New to the hobby question(s)

[Exoristos]

What is the difference between a canister filter a sump? I feel like I'm mixing the terminology here which is causing some confusion. I am currently using this a s a filter http://www.wag.com/fish/p/api-nexx-filter-349554?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_W&utm_term=SRA-024&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&CAWELAID=1527650887&utm_content=pla&ca_sku=SRA-024&ca_gpa=pla&ca_kw={keyword}
and I don't really know the difference between this one
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/4144724050543601560?q=fish%20tank%20sump%20pump&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=9790e18a04de8fd1&bpcl=38093640&biw=1920&bih=979&tch=1&ech=1&psi=mB-hUPK7PMy6yAHEoICQDg.1352736399726.7&sa=X&ei=USGhUIr0JIbrygGdp4GwCQ&ved=0CG8Q8wIwBw

Also, I have my tank running for two months now and I still haven't got a protein skimmer, which one would you recommend for a starter?

I have a 36g bow at the moment but my addiction is growing faster than I thought....

 

[a.browning]

Canister filters are generally not very useful on reef tanks. They generally promote the breakdown of organics, leading to increased nitrate levels. A skimmer, on the other hand, pulls organics from the water column before they have a chance to breakdown. Most people who still use canisters just run carbon in them, bascially using them as a reactor. You can make it work, if you're really good about keeping it clean. You could probably turn off the canister completely and you wouldn't notice any difference.

A sump is a resivour beneath your tank where you can place a good skimmer, and all your other equipment. A sump alone it not a filter system, but a means to incorporate a filter system discretely and efficiently. The sump you posted is a good prebuilt one. It has filter socks for mechanical filtration and room for a skimmer in the second compartment. You can place your heaters, etc in the sump as well. Another advantage is that sumps expand the water volume of the system, promoting better stability. The sump system is definitely the way to go! While prebuilt sumps are convenient, they are extremely overpriced. I would just build your own sump. You could easily build a sump that size for under $100, and you could build it to fit your exact needs. Most of us just use a standard aquarium as the sump.

As far as skimmers, I have been extremely happy with my reef octopus skimmer. They do an excellent job. They make both hang on and in sump skimmers, depending which route you choose. I personally use a super reef octopus skimmer.

Hope that helps clear up some confusion!

 

[NirvanaFan]

Think of a sump as a place to store all your junk and have some extra water to the system. More water = more stability. A canister filter is just that. A mechanical filter.

Most people don't recommend canister filters. The filters tend to not get cleaned enough, which can lead to rotting food and detrius that can lead to problems. Most people suggest to use a sump, and not a canister filter. I've never had that small of a tank, but I'm a big fan of the Octopus brand skimmers. Lots of people consider them the best "bang for your buck" skimmers available.

 

[NH Fish]

Hob

Hob

Not to hijack, but how would a HOB skimmer do on a tank this size?

 

[Exoristos]

Thanks for the replies, where can I find a list for what I need to buy to build my own sump? After building the sump should I keep the canister? I paid some money for it and I really don't want to throw it away just like that.

 

[EllieSuz]

Keep your canister. It will come in handy for reasons listed above. Eventually you'll find yourself wanting to add carbon and/or phosphate remover and you can use the canister for this instead of buying a whole new reactor for that purpose. Also, I know some of us use a canister to "polish" the water. Occasionally it's a good idea to blow detritus off the rocks using a turkey baster or small pump you can hold in your hand. Running the canister filter helps to remove the junk in the water column.