Filtration 24/7?

[annster]

I have a 55 gallon tank. This is my first tank. No corals or lights, just some live rock and fish. It's been running for about 2 months now and all of my readings (ph, no2 etc) have been normal. I use an Ehiem 2227 pro filter with a surge, it's been running 24/7. A great filter but a little noisy at night (sounds like the ocean is in my living room). According to the specs it moves 192 gph. Should this filter be run all day and night or can I start turning it off for a few hours?

Thanks for your help.

 

[TekCat]

Normally you don't need to run canister filter in reef, unless you want to polish you water or remove some toxins from time to time. Enough LR and good skimmer should be plenty as far as filtration goes.

 

[bheron]

Agreed with TekCat. Most likely dont need it if you have enough live rock and a protein skimmer. Different than in a FW tank.

 

[Octoberfest]

since we're on this subject what about the skimmer? Should it run 24/7?

 

[TekCat]

Every time you stop skimmer, next time you start it - it will need some time to build up foam from idling state. So, 24/7 is a good schedule

 

[annster]

Thank you! Wow, I had no idea I didn't need the cannister.

 

[TekCat]

actually hang on to one canister. you might need it from time to time to run carbon, phosphate removal media, etc...

 

[jpfelix]

plus it has the handy "surge" function!

 

[Andrew]

[welcome]