best canister filter

Cloudburst2000 · 06/09/2013, 05:34 AM

Hey all, I have a nano with a HOB Aquafuge and skimmer. I was thinking about adding a canister filter to simply run different medias like carbon, etc. I would ideally like a smaller external canister filter that has a good track record. My brother-in-law used a Reno XP4 to run media on his old tank. That one is too large for my purposes. So possibly a smaller version on the Rena XP line? Or is there a better canister filter available?

d2mini · 06/09/2013, 06:42 AM

As far as canister filters go, you can't go wrong with the Eheim CLASSIC series. Like the 2213. Proven, pretty much bullet proof and inexpensive.
In freshwater tanks, anyway. I have no experience with running it how you intend to.

IowaJeeping · 06/09/2013, 07:13 AM

I use a fluval 406 just like how you are saying in a larger tank with my bio media till I can get a sump system up and going and so far all my corals growing and fish seem happy

that Fish Guy · 06/09/2013, 07:23 AM

I have been told that Canister Filters are a big no no for Saltwater.

People seem to like the AquaClear hang on the back cascading filter though.

It can be customized (Carbon, GFO, etc.) so you can add whatever you want to it very easily with the different levels of media spaces in it.

IowaJeeping · 06/09/2013, 07:27 AM

I hear that too as in the say they are nitrite factory lol I have 2 buddy who use them as full blown and only filtration system with a skimmer and their tanks are thriving lol. I think as long as you keep up on the cleaning them they are not bad at all. Like the OP said tho he is looking to use it or more chemical filtration and in the case I say how can it be bad.? I could be wrong tho lol

HUNTER1 · 06/09/2013, 07:29 AM

Ive used fluval for years with no problem. I'm using fluval 306 on my 40g, no sump no skimmer with no problem. I put all my media gfo, carbon qnd Purigen, works great for me. Fluval also has adjustable flow.

degibson84 · 06/09/2013, 07:41 AM

when not just buy a TLF phosban reactor? you can add in carbon or GFO whatever you need to run in it. there are too many sponges in a canister that will end up increasing your nitrate levels. It happened to me when i was using one

Cloudburst2000 · 06/09/2013, 10:15 AM

Well, I do have experience with a canister filter since I helped my brother-in-law with his tank upkeep. The nitrate issues only really apply when people don't regularly clean the filters out. I do tank maintenance once per week with my nano. I'll just clean out the filter then. That should take care of any nitrate issues.

Cloudburst2000 · 06/09/2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

As far as canister filters go, you can't go wrong with the Eheim CLASSIC series. Like the 2213. Proven, pretty much bullet proof and inexpensive.
In freshwater tanks, anyway. I have no experience with running it how you intend to.

I'll check these out. See If they look better then the XP series. Thanks!

Michigan Mike · 06/09/2013, 10:27 AM

I don't believe the OP intends to use the sponge filters but once a week cleaning is more than adequate IME.
I have fluval canisters & Rena xp3 canisters. I prefer the fluval hoses much more, they don't kink, which is a big deal.
Add pellet carbon & pellet GFO or whatever media in it without sponges, that's what I do, not as much of a nitrate factory this way but it still collects detritus, just not near as much, I had all ki Ds of worms and stuff thriving in mine.
I would opt for the fluval 205 or 206 if your under 30 gallons.

Cloudburst2000 · 06/09/2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michigan Mike

I don't believe the OP intends to use the sponge filters but once a week cleaning is more than adequate IME.
I have fluval canisters & Rena xp3 canisters. I prefer the fluval hoses much more, they don't kink, which is a big deal.
Add pellet carbon & pellet GFO or whatever media in it without sponges, that's what I do, not as much of a nitrate factory this way but it still collects detritus, just not near as much, I had all ki Ds of worms and stuff thriving in mine.
I would opt for the fluval 205 or 206 if your under 30 gallons.

