Ok here goes. I'm going to setup new 120 gallon tank it's not drilled and there is no room for sump. So I think the fluval fx6 canister filter would be good with the reef octopus Hob skimmer. Would love some input on this. Thinking fish only no corals. So ok friends let's here the input please
New setup
- Thread starter ajim523
- Start date
Sapelo
New member
Canister filters can work but they take work. Since you cant look inside the canister, you will need to be diligent about cleaning it frequently and monitoring water quality. I would also strongly suggest you get a skimmer even if it is hang on the back. Reef Octopus does a good job.
Managing your bioload (dont overstock!) Will help too.
Good luck!
Managing your bioload (dont overstock!) Will help too.
Good luck!
CritterHeaven
New member
Not sure you really need the canister if you get a good HOB skimmer. Reef Octopus is a good one, just make sure it is rated to support that large of a tank.
The space uNader my cabinet definitely is not big enough for sump.and I don't want to modify it cause of the weight when filled. But I do plan on octopus protein skimmer live sand and live rock. U think just the skimmer would be good enough. And I would clean the fluval fx 6 canister filter once a week I read good things about that filter I just want to do this right from the start. I just have empty tank and stand so far. So I hope I get some good advice here. Ty all for the help. And I would also let it run for as long as it takes till I put in fish.
CritterHeaven
New member
A canister won't hurt (as long as you keep it relatively clean with pretty fresh media). Mechanical and chemical filtration is good!
Sand, rock, skimmer, canister filter. You should be good for filtration!
If you want a refugium you can also buy those in HOB style. Though they tend to be small and expensive.
Sand, rock, skimmer, canister filter. You should be good for filtration!
If you want a refugium you can also buy those in HOB style. Though they tend to be small and expensive.
Hunter1998
New member
If your interested in a HOB Skimmer I got a reef octopus. Been sitting for a few years. I will have to dig and find exactly which one it is, as I said it has been sitting in the garage FOREVER.
Hunter1998
New member
I'm at work right now and it needs a deep cleaning but I promise you it only has approximately 6 months use on it.
Hunter1998
New member
I have no problem shipping I have shipped a few dry goods. My asking price always includes shipping. I'm 99.9% sure this is the skimmer I have, they made 2 sizes and I know mine was the largest of the 2 but like I said I'm at work and need to confirm before I say 100%
Hunter1998
New member
Also mine is the black one
canister filter should be fine, I was thinking of using one for mine just for mechanical filtration w chemipure inside to polish the water but decided against it bc of maintenance work. Like Critter Heaven said, u have to clean it often.
Or u can add a HOB sump like NY Steelo did w a nano tank, check out his very informative videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5DJLfwF-PE
Here's one about DSB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jon6SDZ3uNU
If u dont want the hassle of having to frequently clean the canister filter, I recommend using a DSB w Live Rock as natural filter in conjunction w ur skimmer. But w a 120g tank, a DSB w Live Rock is going to be expensive. Here's a DSB calc, u need min of 4" of sand for DSB
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_educationcenter_calculators_sand_bed_calculator.html And for Live Rock check out TBS who has amazing rocks direct from the Gulf so no need to cycle. http://www.tampabaysaltwater.com/liverock/index.html
Using just 1-2 inches of "live" sand will not act as a natural filter. These "live" sands don't contain much beneficial bacteria. They come from a healthy Live rock that helps establish a DSB with beneficial bacteria. The organisms and bacteria that'll keep ur tank clean needs 4" min & sand grain size must be SUGARFINE w avg grain size of 0.125mm http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html
From my experience, canister filters were great but a hassle to maintain/clean having to disconnect/reconnect tubes, lug the heavy canister to sink to clean and then when reconnecting having to siphon the water. Just a mess compared to a sump.
Going the DSB w Live Rock route has high initial cost but long run once established u won't have to do as much water change and as much maintenance.
Or u can add a HOB sump like NY Steelo did w a nano tank, check out his very informative videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5DJLfwF-PE
Here's one about DSB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jon6SDZ3uNU
If u dont want the hassle of having to frequently clean the canister filter, I recommend using a DSB w Live Rock as natural filter in conjunction w ur skimmer. But w a 120g tank, a DSB w Live Rock is going to be expensive. Here's a DSB calc, u need min of 4" of sand for DSB
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_educationcenter_calculators_sand_bed_calculator.html And for Live Rock check out TBS who has amazing rocks direct from the Gulf so no need to cycle. http://www.tampabaysaltwater.com/liverock/index.html
Using just 1-2 inches of "live" sand will not act as a natural filter. These "live" sands don't contain much beneficial bacteria. They come from a healthy Live rock that helps establish a DSB with beneficial bacteria. The organisms and bacteria that'll keep ur tank clean needs 4" min & sand grain size must be SUGARFINE w avg grain size of 0.125mm http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html
From my experience, canister filters were great but a hassle to maintain/clean having to disconnect/reconnect tubes, lug the heavy canister to sink to clean and then when reconnecting having to siphon the water. Just a mess compared to a sump.
Going the DSB w Live Rock route has high initial cost but long run once established u won't have to do as much water change and as much maintenance.
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