Canister filters ?

I've got an ehiem canister filter, but all I hear about canister filters is that there a huge headache. Should I sell it Or is there benefits to running it with just some carbon pads or something in it ? Are they worth it ? If anyone successfully runs a canister please post with what you use in it and how often you clean etc!
Thanks in advance everyone.

 

Canisters are fine, the problem with then is that people don't clean it often enough and they became a problem leaching nitrate to the tank, but if you clean it regularly, you won't have any problem

 

Regularly as in once a week or .. Twice a month, also what should I use in it

 

It depens on how much you feed, problem with canister is that food gets trapped and nothing eats it, and it simple decay in the canister and you should avoid this, you can use for carbon, GFO and any filter media that needs water going throw it.

Have in mind that most canister are big and will hold a lot of media.

 

Thanks for the replies, do you use a canister?

 

Canisters are fine, as long as they're properly maintained (as mentioned). I used to run a canister until I began using sumps...there's NO comparison, BTW...sumps are "the way, the truth, and the light" as far as I'm concerned.

I do still use canisters for some applications...smaller-medium sized non-sump QTs and growout tanks, for running additional chemical filtration on sumped systems, as needed, and I sometimes run them empty (no media) to drive small chillers.

JM .02...

 

No, I don't, i just have a reactor for carbon, that's the only media i use, also i use to have a HOB filter for the carbon, it works just like the canister, but the HOB was easier to clean, i just have to remove the media bag every other day for a few minutes, and it will free all detritus.

 

Are you going to have a sump? If so, ditch the canister IMO. I just took mine off-line and have a little hang on for filter media. It's much less hassle to clean than the canister. I was pretty attached to mine, but I believe it contributed to my nitrate problems but it wasn't the sole contributor that's for sure.....

 

Messy, pain to clean, filters cost $$$. Build a sump so that the water overflows into two filter socks. Look up the aqeon sumps for reference. I change my filter sock out once a week, I spray some oxy clean on it and put it in the washes on every setting I can to get it washed the best.

 

Agreed with all the above- a canister can be used, but requires frequent cleaning which is a PITA or it can contribute to high Nitrates.

What size is your tank and what do you plan to keep in it?