Haven't even finished the video yet, just want to say that I appreciate you getting right to the point where a bunch of other videos would have rambled on about why they think people should watch videos like that...like, I'm already watching the video, I know why I'm watching it, just tell me! So, thank you.
I have been debating on upgrading to a canister filter for over a year now, but after watching your video I’m now confident that it is something I can do. I have watched several videos about different installs, maintenance, and a variety of different makes and models, but no one has broke things down and made things so simple to understand as well as providing information on different types of canisters. Great video!
I know this is an old video. But all great tips. Definitely a good idea to have an extra. I have two marineland c360 canister filters. One runs on my tank and the other one I've been scavenging parts off of. Been running good for 10 years.
I teased...but honestly so much of what you said helped me...from even cut tubes to using a garden shears...and putting carbon tray on top..those all made a huge difference for me. Also shortening that outward flow tube...very helpful!
Setting up my new 90 gallon tank with a new canister filter (coming from a hang on back filter) and I am so excited to see your video and enthusiasm for maintenance! THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME AND ENERGY to upload helpful videos!!
Great video, man. Good information on filters is so important to get out there. It's amazing how many people don't know (or care) how the water flows through the filter and that is the most important part of running the filter as if it is set up wrong the biological results will be poor. Thanks for the reference and there will definitely be something in the Pimp My Filter series of videos for everyone as there are quite a few vids up now and another 30+ shot and still to edit. Groovy.
I have found that PVC pipe cutters work well on those thick green hoses. On my SunSun, I've found that lubricating the impeller shaft with silicone grease helps a lot if you have some noise even if it's seated correctly.
Thanks for the clear info! I’ve been out of the hobby for a while and getting back up to speed so I can throw myself back in 1000%! Your vid’s are wonderfully helpful. Can’t wait to set up the fish room!!!
I have used a few different canisters but mostly the Eheim 2217, I have gone 6 months between cleaning and it does get dirty but I never had a problem.
Thanks for the great informational video Ben! Always a pleasure to watch. I would like to add this: Don't forget to keep your hoses clean from the inside! I only have 12/16 diameter hoses, and boy does the buildup of algae and stuff restrict the flow! :)
The plastic drain snakes or extra long bottle brush will work I used a tree branch and some old sponge type material once but hey they came clean and flow was once again restored
Wow! That is a massive magnet on your Sun Sun. I’m impressed! Following both you and Pondguru. Love all your videos, great job. I certainly subscribe to the addition of a prefilter on all my canisters. It makes maintenance so much easier. All my Eheim’s have the Eheim double prefilters, my Marineland C series 360 I use the smaller Marineland 160 as a prefilter strictly for mechanical. I’ve yet to try the SunSun but after watching your videos I just might pick one up. Thanks again.
Very good video. I have a 1200 Pen Plax canister. Never thought about putting a sponge on the intake and will try that. The only thing though I never rinse my canister sponge in tap water. Instead I have two 5 gallon buckets of tank water for cleaning. After draining off the media water from the tray I remove the sponge and squeeze it several times in the 1st bucket then several times in the 2nd bucket leaving it there. Then I do the same pattern rinsing up and down the ceramic rings in both buckets leaving all in the 2nd bucket while doing the canister housing etc with tap water.
Thank you Sir for the helpful informative. I was looking for the water flow direction for canister filter and media placement. Could you pls confirm if the Sunsun 304b has water flow from bottom to top if my understanding is correct.? So I need to put chemicals in too tray.
I set up my Eheim Experience 150 recommended by Pondguru. Ceramic rings in the bottom of the canister, coarse sponge and fine pad in the first tray (no space for coarse, medium, fine), biomedia in the second tray. Most of the muck is catched in the ceramic rings. The sponge and the fine pad lasts very long and the biomedia is clean. This setup works perfect
I see this video is 3 years on now so you likely won’t see this post but thank you. I’m brand new to the hobby, I was gifted a 75 gallon tank and a fluval fx6 because the store told them it was their favorite. I now know that this isn’t the normal setup for a newbie but it’s what I have. I am a bit overwhelmed because I’m trying to learn as much as I can so I don’t kill anything but the more I watch I also get more concerned I’m going to F things up at some point. 🤙🏻
I get it. Watch my Fluval playlist. They are great filters. Keep learning and then jump in since the real lessons will be in the doing. Good luck and always feel free to reach out.
Hey Ben! Thanks for the tips on the canister filters! I liked the one on waiting longer to crack the canister depending on how dirty they get. I watched Pondguru’s Pimp My Filter on the FX 4. I ordered some Eheim pre-filter for around the ring of the bottom of the filter. I also ordered some course and medium sponges to put around the outside of each tray. Once the materials arrive, I will put them in and wait a little longer to crack the filter to see how they do. Thank you so much and please keep making these videos. I really enjoy them!
Great advice. The length of the hose, keeping it short also depends on the type of canister and how things get connected and disconnected. Some canisters you need the longest length rather than shortest in order to manipulate the canister for servicing.
Just make sure that you have enough length to be able to pull it out to service it. When cutting the tubes, place the canister where it will be when you are servicing the filter and cut to that length. Eazy peazy!
Head pressure should be the same as height is unchanged but added surface tension due to hose that is too long would be the issue. Quick question though, what are your thoughts on sharing a canister filter between two aquariums with t-fittings? I know there's the sharing of water between tanks but beyond that, if my filter can handle the total gallons, what are your thoughts? Thank you for your video.
Thanks Ben for the video. That is awesome information for someone who hasn't used a canister filter and is learning to set one up. It will save them a lot of headaches from trial and error. Hopefully when I get mine in operation my water be as pristine as yours in the videos.