Your right. I don't plan on using sponges. It will simply be for media. I'll check out the Fluval filters also. I like that the hoses don't kink. And yes, the tank is under 30g.

j tavares · 06/09/2013, 01:11 PM

I hav used eheimm 2217 on all my reef and fowlr for twenty years ,always a pleasure and never had an issue with the so called NItrate problem, Practice husbandry w knowledge and you will be FINE!

ynot65 · 06/09/2013, 01:59 PM

I can't justify the use of cannisters at all,even with a HOB you are still constantly cycling your water through poo. I kinda look at it like straining my drinking water through used toilet paper!!!!

grigsy · 06/09/2013, 02:50 PM

I had used a Fluval at one time. Worked great. No complaints.

HUNTER1 · 06/09/2013, 03:14 PM

I'm using canister with no sump and skimmer and I dont have a problem with my tank. I read a lot of people having major issue with algae, and they have sump, skimmer and all the gadgets. If you use the canister properly, they're beneficial.

Michigan Mike · 06/09/2013, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ynot65

I can't justify the use of cannisters at all,even with a HOB you are still constantly cycling your water through poo. I kinda look at it like straining my drinking water through used toilet paper!!!!

No different than having a sump without a filter sock.
Husbandry will always override equipment.

Michigan Mike · 06/09/2013, 05:21 PM

Another thing is Rena's are horrible when it comes to priming them, they give you the tiniest funnel and expect you to pour a gallon of water in the top of your intake hose, stupidest idea ever...I fill the canister full after cleaning and carry it full of water back to the tank, hook it up and turn it on, no priming that way.

The fluval has a plunger that easily primes it full of water quickly.

j tavares · 06/09/2013, 05:26 PM

Naysayers always EXIST canisters work and work well if you KNOW HOW to utilize them, even the late Peter wilkins used canisters Eheims in applications and HE was a GREAT early pioneer, he wrote books, so DO what works for you. after all always more than one way, its in the users knowledge base and not just blanket statements, Guess what airstone skimmers work well too. all the old timers Did it and still Had GREAT aquariums, based on KNOWLEDGE and Skill not what they used, Try it!!

Michigan Mike · 06/09/2013, 06:18 PM

Also you can modify the intake tube to make it shorter, its better than having a large pump in your already small tank just to have a reactor, and if you look around they cost about the same.

SavingOurSeas · 08/18/2013, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j tavares

Naysayers always EXIST canisters work and work well if you KNOW HOW to utilize them, even the late Peter wilkins used canisters Eheims in applications and HE was a GREAT early pioneer, he wrote books, so DO what works for you. after all always more than one way, its in the users knowledge base and not just blanket statements, Guess what airstone skimmers work well too. all the old timers Did it and still Had GREAT aquariums, based on KNOWLEDGE and Skill not what they used, Try it!!

I agree. I am also going to try it.

Buzz1329 · 08/29/2013, 07:02 PM

Eheim rules. They last forever and with standard quick disconnect valves they are IMO easier to service than BRS and TLF reactors. I use mine for GFO/GAC.

Remmers · 08/30/2013, 04:23 PM

What type of media are you using in the canister filters?

I was thinking of adding one to my set up as I have extras,but I want to use stuff like carbon,Bio media Etc.

Any recommendations?

Michigan Mike · 08/30/2013, 05:09 PM

Pellet style media like GFO and activated carbon. BRS has it.

06/09/2013, 05:34 AM	#1
Cloudburst2000 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 1,485	best canister filter Hey all, I have a nano with a HOB Aquafuge and skimmer. I was thinking about adding a canister filter to simply run different medias like carbon, etc. I would ideally like a smaller external canister filter that has a good track record. My brother-in-law used a Reno XP4 to run media on his old tank. That one is too large for my purposes. So possibly a smaller version on the Rena XP line? Or is there a better canister filter available?

06/09/2013, 06:42 AM	#2
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	As far as canister filters go, you can't go wrong with the Eheim CLASSIC series. Like the 2213. Proven, pretty much bullet proof and inexpensive. In freshwater tanks, anyway. I have no experience with running it how you intend to. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

06/09/2013, 07:13 AM	#3
IowaJeeping Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Posts: 202	I use a fluval 406 just like how you are saying in a larger tank with my bio media till I can get a sump system up and going and so far all my corals growing and fish seem happy __________________ 180g softie and LPS tank at the moment, researching to make a mixed reef

