Switching out the canister

jtbadco · #1 12-20-2011, 02:37 AM

I am looking to increase the flow in my 33 gal reef. I am thinking of swapping out the Fluval 405 canister for a Koralia 425 Gph. The Koralia has more flow but the canister is full of Bio-max.
Will this reduce the bio-filtration?

Nano · #2 12-20-2011, 02:43 AM

I would think so, but canisters are nitrate factories, at least with salt water. I am currently about to embark on my first sump build, and join the sump club. Seems like the best method, plus you have a place to put frags/hitch hiker crabs for eating algae. IMO that is.

jtbadco · #3 12-20-2011, 02:49 AM

Dont have the option of a sump.

Tank is almost a year old, never had an issue with any Nitrates

Canisters only become a problem if you use sponges or filter floss

Nano · #4 12-20-2011, 02:53 AM

weird I had heard it was the bio balls

jtbadco · #5 12-20-2011, 02:57 AM

well, it is whatever catches and holds onto detritus and organic matter.

Without floss or sponges there is no place for it to build up

Nano · #6 12-20-2011, 03:07 AM

So if your removing your canister, are you planning on going filterless? Like just using the LR in you tank as a filter? I have seen a few filterless nanos but they required weekly water changes, unless you have a skimmer, then it might be different

jtbadco · #7 12-20-2011, 03:11 AM

i still have two Aquaclear 70 HOB filters filled with LR and a Tunze 9002 skimmer

In a SW tank the filter is really 'flow over LR' anyways.

I think I'll just add 10 lbs of LR to the tank to make up for the loss of the bio-max and switch to the Koralia

Beverly · #8 12-20-2011, 03:14 AM

Canisters or HOB filters with floss or foam are only nitrate factories if they are seldom or poorly cleaned. I clean the foam in my HOB filter a couple of times a week and I don't have algae problems of any kind. I also run a bare bottom tank and siphon out the crud during weekly water changes. It's my firm belief that tanks in general are nitrate and phosphate factories and the only way to keep them clean is by doing frequent and thorough maintenance on them. Crud build up in any part of a reef system ALWAYS equals algae and/or excess nutrients.

Nano · #9 12-20-2011, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtbadco

i still have two Aquaclear 70 HOB filters filled with LR and a Tunze 9002 skimmer

In a SW tank the filter is really 'flow over LR' anyways.

I think I'll just add 10 lbs of LR to the tank to make up for the loss of the bio-max and switch to the Koralia

I think you'd be fine. cause the tunze does what? 50 gallons i think.. and to ac70s filled with LR probably about 5lbs or more in each. I run an ac70 on my 15 right now and thats all I'm running, and my water is clear and clean. but I'm upgrading tanks soon lol then I'm going sump. I think your ok with what you have. I dont know if throwing in a back of gfo or carbon would help any?

Nano · #10 12-20-2011, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beverly

Canisters or HOB filters with floss or foam are only nitrate factories if they are seldom or poorly cleaned. I clean the foam in my HOB filter a couple of times a week and I don't have algae problems of any kind. I also run a bare bottom tank and siphon out the crud during weekly water changes. It's my firm belief that tanks in general are nitrate and phosphate factories and the only way to keep them clean is by doing frequent and thorough maintenance on them. Crud build up in any part of a reef system ALWAYS equals algae and/or excess nutrients.

nicely said! when I top of my cichlids weekly, I take the foam out of my filters and rinse the crap out until the water is clear, this can take a few minutes sometimes.