To use a canister filter or not

[SFWBreefguy]

Hey whats up gang? I've got a question for all the nano tank users. I have a pretty well settled 10g nano reef tank. Coming along quite nicely but I think the oceanic protein skimmer that fits on a biocube 14g & 29g is just not doing the trick. Therefore I searched around a bit for a new protein skimmer for smaller applications but didn't really find anything that fit me. I was wondering about a canister filter since I see some fish stores use them. What do you guys think? Thanks

SFWBreefguy

 

[nycdominicanreef]

what are you trying to with the canister filter?

 

[SFWBreefguy]

Canister filter

I was wondering if I can run a canister filter and still have LR, inverts, and fish? My buddy is warning me to use it but I think because it is such a small tank it would best suit my needs? What do you think?

what are you trying to with the canister filter?

 

[nycdominicanreef]

ppl are scared of canister filters bcuz they can be nitrate traps if you dont keep an eye on them, but i would use it to run carbon and phosban media, nothing wrong in that

 

[SFWBreefguy]

Oh ok, so just as long as I clean the filter it should be fine, right? What about corals and inverts? It won't bother them that I use phosban and carbon right?
Thanks for the help.

ppl are scared of canister filters bcuz they can be nitrate traps if you dont keep an eye on them, but i would use it to run carbon and phosban media, nothing wrong in that

 

[nycdominicanreef]

no it wont bother, they will be happy that their water is in tip top shape

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

It should be fine you just have to clean it every week or 2.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Quick tip..DO NOT CHANGE EVERYTHING ALL AT ONCE IN THE CANISTER FILTER.. alternate your cleaning schedule. One week change one media, following week change the other. That way you give it a chance to repopulate. By changing both at the same time you loose your good benificial bacteria that has developed on the media. Good Luck & Happy Reefing!!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Yeah I only ran carbon so I changed my carbon every time I cleaned the filter. The bacteria in/on your live rock should be enough to avoid a tank recycle.

 

[NL146]

Yeah I only ran carbon so I changed my carbon every time I cleaned the filter. The bacteria in/on your live rock should be enough to avoid a tank recycle.

How often did you change carbon?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Every 2 - 3 weeks.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Yeah, well congrats chief. Anyway I believe most canister filters have more than one media basket so if you do decide to go with 2 medias like NYC said. I would alternate.
All depends on you. What works for me might not work for everyone else. So Good Luck & Happy Reefing. Hey Chief.. what media were you using that you replenished like that? Sounds cheap. LOL!!