Rapids Mini Canister Filter

Rapids Mini Canister Filter provides optimum 3-stage filtration to smaller aquariums, such as nano, mini-reef, or planted aquariums. Compact, super-efficient filter features self-priming, top-mounted sealed motor with 80 gph flow rate. It's quiet, simple to start and setup, and dependable. It's also lightweight enough to be hung directly on back of your aquarium or it can stand alone. Comes with built-in flow meter and 2-year manufacturer's warranty. For fresh or saltwater aquariums up to 20 gals. Measures 3-1/2" x 5-11/16" x 7" high.

Includes: Floss roll with activated carbon and super porous ceramic cylinders, high-efficiency intake strainer, spray bar, and canister hanger.

Please click on "More Information" for assembly, operation, and maintenance instructions.

1. Insert the Filter Compartment Partition into the inside grooves of Canister Housing.
2. Place Ceramic Cylinders in the Biological Chamber of the Canister Housing.
3. Wrap the Floss/Carbon Media around the Media Core Tube and position in the Media Compartment of the Canister Housing.
4. Make sure O-ring is properly positioned so Power Unit is securely sealed.
5. Place the Power unit onto the Canister Housing and press the Clips downward to seal the Canister Filter.
6. Press the Strainer onto one end of the Intake Tube.
7. Slide the Suction Cup onto the Intake Tube.
8. Insert the other end of the Intake Tube into the U-Tube Intake.
9. Take one of the two Expandable Hoses and connect the large end to the U-Tube Intake.
10. Connect the other smaller end of the Expandable Hose to the Power Unit Inlet.
11. Insert the Spray Bar with end cap into the U-Tube Outlet.
12. Slide the two Suction Cups onto the Spray Bar.
13. Take the second Expandable Hose and connect the large end to U-Tube Outlet.
14. Connect the other smaller end of the Expandable Hose to the Power Unit Outlet.
15. Place the Canister in the Hanger and hang on the frame of the aquarium.*
16. Position the U-Tube Inlet and U-Tube Outlet on the frame of the aquarium.
17. Attach the Spray Bar and the Intake Tube to the aquarium by pressing the Suction Cups against the glass.
18. Open the Water Primer Cap and fill Canister with water to top of opening.
19. Wait 5 minutes. The Filter Media will absorb water and additional water will be needed to top off the Canister.
20. Close the Water Primer Cap, making sure the O-ring is positioned correctly.
21. Plug the AC Adaptor into standard 120V electrical receptacle. Note: Do not force polarized plug into non-polarized receptacle.
22. Check for leaks to confirm Canister is properly sealed and O-ring is in position.

Operation Instructions

1. Mini Canister Filter will pump 80 gph at full flow.
2. Exhaust flow from Spray Bar should break the surface of the water slightly. As the surface is agitated, better gas exchange occurs and oxygenation increases.
3. DO NOT allow Canister Filter to run dry at any time; DO NOT operate this product out of water.
4. Unplug power cord from electrical receptacle before cleaning or servicing.
5. Use of a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is recommended.
6. If your water becomes cloudy due to heavy particulate matter, you can remove the Biological Media (Ceramic Cylinders) and replace it with additional Floss/Carbon Filter Media. The extra media will provide additional mechanical and chemical filtration. The floss will trap particulate matter and the activated carbon will adsorb dissolved organics. A partial water change of 25% will help reduce discoloration also.
7. When you need to clean or replace filter media, the indicator shows with Red Color.

Maintenance
To ensure optimum performance, it is recommended to replace the Floss/Carbon Filter Media every two to four weeks depending on fish population and number of daily feedings.

Under normal operation, it is not necessary to clean or replace Biological Media. If the Biological Media becomes heavily soiled, remove and gently rinse in dechlorinated, room temperature water.

Periodic inspection and cleaning of the Impeller is recommended.

Judy D
Lima, OH

I can see many have already posted reviews for this filter.... but wanted to add my own. I bought this for my 20 gallon freshwater aquarium... after struggling for weeks with another filter (I couldn't get biological filtration to work - was using Ammo-Lock every other day and doing frequent water changes). Got this filter set up and within two days, the biological filter was established an my ammonia readings were at zero. This little filter is fantastic - and so quiet. Water is crystal clear - pH is consistently where it should be an ammonia is at zero. I have been able to add several new fish to the aquarium. Fish are all happy!

