Canister Filter Replacement Question

goldenhurricane2 · Jun 17, 2017

I know most have a low opinion of canister filters but mine seems to be doing a great job so far (1.5 years in). I have a sicce whale. However, I know that canister filters don't last forever.

My question is: would there be any detriment in changing or upgrading a canister filter when the time comes? I would obviously take the biological media from the current filter and place it in the new one.

BigHildy53 · Jun 17, 2017

There's no detriment. Canister and/or sump and/or protein skimmer is a matter of personal choice. If you want to stick with the canister filters. I'd personally bring the new one on-line a month or more before you are ready to retire the current one. This way you can "get to know" the new canister.

mcarroll · Jun 17, 2017

goldenhurricane2 said:
I know most have a low opinion of canister filters but mine seems to be doing a great job so far (1.5 years in). I have a sicce whale. However, I know that canister filters don't last forever.

My question is: would there be any detriment in changing or upgrading a canister filter when the time comes? I would obviously take the biological media from the current filter and place it in the new one.

No detriment as long as you make the considerations mentioned, but canister filters can generally be expected to last the life of an aquarium and then some.

You've already got a top-name canister filter, but if there's another one you'd rather have then you should make the switch sooner than later IMO. There's nothing to wait for.

2¢

bblumberg · Jun 17, 2017

I have used Eheim canisters in my fw tanks for more than 25 years. At least one of the original 2215 filters I bought way back then is still operational.

If you want to use a canister, I highly advise replacing the biological media with Siporax. I replaced one of my filters with Siporax a year ago and my algae issues have mostly disappeared together with much lowered nitrate levels.... I have since converted my other 3 canisters to Siporax.

I have also put Siporax into my sumps with excellent results.

Bruce