How to Set Up a Freshwater Canister Filter

Canister filters are ideal for large tanks such as these.

Canister filters are good options for owners of bigger aquariums because of their ability to filter large amounts of water and the lack of in-tank components which eliminates some of the clutter of traditional hanging filters. Canister filters work by sucking out water with one tube, filtering it in an external mechanism, then spilling the clean water back into the tank via an output tube. Setting up a canister filter for a freshwater aquarium is not a difficult task and requires only a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Canister filter and accessories
• Filter medium (canister filter cartridges)
• Scissors
• Dechlorinated water

Instructions

1. Place the input and output pipes into the tank through the top and attach them to the glass. Each pipe or tube will be labeled appropriately and should attach to the glass of your aquarium via a suction cup. The input tube should have a strainer over the opening to prevent the filter from sucking up fish.

2. Place the canister filter outside your aquarium. Usually the filter is placed in the cabinet stand underneath the tank. It should be close enough to the aquarium so that the two tubes/pipes placed in Step 1 can reach the corresponding ports on the unit.

3. Cut the pipes/tubes down to size so that there are no bends or twists in them that could impede water flow.

4. Attach the input and output pipes/tubes to the corresponding ports on the canister filter. On most filters, the pipes/tubes will tightly slip over the ports, creating a water-tight seal.

5. Rinse off any filter cartridges or filter media under a faucet to eliminate any carbon dust. You'll know you're finished when the water stops turning gray.

6. Open the lid of the canister filter, which should twist off the top, and place the filter mediums or cartridges inside.

7. Fill the canister filter with dechlorinated water to the manufacturer's specifications, which should be outlined in the instruction manual or labeled on the filter, itself. Close the filter lid tightly when finished and either plug it in or turn the power on to begin filtering your tank's water.

Tips & Warnings

• Filter medium needs to be replaced fairly often, depending on how many fish are in your tank or how dirty your water is. Check the manufacturer's specifications to determine how often the filter should be changed.

• All canister filters will set up differently depending on the manufacturer. This is the most basic instruction for filters, but some may be more advanced than others. Consult the manufacturer for further questions or concerns before activating your filter.

References

• Magnum: Canister Filter Manual
• Eheim: Classic Canister Filter Setup