What is a canister filter?
A canister filter is an external filtration system that sits outside the aquarium and pumps water through multiple layers of filter media before returning it to the tank.
How it works
- Water is drawn from the aquarium via an intake tube
- It passes through mechanical, biological, and chemical media
- Clean water is returned through a spray bar or outlet nozzle
Advantages
- High filtration capacity
- Large media volume for beneficial bacteria
- Quiet operation
- Flexible media customization
Best use cases
- Medium to large freshwater aquariums
- Heavily stocked tanks
- Planted aquariums
- Large fish or messy species
Canister filters are often considered the most efficient all-in-one filtration solution for larger aquariums.