Canister Filter AND Sump?

[kentamason]

I've heard two schools of thought on this.....

I'm runnung a 100 gal. tank with plenty of live rock, and a sump with more live rock, a refugium, and of course a skimmer. I've read a couple authors who recommend using a canister filter in conjunction with a the biological filtration of a sump, with the line of reasonong that if you can give the water the extra filtration insurance, why not?

I have an unused canister filter......what do you think? Should i hook it up? What have I got to lose?

[lordofthereef]

Early on I played with the idea of using a canister, but then decided against it, opting for some media reactors and a filter sock. So long as the canister filter is cleaned often I do not think it is much of an issue, but I also think it won't benefit you much unless it is your only means of running media. Even then some people would say go media-less rather than use a canister.

[wooden_reefer]

Originally Posted by kentamason

I've heard two schools of thought on this.....

I'm runnung a 100 gal. tank with plenty of live rock, and a sump with more live rock, a refugium, and of course a skimmer. I've read a couple authors who recommend using a canister filter in conjunction with a the biological filtration of a sump, with the line of reasonong that if you can give the water the extra filtration insurance, why not?

I have an unused canister filter......what do you think? Should i hook it up? What have I got to lose?

First, a canister filter is a totally submerged filter, as opposed to wet-dry. It does not have the high oxygenation of the wet-dry so is less effiicent in nitrification as a wet-dry. Long ago, pre-live rock days, having high nitrification per unit volume of filter medium was considered good. Now we know this concept was too one-dimensional.

Canister filter does not do much harm if its filter chamber is NOT where most microbial activities take place. Canister filter may be good if it is primarily a pump, say for the open loop.

I have two and I will never sell them cheap. They are also good in QT use. Cycle the medium in it or put cycled medium in it.

[Frogmanx82]

I have a canister and no sump on my 90 gallon. I have the canister set up with a 5 inch sand bed on the bottom, live rock in the middle layer and carbon with a sponge on the top layer. I cut out the middle layer so there is no flow through the sand.

[wab]

Hi,imo due your self a favor and loose the canister for a sump/ refug. Trade or sell the filter at your lfs and sit back and watch it work. Good Luck

[Frogmanx82]

For me it is physically impossible to get a 10 gallon tank in the cabinet without cutting the supports.

[sdime0]

I run a canister filter only on my reef tank. It has been working for me for almost 2 yrs now. The key is cleaning it every couple of weeks or so.

[PRDubois]

I run a canister on my 72 that does not have a sump. If I did have a sump I would probally not use it unless I needed to polish the water. I also took out the media and just use LR rubble & Carbon

[Frogmanx82]

I took a look at your tank PRD and it looks nice. Has anyone mentioned you might want more light?

I subscribed to your thread. I'd like to see how things progress in your tank since you are breaking some rules according to the RC rules committee. I'd like to break a few rules too so I'm hoping for your continued success with the monti and lps. I never have success with tangs, hope they stay healthy for you.