| Everyone knows that canister filters are the most | | | | their inlets positioned at opposite ends of the tank |
| efficient fish tank filters around today. It is true that | | | | will ensure that there are no blind spots. |
| they will cost a lot initially but if you can afford to | | | | What's The Downside Of Using Two Canister Filters |
| install one, they will save you a whole lot in terms of | | | | The main issue about having multiple filters is water |
| time spent maintaining them and of course money. | | | | movement. The movement of water in the aquarium |
| But for those who already have a canister filter in | | | | affects the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. |
| their aquarium, the next question that always comes | | | | The faster the rate at which water moves, the |
| to mind is should they now install two filters and will | | | | faster the exchange will be thus reducing the amount |
| this be beneficial to the overall filtration of the fish | | | | of CO2 in the tank. But isn't this supposed to be |
| tank water? | | | | good? Well, not if you also have aquatic plant life. |
| Honestly, no two fish enthusiasts will ever agree on | | | | Plants take in CO2 and expel O2. By doing so, plants |
| whether it is a good idea or not to have two canister | | | | actually help maintain a healthy balance of CO2/O2 |
| filters in one tank. This topic has been discussed | | | | levels in the water. Having insufficient carbon dioxide |
| numerous times since the invention of the canister | | | | levels will stunt the plants growth and cause them to |
| filter. Rather than taking a side, I will instead talk | | | | lose their lustre. |
| about what happens when you have two canister | | | | Too much filtering will also remove the important |
| filters in one aquarium and it will be up to you to | | | | nutrients that plants need, along with other waste |
| decide which you choose. | | | | matter. it is actually true that in a tank with plants, it |
| Why Have Two Canister Filters In the First Place? | | | | is the plants that provide a netter and more efficient |
| The obvious reason for most supporters of two | | | | biological filtration than the beneficial bacteria. Finally, |
| filters is backup. That is to say that you will have a | | | | too much water movement actually has an adverse |
| spare filter running in case one of them needs repair, | | | | effect on the fish as well, especially fish that are |
| thus ensuring that the water in your fish tank | | | | more used to very little water movement. The |
| remains filtered. This reason becomes even more | | | | faster water movement that an additional filter |
| critical for those who live a distance from the | | | | makes will cause them unnecessary stress and might |
| nearest aquarium store and cannot get hold of spare | | | | even prevent them from breeding properly. |
| parts fast enough. | | | | So these are the pros and cons of having more than |
| The other reason for having an additional filter is how | | | | one canister filter in a single aquarium. If after this |
| big the tank is. Supporters to multiple filters argue | | | | you do decide to have two filters, please ensure that |
| that if the fish tank is too large, filtration done by | | | | you reduce the suction rate which can be controlled |
| one canister filter will not sufficiently purify the entire | | | | in most canister filters to limit the amount of water |
| tank as there will be blind spots where the water will | | | | movement. |
| not be drawn into the filter. Having two filters with | | | | |