How to SETUP A CANISTER FILTER & the different types of media to use! | Sun-Sun 304B filter

#canisterfilter #howto #settingupacanisterfilter
How to setup a canister filter.... This is a common question for any aquarium hobbyist at some point during their fishkeeping journey. Today we set one up & also talk about the different types of media to utilize within your aquarium filters.
Please note, the filter shown/used in this video is a Sun-Sun 304B. This filter contains a UV sterilizer which the vast majority of other filters don't. It also flows from bottom to top so your media needs to be structured in a manner that caters for this. An fluval fx-6 is somewhat the opposite to this and media needs to be setup in a different manner because of it.
Aquarium filter media types (as discussed in the video) are items that hobbyists put in their filters to either help with water clarity, beneficial bacteria capacity, and/or aquarium water properties as these be somewhat altered with filter media forms .These can be separated into 3 simple forms which is also how the vast majority of fish keepers setup their aquarium filters. (in order of flow through)
Mechanical
Biological
Chemical
If you have any questions or comments please leave them down below and thank you for watching!
Affiliate links to products used/seen in this video:
Sun Sun 304b filter- amzn.to/34oCi6r
FX6 Filter- amzn.to/3bRjand
aquaclear filter (hang on the back)- amzn.to/38BTQk4
Sponge Filter- amzn.to/2NK8lHH
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[@Thund3rfist]

I see you noted some people lubricate their seal with petroleum jelly... I just wanted to say that petroleum jelly will eventually eat away at the seal. You should use a silicone lubricant instead.

[@erikaquatsch2190]

Yes, a water-based lubricant, not an oil-based which petroleum jelly is. Goes for latex cond0ms, too.

[@rottiemomx3]

TY TY TY!! I have 2 Sunsun filters and been doing this ALL WRONG! Now I know! Excellent video

[@awoodward37]

1. Trays are not fully packed. The more foam in a tray, the more waste the tray can hold. More foam helps with bio media. 2. Petroleum jelly on the o-ring. People try using Google with rubber seals and petroleum jelly 3. The more bio media packed in a tray, the less movement and noise you'll have. The maximum bio media is the aim. 4. There is an inch of wasted space under the lowest tray. Use it. Try placing crushed coral there to help break up the water flow, control the ph level as the coral breaks down and reduce the waste that gets into the foam pads. 5. Be very careful with the polly wool that you use. A lot of it can be treated to reduce mould and fungus grow. This will kill the bacteria that you want to grow in the canister filter. Not to mention what this treated polly wool will do to your fish. 6. Water flow will always take the path of less resistance. ANY gaps in how the trays are loaded, this will lead to the water not passing through your foams, bio media or polly wool material. 7. A canister filter that's only 3/4 full of water will not pump water. Once the hoses are reconnected and the taps are reopened, trapped air in the system will stop the impeller from being able to move the water. Make use of the primer to push out the trapped air and expect to have to gently tap the canister to help shake out the remaining air or the filter will sound noisily. 8. Dry the canister filter completely after you have finished working on it. Then recheck for any leaks about 5 minutes later. It doesn't take much to have something get between the o-ring and the rest of the filter. 9. Have the filter inlet and outlet as far apart as possible. Have the outlet high and the inlet low. 10. Most people need to use a water conditioner to cancel out the chemicals added to drinking water. What's good for you is bad for the fish. This can be added to the filter directly, but dose for the total volume of the tank. 11. Depending on the fish to tank volume ratio, a well loaded filter can last for 3 to 4 months between cleans. 12. At less once a year, use a 4-5-foot-long flexible hose cleaning brush to clean the gunk out of the hoses and the filter will really get a boost in proformance. And remember to take the time to watch your fishes

[@mikescofield8545]

Thanks for the excellent video. I was given that exact canister filter by a friend and had no idea of how to use it.

[@Annieland0202]

Thank you! I've had to learn it all myself. I appreciate people like you. I now own two canister filters and I'm getting the hang of this. I have a red ear slider turtle so I've had to work hard to get the right media to keep the tank clean.❤

[@WhiteSandsMbuna]

I run a marineland 360 on my 100 gal cichlid tank that is packed full of plants. Does an amazing job. I will never go back to hang ons. In the previous 3 years of hang ons, I spent more on filter elements than my canister costed new. Canister turns over water way faster. I can move the pick up tube and spot vacuum messes. Its dead quiet, and all of the smell is contained in the canister, sealed away under water in the cabinent below the tank. And the water outlet can be adjusted where I want. Having the versatility to run any media wanted is amazing. Theres a guy on here that makes canister filters from 5 gallon buckets and uses lava rocks and polyester for filter media. Less efficient but shows a concept.

