Canister filter

[Chriss614]

I am having problems with phosphate in my tank. I had read that canister filters can add phosphate if not cleaned super frequently. Should I get rid of the canister? The only remaining mechanical filter would be my skimmer. The canister is running a mesh to catch debris and also has carbon.

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[ca1ore]

I dunno, is 'super' frequently more frequent than regular old frequently?

People usually react in horror at the thought of a canister filter, yet it is functionally similar (perhaps even identical) to the more commonly accepted 'reactor'. ANY device that mechanically captures detritus can become a generator of nitrates/phosphates if that detritus is allowed to degrade. That's why folks that use filter socks, for example, are well advised to clean them regularly.

Hard to say if the canister is contributing significantly to your phosphate problem. Possibly yes, but more likely not. I run a carbon 'reactor' 24/7 and am not so good about cleaning it regularly.

Other than skimmer, what export mechanisms are you employing?

 

[Chriss614]

I dunno, is 'super' frequently more frequent than regular old frequently?

People usually react in horror at the thought of a canister filter, yet it is functionally similar (perhaps even identical) to the more commonly accepted 'reactor'. ANY device that mechanically captures detritus can become a generator of nitrates/phosphates if that detritus is allowed to degrade. That's why folks that use filter socks, for example, are well advised to clean them regularly.

Hard to say if the canister is contributing significantly to your phosphate problem. Possibly yes, but more likely not. I run a carbon 'reactor' 24/7 and am not so good about cleaning it regularly.

Other than skimmer, what export mechanisms are you employing?

Just an oversized skimmer, the canister, and lots of luck

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[Crowed]

If you have phosphates run some phosphate remover in it . Canisters are not bad just harder to clean than filter socks, and you need to clean them regulary, especially if you use it for mechanical filtration.
Same principle like reactor but they can, and catch more detritus, imo. Reactors in many cases have slower flow and less sponges in them(i have only have one at the bottom in mine), and bigger holes in sponges than one made for mechanical filtration. Upflow in them release detritus from media too. But i use mine for chemical filtration, if i make mecanical filter from it i would probably have more detritus in it than you in canister, becasue im lazy

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Do Not run too much GFO in a canister filter.
If it does not "tumble slightly" it can turn into a brick.

 

[RobZilla04]

Sump > Canister

 

[Chriss614]

Sump > Canister

I know but my tank is not drilled and even with a HOB overflow I don't have the funds right now to buy a sump.

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[RobZilla04]

I know but my tank is not drilled and even with a HOB overflow I don't have the funds right now to buy a sump.

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In the mean time stay persistent with cleaning and filter media changes.

 

[Chriss614]

In the mean time stay persistent with cleaning and filter media changes.

That's the plan haha.

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[Kevin Guthrie]

If memory serves correctly the buzz about 25 years ago was that the diatomaceous earth, if you use that as canister filter medium, leaks phosphate.