Advice On Canister Filters

[Redbled]

I was wondering if someone can tell me if a canister filter can be used as a stand alone unit? Does it need an undergravel filter or a sponge filter to work, or would it come with just what you would need to operate it?
thanks

 

[timmystood]

Canister filters are good. They contain a sponge-like material that is very easy to clean - there my favourite filters. You just stick them on the side of the tank (on the inside) and plug it in and then it should work.

 

[Durbkat]

It should come with every thing you need, I mean what kind of filter would it be if it didn't come with everything it needed, nobody would buy it. Also I believe you can put your heater in it to.

 

[haplover]

Nope, you can't add the heater. There's no way get it in there.

 

[Synirr]

You just stick them on the side of the tank (on the inside) and plug it in and then it should work.

I think we're thinking of different kinds of filters

 

[Matty]

you might have been thinking of wet/dry filters, or sumps

canisters come with everything you need to run them as a stand alone unit. you will get a better response in the hardware forum though.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

if you buy a canister filter, that is the only filter you will need, unless you plan on using it in a saltwater tank. hydor makes a heater that you can attach to the return line. undergravel filters and sponge filters are two different filters, i dont see how a canister filter will need one or the other to operate and tanks nowadays dont need an undergravel filter. they are more trouble than they are worth. sponge filters are for fry tanks or breeding tanks because they are weak, but they get the job done without harming the fry.

 

[blackguppy]

I usually try to have at least two different types of filtration, or filters, going in each tank. A canister filter is the best suited, IMHO, of all filters to stand alone though.