Is THIS The BEST Filter For Small Aquariums?

No, it's not crazy to install a canister filter on a smaller tank, is it expensive? Yes, is it a bit overkill? Maybe but it's also super efficient, low maintenance and SUPER QUIET!
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[@KGTropicals]

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[@sahar1usa]

can i put Canister filter in 10 gallon ? i used those topfin comes with the gallon but they dont do good for them water a bit cloudy

[@plushpossum]

It doesn't matter whether you're getting paid or not. It's always good to know what's out there and available. I mean, they ALL work. They all do the same thing. I never replace one of my working filters just because something new comes out. But when I DO have to replace one, videos like these give me options! Thanks for everything you and Lisa do!

[@andrewelliott1939]

Another pro about canister filters is that you can easily upgrade your filter media to achieve much better biological filtration than with just foams, etc. Then, if you get the right media, you can even achieve anaerobic filtration which will eventually reduce (or even almost eliminate) the need for water changes. Also I like that it eliminates a lot of ‘furniture’ in the tank - if you buy glass tubes then the filtration is almost invisible. You can even eliminate the heater element from the tank, either by having an inline heater or getting an Oase BioTherm. It allows you to make the tank as natural-looking as possible when aqua-scaping.

[@cherylmartin9994]

I totally agree!! I've had an Eiheim 250 on my 33g since 2009. Got the filter choice advice from a local LFS and have never looked back. Maintenance is a dream and it's so quiet😊

[@the_realist_John_Doe]

I got cannister filters on a 10 gallon and on a couple 20 longs. I first bought one for my 75 gallon turtle tank and fell in love with the concept. Never regretted it. I didn't now there were rules on the minimum size. I just liked the idea of increasing the water volume and adding tons of bio media. Less frequent maintenance is a plus. Way quieter and they hide the filter away out of sight. I hated the way HoB filters looked on my tanks. I have had amazing luck with the Penn-Plax brand btw. They fly under most peoples radar, but they are a hidden gem for their price.

[@juliaheinritz3264]

Always good to hear different opinions. When I recently set up my largest tank (75 gallon) I seeded it with an existing sponge filter which is still in the tank but started it up with a Fluval 407. So far it is all working really well. We just all need to have an open mind right. So glad to see your 😺. Everyone needs a helper:)

[@justinholmes4333]

I"ve been running a 407 with a spray bar on my planted 75 for about 8 months now, and have been really happy with it.

[@bambimccluskey]

Love it! Definitely feel better about setting my 29 up with a canister filter. So thoughtful of you to get that software. Thank you guys!! Gotta send you those sorority pictures! Finally made it back to Preuss Pets!! Happy Sunday! 💚💙💌

[@TheZenGinger]

Canisters are my favorite! I use mostly HOB filters, but the canisters are just so much easier, since I don't have to maintain them once or twice a month, whereas I often do, for some of the older HOBs... Thanks for the video!

[@CJBlack265]

My concern had been too much flow on smaller tanks with canisters, but that really depends on the fish - I imagine my Rainbows would enjoy lots of flow - Thanks John, when my Praecox rainbow fry grow up, I may just put a canister on my 29g💕👍

[@andrewelliott1939]

A tulip attachment at the output pipe may help.

[@justinholmes4333]

@@andrewelliott1939 Or a spray bar

[@lamkins2276]

I put an old Eheim canister on my 20 gallon and love it. I turned the flow down, of course. It’s so quiet.

[@flemmingj1965]

i have the Fluval 407 running on my 38 gallon bow front aquarium and i love it

[@audrameyer9558]

Thanks, John. I have 3 Fluval canister filters running in my fishroom. I love them all but wish they had handles.

[@janthomas6016]

I have my canisters down inside a small plastic tote container under my aquariums. The tote has handles and I attach a dog leash and drag that to the bathtub 😂

[@audrameyer9558]

@@janthomas6016 That is a great idea!! Thank you 😊

[@BTQ410]

I use a Sicce Whale 500 on my 40 gallon. Why? Because I have a heavily stocked 40 gallon tank and even though it is heavily planted I wanted the extra bio media filtration. I also thought the Sicce Whale 500 was a great product for the price (and I looked at all of the canisters), and if I ever changed my 40 G out for a bigger tank, I had a canister that I could scale. I have not been disappointed. My water parameters are great and stable, my water is crystal clear, and my plants, fish, snails and shrimp are happy. Plus, I don’t have to clean the filter as often as I did the HOB filters. It is also super quiet and cleans up all the stuff hanging off the back of my fish tank, and I can still lift out the Whale 500 even when it is full,of water. Yes, it was worth the investment for me.

