Trays in a canister filter. Why?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
H

HrHagel

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Sep 7, 2009
1,639
3
53
Denmark
Hello all. It's been a while since i've visited the Setup & filtration forums, but i have a question for you all.

I would like to remove all trays from one of my canister filters and fill it up completely with sponges/foams whatever it's called in the english language.

So my question is, is there any reason for the media trays in a canister filter to be there at all?
I realise they hold the different media types in place, so the water will go through at the stages you would want. But with only one media type, that cannot get into any mechanical parts, is there a reason to use the trays?

Is there any reason why i couldn't do this? (Google didn't have any answers)
 
As long as your intake line enters the bottom of your canister, I can see it working, I guess. But if your filter is like mine, a cascade 1500, the intake enters the top of the canister, then gets directed to the bottom of the canister via holes in the trays that line up. That way the water goes thru majority of the media. If your intake is on top and your return is next to it, and full of media, I don't see you getting the most out of your canister. Just my opinion. :)
 
Ah yes good point. The trays' holes actually make up the tube leading the water to the bottom of the canister to then be pumped up and out.

So yes this would work, but it would work really badly, hehe.

Thanks for your input
 
On my Renas, the baskets kinda make sure the water flow goes through the media and not around it. Both intakes are at the top so it serves a function. I like the trays(or laundry bags in the case of my sump) just because it makes cleaning and or removal alot quicker. All the media comes out easily.....
 
Jc1119 said:
On my Renas, the baskets kinda make sure the water flow goes through the media and not around it. Both intakes are at the top so it serves a function. I like the trays(or laundry bags in the case of my sump) just because it makes cleaning and or removal alot quicker. All the media comes out easily.....
Click to expand...

That's only because you use different types of media then. Cause removing 1 big filter sponge is even easyer than picking up trays one at a time, not to mention the fact that you would be able to pack ALOT more sponge into the canister without using the trays.

Hmm maybe this could work in my FX5, since the motor is at the very bottom of the canister
 
the fact that you would be able to pack ALOT more sponge into the canister without using the trays.

I question your use of allot when describing the amount of room the tray system uses.
Most all tray systems use very little space at all.
If you want to eliminate all the trays, why not use the Eheim classic series.
They have been tray less forever.
 
KaiserSousay said:
the fact that you would be able to pack ALOT more sponge into the canister without using the trays.

I question your use of allot when describing the amount of room the tray system uses.
Most all tray systems use very little space at all.
If you want to eliminate all the trays, why not use the Eheim classic series.
They have been tray less forever.
Click to expand...

Not true. The amount of space a filter sponge requires to be wedged/packed in is extremely small. Therefor in relative terms, they DO take up a lot of space. However it is not just the trays in mass that is the issue, it is as much the shape and limitations within the trays that propose a problem.

Consider this. An FX5 has approximately 20 litres of volume within the canister. However you can only pack 10-12 litres, at best, of actual media within it. Why do you think that is?
 
Oh, and, the reason why i don't use the Eheim classic series for this purpose, is because of theire relatively low flow rate. Packing it with media even tighter would definatly cut down the flow even more so.
 
Well go for Eheim Classic series, Low flow rate also have it's benefit of having more contact time for the bacteria to process the ammonia and nitrite.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom