Filter Question?

[y2says]

I have a 35g hexagon with about 20lbs l/r and 30lb l/s. I have a Filstar cannister filter that is rated at up to 75g. What I did was took everything out of the filter and used it like a big powerhead. Is this a good idea for a reef tank. I only have two tomato clowns and a coral beauty angel right now. I will be adding more live rocks later. Do you think this is a good idea to take everything out of the filter?

 

[seabass]

thats funny! I also did the same thing. i have a eihem canister filter, its a wet/dry system so I filled it with bioballs. but I also have a sump and working on a refugium. I like to have some kinda backup incase the live rock or sand slows down in doing there job. or what happens if the rock dies? now you have no filtration. i quess im saying think about a small refugium or sump.

 

[y2says]

From what I've read, l/r and l/s won't die. I figure once I have more corals and live rock, they'll filter out everything.

 

[burnnspy]

Yes, empty canisters are the best ones for reef systems or they usually become Nitrate factories.
BurnNSpy

 

[thereefman52]

also from what I have heard, since i have LR and LS i was told to take my bio balls out of my wet dry, well guess what my nitrate DID go down!!

 

[y2says]

Good...thanks for the reply.

 

[biglou]

Originally posted by BurnNSpy:
<STRONG>Yes, empty canisters are the best ones for reef systems or they usually become Nitrate factories.BurnNSpy</STRONG>
How long might this take before it happens?
I have been running a Fluval 400 series with the foam and ceramic media for about 6 months, with 4 power heads and a Prizm skimmer in a 75g reef tank.
I test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph, phosphate, salinity, and calcium every week, and have not seen this happen.
You said "usually", so I take it that it's not definite?

 

[ebeckels]

i have an emperor filter on my 46 gallon... am i supposed to take out the filter materials in the middle? Or is this just for canister filters?
-Eric