I keep a reef tank using canister filters instead of sump?
- Thread starter scottnlisa
- Start date
scottnlisa
Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3294964
What are you asking??? A lot of people use canisters....you just have to maintain them properly
I read somewhere that using canister filters in reef tanks wasn't a good idea. Did you like the cat video?
http:///forum/post/3294964
What are you asking??? A lot of people use canisters....you just have to maintain them properly
I read somewhere that using canister filters in reef tanks wasn't a good idea. Did you like the cat video?
btldreef
Moderator
Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3294966
I read somewhere that using canister filters in reef tanks wasn't a good idea. Did you like the cat video?
They're not ideal, but it's not wrong to use them either. One of the biggest issues is that people don't care for them properly and when not cared for, they cause more harm then good.
I actually run a sump AND a FLUVAL FX5 canister filter. Granted, I've modded the h*ll out of the filter, but it's still a canister filter.
http:///forum/post/3294966
I read somewhere that using canister filters in reef tanks wasn't a good idea. Did you like the cat video?
They're not ideal, but it's not wrong to use them either. One of the biggest issues is that people don't care for them properly and when not cared for, they cause more harm then good.
I actually run a sump AND a FLUVAL FX5 canister filter. Granted, I've modded the h*ll out of the filter, but it's still a canister filter.
scottnlisa
Member
Originally Posted by BTLDreef
http:///forum/post/3294971
They're not ideal, but it's not wrong to use them either. One of the biggest issues is that people don't care for them properly and when not cared for, they cause more harm then good.
I actually run a sump AND a FLUVAL FX5 canister filter. Granted, I've modded the h*ll out of the filter, but it's still a canister filter.
I replaced micro and super microfiltration pads every 2 weeks. rinse in saltwater my 30 ppm and 20 ppm filters pads every 2 weeks. I take good care of my canister filter
http:///forum/post/3294971
They're not ideal, but it's not wrong to use them either. One of the biggest issues is that people don't care for them properly and when not cared for, they cause more harm then good.
I actually run a sump AND a FLUVAL FX5 canister filter. Granted, I've modded the h*ll out of the filter, but it's still a canister filter.
I replaced micro and super microfiltration pads every 2 weeks. rinse in saltwater my 30 ppm and 20 ppm filters pads every 2 weeks. I take good care of my canister filter
btldreef
Moderator
Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3294973
I replaced micro and super microfiltration pads every 2 weeks. rinse in saltwater my 30 ppm and 20 ppm filters pads every 2 weeks. I take good care of my canister filter
Then you should be fine. IMO, if your readings are fine and everything is going well, you're fine. IMO, if it isn't broken, don't fix it, LOL
http:///forum/post/3294973
I replaced micro and super microfiltration pads every 2 weeks. rinse in saltwater my 30 ppm and 20 ppm filters pads every 2 weeks. I take good care of my canister filter
Then you should be fine. IMO, if your readings are fine and everything is going well, you're fine. IMO, if it isn't broken, don't fix it, LOL
scottnlisa
Member
Originally Posted by BTLDreef
http:///forum/post/3294980
I have a heavy, heavy bio load in my tank and feed heavily so for me, I needed the Fluval and the sump working at the same time, and honestly, I'm glad that I added the canister filter.
I can actually say I am very particular about cleaning my canister. I am also going to add a second only by the end of the year also.
http:///forum/post/3294980
I have a heavy, heavy bio load in my tank and feed heavily so for me, I needed the Fluval and the sump working at the same time, and honestly, I'm glad that I added the canister filter.
I can actually say I am very particular about cleaning my canister. I am also going to add a second only by the end of the year also.
flower
Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3294960
I have always had canister filters, on my 55g, my 75g and now on my 90g, all were reef tanks. No sump, but I really like the idea of having a sump and a refugium. However I have had no problem with the canister filters, they offer really good flow, easy to add media and simple to set up.
http:///forum/post/3294960
I have always had canister filters, on my 55g, my 75g and now on my 90g, all were reef tanks. No sump, but I really like the idea of having a sump and a refugium. However I have had no problem with the canister filters, they offer really good flow, easy to add media and simple to set up.
btldreef
Moderator
The best set up I've found thus far (for me at least) is a refugium, sump and run the canister for better flow through media, especially carbon and extra clean water.
