Canister filter media?

[RyanG027]

Hello everyone

I recently bought a tank and equipment on craigslist, which included 2 fluval 405 canister filters. I've read enough online to know that most people don't like canisters because of nitrate and maintenance concerns, but I decided to give them a try anyhow, so I don't want this thread to turn into a pro/con canister debate.

My question is posed to those that DO use canisters: What kind of media are you using currently? Is there anything you recommend AGAINST using?

 

[billdogg]

I no longer use one, but did for 22 years on a 60g cube. I used it as a carbon reactor of sorts and to hold live rock rubble to provide extra biological filtration. The sponges in it also served as a breeding ground for pods and mini brittle stars.

As long as you keep up on the maintenance there is nothing at all wrong with them.

 

[scooter31707]

I run the Fluval 406 on my QT. The only thing I use is the Fluval Biomedia in all three trays and the sponges that comes with it (usually rinse out every 2 weeks). So I don't have experience using a canister on my DT. Maybe someone else will chime in.

 

[dcole180]

I have the carbon, sponges, Bio-rings, Cermedia Marine Pure (they are extremely porous)and Bio-Balls in mine. I have been running it with this media setup for 3 years and no problems so far.

 

[coachlou73]

I am just getting back into the hobby and I was just wondering the same thing. In the past I use live rock and bio rings carbon and phosorb pillows. I am planning to do the same. I am also going to use the protein skimmer everyone seems to hate on too. The Cyclone. I never had any issues and until I get to see some other systems set up for myself I am going to recreate my old system other than I went with LED lighting .. I am super excited.

 

[schnebbles]

I had one and just had carbon/purigen in it and a little bit of bio media.

It died and I didn't want a HOB so I ordered another one and am planning on doing the same.

I do want pods so eventually I can have a scooter dragonette - wonder if I should put some sponge in it and keep it clean?

I also like the extra flow they provide.