Canister Filters - Opinions wanted

[Neurotech]

Hello all. I am planning my 92 corner with a sump, probably an ASM skimmer and no canister. But...

My current 54 corner which I am keeping, is not drilled. I am using a Fluval 404 and a Remora hang on skimmer. From what I've been reading in threads this weekend, canisters are a problem with Nitrates. Should I simply remove the canister and let the skimmer do the work? I would add another pump just for flow. I have about 150 lbs of rock in there. Would the remora be enough?

Al opinions welcomed.

 

[cb747]

Nitrate factory or very high maintenance! My setup is approx 200 Lbs of live rock. I mechanically filter with a filter sock which i change every 2 or 3 days. I also run carbon and phosban and a UV.

 

[Neurotech]

What is a filter sock and how is it used? You have a sump, no?

 

[cb747]

Thats right you saw my setup awhile ago. Yes i do have a sump. This is a filter sock. http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=BS1123
All my water from my tanks passes thru this as it enters the sump and filters out any big detrius etc.

 

[fio1022]

IMO a canister filter is great for running carbon.It forces water through instead of just flowing over it.
I've been using a magnum 350 w the quick disconnects.Highly recommend it.

 

[rtecanoe]

the canister will add extra flow and is good for running carbon, just don't use the fluval foam pads or other media that will cause nitrates.

 

[onegreenray]

Ditto on what was said above. Just plumb the canister into the sump. Removes one more pipe from the main display tank. Running carbon isn't bad at all. Just use the same amount all the time or you could invert ling bleach your corals.

 

[cb747]

Inadvertantly? Rough day Ray? LOL

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7938234#post7938234 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cb747
Inadvertantly? Rough day Ray? LOL

If that ain't the pot calling the kettle black.......

 

[Neurotech]

I don't have a sump on that tank, so the tube stays in, but, you would remove the "biological" media such as those little white cylinders? Carbon and phosban etcetera would go in the canister then, and it would be less of a nitrate producer?

 

[cb747]

I have a rough day well once in awhile

Neuro you want to remove the mechanical stuff so it doesnt trap detrius and stuff

 

[Neurotech]

Thanks folks - the stuff is coming out tomorrow.

 

[directional]

I would just keep the carbon and add some live rock in there also.. Thats how I run my AC HOB filters..

If you are worried about nitrates you can also put some cheato in the tank

 

[Reef Junkie]

Running carbon too aggressively is bad imo.
The problem is when you forget to change it or remove it and forget to replace it.

Carbon should be used sparingly. It strips the water too quickly. Canister filters are great, but shouldn't be run 24/7. The reason, human behavior. I don't care how maticulous you are, eventually you will forget or life will happen. A clogged canister filter can cause a lot of death in a short amount of time.

Ray, best attempt at a word yet! "invert ling" :lmao:
Kind of makes all of those mean things you say about me just melt away...

 

[directional]

Maybe just put a bunch of live rock in your filter with a single carbon pad.

Is it good to put some sand in the canister filter or will it clog the hell out of it?

What about cheato etc?

 

[Reef Junkie]

Sand or Cheato would be a no-no.
Sand would destroy the impeller over time and clog with other debris. Cheato needs light to survive.

If you run a canister filter, your best bet is to do it for a few hours to a day at best. Just put a handful of carbon in it (in a filter bag) and it'll do the trick without over stipping the water.

Otherwise a skimmer would be optimal. Or Cheato in a seperate container (refugium) would help keep nutrients down.

On top of that, it also depends on the type of tank you keep, sps, softy, mixed... SPS needs clean clean water, softies like nutrients and mixed need well, a mix of the two.