When you fill the filter with water from the siphon with the mother off, you will notice that the water level in the hose is at the water level in the tank. The motor and pump only lifts the water as far as the exit opening of the output hose. Excessive hose lengths and bends will create static friction which will reduce the water flow. Any bend in the hoses should be smooth with a large radius. The bends are more significant than the length. However it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for minimum and maximum height of the water level from the canister.
This is a lot of great information. I would maybe show pictures of examples of where and what you're explaining. One example would be with how dirty the water is determine the frequency of cleaning.
Very awesome tips Ben as usual and one more is the gasket on the head of the sunsun last week mine started to lick and i was about to order one BUT with just some baseline and is now working like a champ 👍🤘
Agree with ya Ben. Lotta good points. You would be amazed at how often one of these get you in trouble. Like my GPH or flow rate stronger than recommended for my aquariums so I can add DIY inline pvc stuff like the co2, heater, uv-c sterilizer or additional Biological Media without worrying about slowing down flow rate too much. Sometime in the future I plan on using a pre filter canister inline on the intake before the canister just to be able to see more accurately when maintenance is need since most prefilter canisters are transparent plastic for the body od the canister. Great Video and looking forward to seeing more
Thanks Ben. I have watched quite a few cannisters filter videos where the presenter is connecting hoses with no clamps!! The profession I was in for decades taught me many things, one of those things was always use hose clamps! Especially for liquids in your house. Once water in a large volume, gets into your house, it can be very intrusive and cause other problems. If you don't have clamps, they are inexpensive and can save you from big problems. Thanks again!
I did try a Sunsun but had to get it from All Pond Solutions and its rebranded to them, but the sneaky buggers sent me a repaired old unit, so sent that bugger back asap, now ordered a Oase Thermo one.
Thanks for the tips. I've been looking at getting a canister filter and been looking for all the dos and don'ts. My brother flooded our house as kids, so I've been hesitant about them for awhile.
I understand. To be safe I suggest you place it in a plastic flat container and use and inexpensive water alarm like a Watchdog unit. They run around $10.
I was told it was more important for your intake hose to be straight down without loops which solved my filter's grumbling sounds problem as soon as I shortened the intake hose and got rid of the loop. My return hose still has a loop but it seems to me it would help the motor because it doesn't have to push water nearly directly up to the outlet.
Thanks for the great info. I work at a school and started taking care large tank after another teacher left. With the pandemic and lock downs the Sunsun canister has not been cleaned in 8 months.So I bravely opened it up and poured out the brown water. I rinsed it with tank water. I didn’t know where the biological things where living so I left the bottom filter alone. It looked like a course filter, then third down is plastic balls, then ceramic beads second tray, and I replaced the fine filter in top tray. I put it back together, and after priming it started up fine. Any suggestions would be helpful. I change over the water about a third every month. It’s a 100 gallons.
Great videos Ben!! Ive been following you for a while. Hey lately your voice has been at a very low level. I know your mics are good I just think you could boost your voice a bit when you edit. its almost inaudible on some videos lately even with headphones. Dramatically different than your intros. Just trying to help buddy! Keep the vids coming. Great info
with the water that you've rinsed the filters in you can water your plants with it they will BLOOM !!! used fish water & waste is mint for the green stuff AH Yes .
Thank you Ben for your Tips on filters! 😃 I found the info very interesting. I wanted to ask you how often you clean the filter for the tank behind you, it looks crystal clear like glass?
The tank behind me, the 150 acrylic, has a sump that is very low maintenace. I vacuum and do water changes once a week and clean the inside panels with a soft pad. There is also a SunSun 704-B that you can't see (back right corner behind the overflow box) that is full of sponges and provides mechanical filtration. I clean that one every 4 or 5 months.
Hi ben I use the sun sun 704b also and love it... The thing is is that circular shaft that goes on top of the impeller that you take off first and put on lasthas broke on mine… And was wondering if you could give me a tip and where I could get a new one I tried looking online myself but I may have not looked in the right place… Keep up the videos in good work… Thanks
It certainly helps to rock the canister to release collected air. I find with all canisters I've used, I know when to do it as the impeller will start rattling. Another thing with canisters, that will save on a great deal of awkward maintenance, is simply having a prefilter sponge on the intake. Especially if you have messy fish. It would be handy if all canisters had the mechanical filtration at the top. Would make life a little easier! However, my favorite budget canister at the moment is the Jabao 1200. Loads of room for media, quiet, great flow, easy to clean, and only £50 on ebay.
Quick tip if you use a sponge over intake to protect shrimp make sure when changeing it you squeze it to get out air or you will have no flow due to intake air locked never seen it till other day i changed sponge out for screen and im much happier but sponge was dry coming out never released the air in ot
Have you heard anything about the HW3000 sun sun? I have had 304 b and I loved them. Wondering if you have used them they have 793 gpm. Thanks man great content 👍🏼🇺🇸
I like this video I pretty much service my canister as you just explain how the only problem I really have is getting the air out I have the Marineland 360 canister everything is set up property I just can't get the air out what's your advice everything is put together an snug your other videos has helped me otherwise what do you think I should do about trying to get the air out
Hi Ben. Thank you for your informational & tutorial videos which are excellent to the point and easy to follow. I have a sunsun 303B with a LW604 canister prefilter. I find that the sunsun is sucking in air from somewhere but I cant seem to figure out where. I've checked the input connections and I also don't see any air bubbles flowing from either the aquarium to the prefilter or from the prefilter to the SunSun but every few minutes it makes a noise & shoots out the air bubbles. I even put teflon thread tape around the cover O-ring to make an airtight seal and also around the nozzles of the hosepipe adapter that fits into the sunsun. Would you have any further pointers to troubleshoot where else the air could be seeping in from, apart from those mentioned in the video as already checked these and they all seem okay.