[@fishypetkeeping]

I LOVE canister filters! I got a JBL Green Line for my 150. Works as a charm, and you don't need to take up that space inside the tank ☺️ I love how savage you are too 😂

[@charles_king]

Betteridge's law of headlines is an adage that states: "Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no."

[@RezaMolavi]

Thank you for posting. I always learn something new from you. Laugh at me all you like. I have three small tanks (5, 7, and 16 gallons) and all have canisters in them. I would not change anything. an hour a week to vacuum and clean and once every 6 months on the canisters. Love it and the water is always crystal clear. I love the size of this one and will give it a go to replace an Ehiem cylinder on the 7 gallon.

[@Whips_World]

It wasn't a long term thing, but for about a month, while waiting for a replacement 210 to be shipped in when the first had a seal go bad, I had an FX5 on a 10g. I was able to get all the big fish out as the water was pouring onto my floor, but there were 50 to 60 convict fry that had to be rescued later, after I got back from rehoming the big fish. They were blown around like they were trapped in a dryer for a couple of days, but they eventually figured out where the calmer areas were and did just fine.

[@vforvictory888]

I used to have a small Sunsun canister filter for my 3 gallon tank. It did an amazing job. I now have a 20 gallon tank and continue to use a canister filter. I think no filter performs better than a canister filter.

[@fahrilrizal2860]

Dude.. I’ve got a canister on my 16 gallon planted tank… hahaha! But it works a charm! Water is crystal clear and I only need to clean the canister every 4-6 months! That’s another plus point u missed out.. hehe I’ve got a HOB on my 2 gallon tank that needs to be cleaned out every week (or else the flow is greatly reduced)… it’s a tiny HOB but still a hassle to have to clean weekly.. like u said.. I’d have a canister on all my tanks if I had the space… and if they could be used on tiny tanks.. haha!

[@1988bogdana]

I run Marineland 160 canister in my rather overstocked 20 gallon long. I have a super red bristle nose pleco poop machine , rummy nose tetra, some chilli rasbora, guppies, platy, pork chop rasbora, salt and pepper corry which are constantly spawning and end up having babies , Pygmy corries, some amano shrimp … my aqua clear 40 HOB and sponge filter weren’t keeping up with the bio load I have. The canister filter was the best thing I ever done ❤

[@Whips_World]

I feel like that 60 seconds near the beginning was directed right at me! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Evil_Genius_888]

Hahaha! That guy… I’m dying! I have canisters on tanks from 40g to as small as a 6g. They can be a pain in the ass to put back together during cleaning and after some time may start sucking air. I just slopped a bunch of water on the floor yesterday putting a canister back after cleaning… I still like my canisters filters as opposed to the alternatives.

[@leematherly3417]

Nice! Love that honesty about that lazy guy! 😃 I use a HOB and use my own sponges and filter floss. I enjoy making my own. Thanks for that review! I was thinking about getting a tank canister filter.

[@chrisreilly1290]

I love how John preemptively trolls the trolls lol

[@lewashcliffe]

Thanks for the great video, John! I have a 29 gal. with a HOB and a medium sponge filter. I do water changes about every 2 weeks (heavily planted) and have no issues keeping good water parameters. But, I also clean the filters each time, and they are always messy. So, a canister may well be in my future. Thanks again!

[@skykinghorn]

Thanks John. Haven't had had a canister filler yet. Finding I may need one for my Chiclid tank. Don't know that I want to do a sump so great information.

[@sdfasdfadfasdfadfasd]

I didn't know this was a thing in the community. I have a Fluvial 207 on a 25 gallon, and it's fantastic. The worst I can say is it's a PITA to get out of the cabinet to clean. It really needs a handle built in.

[@kellyroach76]

I have a 55 gallon fancy goldfish tank and have been putting off the switch from 3 HOB filters to a canister. I’m looking to simplify maintenance and as much as I love my Tidal 75, the self priming pump housing takes up so much space and is an eyesore. I’m thinking one cannister filter and one of the smaller HOB’s filled with filter floss for polishing. Thanks for the insights John!

[@justinholmes4333]

You can also just run floss inside the cannister. I've got a 407, and I put floss in 1 of the trays. But you might also want the extra agitation from the HOB

[@draculasdaughter36]

I've been running a 20+ yr old Ehime canister on my planted 29 gal for the last 3yrs. 😗👌

[@marciocivil]

I do have a Fluval 107 running on 15 gallons with surface skimmer for 3 months. And I tell you what, it’s perfect. Any filter is only good as you think it is. If your fishes are healthy and happy then you know your filtration is good enough for your aquarium. Be happy and enjoy seat and wash your fishes summing around.

