Eheim canister filter (additionally) for my reef tank

[newreefer_59]

I have a 160 g. capacity Eheim canister filter at my disposal that I can use on my 148 g reef tank along with the protein skimmer. Question: is this ok to do and if so, should it only be used with a carbon media? And if so, set up in the in/out lines within the sump, or the tank itself.......advise much appreciated!

[Aquattro]

These typically produce NO3, something not desired in a reef. Most people do not run them. Skimmer, yes.

[mike31154]

I use a Rena XP3 canister fitted with the XP2 top (less flow) and run carbon and GFO in it. Other than that the baskets are empty. It provides a little additional flow, but the carbon/GFO bags need to be checked periodically to keep them from accumulating mulm (NO3 hazard as per 'Aquattro' if you let it go too long). I currently don't have a sump so I count on the canister to provide a little extra volume to my system and with the nozzle fitted it breaks up the surface tension in my tank. The remaining flow is delivered by a VorTech and boy does it deliver...