I've seen plenty of tanks on nothing more than a canister filter and they're beautiful.
I'm just waiting for someone to chime in as to why they dislike canister filters other than when they're not taken care of.
I've seen plenty of tanks on nothing more than a canister filter and they're beautiful.
I'm just waiting for someone to chime in as to why they dislike canister filters other than when they're not taken care of.
navigator
Member
Originally Posted by BTLDreef
http:///forum/post/3294971
They're not ideal, but it's not wrong to use them either. One of the biggest issues is that people don't care for them properly and when not cared for, they cause more harm then good.
I actually run a sump AND a FLUVAL FX5 canister filter. Granted, I've modded the h*ll out of the filter, but it's still a canister filter.
How did you mod it?
http:///forum/post/3294971
They're not ideal, but it's not wrong to use them either. One of the biggest issues is that people don't care for them properly and when not cared for, they cause more harm then good.
I actually run a sump AND a FLUVAL FX5 canister filter. Granted, I've modded the h*ll out of the filter, but it's still a canister filter.
How did you mod it?
reefkprz
Active Member
Originally Posted by BTLDreef
http:///forum/post/3295066
I'm just waiting for someone to chime in as to why they dislike canister filters other than when they're not taken care of.
the actual maintinence is more demading than with a hob. as in you may have to (depending on the unit) unplug, close water valves for intake and return line. undo latches to remove lid, remove lid, very very very carefully lift cannister to cary to sink and dump. or lift while running and place inside a rubbermaid bin to catch spillage. then do the above list. every cannister I have owned has been a nuiscance, but I have never actually bought an expensive one most of mine have been cascades.
oh and just for the record , yiou can totally keep a beautiful reef with a canister, I just personally prefer sumps.
http:///forum/post/3295066
I'm just waiting for someone to chime in as to why they dislike canister filters other than when they're not taken care of.
the actual maintinence is more demading than with a hob. as in you may have to (depending on the unit) unplug, close water valves for intake and return line. undo latches to remove lid, remove lid, very very very carefully lift cannister to cary to sink and dump. or lift while running and place inside a rubbermaid bin to catch spillage. then do the above list. every cannister I have owned has been a nuiscance, but I have never actually bought an expensive one most of mine have been cascades.
oh and just for the record , yiou can totally keep a beautiful reef with a canister, I just personally prefer sumps.
meowzer
Moderator
Originally Posted by reefkprZ
http:///forum/post/3298247
most of mine have been cascades.
LOL...I have 2 cascades...and they are freakin heavy when they are full of water.....not too hard to clean though
YES...MY sump is easier....I also like the spray bars that the cascade offer for top flow
http:///forum/post/3298247
most of mine have been cascades.
LOL...I have 2 cascades...and they are freakin heavy when they are full of water.....not too hard to clean though
YES...MY sump is easier....I also like the spray bars that the cascade offer for top flow
btldreef
Moderator
Originally Posted by Navigator
http:///forum/post/3298193
How did you mod it?
no sponges, filled with live rock (that I rinse) and the top grate is full of carbon and purigen.
http:///forum/post/3298193
How did you mod it?
no sponges, filled with live rock (that I rinse) and the top grate is full of carbon and purigen.
meowzer
Moderator
Originally Posted by BTLDreef
http:///forum/post/3298251
no sponges, filled with live rock (that I rinse) and the top grate is full of carbon and purigen.
That's like mine.....No sponges or floss.....I use chemipure elite in one, and some of those ceramic rings in another
OH....Now I have purigen in my Magnum
http:///forum/post/3298251
no sponges, filled with live rock (that I rinse) and the top grate is full of carbon and purigen.