Just stumbled upon this video. It's an old video so I'm not sure if you will see this comment and respond to it or not. Useful info. Thank you for posting. My question,: I'm running a 207 Fluval canister. You mention that it's ok to wash sponges in tap water as they don't contain useful biological. I'm about 8 months back in hobby. However, this is my first canister set-up. Everything I have seen and read says to wash, clean out, everything inside the canister using aquarium water in order to not lose any beneficial biological. Different ways to position sponges in order get/set up to promote the most beneficial bacteria areas you can. But you are saying just use tap water on sponges. Not to use aquarium water as they don't hold anything beneficial. Am I understanding you correctly? Thanks
How are you hiding the filter from showing in tank, hoses ect? I am new at this and trying to set up some type of filtering an undrilled tank. I dont want it to show. If I paint wall black maybe it will blend in, or I Saw some clear hoses and clear pipes that go into the water I am not sure but I think it is to be almost invisible in tank. Help out a newbie! lol Dosnt necessarily have to be a canister. I saw hob but they stick up and out on back. I dont want it to be seen hanging out either. Ijust want things nice and tidy. I saw someone also making a refugium but it was on the back wall and could be seen walking by. I could have it drilled and plumbed and all for a sump, but that would cost a fortune. Then there are submersible but I dont think it filtered through 3 stage filtration, I am doing a salt water and fresh. I got the bug! haha afterI got my betta and its small and I hid it behind some plants, only 5 gallon.
Hi Karen. The tank behind me in this video has a sump and a canister but the plumbing is concealed behind the overflow box (the intake of the canister) and the outputs are very high in the tank and don't show because of the angle I film at.
I use a bit of crushed sand stone and alpha grog for pre-media in my tanks keeps the ph near perfect 6.8. I place it before the water goes through the sponges instead of using the ceramic rings like Richard prefers to do. I have the simster glass media from Richard after the sponges. A friend of mine uses a thin layer of charcoal in her last tray. The sponge covers for the intake is an excellent idea, especially for Fluval tanks as sand can sometimes be sucked in there when my Flowerhorn gets a little too excited! lol
At 11:52 it doesn't hurt to check if you've got the impeller in the right place just by plugging in the filter top while you have it off the canister. Tilt it on it's side while it is running and if you do not hear any rattling you've done it correctly. It can prove to be quite a pain in the ass when you hook it up to the tank with the canister already prefilled and it has been done incorrectly. When you open it up to fix it there is the possibility of getting water on the floor when you seal up the top to the canister again...
Ben, We are new to the hobby and are currently using HOB’s. Canisters have seemed so daunting but after coming across your channel and watching several of your videos my comfort levels has risen tremendously. To the point that we will probably be adjusting our setups. We have a new 60g and anticipating putting cichlids into it. Would you recommend going with the Sunsun 302b as you mentioned you have on your 60g set up or go to the new 704b? Or is the 704b overkill for our size tank
If I was starting over, and depending on how much I would be stocking, I would go with a 704-B and an HOB. That way something is always running (like when you're cleaning one of the filters) and the HOB handles all the surface tension break-up for oxygen, so you don't need an airstone.
No such thing as Overkill. The bigger the better the more water you can filter the happier your fish will be and after all that's what it's about Happy fish..
Another thing is always have O-rings on hand. Had my Fluval all of a sudden leak, I even had O-rings coming because I wanted to do preventive maintenance..my instinct was right, but late as I had not bought the Fluval new.
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Lubricate your o-rings/seals. I have two decades old Eheims with original seals. I have never had one fail.
@@jaykneegarner2479 petroleum jelly will work in a pinch def but its proven that over time petroleum will actually break down the rubber and it will begin to deteriorate. So of course if that's all you have on hand by all means. But they do make silicon lube, which is non toxic or silicone grease plumbers use on faucets. Also at some box stores you can get a food grade safe silicone lubricant spray which is used in kitchens and factories for food slicers and similar. Just wanted to share some info
Does anyone know if it's ok not to have the Media Basket Cover on the top of the media? When I had mine it made a very loud noise so I'm assuming against the propeller.
I have the same Sunsun and the flow has suddenly become very weak. I have cleaned it out, checked the impeller, checked the hoses and made sure there isn't any air pockets. I don't know what else to do. Any ideas? The canister is only 3 months old.
I have an inline Coral Life Turbo Twist connected with my Fluval 306/406 and I keep getting leaks from the gasket/o-ring seam between the canister and the power head. I can’t seem to run this UV sterilizer with any Fluval canister. It doesn’t leak with my Marineland canister. Does the inline UV sterilizer cause some over pressure in the canister that is causing the weeping leaks out the side by the handles? I can’t seem to figure out how to resolve this. I have gone through o-rings, and had Fluval replace 3 of the canisters through their warranty process. I’ve made the hoses as straight and short as possible but the loop to the UV sterilizer can’t be avoided and I think it’s the problem. Any advice?
Hi Ben, can the HW-5000 be used as a pond filter? Meaning can the canister be placed at the same height as that of the tank? Are the canister filter capable of sucking water without the help of gravity? I believe the pond filter will have a separate submersible pump placed in the tank. Kindly share your expert opinion.
