Nano Aquarium Canister Filters

[techman81]

A discussion yesterday HERE, made me think to create this post about small canister filters for nano tanks. In this case, I would say nano includes any tank under 10 gallons. Some of us just don't care for HOBs for various reasons and honestly, I'd rather not use any other internal filter, although, I have a couple Oase internal filters on the shelf.

What are the smallest canister filters you've tried and what were your thoughts?

While researching the UNS Bliss filters and the one @gnatster found, sold by Aquascape Guide, I came across other ADA Super Jet knockoffs made in China, like THIS ONE. My concern would be, like other knockoff items on Aliexpress, the stainless steel used is subpar quality and will rust, or the pump will fail prematurely or get really loud compared to the real ADA filters. The one linked is an ES150 copy but I also saw some even smaller versions for as small as 2 gallon tanks.

 

[Koan]

Post in thread 'Thoughts on a Nano for Crabs'

Dec 3, 2025

Tru is on sale, 50% off






Sexy looking, I haven't used them

• Koan

• 

 

[techman81]

Post in thread 'Thoughts on a Nano for Crabs'

Dec 3, 2025

Tru is on sale, 50% off






Sexy looking, I haven't used them

• Koan

• 

After watching a few video reviews of this, including one from the Pondguru (spoiler alert: he liked it) I decided to jump on the sale price and order two M size and one L size. As soon as I get them I'll install the L size on my UNS 30C in place of the Filtosmart 100 and post my thoughts on it.

 

[VJM]

While pawing over the AFA website, I saw that they sell what looks like a Zoo Med but with a clasp/lever closure rather than the terrible slider. It’s a lot more than I want to spend for a “sit beside” filter but I found a very similar one on Temu for under $25 bucks. It’s the Freesea 80gph, and works just fine out of the box.

 

[HarryL]

I liked using HOB canisters but the annoying part is they have the motor at the top and sometimes they make noises if there's air trapped. I plan on switching my current Sunsun one to a similar Netlea one, where the motor is placed at the bottom and they have a diffuser part made to attach to the outlet.

 

[techman81]

I liked using HOB canisters but the annoying part is they have the motor at the top and sometimes they make noises if there's air trapped. I plan on switching my current Sunsun one to a similar Netlea one, where the motor is placed at the bottom and they have a diffuser part made to attach to the outlet.

Check out the Seachem Tidals. They use a submersed motor that's quieter and self primes after a power outage. I just don't care for the looks or water flowing sounds of HOBs.

 

[HarryL]

Check out the Seachem Tidals. They use a submersed motor that's quieter and self primes after a power outage. I just don't care for the looks or water flowing sounds of HOBs.

yeah I’m aware of that but also prefers a canister filter even if it’s a HOB version. Without trapped air they are nice and quiet.

 

[millerschool]

Week aqua are making cannister filters too i noticed recently, with blue tooth Products Center-Zhuhai Week Photoelectric Co., Ltd.





This one is so tiny,

 

[gnatster]

Week aqua are making cannister filters too i noticed recently, with blue tooth Products Center-Zhuhai Week Photoelectric Co., Ltd.





This one is so tiny,

Week Aqua availability is an issue. I've searched, and the products don't pop up at US-based retailers. Products such as a filter that I can only acquire via eBay or AliExpress don't give me warm fuzzies when it comes to spare parts and after-sales service.

That tiny UNS filter is $200. Looks great, has great initial reviews, long-term not so much.

 

[techman81]

This one is so tiny

Yeah, I incorrectly called it the UNS Bliss in my first post. There are a number of reviews complaining about the pump.

 

[snowballs99]

U can find soda can canister filters on etsy as well.

I think they are gonna be 100-200$ regardless of size. The classic eheims also have a flow rate low enough to fit a 10 gallon.

Now I have no reason why anyone would want a canister for a 10 gallon considering how much extra work/space it is but that's my preference.

 

[VJM]

Dang it, you guys, you made me buy another filter! Now I have to get that UNS 5s that I have been coveting so the filter has a home. Enablers, the lot of you!

 

[gnatster]

Dang it, you guys, you made me buy another filter!

What filter did you order?

 

[VJM]

The ASG Mini! I had not heard of this one before you posted about it, and am very intrigued. I like that the customer service seems to be attentive and available, the option to buy spares for various parts, the tubing is all “normal size,” and I can get a spin outflow included. Thank you for including it in your equipment list!

 

[techman81]

My Tru canister filters already arrived which is pretty fast coming from Malaysia. My feathers are a little ruffled though. The website states there may be additional import duties, but I've not yet encountered any extra duties for other items purchased from outside the U.S. I figured even if there was, it wouldn't be much. WRONG! DHL hit me up for an additional $75 prior to delivery. I don't know if that's normal or high because of the current tariff nonsense. If that had been the cost for just 1 filter, I really would have been ticked off.

 

[Koan]

I've not yet encountered any extra duties for other items purchased from outside the U.S. I figured even if there was, it wouldn't be much

It is the tariffs yea, I've come across this bringing in things from Canada this year too. It's absolutely hit or miss where stuff falls on the HTS import duties list and how much they're now going to soak you for

At least they're handsome kit

 

[VJM]

Yikes! I would have been beyond ticked off if I ordered one and got hit with that level of additional cost. Insanity.

 

[gnatster]

ASG Mini arrived today. Out of the box, I am not impressed.

The inlet and outlet hoses are siliconed into the quick-connect fittings, rendering them useless. Hose replacement will be difficult at best.

Outlet


Inlet


The hose to and from the pump appears to have a smaller-diameter hose as a spacer. The pump is velcroed to the canister body.



I ordered both the Orchid and Bulb Lily Pipe Holders along with the ASG Lily Pipe Holders. The lily pipe boxes have been cannibalized for the suction cup holders.

 

[VJM]

I cancelled mine just now. Thank you very much for posting. I will say the customer service was swift and effective.

 

[*Ci*]

This thread brings to mind an awesome nano build by @Bolbi , complete with a DIY sort-of canister filter:
DIY - Desktop Nano Tank