Fluval Canister Filter Manual

For the complete enjoyment, use and understanding of this power filter, it is recommended that this manual is thoroughly followed. Failure to do so may result in loss of fish life and/or damage to this filter.

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The Fluval Canister filter is one of the most advanced filters on the market. Its many user features allow for greater control over the water characteristics in the aquarium. It provides greater amount of media area than any comparable filter. Aquarists are able to utilize that spacious area in many ways, depending on the needs of the individual tank. Many use a canister filter as the only filter for their system; others are content to filter just one type of problem such as softening water. Many find it an excellent addition to existing filtration. The canister design allows the greatest flexibility for any aquarist.

Water must pass through all media before it returns to the tank. Most filters cannot support the same mass of media. Because of this, the life of filter materials is much longer so maintenance requirements are lessened while general water purity remains constant. Other filters fill the media with debris much more rapidly and flow becomes clogged sooner. In addition, media design forces the water into many channels and pathways to thoroughly purify all the water. Other filter styles must increase flow rates to compensate for the smaller amount of media they contain.

The canister filter is designed to be placed to the side or below an aquarium. It can be kept out of sight so nothing can detract from the beauty of the fish or their surroundings. There are instances where the tank has been built into a wall or bar and more conventional power filters do not attach easily. Other specially constructed aquariums have often overlooked the needs of a filtration system. The canister style is the best solution to many of these filtration problems.