James M
Denton, NC

I've had this wonderful product for about 3 weeks now, and it is a magnificent filter. I have it on my brackish 10 gal tank with a Green Spotted Puffer, and it helps keep my tank extremely clean.

Pete
Central Coast, CA

I just got this in the mail and didn't realize how small it is. It's perfect for my 18 gallon freshwater tank and the filter media compartments are just the right size. The flexible tubing and spray bar are a nice touch too. The water flow in my tank is much better now as well. Great buy for a great price.

Jordan B
Alexandria, MN

I love! It so quiet and cheap to own.

Judy L
Dayville, CT

I bought this filter replace the power filter on my 5 gallon Betta tank. It is extremely quiet and much more efficient than a power filter. The adjustable spray bar allowed me to position the outflow toward the bottom of the tank which means very little turbulance at the top; perfect for bubble nest builders like Bettas and Guoramis. However, I didn't like the fact that the tubing is too short to place the unit in the cabinet below my tank nor did I like the supplied chemical/mechanical filter media. I replaced the tubing with 1/2" OD tubing, which took care of the placement problem. I replaced the supplied floss/carbon bag with a media bag of ammocarb wrapped in a fine filter pad. I also removed a bit of the biological media and placed a course filter pad on top of it because it appears that the water flows through the biological chamber before the chem/mech chamber. Despite having to do these modiciations, I am very pleased with this filter, maybe because it is so flexible that modifications can be performed on it, unlike a power filter. While it's rated for a 20 gallon tank, I would not use it for anything larger than 10 gallon. It doesn't seem to have the power to handle more than that.

Ian W
Goshen, NH

I noticed the backflow preventer was becoming clogged which slowed the performance. I removed the device and chiseled out the inner parts and the output of the filter increased 300%! I am amazed at the performance increase! I do not recommend doing if the filter is located below the waterline as siphoning may occur during power outages.

Michelle H
Shaftsbury, VT

I bought this filter for my frog tank. It's set up with a small pool of water in it to let them lay eggs. I was constantly ruining in-tank submersibles within a few days of installation. This little canister filter is still going. It's so whisper quiet I have to get up at night to make sure it's still working. The fact that it's so quiet is a big bonus as my froggie tank is in my bedroom. The water is staying clean and crystal clear. I will be purchasing another one in the near future for my goldie tank.

Brian
Omaha, NE

Bought this filter for my 10 gal reef tank. It does an amazing job of polishing the water. I replaced the ceramic bio media and filled the chamber with LS. Lots of options for such a small filter!

Megan L
Waco, TX

I bought four of these filters for four terrariums I built to house different amphibians, The terrariums have a low (very low) water table but these little filters handled it just fine. After a little priming, things are great. I think this is much better than the little rinky dink pumps that are usually used. They don't clog as easily and they keep the water so clean! (something pumps don't do). I too modified the filter mediums but I also added tubing so I could incorporate waterfalls. These filters are nice because I am able to make a really nice water feature without using up precious space in my tanks.

Rengawi
Goshen, NH

I have this filter on my homemade 3 gallon nano reef. This is by far the quietest filter I have ever come across. I have to put my ear on the filter to hear anything at all. It works wonderfully and very easy to clean for a canister filter. I highly recommend it.

Ivan
AL

Silent, great water movement, easy maintenance. A must for nanos.

Stuart H
Bath, NY

SHHHH! Can you hear it? I couldn't! I had to look at the output tube to see if it was working! What a great filter for a 20 gallon bedroom tank. This thing is SUPER QUIET! I installed it on a 5.5 gallon plant holding/hospital tank and I just love it. Oxygenation if the output is aimed above water level, and very still output if aimed below water level. Just the thing for a CO2 infused tank. I used Nano-balls for the bio filter, although it comes with ceramic cylinders, and found several sponge and filter bag options that will fit. Measure the tank and go crazy!I plan on picking up a couple more for some future 20 gallon Amano-style Nature tanks. Drs. Foster & Smith, you are the best. :-)

Greg D
Asheboro, NC

This has been a great filtration system for my Dwarf Puffers...quiet...simple and easily maintained and great gph flow for a 5.5 gal tank. Although, I wouldn't use it on anything larger.