Canister filter necessary?

[waywaywest]

My Cascade filter seems to have kicked the bucket, and now I'm wondering if it is even necessary? It never really seemed to do much (i.e. when I clean it it doesn't seem to have the amount of debris in it that you'd think it should) - more stuff seems to get sucked into my Seio powerheads than gets gobbled up by the canister filter.

Any insight into experiences going without an under-tank canister filter would be much appreciated!

Cheers!

 

[HBtank]

I only use one (and always will) for chemical filtration. I run carbon and phosphate binders in mine.

They are not recommended for trapping debris or biological filtrations.

THe only other benefit may be added flow to you tank, so take that into consideration.

 

[BadOleRoss]

They are going to want to know more about your tank. Do you have live rock, a sump etc. Seio powerheads do suck in a lot of stuff but they also spit it right back out. You need some type filtration be it mechanical (canister filter) or biological (live rock) Biological being preferred.

 

[HBtank]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9576864#post9576864 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BadOleRoss
They are going to want to know more about your tank. Do you have live rock, a sump etc. Seio powerheads do suck in a lot of stuff but they also spit it right back out. You need some type filtration be it mechanical (canister filter) or biological (live rock) Biological being preferred.

He has them listed in the tank section

But a good popnt, remember that you need to replace any biological filtration that is lost.. if that's how the canister was setup.

 

[drummereef]

If you have enough live rock, at least 1lb/gallon, then you don't really need an external filter. I use a small hang-on for carbon. I don't use bio or mechanical filtration what so ever. Sound like you have enough flow which is a good thing. Imo, canisters are hard to clean and trap detritus fairly quickly. If you can eliminate it, I would.

 

[waywaywest]

They are not recommended for trapping debris or biological filtrations.

So if I take it out, what happens to all the debris? I have a bit of an issue with macro algae and when i rip it out a lot of it ends up floating around clouding the water...will it just sink into the substrate and disappear?