I have not used a 5000 but if it’s like most SunSun canisters it uses a siphon action to get water into the unit, so sitting next to and above a pond would not work.
Thank you for valuable information. If prefilter can significantly lengthen the time between canister service why not the manufacturers sale their canister together with a simple sponge filter?
Great advice there. I'd like to add one thing. Before you try to push your tubing on be sure to dip the end of the tubing in some hot water for a minute. It will make it a lot more pliable and help to seal it when it cools down.
Hey Ben. Larry with the 180, so after cleaning canisters both kinds,I turn back on and CRAP comes out of the tubes into the tank, tubes r full of stuff .easy way to get stuff out of all the hoses.?????
Every second or third cleaning the hoses should be taken to a sink and a bristle pipe cleaner and some warm water run through them. In the meantime, when you restart the filter, place a fish net over the output and it will catch any gunk that comes out.
@@BenOchart i have 2 ehiem 2217 canister when i clean filter pads and also intake outlet hose the throw of water its around 10” inch and again in a week its just around 4” inch. Then hose cleaning flow/throw of water back to its full force. So is there any reason that hose pipe reduce its flow due to slimy coat buildup? My tank size:- L60” * W18” * H30” 16 thread fin acarra, heckelli And 2 bristle-nose pleco
I have Eheim Classic 2213 440l/h. I cannot get rid of the air bubbles inside of it, even after following your methods (also tapping it). Would anyone have more advice on what could I do? In the beginning it used to be working if I turn off & turn on the filter again. But it doesn't seem to be working anymore
Canister filters are the second best filters to have second only to a sump but not everyone can have a drilled aquarium so canisters are great they add more water more filtration and do the job
So I clean my media in tank water. But what's the difference if its declorinated water from the tap or if its tank water? The new water goes thru the canister once its added to the tank.
You can see them on my 60 gallon grow-out. Cory at the Aquarium Co-op sells them for all filters. If you go to his web page you'll see them. Tell him Ben Ochart sent you and you want the family price, LOL.
Haven't even finished the video yet, just want to say that I appreciate you getting right to the point where a bunch of other videos would have rambled on about why they think people should watch videos like that...like, I'm already watching the video, I know why I'm watching it, just tell me!
So, thank you.
I won't mention any names but some other very well-known and trusted guys put me to sleep before getting to the point.
Unfortunately, he is dead wrong on media placement.
I have been debating on upgrading to a canister filter for over a year now, but after watching your video I’m now confident that it is something I can do. I have watched several videos about different installs, maintenance, and a variety of different makes and models, but no one has broke things down and made things so simple to understand as well as providing information on different types of canisters. Great video!
Love to hear this, thank you!
Well it's been a year since you commented. Did you get a sunsun filter? If so, how is it? If not, what did you finally get? Sorry, I'm being nosy.
Very informative, to the point. I actually feel that I have been educated, informed instead of dazed and confused.
"dazed and confused", LOL! Thank you Mary!
I know this is an old video. But all great tips. Definitely a good idea to have an extra. I have two marineland c360 canister filters. One runs on my tank and the other one I've been scavenging parts off of. Been running good for 10 years.
I teased...but honestly so much of what you said helped me...from even cut tubes to using a garden shears...and putting carbon tray on top..those all made a huge difference for me. Also shortening that outward flow tube...very helpful!
Setting up my new 90 gallon tank with a new canister filter (coming from a hang on back filter) and I am so excited to see your video and enthusiasm for maintenance! THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME AND ENERGY to upload helpful videos!!
Great video, man. Good information on filters is so important to get out there.
It's amazing how many people don't know (or care) how the water flows through the filter and that is the most important part of running the filter as if it is set up wrong the biological results will be poor.
Thanks for the reference and there will definitely be something in the Pimp My Filter series of videos for everyone as there are quite a few vids up now and another 30+ shot and still to edit.
Groovy.
You are awesome! Something about you tells me everything's going to be okay even if the world was to end. so for that thank you.
What a strange comment
What a beautiful comment 😊
Thats an insane comment.
@@lots33ml maybe you just don't have instincts 😂 cause the maker of the video is very calm and calming. You just have 0 clue
@@roblad6902 are you afraid of feelings 😂
I have found that PVC pipe cutters work well on those thick green hoses. On my SunSun, I've found that lubricating the impeller shaft with silicone grease helps a lot if you have some noise even if it's seated correctly.
Thanks for the clear info! I’ve been out of the hobby for a while and getting back up to speed so I can throw myself back in 1000%! Your vid’s are wonderfully helpful. Can’t wait to set up the fish room!!!
I’m very glad to hear that the videos are helpful. Good luck with your fish room😀
I have used a few different canisters but mostly the Eheim 2217, I have gone 6 months between cleaning and it does get dirty but I never had a problem.
Thanks for this great video. You speak from experience and you get to the point. Very helpful!
a canister filter is a game changer. I LOVE mine
Thanks for the great informational video Ben! Always a pleasure to watch.
I would like to add this: Don't forget to keep your hoses clean from the inside!
I only have 12/16 diameter hoses, and boy does the buildup of algae and stuff restrict the flow! :)
Aqua Peet great point that is very easily overlooked or skipped
Very good to point that out!
Thanks guys! As a matter of fact, my clear hoses look pret-ty dark so it's time!
...yup! I now have a spraybar FOUNTAIN again so I have to dial back the canister output LOL
The plastic drain snakes or extra long bottle brush will work I used a tree branch and some old sponge type material once but hey they came clean and flow was once again restored
Thanks!! I cut my long tubes with my garden sheers and it fixed my low power problem!
Awesome!
