Canister Filter New Adventure

[This Old Spouse]

I've never had a canister filter, but the grinding noise of one of my HOB filters on my 55g is eating my brain, so I decided to take the plunge. This is my first time, so I could use all the helpful hints anyone might have!

It's got three layers of media: Polyfiber (white), polyfiber (blue) and a black activated carbon filter.

Can I replace the carbon filter with the ceramic noodles I have in the HOB filter this is replacing? I also have a floss bag that's been in the old filter for a while, and some sponge. Can I put all this in the new filter?

I have a second HOB filter on the 55g that I can keep there for a while, but I'd like to replace the filter on my 29g with that one.

 

[fluttermoth]

I'd put all your old media in the new filter and take the carbon out (you can save it for emergencies). If you can, put your old media on the 'in' side; that's the bottom tray on most externals.

 

[fatheadminnow]

There is really no need for carbon, especially if you have a fully matured tank. Replace it with bio-media and you will be just fine. Plus Carbon only works for so long until it needs to be changed out.

Filter floss is alright as well, but might get dirtier quicker with a canister since all the water is forced through the media. Where as on a HOB filter, the water is not forced through. Idk, just kind of my opinion I guess.

EDIT: You should probably PM a mod and have this moved to the "Hardware & Do-It-Yourself" section. You may get more replies then having it in this section.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I had intended to replace the carbon filter all along, but was mainly interested in using the mature media from my HOB. The biggest problem I can see is the size and shape difference.

Both inlet and outlet are on the top of the canister.

 

[KISSfn]

Both inlets and outlets are on the top of my canisters also. Contrary to how it appears the water flow diagram that came with the filter shows water is drawn in to the bottom and forced up and through all the trays to the top.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Here's a REAL noob question: Where's the best position for the hose clamps? On top of the O ring, just above the O ring or right next to the end of the hose where there's a lip on the plastic?

 

[KISSfn]

I'd say next to the end of the hose where the plastic lip is. After watching the video it appears your motor is on the bottom so the water flow may be the opposite of mine. My motor is on top.

Here's a video review that shows the clamps briefly http/www.youtube.c...b3tApGz7ko&NR=1

 

[This Old Spouse]

Thanks for the link! And everybody's comments. I really appreciate it.

Will this filter be enough to keep my 55g clean do you think, or should I keep running my HOB?

 

[KISSfn]

It appears to claim a 500 gallon per hour flow rate (probably without media) so it should be good on it's own.

 

[This Old Spouse]

All right. So now I have it all set up, filled, ready to plug in ... EXCEPT ... how the heck am I supposed to secure the pipes??? Is tape my only solution? It's not like a HOB filter that hangs perfectly of the edge of the tank. These pipes are wide enough to fit my bathtub! Pleeeeeeease help .......

 

[KISSfn]

In the video they appear to stay in place unsecured. Seeing as the pipes are large in diameter you may be able to use clip on suction cups designed for an aquarium heater.

 

[This Old Spouse]

BRILLIANT!! It worked! Thanks!

 

[KISSfn]

Glad I could help!

 

[This Old Spouse]

Seems to be running ... beautifully, I might add. So one last question (I hope!): What's the best strategy for aiming the outlet?

 

[KISSfn]

Aim it at the sand to keep nasties from settling therefore they can be sucked into the inlet.