Filtration

[Chief501]

Ok, I currently have a 75 gallon tank with Aqua Max HOB 1.5 skimmer, also running a Fluval FX6 canister. I have been told that the canister is ok to use by some and not by others. So what's the opinion. I have no room for a sump. What's my options? Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Anemone]

A canister filter on a SW tank that has sufficient live rock is redundant, and unless the owner is meticulous about doing maintenance, can become a nutrient source, rather than a "filtration" device.

A good skimmer, good water movement in the tank and sufficient live rock to provide a bacterial home to the bacteria that actually process the fish waste and leftover food decomposition is all you really need. You can certainly keep the canister filter, but I personally would remove any filter floss or bio media (ceramic tubes/stars/whatever), and simply use it to run carbon or other chemical filtration (like GFO) as, and if, necessary.

Kevin

 

[fijisrfr]

It'll work but you gotta clean it weekly!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Uncle99]

I have two aqua Clear HOB running 24-7, I keep them clean, great for running carbon, or GFO, removes crap from the water column, but again. Got to keep them clean...I clean weekly...

 

[mcgyvr]

A canister filter will never be a nutrient source..
It can't "make" nutrients.
But it can trap organic matter/fish poop,etc.. that can break down into nutrients.. That same organic matter is going to be in the tank anyways unless removed via some other method like skimming.

Mechanical filtration (floss,etc...) unless frequently cleaned doesn't serve any purpose at all except to remove particulates from the water column over a certain micron size and trap it in the filter..
Some canisters included carbon also.. That carbon can help reduce yellowing of the water and absorb some toxins/dissolved organics..
Biomedia provides surface area for beneficial bacterial just like live rock..

Do not use GFO unless you have a phosphate "problem"

Nothing really wrong with canister filters.. you can get by without them even if you don't have a sump..
They do require maintenance to routinely clean/replace the filters and or carbon..

 

[lapin]

Ok, I currently have a 75 gallon tank with Aqua Max HOB 1.5 skimmer, also running a Fluval FX6 canister. I have been told that the canister is ok to use by some and not by others. So what's the opinion. I have no room for a sump. What's my options? Thanks

My Opinion: Use it and keep it clean. Been there, done that, no issue. People are gonna have different opinions. Sure there are better ways (you dont have room for a sump which would allow for more filtering options). Filter socks (nitrate factory), Skimmer (only removes 30%) blah blah blah.
We can not replicate the massive filtration that goes on in the oceans. So we do the best we can with what we have. I say use what ever you have. Since you did not mention a problem, it sounds like its working to me.