Canister for supplemental filtering

[Dolfan]

OK, I currently running a 90g reefready tank with a 55g sump, I use a small poly pad as a mechanical filter upon entry to the sump and then have a Nautilus 24 skimmer with a QO 4000 pump. The tank has about 70# liverock and is all PC lights

I'm considering to add a canister filter to the system for the sole purpose of adding addition filtration maybe 3-4 days/month. Currently its tough to add carbon into the sump in a way that I know it's really working. And sometimes more during the summer it seems like the algea is tougher to contain.

Right now I've got a pretty heavy brown/green film on the display tank surface and I keep thinking something with more filter power and chemical filtration would be helpful.

Is anyone using canisters like this?
Is anyone familiar with this aglea like film?

Thanks for any help.

 

[ordy1]

I think that the film is probably diatoms. Usually from using unfiltered tap water.

Most folks claim that running your carbon and other media in a cannister filter is preferable to putting it in a bag and dropping it in your sump. I agree. I've always used cannister filters for media for a few days at a time. If you're leaving the filter connected permantly be sure to clean the sponge or prefilter.

Ordy

 

[sjm817]

The film is on the surface of what? The water? Live rock/sand?

 

[Dolfan]

Film is/was on the surface but that appears to be related to my overflow not skimming well. Now that is fixed, but I still think the additional filter for cardon would be helpful.