Using a canister filter to vacuum my tank

mike550

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Hello! I’m thinking about using a canister filter as a way of cleaning up detritus in my tank but not having to also do a water change. Basically I’d like to use the canister filter as a mechanical filter to suck up stuff and return the filtered water back to the tank. This would be something I could do between water changes or as a way of cleaning out my sump as well.
Would this work? Has anyone done this before?
 

brandon429

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you will still return a large amount of cloud to the tank


choose dedicated diatom filter for this job, controlled pass through
 

Fourstars

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Yes, I’ve done this with great success for thirty some years. You can also attach a hose to the return so you can blow the rocks off.
 
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mike550

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I haven't tried it yet but I was thinking of doing the same thing. The youtube video below gave me the idea.


Thanks for this. I might give this route a try if it’s cheaper. I already have some python pieces and a small pump. I’ll keep you posted
 
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mike550

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Yes, I’ve done this with great success for thirty some years. You can also attach a hose to the return so you can blow the rocks off.
Thanks @Fourstars thats what I was thinking. It would be nice to be able to clean the sand, rocks, etc without worrying about if I’m taking too much water out of the tank.
 

dblhelix

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It did it for years as well....worked very well. It was actually a canister filter that hung on the tank. I don't think they make them any longer but it was powerful. Used a cylinder paper filter like they sell at WMart for cheap swimming pools. I cleaned it and used it again and again.
 
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mike550

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It did it for years as well....worked very well. It was actually a canister filter that hung on the tank. I don't think they make them any longer but it was powerful. Used a cylinder paper filter like they sell at WMart for cheap swimming pools. I cleaned it and used it again and again.
Thanks @dblhelix I’m either going to use a RO/Reactor canister and pump combo — but I’ll end up using a 1 micron filter if I can’t find anything larger — or a canister filter filled with fleece. The canister/pump combo is probably cheaper but the canister is just simple.
 
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