cansister filter question

[gene71495]

I have a Filstar XP3 canister filter. Should I use the Bio Chem Zorb media in addition to the fine and coarse foam? Thanks for any advice. I have a 58 gallon tank with a 10 gallon sump, ~ lbs of live rock and a Aqua C Urchin Protein Skimmer.

 

[jbird69]

If you have a sump I would just use the canister for GFO and carbon.

 

[adambirk]

i would not put the bio media in the canister just use you live rock and sand for your bio filtration you will have a problem with nitrates building up from your caniter. speaking from experiance i have a fluval fx5 on my 90 mixed reef. all i run in it is carbon and phospure and once a month for a week i will run a filter pad just to polish the water. i still have to clean my canister every two weeks or i will start to see a rise in nutrient levels

 

[hhaase]

I'm with Adam and Jbird.....

Take all the foam out. I've used bio-chem zorb in the past quite well, you could also consider chemi-pure as well. Definitely run a phosphate remover too. But no foam, floss or any other bio/mechanical media.

 

[gene71495]

is the canister filter necessary

is the canister filter necessary

Is the canister filter necessary? I have read that it can actually be of more harm, with nitrate buildup.

 

[hhaase]

Re: is the canister filter necessary

Re: is the canister filter necessary

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14856541#post14856541 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gene71495
Is the canister filter necessary? I have read that it can actually be of more harm, with nitrate buildup.

It's not the filter that generates the nitrates, it's the media that you put in it which provides excessive surface area for bacteria to grow in. You could make a phosban reactor do the same thing if you stuff the right material into it.

Also keep in mind that in addition to the bacteria, you need to control the source material that the bacteria is feeding on that ends up as the nitrates.

-Hans