[@dkaamraaj]

Yeh Amazing looks👍👍👍✅

[@LynxGenisys]

Thank you! Setting up my first canister filter, a SunSun, for my new 75 gal .. big jump from a 30gal.. lol 8 videos later, this is the first one that clarifys whats what n whos who and how to... lol The instructions are lacking, and it showrd up with carbon powder everywhere inside, and wadding in every tray. I was like... wait a min.. what? Lol Thanks again for tge excellent n clear explanations! *subscribed* ❤

[@johnharrand9765]

Good advice Lewis. Anyone just starting in the hobby should watch this video. I run a FX6 and a Fx4 on my 5ft tank, some would say a bit of overkill but my water is crystal clear. Looking forward to your next aquarium build. Keep em coming. Take care and stay safe mate.

[@cichlidscape]

Thanks John. Yeah I’m looking forward to it too! Should be an exciting one for you’s👍🏻

[@davidvanderheyden4556]

😂❤❤

[@katesmith2081]

Thanks for such an easy to listen to video. I have just set up a 100l tub for some Green Frog tadpoles that were left in my dogs water bucket. I have it attached to a 3 basket canaster filter and your info has helped me set up the correct way to layer the different filters. Changing my lay out today so will be interested to see if the change helps with cleaner water

[@trevorholt2218]

This video earned you a subscriber. Great job 👏🏽

[@cichlidscape]

Thanks Trevor! Appreciate you watching & subbing👍🏻

[@edgartorres6602]

Thank you you help me a lot

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Solid information! I’m partial to a canister filter, currently using a fluval 207 on one of my tank. I am intrigued by the Oase ones though, just because of the pre-filter really, I think that would be really handy!

[@cichlidscape]

For sure! A lot of folks use them for a reason that’s for sure. Looks like that pre filter would really help with maintenance time etc👍🏻 thanks for watching mate. Appreciate it

[@boynton_cichlids7325]

Very well done 👏 Mate👍👍

[@cichlidscape]

Thanks Jose👍🏻 appreciate you watching

[@WhiteSandsMbuna]

Another pro tip here. When you Rinse out your filter, dont scrub it spotless. I use a 50 foot siphen tube with my tank. I can siphen water right outside to the front rose garden. Excellent fertilizer. I put my cqnister outside, run the siphen tube from the tank. 50% water change gives me 50 gallons of water to work wirh. I put all the trays in a bucket. Rinse out the canister gently wirh the water siphening from the tank. Then let the water run through the bucket as i swirl each tray individually around to clean debris out of the media, before returning to canister. Then when they are all rinsed, I fill canister with the siphening water and bring it back in and return it to operation. If you use tap water or scrub anything you are just destroying the bacteria colony that does the work.

[@cichlidscape]

Yuuuuuup to all of the above. Thanks for watching👍🏻

[@willparsons32]

If I can, I would suggest that with all the the O-rings - that you coat them with a food grade grease. I prefer to stay away from using vascilne as some use. I've found that excessive use of vascilne could cause diatomic algae within the water column. Use the he FGG to keep the rubber from drying out (YES, rubber will dry out and cause leaks.... It also helps to provide a good seal as well as helps dismantle the filter whenever required. I've been using FGG on all my seals and moving parts (except for the impeller!) For years without having to prematurely having to replace parts and O-rings. Simple (preventative) maintenance goes a very long way!

[@willparsons32]

Polyester (poly fill) is an EXCELLENT water polisher as well as a great biological filtration medium.

[@sidneywhite749]

Question please. In my sunsun I have sponges in the bottom tray. First in a coarse black, then medium blue and finally a fine white. I noticed that the gunk is in the top of the white filter not the bottom, is this correct?

[@-AndrewR]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@cichlidscape]

Thanks for checking it out Andrew👍🏻

[@tinadoyle3803]

Can i put a bag of the white media rings in the bottom of the tank as i use sponge filters ? 🤔

[@j.t.cooper2963]

Food grade silicone grease works best for o-ring lubrication.

[@vitah895]

Excuse me, I have a 880 literish outdoor fish pond. Do you think this prudoct suitable outdoor fish pond??

[@KhaledBeatz92]

How often do you have to change the poly fil?

[@ranjeetsingh-kl2vp]

dear .. you can tell me correct positions of water inlet/ water outlet pipe and wave maker ???

[@brucewilson6694]

You have a lot of empty space in that filter. I would add a medium pore sponge on top of the course foam them put some Pinky pad on top of that to have cleaner water hitting your bio media. I would also add more bio media to that middle tray. I don't use chemical media, so that top tray would also be filled with more bio media then topped off with a final layer of the polyfill for polishing. You have plenty of room for a bunch more media in those trays.

[@cichlidscape]

Hi Bruce. I did add some more media from another tank like I mentioned in would in the video. I’m just always a little wary of packing the sun-sun filter full. I’ve done it in the past and discovered leaks from the lid. Once I decreased the amount of media (more so sponges) this stopped. It was not related to the o-ring either as I’m always sure to lubricate that. Thanks for watching man👍🏻

[@TaskersBBQSupply]

Did I see a wet pets decal?? Are you near them? I go there a lot! Also good to hear some good things about this filter, thinking of adding to my 65 gal!

