Cleaning Canister Filters

[Trey]

@Joel Armstrong Thank you for this! I really enjoyed reading it. It is a provocative thread to say the least. I keep all sizes of canisters, from nano to quad tiered behemoths. I'm not particularly good about cleaning them on any schedule. I can usually tell when the flow is diminished and I try to correct that on the spot. My method for cleaning is much the same as others have posted. I use tank water to clean the bio media, and I use synthetic pillow stuffing as my fine media so I just toss the old and replace it with new.
I do agree with the point some have made about canisters being more for flow and large particle pick up than for the bulk of the denitrification. There are so many pieces to this equation (also true of many other systems in the hobby). I like the way a canister allows me to get most of the equipment out of my tank. In my larger tanks I use inline CO2 diffusion. In smaller tanks, the space inside is at a premium, and unless I can hide a filter in the hardscape or planting, I want the equipment outside of the tank.
I do really want to try an OASE biomaster. The pre-filter set up on them looks amazing to maintain.
There are many paths, and many results.

 

[riioKen]

I have 2 Oase Biomaster Thermo 600 for my 90g "Dutch style inspired", I have almost 4L of Seachem matrix each filter, I removed all sponge except for 1 small at the top (+ the ones at the pre filter), I've made more holes to the prefilter so that the flow is increased. I've removed the bags of seachem purigen from each filter, I didn't notice any improvement or problems, so I'll keep it out. I'll try to to remove more matrix for increasing the flow even more, with my little livestock (10 amano, 8 cpd, 10 ember, 6 pygmy, 6 otos), probably I could run even a filter without media imo, I have tropica soil that I'm sure that home lots of bacteria and lots of plants.

I clean the prefilters every 2 weeks (or after every trimming session), and the canister every month

 

[Grobro]

I am looking forward to trying the new Netlea (v2) with the external pre filter. The flow looks amazing and the ability to control the flow automatically is pretty awesome. Also the external pre filter is nice you don't have to open the unit itself to get to it.

I am a dedicated Eheim 2217 user. They are whisper quiet and reliable.

The Netlea will be the first filter I part from Eheim for.

I saw the Oase filters come around and they seemed exciting but after reading so many reviews about it purging / taking in air I can't justify switching to it.

 

[pcreurer]

Am I to deduce that

Thank you for the link to this thread @FrankZ , it made my day yesterday reading from the first to the last post. One of the best threads I have seen.

When it comes to testing filter media, and theoretical predictions, the best reference that I know is

7. Aquarium Filter Media

The media in an aquarium filter is the most important variable when setting up a filter.

aquariumscience.org

The author had a pretty robust test setup, and found that the most important predictor for effectiveness is the surface area where bacteria can find their home, and receive enough flow with nutrients and oxygen to thrive.

View attachment 3837
Then, from the assumption that it is the effective surface are that counts, some further comparisons are made that may or may not be reliable predictors for effectiveness as biological filter media

View attachment 3838

Of course the question remains why we think we need biological filter media in a canister, as a planted tank probably can take care of ammonia and other waste without the help from a canister.

Am I to deduce that biohome and matrix are extremely ineffective in comparison to pot scrubbers? I'm thinking of replacing all with pots rubbers for ease maintenance and longevity.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

Am I to deduce that

Am I to deduce that biohome and matrix are extremely ineffective in comparison to pot scrubbers? I'm thinking of replacing all with pots rubbers for ease maintenance and longevity.

I think at our level, the difference is not worth losing sleep over. Literally anything you shove in your filter will be a home for bacteria, so put in what makes you happy. If pot scrubbers will be easier for you to maintain for whatever reason, then do it. Just don’t get rid of your bio media all at once.

 

[pcreurer]

I think at our level, the difference is not worth losing sleep over. Literally anything you shove in your filter will be a home for bacteria, so put in what makes you happy. If pot scrubbers will be easier for you to maintain for whatever reason, then do it. Just don’t get rid of your bio media all at once.

Thanks!

 

[Pepere]

When I first re entered the hobby I watched a lot of youtube videos and was put off canister filters due to expense and claims as to how miserable they were to clean after not doing so for 6 months….

When I started co 2 injection I opted for a canister filter, spray bar and inline diffuser to keep the bubbles in suspension.


I bought a fluval 207 and read the manual…. And the manual recommended cleaning monthly.. and when I cleaned it for the first time I wondered what all the fuss was about for cleaning them. It took me maybe 15 minutes.. And I was astonished how much grunge was in the bottom of the bucket…

I cant imagine leaving that all in the canister xs 6 months…. Probably much less odious doing it monthly…. And I have to think removing all the grung, decaying leaves etc reduces waste organics and algae food….

 

[Ed Wiser]

I always clean my filter once a month. As I like a high water flow. A can see the water flow diminishing for the coarse of time. This is especially true if you use a soil in you tank. As the filter will fill up with soil over time. Doing a monthly clean is simple and fast thing if you put it off it just makes it harder on you to do.