5 Gallon Tank Canister filter for a nano

So I always assumed canister filters where meant for big huge tanks. But I've been getting into the aquascping videos on YouTube and I'm seeing some of the pros using external or canister filters on there tiny 5-10 gallon tanks. I tried using the links to their equipment but they are all European and I'm in Canada! So I started doing some research on canister filters. But they all seem to have a high GPH. I'm trying to find a canister filter for a 7.5 gallon tank. I would buy one that's over powered but I can't find any information on if you can adjust the flow rate of these things. Do all canisters come with adjustable flow? I also wouldn't want to buy one and have it turned down to minium in fear of damaging the pump. I guess maybe I could get one and go buy a cheaper smaller pump maybe? At the same time I'd rather not drop $200 on a crazy canister when it's for a tiny little tank.

My end goal is to have as little equipment hanging on the tank as possible. That's why I don't want a hob for this future set up!

 

A canister filter, really, is no different in its function than a HOB or a sponge filter: you've got filter media, a pump providing power, and flow to move your water through the media. The only difference, as you pointed out, is WHERE each of these parts of located.

You could likely just rig up some tubing to a secondary container that's concealed somewhere that contains filter media and a water pump that's designed for a small fountain. You could probably pull it off with a total cost of <$30 CAD all in, but a few hours of work to source all your parts and put it all together.

Cory has a great DIY video on YouTube about making your own canister filters. You could take everything he's saying and essentially scale it down to the size of a 600mL yogurt container or 1kg margarine tub instead of a 5 gallon bucket and you'd be good to go, if you're feeling crafty.

Certainly let us know what you end up deciding - I'd love to watch the process unfold!

 

A canister filter, really, is no different in its function than a HOB or a sponge filter: you've got filter media, a pump providing power, and flow to move your water through the media. The only difference, as you pointed out, is WHERE each of these parts of located.

You could likely just rig up some tubing to a secondary container that's concealed somewhere that contains filter media and a water pump that's designed for a small fountain. You could probably pull it off with a total cost of <$30 CAD all in, but a few hours of work to source all your parts and put it all together.

Cory has a great DIY video on YouTube about making your own canister filters. You could take everything he's saying and essentially scale it down to the size of a 600mL yogurt container or 1kg margarine tub instead of a 5 gallon bucket and you'd be good to go, if you're feeling crafty.

Certainly let us know what you end up deciding - I'd love to watch the process unfold!

BROOOOO that's the best idea I've heard all year. I love making things and learning! And I'm also broke trying to start a hightech planted tank with CO2 . So yea i really appreciate you giving me the idea! I tried to build my own aquarium but I can't find sheets of glass where I live lol. This way I still get to build something thanks a million! I'll definitely post some pictures in this thread later down the line when I build it. Probably after Christmas (I'm asking for C02 system/Starfire glass aquarium LOL)

 

I use the Zoo Med Nano 10 ($44 on Amazon) and have been very happy with it. Some people on here had less-than-nice things to say about it, but it's worked great for me for over a year with no problems. Maintenance is relatively easy - every now and then (I usually forget until it starts getting slow), rinse the media in treated water and rinse the sponge out. I didn't even modify the media and sponge like many people do, and it's worked great.

 

I don't see the issue with the looks of the filter equipment that sits outside the tank. With a backround it blocks the view anyway. It the wall behind the tank attractive? Cannisters have their advantages they usually hold much more filter media than hob's but you more potential for leaks, their much more expensive and require stronger pumps to push the water up to the tanks. Plus i don't think i've seen canisters for tiny tanks. I think going the wrong way on this, go for a bigger tank that takes advantage of the cannisters benefits.

 

jpm995 Im not sure if you have ever seen glass lily pipes before. But they look great on the tank imo. You should check out lily pipes If you aren't familiar. I'm going to be setting up a rimless planted Aquarium with no lid. So the filter would just stick out like a sore thumb on the back! I've already decided to build my own canister filter. Got a 130gph pump that I can adjust the flow stay tuned for pictures! If it works like it's supposed to I don't think I'll ever buy a filter again lol.

 

I will google search glass lily pipes, i have no idea what they are or look like.
Not really feeling your enthusiasm for the glass lily pipes. They look ok but their still just filter attachments. If i didn't like the look of a hob i would just use an aquarium backround. The important thing is what you like, any system can be made to preform well. If you like the canister system with lily pipes go for it. Looking forward to seeing your design come to fruition.

 

I will google search glass lily pipes, i have no idea what they are or look like.
Not really feeling your enthusiasm for the glass lily pipes. They look ok but their still just filter attachments. If i didn't like the look of a hob i would just use an aquarium backround. The important thing is what you like, any system can be made to preform well. If you like the canister system with lily pipes go for it. Looking forward to seeing your design come to fruition.

To each his own! A background is an easy way to hide a hob for sure. See I have literally no imagination. I'm great at building things. But I need someone to show me what I'm building 1st I also really enjoy crafting/working with my hands. I also like to babble as you can see lol sorry. I ended up spending a tiny bit more on materials than a small hob would have costed. But way cheaper than a real canister.