So...it can't be in the tank....and it can't have anything coming out of the tank/going into the tank? Sounds like a very tall (read: impossible) order my friend.

A canister filter's still going to have a pipe going into the tank. In the case of a canister filter, it's going to have two pipes. Two!!!!

What is the goal of your filter going to be: mechanical filtration? chemical filtration? water movement? Those will all affect your end goal. A canister filter will affect all three, since it will mechanically filter out detritus, and you can add chemical filtration, and position the return pipe so that it makes water movement.

A sponge filter can provide mechanical filtration and water movement, and if done correctly, can be successfully concealed by dense plant growth. Adding in a powerhead instead of air will help with more directed water movement.

A box filter can function the same as a sponge filter, and you can also have a compartment for chemical filtration as well.

 

I'm not really looking for something that has no tubes. Just something with a lower footprint and the tank in general. Currently my Carolina bacopa is in the back right corner of my aquarium while a thin section of pearlweed is in the back left corner. My hob has it's intake built under the left side of the filter which means even if I shove it all the way to the back right corner the intake is still pressed into some rotala. I'd like to have a bit more manipulation with where I put the intake then my current filter offers. Also having an issue with detritus in the tank that I think is contributing to algae. I think it's because it's tough to pack it small hang on back filter with both filter floss and purigen.

When you use a canister filter, does the intake valve need to be at the bottom of the tank or could it be placed more toward the middle or top the tank as well? Wondering if it affects the circulation. Also the canister filter you should have plenty of room for mechanical chemical and polishing filtration correct?

 

I have an 8.6 gallon tank with an Oase Thermo Filtosmart canister filter. It has a heater built in so I don't have to deal with that in tank. I bought a small ball valve with built in barbs and then put that on the output. This allows me to tune the flow to my desired level as the filter by itself is WAY overpowered for this sized tank. There is no reason you can't do this with any canister filter you care to buy though easier to use it on the smallest one you can find.

 

I absolutely love my Dennerle Corner Filter that is in my 5.4 gallon. It is very slim and has a back that fits into the corner glass. I dont see the filter at all because plant growth conceals it. I can show a picture of it in my tank if you like.

 

Sure I'd love to see it!

 

The first picture is when I first set up tank. You can see the filter on the right. The second is tonight. Too much growth- need to trim

Edit: The photos loaded with latest first and first last. But, that’s pretty obvious. [emoji3]

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