through them. Other canister
filter media such as charcoal or filter wool is usually disposed of after a
period of use.
Completely cleaning a canister filter should be avoided. Instead change the
different mediums one at a time, perhaps a month apart. This will allow a
population of beneficial bacteria to always be thriving and ready to clean. The
uppermost layer will become clogged more readily than the lower layers so pay
attention to the top media in particular. Then you do clean any bio balls or
ceramic media use water from the aquarium so that the useful bacteria are not
completely destroyed. Sometimes the canister filter's pump will also require
attention if it becomes noisier or ceases movement completely. Rinsing it under
some warm water and removing any built up slime should remedy the problem. With
these simple maintenance procedures your canister filtration system should give
you years of trouble free use.
Aquarium Filter Related Pages
Aquarium Filter Information
|
Aquarium
Filters For
Sale
|
Canister
Filter
Internal
Power Filter |
Sponge
Filter |
Under
Gravel Filter |
Box Filter
Hang On Filters
|
Goldfish Bowl Filter
|
Reverse Undergravel Filter
Sump
Filter
Aquarium Filter Media Related Pages
Fiber Wool |
Filter Carbon |
Bio
Balls |
Filter Cartridge Refill
