| Aquarium filters are necessary so that your aquarium | | | | canister filter. These are the mechanical, chemical, and |
| will be free from the waste material that fish and | | | | biological filtration media. The first level of filtration |
| marine animals give out as part of their biological | | | | takes place when the water is allowed to pass |
| processes. This device cleans the water in the | | | | through the glass wool layer that traps the solid |
| aquarium through various means. Of the latest filter | | | | wastes from the water. This is the part of the filter |
| devices, the canister filter is one of those that can | | | | that gets clogged up, that you have to clean it |
| perform a number for functions so that a single | | | | regularly. The filtered water is then passed through |
| device will be able to perform several clean-up tasks. | | | | the charcoal layer. Charcoal acts as an absorbent that |
| Canister filters are usually compared with the | | | | traps the odor and some chemicals from the water. |
| conventional "hang on" filters that are placed above | | | | This procedure gets rid of ammonia and chlorine, |
| the aquarium. Although the canister filter looks quite | | | | which can cause the water to smell. The last filtration |
| similar to the latter and may also be hanged on top | | | | stage is the biological filtration in which bacteria are |
| of the aquarium, the canister filter is preferred due to | | | | used to clean the water. Not all chemicals are trapped |
| its improved mechanical filtration device. Thus, this | | | | in the charcoal layer. Toxic nitrites have to be acted |
| type of filter is usually recommended to those who | | | | on by the bacteria in order to convert them into less |
| own fish types that tend to leave a lot of waste | | | | toxic nitrate compounds. |
| material. Another difference of the canister filter | | | | Guide to proper choice of canister filters |
| from the conventional aquarium filter types is that | | | | 1. Replacement parts are readily available |
| you can also place them below the aquarium. This is | | | | It is best if you have replacement parts of the |
| best for you if you would like to get the filters away | | | | canister filters readily available when you need them. |
| from the sight of the aquarium viewers. Canister | | | | If the store has this, it is best to get a set and place |
| filters may also be placed inside the aquarium. These | | | | them in an accessible place. Once a part has to be |
| are then called "submersible filters." | | | | replaced, do this as soon as possible to prevent leaks. |
| Canister filters boast of their large water filtering | | | | Look for replacements for the impellers, o-rings, and |
| capacity. Therefore, they can filter greater amounts | | | | rubber gaskets. |
| of water than the power filters in the market. | | | | 2. Fit for the aquarium type |
| Canister filters also saves you space since you can | | | | Just a short reminder: Although canister filters work |
| hide it under your aquarium. These are also easy to | | | | with both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, there |
| customize so that you can have a combination of | | | | are some that work only with freshwater aquariums. |
| mechanical, chemical, and biological filter devices. | | | | Be sure to inform the seller if you will use it with a |
| The most noteworthy disadvantage of having a | | | | saltwater aquarium. |
| canister filter is the need to clean it frequently. | | | | 3. Ease of installation and use |
| Because this functions mainly as a mechanical filter, | | | | While someone can help you with installing the filter, |
| the debris from the water can easily clog it up. If you | | | | most of the maintenance will be done by you. Check |
| decide to submerge the water filter, clean up will get | | | | if you will be able to clean the device without help |
| even more tedious than if the filter is located outside | | | | from an expert. The water filter is an important |
| the aquarium. Despite the trouble in cleaning the filter, | | | | component of the aquarium. Once you have chosen |
| you have to do this often to prevent the decaying | | | | a canister filter, learn the proper way to maintain it in |
| and toxic waste from coming back into the | | | | order to prevent any danger from happening to your |
| aquarium's water. | | | | pets. |
| There are three types of filtration media found in the | | | | |