Wow! That is a massive magnet on your Sun Sun. I’m impressed! Following both you and Pondguru. Love all your videos, great job. I certainly subscribe to the addition of a prefilter on all my canisters. It makes maintenance so much easier. All my Eheim’s have the Eheim double prefilters, my Marineland C series 360 I use the smaller Marineland 160 as a prefilter strictly for mechanical. I’ve yet to try the SunSun but after watching your videos I just might pick one up. Thanks again.
You and Pondguru are both my teachers. I learned so much from you both!
Great reminder! I keep notes for the fishroom but never remember to document servicing the canister filters.
Very good video. I have a 1200 Pen Plax canister. Never thought about putting a sponge on the intake and will try that. The only thing though I never rinse my canister sponge in tap water. Instead I have two 5 gallon buckets of tank water for cleaning. After draining off the media water from the tray I remove the sponge and squeeze it several times in the 1st bucket then several times in the 2nd bucket leaving it there. Then I do the same pattern rinsing up and down the ceramic rings in both buckets leaving all in the 2nd bucket while doing the canister housing etc with tap water.
Thank you Sir for the helpful informative. I was looking for the water flow direction for canister filter and media placement. Could you pls confirm if the Sunsun 304b has water flow from bottom to top if my understanding is correct.? So I need to put chemicals in too tray.
Yes, water travels to the bottom then is pulled up through the media and pumped back to the tank.
Newbie with a canister filter for my turtle aquarium. Very informative and helpful. Thanks, Ben!
I set up my Eheim Experience 150 recommended by Pondguru. Ceramic rings in the bottom of the canister, coarse sponge and fine pad in the first tray (no space for coarse, medium, fine), biomedia in the second tray.
Most of the muck is catched in the ceramic rings. The sponge and the fine pad lasts very long and the biomedia is clean.
This setup works perfect
Perfect set up.
@@BenOchart this setup totally makes sense to me. Sometimes I really don't understand the default setups from the manufacturer.
I see this video is 3 years on now so you likely won’t see this post but thank you. I’m brand new to the hobby, I was gifted a 75 gallon tank and a fluval fx6 because the store told them it was their favorite.
I now know that this isn’t the normal setup for a newbie but it’s what I have. I am a bit overwhelmed because I’m trying to learn as much as I can so I don’t kill anything but the more I watch I also get more concerned I’m going to F things up at some point.
🤙🏻
I get it. Watch my Fluval playlist. They are great filters. Keep learning and then jump in since the real lessons will be in the doing. Good luck and always feel free to reach out.
@@BenOchart
I really appreciate that, thank you. 🤙🏻
Pre filter sponge is almost a must have. It's cheap, easy, and saves soooo much time
Great stuff.
I got the 704B and it is a little noisy, I will look into the impeller issue . Thanks
Pacer Let me know. Also be sure the canister is perfectly level
Hey Ben! Thanks for the tips on the canister filters! I liked the one on waiting longer to crack the canister depending on how dirty they get. I watched Pondguru’s Pimp My Filter on the FX 4. I ordered some Eheim pre-filter for around the ring of the bottom of the filter. I also ordered some course and medium sponges to put around the outside of each tray. Once the materials arrive, I will put them in and wait a little longer to crack the filter to see how they do. Thank you so much and please keep making these videos. I really enjoy them!
Great advice. The length of the hose, keeping it short also depends on the type of canister and how things get connected and disconnected. Some canisters you need the longest length rather than shortest in order to manipulate the canister for servicing.
ATF intheHouse good point which has to be keep in mind because once you cut that hose there’s no do over 😀
ATF inthehouse , does that apply to Sunsun? I.m lanning to cut muito outtake hose after this video.
Just make sure that you have enough length to be able to pull it out to service it. When cutting the tubes, place the canister where it will be when you are servicing the filter and cut to that length. Eazy peazy!
Head pressure should be the same as height is unchanged but added surface tension due to hose that is too long would be the issue. Quick question though, what are your thoughts on sharing a canister filter between two aquariums with t-fittings? I know there's the sharing of water between tanks but beyond that, if my filter can handle the total gallons, what are your thoughts? Thank you for your video.
Thanks Ben for the video. That is awesome information for someone who hasn't used a canister filter and is learning to set one up. It will save them a lot of headaches from trial and error. Hopefully when I get mine in operation my water be as pristine as yours in the videos.
You are meticulous and covered all aspects from top to bottom, good one
Swarandeep singh Thank you ... it made the video quite long but there was a lot to cover. Thanks for watching!
Love pond guru , his advices, his help & top of all his media and Bacter gel balls is just amazing do serious job
Thank you very much for doing this video. I learned a lot.
Thanks for the advice on head pressure. I think that's my error in terms of why I'm not getting strong output water flow.
Let me know if you see a big difference after shortening the hoses.
When you fill the filter with water from the siphon with the mother off, you will notice that the water level in the hose is at the water level in the tank. The motor and pump only lifts the water as far as the exit opening of the output hose. Excessive hose lengths and bends will create static friction which will reduce the water flow. Any bend in the hoses should be smooth with a large radius. The bends are more significant than the length. However it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for minimum and maximum height of the water level from the canister.
Great video. Thank you. Lots of valuable information
This is a lot of great information. I would maybe show pictures of examples of where and what you're explaining. One example would be with how dirty the water is determine the frequency of cleaning.
Just got a new canister - Sun Sun 404B - I really learned a lot from you. THANKS!
First time with a canister have the Fx4 this was helpful thank you
Glad it helped
I found using pvc plastic cutters for the pipe makes a lovely straight cut.
