FX5 filter vs skimmer

[lrasser]

I'm on the fence which way to go and would just like to get some input from everyone. I currently have a 75g FOWLR but since I'm finally past all the cycle/ugly stages I'll be heading to mostly soft/lps corals.

My delema...

I currently have about 130lbs live rock (fully established), 5 fish, cuc, and a LTA. I'm currently using a FX5 canister and AP3 canister. AP3 is just for media (carbon, phos, etc.) I ordered a BH1000 skimmer and WP25 powerhead to bump up my filtration first. My question is.... Should I completely remove the FX5 and just run the skimmer and AP3 for media? I keep going back and forth so your votes will make my decision for me.

All my levels are perfect "0" and I want to make sure it stays that way. I currently use RODI only and well as a phosphate chamber on the rodi as well. 5g weekly water changes also.

Thanks!

 

[clay12340]

I've got an FX5 on a turtle tank, and the prefilter is a pretty serious detritus trap. I don't really think it would be the best idea for a reef tank if you're trying to keep nitrates down long term. I would think you'd end up having to clean it far too often, and it isn't the easiest canister to get into and work on. It might not be a problem if you're interested in a higher nutrient system.

If you're planning to remove it, then you should probably empty out part of a media basket and give the system some time to adjust before repeating the process. Removing smaller amounts of media at a time should help to avoid any chance of causing a mini cycle. At least that is how I would approach it.

 

[lrasser]

Thanks Clay.

I was planning on getting the skimmer up and running and running them both for a week or two then like you said slowely remove the filter. Since I have close to 2lb/gal of live rock it hopefully shouldn't impact it to bad.