Do I need More Filtration? Maybe a Canister Filter?

[capnbob]

Howdy,
The folks at my LFS have suggested that I upgrade my filtration. I have a Emperor 280 on a 46 bowfront FOWLR. I intend on getting corals and probably anemones eventually. I'm told the 280 isn't sufficient.
My Nitrates were also high recently. They were at 160 PPM or so. I've got them down to 10 PPM now. Would a canister filter help my nitrates in the long run?
Any tips are much appreciated!
-Bobby

 

[bigmac]

Originally Posted by Capnbob
Howdy,
My Nitrates were also high recently. They were at 160 PPM or so. I've got them down to 10 PPM now. Would a canister filter help my nitrates in the long run?

Probably not...What kind of skimmer are you using? Whats the fish load?

 

[capnbob]

I have a Coralife Super Skimmer and the following fish:
Scarlet Hermit Crabs
Royal Gramma Basslet
Blue Devil damselfish
Four Stripe Damselfish
Red spotted Hawkfish
Bicolor Blenny
Coral Banded Shrimp
Serpent Starfish
Percula Clownfish

 

[mpls man]

thats a lot of fish for a 46 gal, i have 4 in my 75 gal, what type of skimmer are you running?, not sure about your star, some have to have a certain size tank , i would do a little research and reading .

 

[xtech]

i use a canister more for polishing the water than anything else.i change out the carbon and the floss weekly,i also use a wet dry mixed with bioballs as well as lr and have 125 lbs lr in the tank.i run a 90 with a dozen or so fish and about 14 different pieces of coral. nitrates are 20 or less.also do water changes monthly.