Set Up Tips for a Freshwater Canister Filter

Canister filters are an excellent choice if you're setting up a larger freshwater aquarium. Good canister filters usually come with at least three stages of filtration to keep your aquarium functioning properly. By not adding a lot of other equipment to the tank, canister filters can also enhance the visual appearance of your aquarium. Here are a few tips to consider when setting up your freshwater canister filter.

  1. Installing Inlet and Outlet Pipes

    • Canister filters come with a variety of outlet pipes, usually including either a "spray bar" or a "jet nozzle." Regardless of which type your canister filter has, follow the manufacturer's suggested set-up recommendations. The outlet pipe typically is set up near the top of the aquarium, a few inches beneath the water level. The inlet pipe is usually a long, straight pipe with a slit cap to suck in leftover food and dirt. You will want to place it a few inches above the rocks or substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. Usually the inlet and outlet pipes are set up on opposite sides of the tank to optimize water circulation. You can secure both pipes with suction cups when the tank is still dry.

    Attaching Water Tubing

    • Clear, flexible water tubing attaches the inlet and outlet pipes to the canister filter. Be sure to measure and cut the tubing with scissors to ensure the tubes flow directly down to the filter without looping around. Attach the tubes to the inlet and outlet sides of the canister. In most cases, the top of the canister will be color coded to ensure you do this properly. Once you squeeze the tubing over the attachments, be sure to use clamps to secure them so water does not leak out once activated.

    Installing Filter Media

    • Most quality canister filters will come with at least three stages of filtration: chemical, mechanical and biological. The canister usually has each of these types of filtration in a layered format. Be sure to rinse everything before placing them into the basket. Depending how many stages of filtration you have, there could be multiple baskets of filter media layered on top of each other, so repeat the rinsing if necessary.

    Connecting the Completed Canister

    • Re-connect the tubes from the inlet and outlet pipes to the top of the canister. At this point, you should have water in your tank and be ready to turn on the filter system. In most cases, the canister should be "primed" by pouring water into the top of the inlet pipe until the canister fills up with water. You may hear or see air being pushed out of the outlet pipe, which is normal. Once the canister fills up completely, you are ready to plug it in. As long as you see water-flow coming out of the outlet pipe, then you have done it correctly.