Wonderful.i like the step by step
Thank you sharing your knowledge with us, very helpful😊
Very awesome tips Ben as usual and one more is the gasket on the head of the sunsun last week mine started to lick and i was about to order one BUT with just some baseline and is now working like a champ 👍🤘
Agree with ya Ben. Lotta good points. You would be amazed at how often one of these get you in trouble. Like my GPH or flow rate stronger than recommended for my aquariums so I can add DIY inline pvc stuff like the co2, heater, uv-c sterilizer or additional Biological Media without worrying about slowing down flow rate too much. Sometime in the future I plan on using a pre filter canister inline on the intake before the canister just to be able to see more accurately when maintenance is need since most prefilter canisters are transparent plastic for the body od the canister. Great Video and looking forward to seeing more
Puma1Sunfire1 Great points and pre-filters and intake sponges are a great idea!
Great vedio as usual Thanks Ben for all this efforts.
Thank you!
Thanks Ben. I have watched quite a few cannisters filter videos where the presenter is connecting hoses with no clamps!! The profession I was in for decades taught me many things, one of those things was always use hose clamps! Especially for liquids in your house. Once water in a large volume, gets into your house, it can be very intrusive and cause other problems. If you don't have clamps, they are inexpensive and can save you from big problems. Thanks again!
I did try a Sunsun but had to get it from All Pond Solutions and its rebranded to them, but the sneaky buggers sent me a repaired old unit, so sent that bugger back asap, now ordered a Oase Thermo one.
Explained very well for serving external canisters... Good work mate.
Thank you George!
Thanks for the tips. I've been looking at getting a canister filter and been looking for all the dos and don'ts. My brother flooded our house as kids, so I've been hesitant about them for awhile.
I understand. To be safe I suggest you place it in a plastic flat container and use and inexpensive water alarm like a Watchdog unit. They run around $10.
I was told it was more important for your intake hose to be straight down without loops which solved my filter's grumbling sounds problem as soon as I shortened the intake hose and got rid of the loop. My return hose still has a loop but it seems to me it would help the motor because it doesn't have to push water nearly directly up to the outlet.
Less on both hoses, with enough room so you can move the canister around when you need to, is best, IMO.
This was a logical break down of filter philosophy. Good vid……….
Extremely useful tips, thank you!
Thanks for the great info. I work at a school and started taking care large tank after another teacher left. With the pandemic and lock downs the Sunsun canister has not been cleaned in 8 months.So I bravely opened it up and poured out the brown water. I rinsed it with tank water. I didn’t know where the biological things where living so I left the bottom filter alone. It looked like a course filter, then third down is plastic balls, then ceramic beads second tray, and I replaced the fine filter in top tray. I put it back together, and after priming it started up fine. Any suggestions would be helpful. I change over the water about a third every month. It’s a 100 gallons.
Great Informative video Ben!!
Hey.. I know this is an old video. Would love to know the details of your 3D background in the aquarium behind you.
It was called a “Rocky Thin” from Universal Rocks in TX
@@BenOchart thank you
Thank you for the great input I just redid the hose connector based on your suggestion
Great videos Ben!! Ive been following you for a while. Hey lately your voice has been at a very low level. I know your mics are good I just think you could boost your voice a bit when you edit. its almost inaudible on some videos lately even with headphones. Dramatically different than your intros. Just trying to help buddy! Keep the vids coming. Great info
Hey Ben just a heads up buddy, Craig has been following you 😳 🚶♂️.........🚶♂️
with the water that you've rinsed the filters in you can water your plants with it they will BLOOM !!!
used fish water & waste is mint for the green stuff AH Yes .
Yes! plants love it.
I was planning to do this but forgot about it LOL
And saves $$
Fish poo fertilizer is not cheap!
Indoor plants and my garden love it!
Great video! I would agree with 100% of what you said and follow similar regiments with my Filstar's.
Great video. Where did you get the larger impeller?
It was the factory replacement. I guess they redesigned it.
That's a good idea to note when I last cleaned out my filter. I'll probably just put in my calendar
Good info, nice tank...thank you!!
Thank you Ben for your Tips on filters! 😃 I found the info very interesting. I wanted to ask you how often you clean the filter for the tank behind you, it looks crystal clear like glass?
The tank behind me, the 150 acrylic, has a sump that is very low maintenace. I vacuum and do water changes once a week and clean the inside panels with a soft pad. There is also a SunSun 704-B that you can't see (back right corner behind the overflow box) that is full of sponges and provides mechanical filtration. I clean that one every 4 or 5 months.
Ben Ochart Thank you Ben! ❤️
Hi ben I use the sun sun 704b also and love it... The thing is is that circular shaft that goes on top of the impeller that you take off first and put on lasthas broke on mine… And was wondering if you could give me a tip and where I could get a new one I tried looking online myself but I may have not looked in the right place… Keep up the videos in good work… Thanks
Great info!! I was debating about buying a sunsun cause of all the bad comments and ended up buying a aquatop
How long does the fluval FX4 motor last. Had mine 3 years and the air lock after media change is driving me crazy.
Does sun sun 304b or any canister filter work when kept in same level of the aquarium?
It certainly helps to rock the canister to release collected air. I find with all canisters I've used, I know when to do it as the impeller will start rattling.
Another thing with canisters, that will save on a great deal of awkward maintenance, is simply having a prefilter sponge on the intake. Especially if you have messy fish.
It would be handy if all canisters had the mechanical filtration at the top. Would make life a little easier!
However, my favorite budget canister at the moment is the Jabao 1200. Loads of room for media, quiet, great flow, easy to clean, and only £50 on ebay.
