Canister filters...are they junk?

[cloverbaby]

I figured i'd move up and get a canister filter, well I have a feeling it was a mistake. I started noticing that I was having to add water to my 55g alot, I was thinking... how can it be evaporating so quickly? I started checking for leaks around the tank and none when I got to my filter I noticed the floor was wet,(uhoh not good). I only had this filter for a couple of months and now i'm left deciding if I should even go canister, which mine I got new off of ---- and its an odyssea4. My husband is telling me to get rid of my tank

Any input will be helpful. Thanks

 

[meowzer]

I have 2 Cascade canister filters...I love them....For your tank a Cascade 700 would be good, and you have 2 options for the water entering your tank...the standard outflow thing...or this cascade comes with a spray bar....and it moves the water across the whole tank....like I said I love mine, very easy too.

 

[fau8]

For a FO only they are fine and cost effective. They however need to be maintianed on a good cleaning schedule. If you skimp it will effect your water quality. So due to this make sure you have one that is easy to disassemble and restart.

 

[meowzer]

The Cascade comes with shut off valves. I also replaced one of the layers of floss with those ceramic bio rings. ALso it is very quiet.

 

[tferrante]

I have a 55G reef and fish aquarium and have been using a canister filter. I clean the filter every 2-3 weeks when I do a water change. My tank has been up and running for over a year and has done very well. I am using a Magnum 350 with carbon in addition to my Bak-Pak skimmer. I have several powerheads in my tank for plenty of water movement. I am pleased with this set-up and has given me good results.

 

[lion_crazz]

I don't think canisters are junk. If maintained well, they can be awesome filters to have for your tank. They will hold a lot of media, and offers a lot of room to put stuff inside of.

 

[cloverbaby]

I appreciate everyones input. I'll try not to let this issue with this canister ruin my opinion about them until I try again with a dif one. Thankyou

 

[stdreb27]

canister filters aren't just odyssea brand anything is junk.

 

[cloverbaby]

unfortunately I learnt that the hard way. I'm def staying away from that.

 

[95harley]

So if you have a Wet / Dry does adding a canister help or is best left out of the picture due to Nitrate build ups?

 

[fau8]

People will tell you that a canister = nitrates. But if you clean them on a schedule you should have no issues. If you have a wet dry the only reason to use a canister would be as a fliud reactor for carbon or phosphate removeal. I personaly would not use the filter sponge because of the nitrate issue, but then you will probally need to use a good media bag that will still limit your media flow rate. I think the true media reactors are much more effective in flow, cost and maintaince.

 

[majestic987]

originally had a 55 gal with a eheim canister worked ok as chemical filtration, but IMO they do nothing biologically, as they are supposed to. too much cleaning, nitrate, etc. dont think theyre worth it. Sumps are the way to go, and you dont have to pay top dollar. You can make one for a lot less than price of a canister. use a small old tank (10,15, or 20g are perfect) I just made a sump for my old 55 gallon for my GF as a Bday present, used an old 10 gallon, couple pieces of plexi glass, and a whole load of PVC. the whole thing cost about 70 dollars, and 3 hours of work. Way worth it though, gave her a fuge, gets rid of all hoses other than the one return hose, and you can design them however you want. If you want help I can send you some pics and a how to. But overall water will be much cleaner no algae etc

 

[cloverbaby]

Thanks, I would love to get that info from you.

 

[cowfishrule]

if you are going cannister, go fluval or eheim. i've heard that eheim parts are not always easy to come by, again just a rumor.
i loved my fluval, and had i not gone to a biocube, would still be using it.

 

[ilovemytank]

Reno filstars are about your best value. They are your least expensive and work amazing. They have all the features as the others and the power. Enhiem are listed as your best brand but I've never had an issue with my xp3 filters and they are powerfull !