canister filter for saltwater?

[penny ish]

I was just given a 55g tank with a canister filter, i was wondering if i can start a fish only tank with the canister filter? If so do i use the bio balls or replace them with something else? or is there a certain way i need to set it up???? Thanks for the help

 

[michaeltx]

you can but its not an ideal filter. the best filtration even in FO is LR and sand along with good water movement and protein skimmer. It can work though if you keep up on the maintence. I have personally never used one on a tank so I really cant tell you the best way to set them up.
Mike

 

[daninct]

I used one on a 72 for a year or so. It was free so I thought why not. I used some of the ceramic media for bio, carbon, and the filter pads. Helped me start out and then as the tank aged and live rock established I removed the ceramic. I then removed most everything else and used it for water flow and whenevr I wanted to add carbon or phosban. Key is to clean it out often or you have a nitrate problem.
New tanks I use no external filter but the protein skimmer.

 

[aztec reef]

Originally Posted by penny ish
I was just given a 55g tank with a canister filter, i was wondering if i can start a fish only tank with the canister filter? If so do i use the bio balls or replace them with something else? or is there a certain way i need to set it up???? Thanks for the help
I would take the Bio Balls out now, keep the filter as water circulation and to run carbon once a month or somethnig.