[@TheWalkingMermaid]

Thank you for helping me learn! I’ve been wondering if I should buy one for my 36 gal tank for a while. This video has convinced me.

[@medkow7415]

I've ran a Fluval 407 on my 36 gallon bow front for years. Only recently replaced it with the Shark Pro so I could use it to replace a very, very old Fluval 406 on another tank.

[@minanora5025]

I love canister filters. I was skeptical when I put my first one under my 75, but after fighting with clogged intake tubes, reduced flow due to clogged media and evaporation on various hob filters.... Plus they're loud and can be an eyesore.... I decided the canister is a cost saver. Cost of my sanity and time.

[@rajgill7576]

Ive only kept nano tanks, like i upgraded my biggest tank from 7g to a 10g long today and its HUGE to me. I keep a 2g reef tank etc etc. This was cool to learn about what types of filters the big boys use

[@drewsta005]

Great review, even if it’s a biased Commercial two years in the making. I really like Sicce equipment and have thought about upgrading the filtration on my 36 Bowfront. I am considering this for sure

[@comment.highlighted]

I love the my “Turtle Clean 30” canister filters. They’re inexpensive and works Amazingly well on my 8, 10, 16 gallon tanks. My algae free crystal clear planted tank is a joy to maintain now 🙂 Update: I picked up one of these Sicce 120 for my 10 Gallon Saltwater 👍

[@jacksonfuller7659]

Is this pump to powerful for a 10 gallon?

[@comment.highlighted]

No, it’s not. You can adjust the flow, but I have mine maxed and it works great 🙂

[@paulmccarthy7467]

I like canister filters and the maintenance is easy enough I have many running. I do put a date on them to remind me went to do maintenance next. Love the looks SCCE it ideal for a smaller tanks. Who is Discus are beautiful and your Bicher is looking awesome John. Hope that poor guy gets a job lol

[@paulmccarthy7467]

I think AutoCorrect got me on that comment

[@BigJeec]

I pretty much love all filters, I use hobs and sponges for my smaller tanks 5s and 10s combo of both on my 30 & 50 breeders. ...and I definitly can't see myself running my 240g indoor pond setup without my FX6...the drain valve feature is an amazing tool. The only filters that I don't see a use for are internal canisters.

[@sinkpisserpro]

I have a UNS Delta 30 on a 5 gallon tank right now just because I think they're prettier than other types of filters, and because I like that they make really good flow in a tank. The funny part? the fish load is 2 neon tetras 2 chili rasboras and a few shrimp...

[@SemiFeralJill]

Lol, i have a fluval 307, on a 20 gallon. i hooked it to an undergravel filter plate, on 1/2- 3/4 power. Love it.

[@andrewholland627]

I have a zoo med canister filter on my 5 gallon beta tank and it’s the best thing ever it doesn’t have too much flow and it’s super quiet

[@marwanal3780]

I just installed the fluval 107 to my 29 gallon tank and I'm happy with it and my fishes will be happy to because it's so quite and much cleaner water 😊

[@wilgarcia1]

I'll Have you know SIRRRR. I once had a 10 gal tank with a 30 gal canister filter, (speed turned way way down) And it was awesome. Cause my betta deserved it. little dude had a good life =D Love your channel. I may have to rebuild that aquarium again one day.

[@amandacounce1977]

i absolutely love your videos and i need help! i have a 75 gallon tank and i have a marine land canister filter and a hang on the back filter on my tank and it just isn’t clear completely

[@XCaliKev]

👍😎 I had 2 canister filters on my 125 years ago (Magnum 300) I loved them. Now have HOB’s, ya they easy but don’t like them really.

[@tomdondero1198]

I have 2 Penn-Plax Cascades and they are great! Also reasonably priced for a canister filter.

[@jerrytrame5303]

Nothing to do about the filter...just want to say thank you. Because of you I got my first betta and omg, she is awesome. The perfect huntress. We didn't know but last night one of platys dropped a few fries. This morning the betta was nose down in the baby grass, not moving. We thought she was dead until a fry popped out. Eaten in a second. Just like a leopard waiting. More personality than all fish combined. Thank you for your videos, definitely changed my outlook

[@michaelvalencia3537]

I have a fluval 207 on my 20 gallon and an Oase filtosmart 60 on my 30cm cube. I love them.

[@bguen1234]

The old style Marineland canisters with the clear body were the best. Ran one on a 29 salt water and a 75 salt water. 30 years ago I ran under gravel filters with a canister pulling from the uplift tubes. Having a clear body you could see when they needed to be cleaned.

