canister filter ?

[adamt]

Hey guys I was wondering if anyone uses a canister filter on their reef tank. I know this is not the preferred method for reef applications, but my tank is already up an running, and Im going to be setting up another system that will be reef ready so Im not going to invest in a sump for my current tank. I have a rena xp3 thats currently collecting dust and I thought maybe I could hook it up and run some phos guard and carbon in it, in addition to the skimmer. I know to avoid the ceramic cylinders and bio balls, and I think Id have to clean it pretty regularly to avoid nitrate build up, but is it worth doing to get some additional chemical filtration?

 

[ed51802]

i use an old style fluval and filled it with some pads and a lot of rock rubble. i clean the pads every 2 or 3 weeks its works good for me. 0 nitrates.

 

[ryangrieder]

Canister filter for a reef is a horrible idea... Would be so much better just building a sump, don't buy one. Make one by your self. It's easy. Trust me, your going to have issues in the future with a canister...

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

It can be done. You will have to clean it every week or two. This means changing the media. Cleaning any pads and cleaning the inside of the canister. Is it cheaper than a sump? No.

 

[blueink]

Canister filter for a reef is a horrible idea... Would be so much better just building a sump, don't buy one. Make one by your self. It's easy. Trust me, your going to have issues in the future with a canister...

agree

 

[IamRobG]

I ran a Fluval FX5 for 6 months on my reef tank with 0 issues and 0 nitrates. I cleaned it once a week, put carbon and ammonia remover on the 1st and 2nd canister and live rock in the 3rd canister. Never had any issues with nitrate spikes or anything. I'm running a sump now because my FX5 was sucking my smaller fish and trapping them to the skimmer inside the tank. Fish dont like that. if i had all large fish i wouldn't have had a problem.

 

[cthoughts1]

I've been running my reef tank for 3 years or more now on cannisters. They work just fine, no issues.

 

[Bertdog]

canister filter

i use two Eheim Pro Wet / Dry Canister Filter 2229 on a 100 gal tank. i use the media that came with it and the top tray i use a poly filter pad.they get change every 3 to 4 months.