Submersible vs canister filter

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MandyT84

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In my small tank I have a little submersible filter but now that I am starting to set up the big tank it's got me thing about filters. I have to buy one for the tank as the other one is too small, what are the pros and cons what is best? I don't know much about canister filter I have never used one


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I have internal filter for my smaller tanks, and I have no problems with them. But personally I prefer canisters for larger tanks - easier to clean, generally quieter, and produce less heat.
 
I don't like submersibles as they tend to heat the water.

Both submersible and canisters are difficult to clean out, compared to waterfall filters. I like the internal waterfall filters, but for axies the hang-on-back style are also a good option.
 
I have a canister filter for my new 450 litre tank. It is the first canister filter I have had.

Pros: very quiet (I have actually had to check that it is actually working a few times as it doesn't make much noise at all). External so doesn't heat the water like submersibles can. Spray bar makes it easier to have a low rate of flow so it won't stress the axolotls out.

Cons: was an absolute pain to set up and instructions were somewhat lacking (it was a guessing game as to how it all connected) and was very hard to prime. Will probably be a pain to pull apart and clean in terms of reconnecting it and having to prime it again though should not be as difficult as the first use.

Overall I am very happy with it although I haven't yet had to clean it (currently cycling my tank). Personally I would probably consider a canister or hang on filter for larger size tanks. I did a lot of research into what filters would be best for my tank before deciding on canister. I really like the spray bar as it is great for ensuring that there is not a strong current that would stress the axolotls. :)
 
Thanks for all the input given me some things to think about :)


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I have a internal that has a spray bar. It definitely does heat the water a bit, but you never know that mite come in handy :p. I really like it though, but it is not the most fun to clean though its not too bad I guess.

Filters of all kinds come in all sizes, so it shouldn't really matter that much on the type of filter if it is the right size. Should it?

Here is a very useful link that helped me narrow down the options. I was debating between a hang on back filter ( HOB ) or a internal. I went with the internal. It doesn't have to be totally submerged either, which is nice. Its kind of like a float for my newts almost, one of my newt never comes off it! The spray bar is optional too. Here is the link:

Caudata Culture Articles - Filters

Also, apparently, canister filters are more expensive. The filter I got for a 40 gallon tank was only 30 dollars at the pet store. So they aren't that high priced.

Hope this helps! -Seth
 
Thank you I don't mind the internal I have ( but too small for new tank) my only gripe about it is that it is really hard to clean, but yes there is a big price difference in the 2


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Cannister all the way!

I just hooked this one up today on my four footer:

Internal & External Filters - Pro-Aqua Canister Filters - 1500L/H With UV CANISTER FILTER WITH ALL FILTER MEDIA NEW - Guppy’s Aquarium Products Online - 1500L/H With UV CANISTER FILTER WITH ALL FILTER MEDIA NEW

and run it through my chiller (hopefully not crashing my cycle on the process).

At the price you can't go wrong, and it's just that much tidier than the big lump of a thing I had sitting inside the tank.

I hadn't thought about the submersible filter heating the water, but the chiller is certainly pulling the temp down quicker now.

Don't be phased by the 1500L/hr rating either...when it's made of 100% Chinesium I alway cut that number in half for real world conditions.

I love how the new cannisters have quick release taps that allow you to clean it out while keeping all your hoses primed.
 
For my 60L / 2ft tank I have an Aqua One Aquis 500 canister which I swear by. It comes with easy to understand instructions, and I find it easy to clean without killing the cycle.

Paired with that, I have a Resun CL-85 chiller, which I'm starting to think isn't the greatest choice. It works ok, but not great. Being in Aus, I'd recommend canister filters due to their ease in hooking up to a chiller. :smile:
 
Thank you, I am wanting to buy a chiller soon and I was looking at that filter today ( Aqua one aquis) just shopping around at the moment till I find which one I want


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You can connect a chiller inline with a canister filter that has an appropriate flow rate for the chiller. This would save you from needing a separate pump to use a chiller.
 
Elise said:
You can connect a chiller inline with a canister filter that has an appropriate flow rate for the chiller. This would save you from needing a separate pump to use a chiller.
Click to expand...

+1

Don't let the LFS tell you that you need a separate pump for the chiller (like they did to me), an appropriately rated cannister will run it just as well with the advantage that the water running through your chiller is filtered.

There are some plumbing/priming/etc complications in setting it up, but when it's done it's done and very much worth the effort.

In Australia chillers are just SO worth the expense if you're going to keep axolotls.

It's the ultimate in set and forget, and as well as removing all that stress from worrying about how hot you're tank is, you can see the axies are SOOOO much happier.

Check out the Hailea chillers from Guppy's.

I've got 2 of them and they haven't missed a beat.

No use asking Guppy's any questions, they don't seem to answer any emails, but they'll take your money online and send you the item cheaper than most.
 
Thanks for the info :) will keep it all in mind when I look around


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