[@wraeth]

I had a fluval 106 and now 107 on a 7 gal for over 12 years. The tank has neocaridina and guppies. I'm lazy and don't clean for a year on the main filter. I do have to wire brush the in and out flow every 4 months which is super simple. Turn off filter and take in n out flow off to sink. I also use the filter for water changes by sticking the out flow into a 5 gal bucket and run the filter. Then take the in flow into the 5 gal bucket of aged treated water for fill ups. So new water goes through the filter first. I only stick my hands into the tank to scrape bio film so I got crystal looking glass. LOL

[@frankcarrington5283]

I've been running a canister filter on my 20gal. Aquarium for some time now! That tank is super clean!

[@laszloszocs7477]

well i totaly agree with you i have a fluval 207 on my 17 galon i over feed and mostly overstock the hell of it but it still goes on flawlesly and i maintain it like you said once every 3 to 6 months :D so highly recommend it if you want less work with your filtration And i also have a cat so i know the furr situation :D

[@mlrausch7708]

Fluval 206 running on my 29 for year or so now. I did add a longer spray bar though.

[@andyberry4346]

wow. i havent even finished it yet, got to 3:40. i love all your commenting about 'that guy'.

[@Silver_Creek_Aquatics]

Preach it John!!

[@lifewithnikka7440]

I love my canister filter. I wish I had them on all my tanks at this point in my life. I have rhemotoid arthritis, and when I have a flair up, nothing is worse than cleaning basic sit on bottom sponge filters! I wish that were addressed more. The biggest problem for me is unsnapping it to get the sponge out....and when I have 20 of them to do...ugghh! I'm going to at least start switching them out to the hygger dual hang on glass. Having the sponges easily slide off for cleaning will be much easier for me to handle. In a perfect world of affordability, I would go all canisters. I don't find them harder than sponge filters in any way. Just do your research on mechanical maintenance and if nervous, practice with it in your tub or sink a few times beforehand. ☺️☺️☺️

[@J1e2n]

This was helpful for me. I have a 55 gallon and I’m on the fence for a canister.

[@adolfoprieto1793]

Wow, John really doesn't like "that guy". The whole rant was pretty funny. 🤣 love the video John. Keep em coming!

[@mach389]

Canister filters are great especially when paired with a surface skimmer. For multiple tanks I use sponge filters. Multiple filters with one pump!!

[@TarasAquaria]

Great video John, tell Lisa I said hello. I'm wondering if you could do a similar video on internal filters? Not a review, but a good example would be the fluval u2, im sure there's 100s out there. I have 3 canisters and I'd never go back. I'm also using an internal topfin mf20 filter for my crayfish tank. It has its pros and cons but dirt cheap and came with a spray bar. Eff that a- hole that was rude anyway. You guys are awesome and your videos are some of the best content on KZbin. Good bless you both. Take care. Time to watch the next Ohio fish rescue. I watch all the biggest fish channels.

[@kaitlynm.805]

It's been a while since I came by your channel. Love the subtle sass and the new beard! Looking good!

[@redwingblackbird8306]

Does anyone make a low flow canister filter, for a 5 or 10 gallon with a betta?

[@Rustysturtles]

Lost your channel for ages but I'm back for everything

[@martincregg]

Excellent. Love the humour!

[@dustinsinclair8563]

Currently runnin fluval 307 on a twenty gallon long dialed flow way back love it

[@johnjrkean7008]

I have a FX6 on my 5 gallon cube .....I believe in very clean water!!

[@KaienShirayuki]

Love the beard, John. I like the format. Keep up the good work

[@turtleman190]

I ran and eheim 2213 on a 20gallon for many years it was great i will do it agian once i start keeping fish again

[@BeeKayCee911]

I have 1 on my 20 tall its 266- a gallon..My tank is crystal and I have lots of plants and 6 smaller fish. I do maintaince on it 1 time a mo for vacation and every 2 for Filter check👍

[@blakeeldorado5415]

I’ve had a huge canister on my 29 gallon for so long😭 I never thought it was crazy or ridiculous but it is definitely made for a 60 or 100 gallon

[@Jessery]

Same here. My 29's gone from a Fluval 205, to a 306, now I'm using the 407. I just reduce the flow rate about 30%. I never thought having a canister on small tanks was unusual, but apparently it's not that common.

[@roundedrob1483]

I was waiting for you to bring up the main pro for canister filters!! How quite they are!!

[@1stsinfullsaint]

Another pro is you can always add an in-line heater and other things

[@paulettemouchet9901]

LOVE the canisters on my 20 and 29! Sure wish someone made a "mini" canister that would work for a 10 gallon tank. Or maybe just a way to slow down the flow on a regular canister to better suit the 10 gallon?

