Introducing the ASG Mini Canister Filter: The Ultimate Powerhouse for Nano Aquariums
- AquascapeGuide
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
The world of nano aquariums demands powerful, yet compact, equipment. We are thrilled to officially release the ASG Mini Canister Filter, a small-but-mighty unit specifically designed for the aquascaping enthusiasts.
In this article we wanted to walk you through everything you need to know about the new filter, from what comes in the box to how to get it set up on your small tank.
Unboxing the ASG Mini Canister: What’s Inside?
The ASG Mini Canister is thoughtfully packed with everything needed to get your nano tank running with crystal clarity.
1. Premium Filtration Components
The filter is designed for optimal 3-stage filtration in a small package:
Mechanical Filtration: A coarse sponge is included at the bottom to catch larger debris first.
Biological Filtration: Then the water moves into dedicated biomedia, which are ceramic rings. These serve as high-quality biomedia in the middle section for beneficial bacteria colonization.
Custom Media Trays: Inside the canister, you'll find two custom 3D printed partitions, which hold your media securely and allow for your own creative custom layering for your media.
Polishing: And lasty, a generous amount of filter floss is included up top to ensure your water is polished and sparkling clean. You know we love our filter floss!
2. Premium Hardware & Goodies
Every canister comes with a few extra components that showcase our commitment to quality and convenience:
Glass Lily Pipes: You receive an inlet and an outlet pipe made of beautiful glass, featuring a 10mm outside diameter. You can choose from Jet, Orchid, or Bulb styles to match your aesthetic.
Hose & Connectors: The kit includes all the necessary hosing, along with L-shaped elbows to help with tight corners and a neat installation.
Mounting Options: The filter comes stock with suction cups for the lily pipes, but we also include optional 3D-printed lily pipe holders for a more secure and discreet mount.
Anti-Vibration Mat: To ensure the filter runs in near-perfect silence, an anti-vibration mat is included to place under the unit on hard surfaces.
A Commitment to Sustainability
One of the most important design features is that the canister is 100% repairable. We have replacement parts for every component, so if the pump ever burns out after years of use, you can easily swap it out. This makes the ASG Mini Canister serviceable and sustainable for years to come.
Specs & Performance: A Nano Powerhouse
Don't let the "mini" name fool you; this filter is a workhorse optimized for small environments.
Below is a chart showing the pump's four operating levels, which break down the flow rates, vertical lift capabilities, and power efficiency (watts per gallon). It's important to remember the inverse relationship: increasing the lift will naturally result in a reduction of the overall flow rate.
Feature | Specification | Detail |
Flow Rate | Adjustable (4 Speeds) | Easily adjust the flow with four speeds. |
Max Flow | Up to 85 Gallons Per Hour (GPH) | Powerful flow for excellent turnover. |
Min Flow | Around 20 Gallons Per Hour (GPH) | Gentle flow perfect for shrimp or low-flow setups. |
Recommended Tank Size | 2 to 8 Gallons | Designed to provide the recommended 10x per hour turnover for nano tanks. |
Quick Setup Guide: Getting Water Flowing
Setting up the ASG Mini Canister is straightforward, but attention to the priming step is key!
1. Install the Pipes & Hoses
Before cutting any tubing, it's highly recommended to figure out your lily pipe placement and the overall layout of your tubing. This ensures you only cut the hose once and can use the L-shaped elbows effectively for a clean install.
2. Understand the Flow Direction
The unit is designed so that water flows into the bottom of the canister and out the top. This strategic design helps to move any trapped air bubbles out of the canister, keeping it perfectly sealed and running smoothly.
3. Priming is Essential!
Unlike some hang-on-back filters, if you lose power, you do not have to reprime the ASG Canister. However, for the initial setup, you must prime the unit:
Fill the Canister: Before plugging it in, fill the canister completely with water.
Siphon the Air: To remove any remaining air and get the water flowing into the pump, simply suck on the outlet side of the tubing which is located coming off the pump. This pulls the air out, starts the siphon, and primes the pump.
4. Plug & Enjoy!
Once primed, plug the unit in and watch it go! You’ll quickly see the difference as the filter begins pulling out fine debris, leaving you with crystal clear water within just a few hours.
If for any reason you have a REALLY cloudy tank, due to the aquasoil, or just finishing a heavy maintenance session, pair the canister with some Acurel F, and your tank will be clear within a matter of 20-30 minutes. Acurel F if a coagulant that helps the canisters filter floss polish the water clear. The canister will do this on its down, but Acurel F really speeds up the process.
Ready to Upgrade Your Nano Tank?
If you're ready to ditch that bulky HOB or inefficient sponge filter, the ASG Mini Canister is the clean, powerful, and sustainable solution you've been looking for.
You can pick up the ASG Mini Canister Filter today on our website or our Etsy shop!
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