Confusion on Canisters

[infalable]

I was looking into buying a canister filter for my 50 gal, DSB, 75lbs lr reef tank. I know the lr and ls will do a lot of the filtration, but I want to add mechanical as well for the best water quality. I will also buy a skimmer one day. My lfs pointed out an Eheim canister which seemed like a good idea. I looks easy to use and more importantly, easy to clean. Most folks here seem to avoid the canisters, in part because of increasing nitrites from the filters. The filters seemed easy to change, tho I have never done it. Are these canisters that bad. I guess I am confused because it seems like the canister would be appropriate due to my limited space. Thanks.

 

[bergshawn]

I purchased the Eheim Wet/Dry Canister 2227 model. Seems to work great. I have a very new tank, but my nitrites have been 0 ever since it has been setup. Very easy to setup the filter itself. It doesn't come with the ball you need to prime it which they don't tell you when you buy it. I just manually siphoned mine by sucking on the air intake. Worked the first time.

 

[slick]

I think as long as you keep them clean it will be just fine.

 

[gregvabch]

i know a guy who's running 2 eheim canisters on his 75 gal and he's got 12 or 13 fish in there (yep), and he has no problems with nitrates.

 

[infalable]

After reading your responses it looks like if this is the product that will be best for my situation the key will be to clean the filters frequently to prevent the buildup of undesirables.

 

[noaquariumyet]

i just bought a fluval 404 filter that i bought prematurely....after reading this site i want to use other types of filtration if your interested in the 404 filter...its brand new!!!!

 

[infalable]

Thanks for the offer Noaquariumyet. Afriend of mine bought an Eheim that he hasnt used and will sell to me cheap. If it falls through I will let you know. How far are you away from gett'n started?

 

[bahamianme]

I have Fluval 304 & Fluval 204 for my tank and Ihave yet to experience any trouble. They are very easy to clean.. I also have a protein skimmer and sand filter. My tank is pretty clean.....Good luck!

 

[nacl-man]

I've got a Fluval 204 that I use... i've had it for a while and at first I just took everything out and used it as a really expensive powerhead... but after having a bunch of gunk floating around the tank I put in some pads and a bag of Carbon and it cleared up terrific (and the carbon helps with that aquarium smell... which my wife appreciates).
What kind of carbon do people use? (If you use it).
Cheers!

 

[saltyeel]

I use a marine/salt carban by Kent. Be careful on what carbon that you do use because some contain phosphates which can lead to some serious and annoying problems. Don't get freshwater carbon either. I used it once and had a problem with red hair algea.

 

[nacl-man]

Originally posted by SaltyEEL
I use a marine/salt carban by Kent. Be careful on what carbon that you do use because some contain phosphates which can lead to some serious and annoying problems. Don't get freshwater carbon either. I used it once and had a problem with red hair algea.
thanks for the heads up. I just ordered some Kent carbon and phosphate sponge... had any luck witht he phosphate sponge? I've read varying reviews on this board and other sites about it.
thanks again!
Cheers!

 

[infalable]

Thanks for all the input. I may purchase the cannister. What I have learned from all the reponses is that taking care of the product is important. I am limited in my space and a cannister will suit my purposes well. One thing I have noticed....patience and care are the answers for most of our problems. Hopefully I will maintain both habits.