Tank Setup

[MMAX]

From what I've read in this forum posted by the experts, cannister filters are nitrate factories. I used to run mine straight from the factory full of the foam and media that it came with along with a small skimmer. Since then I've removed the skimmer and gutted my cannister filling it full of live rock with the bottom tray containing carbon. This set-up by the way is on a 20gal. If you're talking about a 125-150gal tank, I'm not sure if it's worth running a cannister fliter on it. Go with a sump, skimmer and live rock.

[High tide]

Originally Posted by MMAX

From what I've read in this forum posted by the experts, cannister filters are nitrate factories. I used to run mine straight from the factory full of the foam and media that it came with along with a small skimmer. Since then I've removed the skimmer and gutted my cannister filling it full of live rock with the bottom tray containing carbon. This set-up by the way is on a 20gal. If you're talking about a 125-150gal tank, I'm not sure if it's worth running a cannister fliter on it. Go with a sump, skimmer and live rock.

They can be nitrate factories if used incorrectly. You are producing nitrates by using it as a biological filter. I only suggest running carbon, phosphate remover, micron cartridge, etc....chemical/mechanical filtration. As far as size goes, there are many different sizes of canister filter and can be employed on larger systems, size may hinder or expedite removal depending on what filtering media you are using.

[MCC]

If you are going sumpless... here are some choices for you:

1. Don't use any canister filters..... they do produce a lot nitrates and waste if you don't change / rinse your pads regularly....

2. You are restricted to only HOB or in-tank skimmers. For a size of tank like yours.. it can be quite expensive to get a HOB or in-tank skimmer to support 125-150 gallons of water. You are either looking at Tunzes or CPR backpack skimmers... or Deltecs....

3. Look into a AC 110 mod or a Large HOB refugium .... add some cheato and you got a nitrate removing factory......

4. Yes lots and lots of LR and a good depth of sand bed....

5. Last, but most important.... good regular water changes.... once your tank establish a size like yours....one 25% water change every 4 weeks is good enough... if you equipment is up to par !

[neoh]

sorry to bring up such an old thread.

What if you were to add cheato and some LR into the canister filter? Would this work?

[mike31154]

Don't think the chaeto would get sufficient light nor have room to grow in most canister filters. It would also likely clog it up real fast. Using LR in a canister is not all that uncommon though.