Canister Filter Question

[MrsGsClassroom]

I just purchased a Fluvial 406 canister filter for my classroom tank (this is my first saltwater tank). My 75G tank just finished cycling and I really need to update my hang-on filter (Marineland-that was loaned to me) before I added fish but when I opened the box the top of the filter was cracked and had a small hole in the top next to the hose in/out puts. I could care less about the hole as long as it doesn't effect the way the filter works. Anybody have any experience in this area? I already tried to call customer service but they close at 4:30. I really don't want to wait to find out until Monday and then have to wait until they ship it to me. PLUS I didn't notice it when I opened it and have already opened the plastic to the filter medias.

 

[Capt.Nemo]

Take it back to the store??? If they are reputable, they will back their product. If not, I'd find another store, cause they don't give a rats patootie about you, their customer.

 

[uncleL]

Yes sir take it back and get a new one

 

[SALTYwaterDOG]

WELCOME TO RC Mrs Gs :wavehand:
If that's going to be your primary filtration you should probably take it back, good luck and keep us updated on your new tank

 

[Capt.Nemo]

Also, many may tell you, using a canister for a salt tank is looking for trouble. I have one myself, but also have a protein skimmer. A canister will work, you will probably just need to maintain it a bit more regularly. Just be prepared. Maybe you could make the kids do it, what grade do you teach?

 

[davocean]

I would wait and take it back if you can, really it would be better to have something other than a canister

 

[SALTYwaterDOG]

, really it would be better to have something other than a canister[/QUOTE]

+1

 

[MrsGsClassroom]

I ordered it online and their customer service was closed when my package arrived. Thank you all for the help! I'll call again tomorrow and see if I can get a replacement. I just submitted a grant that will purchase sump/refugium, protein skimmer, carbon and GFO reactor and RODI system but I won't be granted the money until August. Until then I plan on using the canister filter that will be cleaned weekly by my students, it will be a good learning experience for them and they will appreciate what the new equipment will do better. Then I can throughly clean it and use it for our freshwater tank. I teach 8th grade science- biology and chemistry- and it was actually my students idea to get a saltwater aquarium. They researched, wrote papers and raised money to purchase our beginning equipment.

 

[MrsGsClassroom]

I plan on upgrading in August. I explain more below.

 

[SALTYwaterDOG]

I use a canister as a reactor I keep it full of carbon and It works great. Good luck on the grant.

 

[Sapelo]

Just another random thought not related to your OP:
You mention getting an RO system in August, just make sure you're buying RO water until then, tap water will cause you untold amounts of trouble.

 

[uncleL]

Sorry let me correct myself use anything but a canister filter lol even though I'm running two HOT MAGNUM canisters on my mixed Reef W/CORAL. Sounds crazy but it works as a bio filter....

 

[ChitownBrickie]

I ordered it online and their customer service was closed when my package arrived. Thank you all for the help! I'll call again tomorrow and see if I can get a replacement. I just submitted a grant that will purchase sump/refugium, protein skimmer, carbon and GFO reactor and RODI system but I won't be granted the money until August. Until then I plan on using the canister filter that will be cleaned weekly by my students, it will be a good learning experience for them and they will appreciate what the new equipment will do better. Then I can throughly clean it and use it for our freshwater tank. I teach 8th grade science- biology and chemistry- and it was actually my students idea to get a saltwater aquarium. They researched, wrote papers and raised money to purchase our beginning equipment.

Your students are very lucky to have you for their teacher. Here is a good thread to read. If I'm correct, Victoria's Tank won in December's TOTM. She uses the same Fluval canister filter that you bought. She explains how her tank is so successful in this thread...
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1002853&highlight=December+nTOTM