Three Tykes Jabaoa is getting real popular. A lot for the money
Quick tip if you use a sponge over intake to protect shrimp make sure when changeing it you squeze it to get out air or you will have no flow due to intake air locked never seen it till other day i changed sponge out for screen and im much happier but sponge was dry coming out never released the air in ot
Awesome video, thanks for making Ben!
You are welcome!
thank YOU BEN. And you also are appreciated . all the best from london.
Hey, Hello across the pond and thank you for watching.
Have you heard anything about the HW3000 sun sun? I have had 304 b and I loved them. Wondering if you have used them they have 793 gpm. Thanks man great content 👍🏼🇺🇸
I haven’t used their more recent big units. My 704-b was a workhorse.
Good stuff Ben as always I definitely experienced a lot of what you said when I started using canisters a long time ago
Hey Ry, Maybe we can help the new guys out after our "hard knocks" right? Thanks for watching!
I like this video I pretty much service my canister as you just explain how the only problem I really have is getting the air out I have the Marineland 360 canister everything is set up property I just can't get the air out what's your advice everything is put together an snug your other videos has helped me otherwise what do you think I should do about trying to get the air out
I gently rock and pat my canister, like burping a baby, until no more air comes out.
Hi Ben. Thank you for your informational & tutorial videos which are excellent to the point and easy to follow.
I have a sunsun 303B with a LW604 canister prefilter.
I find that the sunsun is sucking in air from somewhere but I cant seem to figure out where. I've checked the input connections and I also don't see any air bubbles flowing from either the aquarium to the prefilter or from the prefilter to the SunSun but every few minutes it makes a noise & shoots out the air bubbles. I even put teflon thread tape around the cover O-ring to make an airtight seal and also around the nozzles of the hosepipe adapter that fits into the sunsun. Would you have any further pointers to troubleshoot where else the air could be seeping in from, apart from those mentioned in the video as already checked these and they all seem okay.
Just stumbled upon this video. It's an old video so I'm not sure if you will see this comment and respond to it or not. Useful info. Thank you for posting. My question,: I'm running a 207 Fluval canister. You mention that it's ok to wash sponges in tap water as they don't contain useful biological. I'm about 8 months back in hobby. However, this is my first canister set-up. Everything I have seen and read says to wash, clean out, everything inside the canister using aquarium water in order to not lose any beneficial biological. Different ways to position sponges in order get/set up to promote the most beneficial bacteria areas you can. But you are saying just use tap water on sponges. Not to use aquarium water as they don't hold anything beneficial. Am I understanding you correctly? Thanks
How are you hiding the filter from showing in tank, hoses ect? I am new at this and trying to set up some type of filtering an undrilled tank. I dont want it to show. If I paint wall black maybe it will blend in, or I Saw some clear hoses and clear pipes that go into the water I am not sure but I think it is to be almost invisible in tank. Help out a newbie! lol Dosnt necessarily have to be a canister. I saw hob but they stick up and out on back. I dont want it to be seen hanging out either. Ijust want things nice and tidy. I saw someone also making a refugium but it was on the back wall and could be seen walking by. I could have it drilled and plumbed and all for a sump, but that would cost a fortune. Then there are submersible but I dont think it filtered through 3 stage filtration, I am doing a salt water and fresh. I got the bug! haha afterI got my betta and its small and I hid it behind some plants, only 5 gallon.
Hi Karen. The tank behind me in this video has a sump and a canister but the plumbing is concealed behind the overflow box (the intake of the canister) and the outputs are very high in the tank and don't show because of the angle I film at.
I use a bit of crushed sand stone and alpha grog for pre-media in my tanks keeps the ph near perfect 6.8. I place it before the water goes through the sponges instead of using the ceramic rings like Richard prefers to do. I have the simster glass media from Richard after the sponges. A friend of mine uses a thin layer of charcoal in her last tray. The sponge covers for the intake is an excellent idea, especially for Fluval tanks as sand can sometimes be sucked in there when my Flowerhorn gets a little too excited! lol
Thanks Ben 👍
At 11:52 it doesn't hurt to check if you've got the impeller in the right place just by plugging in the filter top while you have it off the canister. Tilt it on it's side while it is running and if you do not hear any rattling you've done it correctly. It can prove to be quite a pain in the ass when you hook it up to the tank with the canister already prefilled and it has been done incorrectly. When you open it up to fix it there is the possibility of getting water on the floor when you seal up the top to the canister again...
Ben, We are new to the hobby and are currently using HOB’s. Canisters have seemed so daunting but after coming across your channel and watching several of your videos my comfort levels has risen tremendously. To the point that we will probably be adjusting our setups. We have a new 60g and anticipating putting cichlids into it. Would you recommend going with the Sunsun 302b as you mentioned you have on your 60g set up or go to the new 704b? Or is the 704b overkill for our size tank
If I was starting over, and depending on how much I would be stocking, I would go with a 704-B and an HOB. That way something is always running (like when you're cleaning one of the filters) and the HOB handles all the surface tension break-up for oxygen, so you don't need an airstone.
No such thing as Overkill.
The bigger the better the more water you can filter the happier your fish will be and after all that's what it's about Happy fish..
@@BenOchart I agree I have dual filters on all my tanks and a few with either ac110 or emperor 450 and a fluval or sunsun canister as well.
Another thing is always have O-rings on hand. Had my Fluval all of a sudden leak, I even had O-rings coming because I wanted to do preventive maintenance..my instinct was right, but late as I had not bought the Fluval new.
