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Canister Filters
Canister filters are basically like a external power filter that instead of hanging from the aquarium side will now sit on the bottom and are versatile in they can be used for mechanical, chemical, and/or biological filtration in saltwater aquarium systems.
It draws water from the aquarium with an intake tube and returns it with an output tube which can be directed any where you like. Or even directed to another filtration system like the under gravel filter system.
The filter is built up with compartments with different kinds of filter media. Activated carbon, filter sponges, filter floss, and ceramic bodies are some of the filter media used.
Canister filters are made to filter large volume of water and are a great choice as they enhance preformance and convenience.
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Generally these filters cost moe than others but with the benefits the price can be worth it with the added effciency etc.
If you plan to house not only fish but invertebrates and all kinds of corals, I would recommend getting a canister filter.
It can act as a stand alone filter, or be used in combination with other types of filtration.
Here are some examples for each category.
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Mechanical Filtration
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For Chemical Filtration
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For Biological Filtration
If you have an undergravel filter you can add a hang-on-tank canister filter to remove free floating debris from the water.
If you continue running a canister filter on this type of set up, it will contribute in the improvement of your water quality.
If you have a semi-reef system with fish and some live rock in it, you can install a canister filter inline to act as a “prefilter” to remove unwanted waste from your saltwater aquarium water before it goes through the actual biological filter.
This can also be done on full reef tanks with live rock and corals in them, but the debate about continually running mechanical filtration in this type of system is that such a set up filters out beneficial plankton life in the water that many marine organisms feed on.
If you need help in clearing up the water quality, they can place activated carbon in one of the media layers to help eliminate odors, medications or other contaminates in the water.
You can also use other types of absorbing products that are designed to remove nitrates, phosphates, silicates and other unwanted chemical elements or compounds.
Many are designed for this use. Actually a lot of aquarists use them in this way. But I think this is not a good choice if you are to use it as your “main” source for biological filtration.
It’s ok for smaller systems, but most do not have a chamber big enough to hold a sufficient amount of bio-media in them for larger ones.
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
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