Enough Filtration?

[gunny03]

I have a 72 bow front with an fx5 filter, do you think thats suffient enough filtration for that tank or should I add a cpr overflow box?

If so which one and how many?

 

[drummereef]

How much live rock do you have? If you have at least 1lb/gallon of live rock the canister will serve no benefit other than flow and running carbon etc.

 

[Konadog]

A good skimmer will do more for you than a canister filter will do, unless your using it to run carbon.

 

[klam114]

you need a good protein skimmer for removing organic waste before it turns to nitrates. the canister filter is a potential nitrate factory depending on what you have inside.

 

[DetectiveTofu]

I'd recommend a protein skimmer for any marine tank

 

[Hop]

Re: Enough Filtration?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9958327#post9958327 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gunny03
I have a 72 bow front with an fx5 filter, do you think thats suffient enough filtration for that tank or should I add a cpr overflow box?

If so which one and how many?

72 gallon? FOWLR, Mixed reef, reef? What are your plans?

As stated above, cannister filters can be problematic for reef tanks. they are great for the occasional water polishing and running carbon, however, running on full time can lead to elevated nitrate levels if not properly maintained. So to answer what I perceive as your first question... No, not enough filtration on the tank. I would add a skimmer, remove the cannister. If you need to keep the cannister for flow, I would remove the filter media and run it empty. Maybe run carbon in it as needed.

Now on to the CPR question. No, I wouldn't run one. If given the choice I would pick up a lifereef or americle overflow. Then you have the whole sump size and skimmer to consider.

Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[gunny03]

Im using it for reef but I think Im going to get rid of the fx5 and add the overflow bow, put a sump in, then get a protien skimmer.

But can I use a protien skimmer if my tank has been setup for only 2 months? Because I heard it has to be setup for 3 months before adding a protien skimmer

 

[Konadog]

You can run a skimmer from day one! It may not pull much out in the beginning, but you can add one when ever you want.

 

[ralphie16]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9960125#post9960125 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gunny03
Im using it for reef but I think Im going to get rid of the fx5 and add the overflow bow, put a sump in, then get a protien skimmer.

But can I use a protien skimmer if my tank has been setup for only 2 months? Because I heard it has to be setup for 3 months before adding a protien skimmer

haha thats why my LFS told me too when i started this hobby!

run the skimmer from the beginning!