Lubricate your o-rings/seals. I have two decades old Eheims with original seals. I have never had one fail.
solar clapson what could I use to lubricate the rings, also must I remove it completely to lubricate?
Ishtiyaak Hatteea petroleum jelly works great.
@@jaykneegarner2479 petroleum jelly will work in a pinch def but its proven that over time petroleum will actually break down the rubber and it will begin to deteriorate. So of course if that's all you have on hand by all means. But they do make silicon lube, which is non toxic or silicone grease plumbers use on faucets. Also at some box stores you can get a food grade safe silicone lubricant spray which is used in kitchens and factories for food slicers and similar. Just wanted to share some info
Cool video as always Ben! Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Joe T thanks for watching Joe😀
Does anyone know if it's ok not to have the Media Basket Cover on the top of the media? When I had mine it made a very loud noise so I'm assuming against the propeller.
The baskets might have been too full. Be sure they can close completely and snap into place with no slack or movement.
I have the same Sunsun and the flow has suddenly become very weak. I have cleaned it out, checked the impeller, checked the hoses and made sure there isn't any air pockets. I don't know what else to do. Any ideas? The canister is only 3 months old.
Love the videos have been a big help I have another question what do you run fo filters on your 60 if you still have it
Hello! The 60 gallon has 2 SunSun 302 canister filters and a Marineland Emperor 400 hang on back Filter.
I have an inline Coral Life Turbo Twist connected with my Fluval 306/406 and I keep getting leaks from the gasket/o-ring seam between the canister and the power head. I can’t seem to run this UV sterilizer with any Fluval canister. It doesn’t leak with my Marineland canister. Does the inline UV sterilizer cause some over pressure in the canister that is causing the weeping leaks out the side by the handles? I can’t seem to figure out how to resolve this. I have gone through o-rings, and had Fluval replace 3 of the canisters through their warranty process. I’ve made the hoses as straight and short as possible but the loop to the UV sterilizer can’t be avoided and I think it’s the problem. Any advice?
Thanks Ben,I was wondering which one the pumps works most on (in take or out take) 👍👍👍
Hi Ben, can the HW-5000 be used as a pond filter? Meaning can the canister be placed at the same height as that of the tank? Are the canister filter capable of sucking water without the help of gravity? I believe the pond filter will have a separate submersible pump placed in the tank. Kindly share your expert opinion.
I have not used a 5000 but if it’s like most SunSun canisters it uses a siphon action to get water into the unit, so sitting next to and above a pond would not work.
Thank you for valuable information. If prefilter can significantly lengthen the time between canister service why not the manufacturers sale their canister together with a simple sponge filter?
Great advice there. I'd like to add one thing. Before you try to push your tubing on be sure to dip the end of the tubing in some hot water for a minute. It will make it a lot more pliable and help to seal it when it cools down.
Excellent tip!
Hey Ben. Larry with the 180, so after cleaning canisters both kinds,I turn back on and CRAP comes out of the tubes into the tank, tubes r full of stuff .easy way to get stuff out of all the hoses.?????
Every second or third cleaning the hoses should be taken to a sink and a bristle pipe cleaner and some warm water run through them. In the meantime, when you restart the filter, place a fish net over the output and it will catch any gunk that comes out.
Nice info sir, but why hose pipe get brown film inside in just a week and reduce flow 50%
I can’t imagine a 50% reduction without something large blocking the pipe
@@BenOchart i have 2 ehiem 2217 canister when i clean filter pads and also intake outlet hose the throw of water its around 10” inch and again in a week its just around 4” inch. Then hose cleaning flow/throw of water back to its full force.
So is there any reason that hose pipe reduce its flow due to slimy coat buildup?
My tank size:- L60” * W18” * H30”
16 thread fin acarra, heckelli
And 2 bristle-nose pleco
Nice video!
Very instructive and helpful.
Daniel H thank you Dan
Great video. Thank you!
Always Great Information.... Thanks Ben . Hey quick question ... do you still recommend Sun Sun Power Heads and if so which model ??
B.A. CICHLIDS If you’re on a budget SunSun Powerheads are the way to go. The one to get depends on the application you want it for.
@@BenOchart Just set up a new 120 gallon and want some water movement . Any powerhead/wave makers you can recommend ?
B.A. CICHLIDS I use two sunsun 110’s in my 55 gallon. I would think you’d need the next size up. Easily found on Google.
@@cjs033 Thanks Man
I like the version with two adjustable heads. Around 1600 - 1800 gph for $17. eBay and Amazon has them.
I have Eheim Classic 2213 440l/h. I cannot get rid of the air bubbles inside of it, even after following your methods (also tapping it). Would anyone have more advice on what could I do?
In the beginning it used to be working if I turn off & turn on the filter again. But it doesn't seem to be working anymore
Canister filters are the second best filters to have second only to a sump but not everyone can have a drilled aquarium so canisters are great they add more water more filtration and do the job
So I clean my media in tank water. But what's the difference if its declorinated water from the tap or if its tank water? The new water goes thru the canister once its added to the tank.
Great video ben how do you like the sun sun filter im thinking of getting one buddy
Troy Morain I highly recommend them. A lot of bang for the buck . 404 or 704- b are workhorses.
There is water leaking from the side of my output hose from canister filter....its bit long...should I cut it to stop the water out leakage?
Is it a cracked hose?
GREAT vídeo. Thanks so much. Do you show the Canister intake Sponge in any vídeo?
You can see them on my 60 gallon grow-out. Cory at the Aquarium Co-op sells them for all filters. If you go to his web page you'll see them. Tell him Ben Ochart sent you and you want the family price, LOL.