55 Gallon Tank How do filters work After power outage?

Hey all,

I normally get a power outage once every year or two and I've only ever used internal filters so when the electricity comes back on the filter just turn on like normal....

For my new 55 gallon tanm im thinking of a canister filter, if a power outage occurs will water start go back down the tubing drain the tank and cause a leak?. And when power turns back on will filter automatically start working again or will I need to prime it and stuff... I'm just thinking because normally I lose power in early hours of the morning and I do t want to wake to a flooded house and no power..

Anybody have experience with canisters during a power outage?

Thanks in advance,
Peter

 

I can't speak for all canister filters but all the Eheims ive had always reprime after power outages or turning them off for maintenance. I am pretty sure most canister filters work this way. Water stays in the filter and in the lines unless your canister is placed above the tank, then it would behave like most HOBs where the water drains back into the tank. Hope this helps

 

Thanks,

Im just wondering because i really don't want a leak like what happens with an airpump without a check valve...
also can you leave a canister filter running if your only doing like a 25-40% water change or does it always need to be turned off??? if the intake is underwater the canister filter will still work??

Sorry if that's a dumb question I've just never used one.
Peter

 

Thanks,

Im just wondering because i really don't want a leak like what happens with an airpump without a check valve...
also can you leave a canister filter running if your only doing like a 25-40% water change or does it always need to be turned off??? if the intake is underwater the canister filter will still work??

Sorry if that's a dumb question I've just never used one.

You could leave it running, but it's not necessary. It should start right up like normal. I've done it many many times. If you leave it running depending on your outflow setup, you're going to get water splashing and could make a mess that isn't really necessary. I would be careful with your lighting and you can damage your stand and flooring. You could get as low as just before the intake, you want to avoid air getting in the canister. You can turn it off, change 50% of your water and turn it back on no problem.

 

You could leave it running. I always unplug them because I do other things while water is draining like trimming plants and cleaning glass etc and leaving it running would just be a nuisance with water splashing everywhere. I may also need to rinse some canister media. Besides, I'm less likely to leave the heater plugged in if I am in the habit of unplugging everything.

 

as long as your canister is water tight it will not leak and does not need to be primed after power loss.

 

Thanks all I'll be doing canister then

 

Agreed, we have occasional power outages and the canisters have always started again no problem, no leaks and no need to reprime them. I always leave them running during water changes, unless I am going to clean them out of course.