Canister + pre filter ?

[Andrés Garza]

Hi everyone, good morning.
I’d like to know who here uses a pre-filter attached to the canister in your setup, and whether you’ve noticed any improvement in the filter’s performance or a reduction in how often you need to service the canister.
I’m also interested in hearing your thoughts on the pros and cons of using a pre-filter.
Do you think it’s better to go with a factory-made pre-filter (like the one from SunSun) or does a DIY or generic pre-filter work just as well?

 

[wvned]

I think that would slow the flow down to a trickle. You have 2 things to maintain also.

 

[griss]

I think that would slow the flow down to a trickle. You have 2 things to maintain also.

That's my thinking as well. Granted, I haven't used a cannister filter since the 1980s.

 

[wvned]

I use a Fluval FX4 on a 75g FW tank.

 

[kharmaguru]

I have a sunsun hw3000 on my 40 breeder. I tried the sunsun prefilter (I think it was hw-603) but the hose sizes are way smaller, so even after adapting them I didn't like the flow loss and air was getting in somewhere and accumulating in the big filter's housing, so I took it off. There's really no decent prefilters for big canisters that I could find, the weakness always being small fittings. If I try again I think I'll try a spin down filter. You can get PVC ones with polyester screens so no metal at all. The filtration is coarse so barely any flow reduction and super easy to clean - turn the valve, no need to take apart. Because they are primarily for home water supply, the fittings are large.