Canister filter or sump/refugium?

[yogoshio]

So I fell into a 55 gallon tank, and what I have now is a 20, so I know my bio-wheel, even though its "rated" up to 70 gallons won't cut it.
So the question is, do I get a sump system? Or do I just get a canister filter. As of now its fowlr, but corals are always an option depending, since I'll already have all of the equipment needed anyway.
Also, I am NOT handy enough for DIY, does anyone make/sell sumps if that's the way to go? And I have tried. I made an attempt at a refugium/sump for a friend, and one electrical fire and a busted 20 g long tank later, I didn't ask him to pay me....

 

[bruner54]

a sump/refugium would be better and yes you can buy one.

 

[lion_crazz]

A sump/refugium is far easier to keep clean and maintain.
A cannister is much easier to set-up, though. Both will do the job as far as filtration.
The sump will keep your equipment out of sight, whereas, everything must hang on the back if you go cannister.

 

[fattony]

Originally Posted by lion_crazz
http:///forum/post/2744914
A sump/refugium is far easier to keep clean and maintain.
A cannister is much easier to set-up, though. Both will do the job as far as filtration.
The sump will keep your equipment out of sight, whereas, everything must hang on the back if you go cannister.
+1 also.. if you don't keep the media in the canister changed, it becomes a Nitrate Factory...

 

[yogoshio]

I know about the media changes. Another reason canisters aren't high on my list, but they are far easier to keep watch on, and you never have to worry about overflows or anything of the sort, but I know the refugiums provide amazing natural filtration too, so I guess I'm just balancing the pros and cons and getting other people's opinions to help me figure it out. I've used canisters before, but all I hear about is refugium/sumps being wayyyyy better.

 

[jemshores]

Originally Posted by Yogoshio
http:///forum/post/2744368
So I fell into a 55 gallon tank, and what I have now is a 20, so I know my bio-wheel, even though its "rated" up to 70 gallons won't cut it.
So the question is, do I get a sump system? Or do I just get a canister filter. As of now its fowlr, but corals are always an option depending, since I'll already have all of the equipment needed anyway.
Also, I am NOT handy enough for DIY, does anyone make/sell sumps if that's the way to go? And I have tried. I made an attempt at a refugium/sump for a friend, and one electrical fire and a busted 20 g long tank later, I didn't ask him to pay me....
We have the same size tank and I run a Rena xp3 and I love it! Quiet, easy and no flooding issues when the power goes out. I use the spray bar and 2PH's and have very good flow. I did play with the filter media for a few months to see which setup worked the best (for me) and found the sponges, bio-stars, chemi-pure and a polishing pad work the best. We do water changes every 2 weeks (20%) so the filter gets a cleaning at the same time-about 45 minutes to do all. Have 2 sets of sponges and pads! Just my 2 cents!

 

[ilovemytank]

I agree with Jemshores on the rena filstar xp3. I currently run two rena xp3 canisters and a 40 gallon wet/dry on my tank. I use bio stars, ceramic cylenders and polishing pads in my canisters. I use filter pads, bio balls, skimmer and an cutom made "algea scrubber" in my wet dry. I have heavy stock ( 25 fish ) and feed heavily frozen food three times a day. I do a water change and maitenance on the filters once a month. My water quality is perfect and have never had any spikes in nitrates. The only problem with the canister is where do you want the skimmer. For a 55 gallon red sea makes a hang on the back ( don't remember the model ) skimmer that does a good job. You have to constantly adjust the air flow though. ( very annoying ) Good luck.

 

[yogoshio]

Thanks guys! I think for now I'll stick with the canister, and if later decide I want a refugium/sump I'll just add it on. You've been a great help.

 

[b0b82]

I use both just keep the canister clean.