That's like mine.....No sponges or floss.....I use chemipure elite in one, and some of those ceramic rings in another
OH....Now I have purigen in my Magnum
navigator
Member
Originally Posted by BTLDreef
http:///forum/post/3298251
no sponges, filled with live rock (that I rinse) and the top grate is full of carbon and purigen.
You have me wondering if I should yank out the foam filter blocks (Fluval 305). Otherwise, the stack is 1 tray biomax (little doughnut things to host bacteria) and 2 trays carbon. I don't really mind the repeated cleanings, but it seems that the concensus is that the sponges cause more trouble than they are worth.
Thanks for the info.
http:///forum/post/3298251
no sponges, filled with live rock (that I rinse) and the top grate is full of carbon and purigen.
You have me wondering if I should yank out the foam filter blocks (Fluval 305). Otherwise, the stack is 1 tray biomax (little doughnut things to host bacteria) and 2 trays carbon. I don't really mind the repeated cleanings, but it seems that the concensus is that the sponges cause more trouble than they are worth.
Thanks for the info.
flower
Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by Navigator
http:///forum/post/3298277
You have me wondering if I should yank out the foam filter blocks (Fluval 305). Otherwise, the stack is 1 tray biomax (little doughnut things to host bacteria) and 2 trays carbon. I don't really mind the repeated cleanings, but it seems that the concensus is that the sponges cause more trouble than they are worth.
Thanks for the info.
I like the sponges! They keep the good bacteria in them, I rinse them in discarded saltwater during water changes. The more good bacteria the better, if you do get rid of them don't do it all at once.
http:///forum/post/3298277
You have me wondering if I should yank out the foam filter blocks (Fluval 305). Otherwise, the stack is 1 tray biomax (little doughnut things to host bacteria) and 2 trays carbon. I don't really mind the repeated cleanings, but it seems that the concensus is that the sponges cause more trouble than they are worth.
Thanks for the info.
I like the sponges! They keep the good bacteria in them, I rinse them in discarded saltwater during water changes. The more good bacteria the better, if you do get rid of them don't do it all at once.
btldreef
Moderator
Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3298278
I like the sponges! They keep the good bacteria in them, I rinse them in discarded saltwater during water changes. The more good bacteria the better, if you do get rid of them don't do it all at once.
I never used them at all, so it wasn't an issue for me. But I highly agree, don't X them all at once.
I guess my LR replaced the sponge in a lot of ways and I still have to rinse the LR so that it doesn't build up with detritus, which is basically what happens on the sponges. The problem with sponges, filter floss or LR in a filter is that if it's not rinsed, you have all this stuff that can actually pollute the tank if not maintained. I honestly think that both do the same thing. I just really wanted more LR that would be cured so at any point that I decided I wanted more rock in one of my tanks, I didn't have to run to the store.
I have Fluval Carbon running in the canister and ChemiPure Elite running in a reactor in my sump. I may change the two around the next time they need to be replaced, it just happened to fall this way for now.
http:///forum/post/3298278
I like the sponges! They keep the good bacteria in them, I rinse them in discarded saltwater during water changes. The more good bacteria the better, if you do get rid of them don't do it all at once.
I never used them at all, so it wasn't an issue for me. But I highly agree, don't X them all at once.
I guess my LR replaced the sponge in a lot of ways and I still have to rinse the LR so that it doesn't build up with detritus, which is basically what happens on the sponges. The problem with sponges, filter floss or LR in a filter is that if it's not rinsed, you have all this stuff that can actually pollute the tank if not maintained. I honestly think that both do the same thing. I just really wanted more LR that would be cured so at any point that I decided I wanted more rock in one of my tanks, I didn't have to run to the store.
I have Fluval Carbon running in the canister and ChemiPure Elite running in a reactor in my sump. I may change the two around the next time they need to be replaced, it just happened to fall this way for now.