[@cichlidscape]

Wet pets in McMurray PA? If so then yes. That’s my local👍🏻 & yeah it’s a good filter! I’ve ran it since about 2015 at this point I think👌🏻

[@TaskersBBQSupply]

@@cichlidscape yes sir, it’s about a 45 minute drive for me but I frequent it more than the big box store pet shops. Great place! And thanks for the feedback, ordering a 704B now!

[@sidneywhite749]

@@TaskersBBQSupply my 704B impeller after a few years is wearing causing a rattle, good luck finding one , I can’t.

[@rajs4283]

Is sunsun brand good ?? Why not try eheim or aquael brand??

[@davidsmith-tb2yy]

Hi could you please answer me a question I have a 55 gallon tank,and I'm running a cannister filter with bio and mechanical media ,I want to run another canister filter with just bio media is that ok would it work

[@richardli7726]

It works only if you connect the two cannister filters together because you need to flow clean water to the filter that holds all bio media.

[@craighodgson4060]

Try using it on a under gravel filter

[@Roussey88]

Can you do a video on how to get the water actually flowing thru the filter. I’ve been struggling for two days and can’t get my sunshine to flow. It just trickles out. I had it working one day after 3 hrs of trying then the next day it just trickles.

[@kristalynn7877]

I put my mechanical filter in last 😩 what happens if you put media in the wrong order?

[@richardli7726]

The dirty water will gum up your bio media which in turn the beneficial bacteria will not function properly or not at all.

[@emoralesalvarado]

It will still filter the water. But the idea of putting the mechanical filtration at the start of the waterway on this filter (remember the water flow, this SunSun pushes water to the bottom and then makes it pass from bottom to top, back to the tank), is to catch debris first, increasingly finer, so the bio media only gets clearer water, and that makes the bacterial process more efficient.

[@awoodward37]

Why do you not use the full volume of the filter trays?

[@voodoovicki13]

Not sure if you'll ever see this Cichlidscape but hope so. We've had 120gal tank with Cichlids for over 20 years. I just saw a video on cleaning a canister filter & this person said not to clean all the media with tap water but to rinse it in water from the canister to keep the 'good' stuff in the water. I have always cleaned my canister very thoroughly and with tap water and have never had a problem with losing fish so....have I just been lucky for 20+ years & now stop rinsing with tab water? We do have an underground filter & have never cleaned underneath it so maybe there is enough 'good' stuff still in the water?

[@cichlidscape]

Do you live on a well and have well water? If not I would be cautious with cleaning the bio media & sponges with tap water. The chlorine can effect the biological component of the media. Maybe that undergravel filter is doing more than you thought it was all this time👍🏻 something to think about moving forward though!

[@zahkam7322]

Is the SUN SUN a knock off of a Tertratec EX1200?

[@apss5736]

i like canisters but not a fan of cleaning them. i only have an aquamanta one at the moment but i may get a few more soon

[@cichlidscape]

They sure can be pain to clean at times. But their capacity is great I think👍🏻 sumps are also great for that and are probably easier to clean. Every filter has its benefits you know. Thanks for checking out the video mate

[@Professor-qu5vz]

Does this cannister clean Bottom poop in tha tank ?

[@Khans0120]

Cleaning the bottom is mainly your responsibility. A filter, regardless of the type it is, will not be able to clean 100% of the tank, which includes the bottom. It will only be able to deal with the stuff that is caught in the flow that is being pulled into the intake. That is why people use aquarium siphons.

[@awoodward37]

It helps if the inlet is close to the bottom of the tank. Setup an air curtain along the back of the tank. It helps to setup a rolling action that keeps a lot of waste in motion. Filter outlet on the left hand side, rolling action of the water, filter inlet near your gravel on the right hand side of the tank.

[@sidneywhite749]

I tried Purigen twice and the mesh bag failed and stuff was everywhere.

[@voodoovicki13]

So I have been spending a fortune for over 20 years on buying the white filters for my filter when I could have used teddy bear stuffing & my cichlid would be none the wiser????

[@zacharychavez3482]

Right?! Better late than never I suppose.

[@awoodward37]

Don't use the stuff for toys or quilts. Those should be treated to stop bacteria from growing. I used to roll a strip of polly wool that was6inches wide. I would roll it up and pack it into my round eheim canister. Then I would peg it to a wire linked fence and gentle hose it clean. And reuse it a number of times.

[@johnbrand1893]

The plastic ball media does nothing worth mentioning, it’s a misinformed choice for any setup. 🥴🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@cichlidscape]

Oh yeah? Isn’t it still used in ponds etc? I haven’t seen any videos about it being a waste of time bio wise

[@johnbrand1893]

@@cichlidscape Check out ‘Pondguru’ channel on KZbin, he explains in detail what they hold and don’t hold, and if there any good at all. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@cichlidscape]

@@johnbrand1893 I’ll check it out👍🏻 thanks John

[@Comrade_Akimov]

The filter media you showed us was complete garbage. It does not matter any more what order it is, get proper media.

[@cichlidscape]

Thanks comrade! What media would you suggest? Are you meaning every type of media or just the bio?

[@awoodward37]

Of course the order matters. Course to medium to fine, to bio to polly wool. You want to clog your bio media in the first week?