Aquarium Canister Filter – Choosing the Right Type For Your Saltwater Aquarium

Aquarium canister filter systems are designed in such a way to give premium quality filtration for any sized aquarium. The ability to employ a wide variety of filtration Media Types coupled with a very high flow rate equates to a very powerful water filtration system. The filters must be able to physically cope with the large volume of water passing through them, whilst at the same time providing a quality water filter. If the filter is too small, then some of the media will be skimmed off or washed away by the flow of water, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the filter. If the filter is too large, or if it is made from poor quality materials, then it may clog and stop working.

The main components of an aquarium canister filter system are the filter housing, a resin media basket, and pre-filter elements. Filter housing components are usually made from stainless steel or copper to ensure long lasting corrosion resistance. The basket is typically made from woven or nylon cloth and has a primary filter housing fitted into the basket. Depending on the aquarium canister filter system, there may also need to be additional secondary components fitted. These may be mesh cages, pre-filter grids or ballast brushes. These may all be replaced over time as required.

The pre-filter element is normally an airlock type product which allows water to pass through the system, while preventing particulates from entering the canister. The second component of the system is the air chamber, which is open to the air. Suction cups are used on the media baskets for this part of the filtering process. The third component is the actual filter housing, which sits atop the media basket and is usually made from either rubber or fibreglass materials. The final part is the replacement filter media, which sits in the chamber and removes debris from the canister.

Aquarium canister filters have been popular for decades and are a standard feature of saltwater aquariums worldwide. However, with the advent of more technologically advanced aquariums, there are now alternatives available to consumers who require the canister filter, but cannot afford the more expensive replacement filter media. Aquarium hydor professional canister filters offer the ability to upgrade and combine existing aquarium components, providing complete cleaning and care. This also allows the user to move aquarium components around easily, in order to clean certain areas of an aquarium while performing maintenance on others.

One important component of any aquarium, both fresh and saltwater, is the proper balance of both biological and mechanical life. Proper water chemistry and water hardness require a sophisticated set of controls to ensure that the right pH levels are maintained. For example, excessive amounts of ammonia can create a very unfavorable environment for a fish, so the addition of an additional ammonia neutralizer to a system is essential. The addition of a UV light, or the “UV lamp”, can also help to control algae growth and development. Aquarium hydor professional can customize the UV lamp to specifically be used for certain species of aquarium.

There are many other types of canister filters on the market today, all of which are designed for different saltwater aquariums and different price ranges. The fx series by Design Alliance is an example of a mid-priced filter with several media baskets and an easy-to-read backlit display. It is also a good choice for novice aquarium owners, as it is easy to understand and use. Another good option is the UV range from Cepia, which is easy to install and use. It has a larger range of media than the UV series, but is quite inexpensive, due to the lower manufacturing costs involved. This type of canister filter is best suited to busy aquarium hobbyists and should not be confused with high-end product.