[@NyssaMysteria]

"Stop being that guy, go look for a job" LOL that gave me a good chuckle. For real though, people get mad over the most mundane of things... all that negativity just brings more negativity and anger back threefold. It's not a healthy way to live and it's no good for anyone involved 💯

[@austrelforgefeu5888]

Well i was thinking to buy one similar, but not exactly make my water better, but for power. I will do some hydroponic with my aquarium. My pea is thriving in my aquarium and... i tend to forgot often to water plant normally lol will be easier with that.😁 2 passion in one yay

[@NWGarage]

NICE MESSAGE at the beginning of this one 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@bettaaquatiks2604]

I love canister filters. Awesome video KGTropicals.👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Kudos to you KGT🙂

[@NathanKnetzer]

Hah! "Can't check the oil in his car" was thinking you would go with "can't change a tire"

[@pavlaleinberger9555]

I have a canister filters on my two 20 longs. :) Petco had 30% sale on Fluval 7 series if you ordered on-line for in-store pickup.

[@NebulaMK]

You’re looking great these days man!

[@mofish3601]

I have a 25G talk hex, sponge filters are cutting it. Would a small canister work for a tall tank?

[@lunainu6084]

Question for cleaning my sponge filter: Can I fill a bucket with tap water, add some water conditioner, clean the sponges in the sink and then squeeze them a few times in the bucket with the water conditioner to get rid of the chorine the sponge absorbed from the cleaning in the sink?

[@markh.williamsauthor7286]

I have a 36 with a canister. It's very heavily planted and I had a lot of issues until I moved to a canister.

[@DrawerFullofRocks]

I run a canister on my 20 gallon. I love it.

[@strinity511]

Zoo Med has a line of cannister filter called nano. I use the Nano 10 and Nano 30, have had them for over a year love them.

[@curtiscrump7153]

I am looking at a Whale 120 for my next build, a 20 gallon long. Since it will have a Betta and nano fish, is the a cover to prevent fish suddenly getting sucked in to the filter from the input tube? My fall back is another Shark Pro as I can use some of the media in the new tank.

[@MrKillerHobbes]

hey bro can u prime the whale filters with lily pipes on? looks the like priming works only with the provieded hose right

[@chunyupoon829]

I have 2 sponge filters, 1 hang on back filter, and a Canister filter for my 10 gallon tank. It works well.

[@djsuss552]

Kidding, right?

[@paulmccarthy7467]

Some serious filtration going on good stuff

[@chunyupoon829]

Well, my tank is over stock. That's why.

[@chunyupoon829]

@@djsuss552 no, I am not kidding.

[@Sinserg]

What canister do you use in your 10g tank?

[@andrewwilson5012]

Currently running a JBL 902 on my 100 litre main tank, works wonders and fish as the healthiest they've ever been after 6 months

[@Soultribe65]

So I'm sitting here in my mom's basement and I just wanna say... 😂😂 Canister is the heart that every tank needs.

[@hobbytinkerer6736]

I absolutely adore having canister filters, they are such great equipment. However! If you are upgrading from a HOB to a canister, make sure the canister’s outlet agitates the water surface (especially if you don’t use air stones in your tank). I made the mistake of not doing that and lost some fish within a couple of hours due to lack of oxygen!

[@deborahkarst4528]

I live in North Florida. Where do you recommend I order aquarium plants from?

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

I wonder why things like mini bakki showers aren't used for fish tanks? Thought about doing a diy but i cant figure out a design that would look nice so maybe thats why? Lol but surely a company can design them to be appealing to the eye vs a homemade one..?

[@brianhaig1971]

Looks a great little filter seems to be easier maintenence than the 07 ... what's the flow rate like or is that for a future video

[@Thunder.Aquatics]

Nice video!

[@ivettescamilla3889]

Hi I have one in my 23 gallons is the same brand is the 200 I think is for 24/50 gallons por hrs you think is fine ??

[@charlesplumlee3816]

I would like your opinion on puting a fx2 filter on a 40 breeder with guppies and live bearers . is that too big of a filter? charles

[@bevfrigon7142]

Does a canister filter have to be installed under an aquarium? I am using my dresser as a stand. Can it sit at the end? Thanks.

[@bluereef9530]

Only canister filter I owned I was Eheim. Nothing but a quite monster that lasted over 20 years. I own a Sicce pump on my 150 reef tank. So far pretty good. Hope I can get at least 7 years. Anyway when you sell than do a review. Might add one to 40 breeder freshwater