Do all Canister filters leak?
- Thread starter lazyturbo
- Start date
Absolutly anything that has some kind of seal *can* leak. It's like when I get asked if an animal can bite... It has a mouth... 
The key is learning what the weak points are of any type of equipment. I've even had an aquaclear leak from around the motor, O-ring failed. It only happend once in 20 years to me, but it *can* happen.
Chris
The key is learning what the weak points are of any type of equipment. I've even had an aquaclear leak from around the motor, O-ring failed. It only happend once in 20 years to me, but it *can* happen.
Chris
Leaking filters generally do not occur, but they certainly can. Extra care must be taken to ensure that the gasket/O-ring is properly in place. They cannot be left out in the sunlight or they will harden (not good) and will never again seal correctly. In some rare cases, the filter heads can warp if left out in the sunlight or are not seated properly. Clips can break and while they can sometimes still be used, do not apply enough pressure to properly seal the cannister. Sometimes things just break.
There are a variety of issues, but most of the time user error is the culprit (like not reading the manual for tips on properly sealing x manufacturers filter). Permanently pinched O-rings/gaskets may never again seal correctly. If care is taken, there's usually no problems.
There are a variety of issues, but most of the time user error is the culprit (like not reading the manual for tips on properly sealing x manufacturers filter). Permanently pinched O-rings/gaskets may never again seal correctly. If care is taken, there's usually no problems.
Like Avalon said (and I forgot to mention), usually it's user error. That applies to any of the canisters.
You have hardwood floors right? Is the tank on an enclosed stand or an open one? One thing you can do is set the canister in a rubbermaid and drill siphon breaks in the lines. Just make sure the rubbermaid will handle the appropriate amount of water (dictated by how low the siphon breaks are located under water). When you get right down to it every canister I've ever owned has spilled a little, even when you have double taps on each line. There is always a little in between the valves and when disconnected it spills. Unfortunately I'm not aware of a way to stop that. Then again, that small amount of water might not be an issue if cleaned up immediately.
If you are worried about leaks I would look at Eheim with the double tap valves. They also have a few "self priming" models but I've never used them so can't really give you an opinion there.
Chris
You have hardwood floors right? Is the tank on an enclosed stand or an open one? One thing you can do is set the canister in a rubbermaid and drill siphon breaks in the lines. Just make sure the rubbermaid will handle the appropriate amount of water (dictated by how low the siphon breaks are located under water). When you get right down to it every canister I've ever owned has spilled a little, even when you have double taps on each line. There is always a little in between the valves and when disconnected it spills. Unfortunately I'm not aware of a way to stop that. Then again, that small amount of water might not be an issue if cleaned up immediately.
If you are worried about leaks I would look at Eheim with the double tap valves. They also have a few "self priming" models but I've never used them so can't really give you an opinion there.
Chris
Hi Chris_A, thanks for your reply. As you mentioned, I'm not so concerned about a little water leakage during maintenance. I've just been reading some stories, where people were away from home and their entire tank empties out, that's my main concern (yes, i have hardwood floors).
Your idea about the rubbermaid and siphon breaks seems interesting, and my stand is enclosed, so I can hide it away. Could you elaborate on using siphon breaks? I'm a little confused, never heard of this before.
Thanks.
Your idea about the rubbermaid and siphon breaks seems interesting, and my stand is enclosed, so I can hide it away. Could you elaborate on using siphon breaks? I'm a little confused, never heard of this before.
Thanks.
All they are is a small (1/8th to 3/16ths) hole in both the return and suction line just below the water level on the inside of the tank. Here's the thing... you NEED to keep up on water evaporation and shut off the canister during water changes otherwise the canister will suck air through the suction line SB. If that happens for an extended amount of time it could burn out the motor. Basically it comes down to added insurance for your floors but could risk your filter/livestock.
There is an example on page 889 of Baensch Aquarium Atlas 1 if you have access to it. ISBN: 1-890087-05-X (USA only)
Or ISBN: 3-88244-504-1 (for other countries)
Just another small point... While I have had SB's on some set ups, I've never had one "go into use". Normally if there is going to be a leak you'll notice it pretty quick. Just dry any connections right after set up (or maintenance) and look real close with a good flashlight (I'm guessing the bottom of your stand isn't lite ).
There is another way... You would still use the siphon breaks but add a float switch to shut off your canister once the water level gets too low. All things considered, probably over kill. Chances are you would never need it. Then again chances are you'll never need the SB's either.
Chris
There is an example on page 889 of Baensch Aquarium Atlas 1 if you have access to it. ISBN: 1-890087-05-X (USA only)
Or ISBN: 3-88244-504-1 (for other countries)
Just another small point... While I have had SB's on some set ups, I've never had one "go into use". Normally if there is going to be a leak you'll notice it pretty quick. Just dry any connections right after set up (or maintenance) and look real close with a good flashlight (I'm guessing the bottom of your stand isn't lite
). There is another way... You would still use the siphon breaks but add a float switch to shut off your canister once the water level gets too low. All things considered, probably over kill. Chances are you would never need it. Then again chances are you'll never need the SB's either
. Chris
Thanks. Definitely sounds like something I will put in for extra insurance, since it won't cost me any extra money just to drill a hole.
One more question, are canisters capable of sucking water from the top of the tank (instead of from the bottom)? Because I'm considering using a reverse undergravel flow setup where the return is to the bottom of the tank, and the suction is at the top. But I'm not sure if the pump needs a certain pressure to operate?
Thanks.
One more question, are canisters capable of sucking water from the top of the tank (instead of from the bottom)? Because I'm considering using a reverse undergravel flow setup where the return is to the bottom of the tank, and the suction is at the top. But I'm not sure if the pump needs a certain pressure to operate?
Thanks.
I don't think you will ever regret going with a canister. I have never had any major leak. Only as Chris said a few little drops when disconnecting the hoses during maintenance. Can't go wrong with an Eheim, but there are several other great manufacturers out there making filters that offer years of carefree service. You can't have too much filtration, so bigger is better.
Sorry, can't comment on the best filter for that type of application.
Best of luck!
Sorry, can't comment on the best filter for that type of application.
Best of luck!
Pretty well any canister should be able to go RUGF but it might take some fancy DIY to make them adapt to the lift tubes.
Really though... I don't recommend any kind of R/UGF. IMO they *can* turn into a ticking time bomb without proper maintenance. The proper maintenance is a pain so far as I'm concerned. If you REALLY want I'll post the whole thing but like I said, I don't really like them.
Chris
Really though... I don't recommend any kind of R/UGF. IMO they *can* turn into a ticking time bomb without proper maintenance. The proper maintenance is a pain so far as I'm concerned. If you REALLY want I'll post the whole thing but like I said, I don't really like them.
Chris
Hi Chris, would you mind posting that? I'm actually not trying to use the gravel as a filter at all, as I'm running reverse flow in hopes to keep the gravel bed clean. I'm hoping this will keep the tank cleaner, reduce algae, and allow me to perform less gravel vacuums (since the canister should be doing the work now).