06/09/2013, 07:23 AM	#4
that Fish Guy Frag Swap Crusader! Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,538	I have been told that Canister Filters are a big no no for Saltwater. People seem to like the AquaClear hang on the back cascading filter though. It can be customized (Carbon, GFO, etc.) so you can add whatever you want to it very easily with the different levels of media spaces in it. __________________ For a Complete List of all the Frag Swaps in 2018 Click the Link Below. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2655153 You do not want to miss any! Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon, 45 Gallon, 29 Gallon, 20 Gallon, 20 Gallon #2, 10 Gallon

06/09/2013, 07:27 AM	#5
IowaJeeping Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Posts: 202	I hear that too as in the say they are nitrite factory lol I have 2 buddy who use them as full blown and only filtration system with a skimmer and their tanks are thriving lol. I think as long as you keep up on the cleaning them they are not bad at all. Like the OP said tho he is looking to use it or more chemical filtration and in the case I say how can it be bad.? I could be wrong tho lol __________________ 180g softie and LPS tank at the moment, researching to make a mixed reef

06/09/2013, 07:29 AM	#6
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	Ive used fluval for years with no problem. I'm using fluval 306 on my 40g, no sump no skimmer with no problem. I put all my media gfo, carbon qnd Purigen, works great for me. Fluval also has adjustable flow.

06/09/2013, 07:41 AM	#7
degibson84 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Youngstown, OH Posts: 2,393	when not just buy a TLF phosban reactor? you can add in carbon or GFO whatever you need to run in it. there are too many sponges in a canister that will end up increasing your nitrate levels. It happened to me when i was using one

06/09/2013, 10:15 AM	#8
Cloudburst2000 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 1,485	Well, I do have experience with a canister filter since I helped my brother-in-law with his tank upkeep. The nitrate issues only really apply when people don't regularly clean the filters out. I do tank maintenance once per week with my nano. I'll just clean out the filter then. That should take care of any nitrate issues.

06/09/2013, 10:27 AM	#10
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	I don't believe the OP intends to use the sponge filters but once a week cleaning is more than adequate IME. I have fluval canisters & Rena xp3 canisters. I prefer the fluval hoses much more, they don't kink, which is a big deal. Add pellet carbon & pellet GFO or whatever media in it without sponges, that's what I do, not as much of a nitrate factory this way but it still collects detritus, just not near as much, I had all ki Ds of worms and stuff thriving in mine. I would opt for the fluval 205 or 206 if your under 30 gallons.

06/09/2013, 01:11 PM	#12
j tavares Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,157	I hav used eheimm 2217 on all my reef and fowlr for twenty years ,always a pleasure and never had an issue with the so called NItrate problem, Practice husbandry w knowledge and you will be FINE!

06/09/2013, 01:59 PM	#13
ynot65 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: okeechobee florida Posts: 385	I can't justify the use of cannisters at all,even with a HOB you are still constantly cycling your water through poo. I kinda look at it like straining my drinking water through used toilet paper!!!!

06/09/2013, 02:50 PM	#14
grigsy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 2,307	I had used a Fluval at one time. Worked great. No complaints.

06/09/2013, 03:14 PM	#15
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	I'm using canister with no sump and skimmer and I dont have a problem with my tank. I read a lot of people having major issue with algae, and they have sump, skimmer and all the gadgets. If you use the canister properly, they're beneficial.

06/09/2013, 05:21 PM	#17
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	Another thing is Rena's are horrible when it comes to priming them, they give you the tiniest funnel and expect you to pour a gallon of water in the top of your intake hose, stupidest idea ever...I fill the canister full after cleaning and carry it full of water back to the tank, hook it up and turn it on, no priming that way. The fluval has a plunger that easily primes it full of water quickly.

06/09/2013, 05:26 PM	#18
j tavares Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,157	Naysayers always EXIST canisters work and work well if you KNOW HOW to utilize them, even the late Peter wilkins used canisters Eheims in applications and HE was a GREAT early pioneer, he wrote books, so DO what works for you. after all always more than one way, its in the users knowledge base and not just blanket statements, Guess what airstone skimmers work well too. all the old timers Did it and still Had GREAT aquariums, based on KNOWLEDGE and Skill not what they used, Try it!!

06/09/2013, 06:18 PM	#19
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	Also you can modify the intake tube to make it shorter, its better than having a large pump in your already small tank just to have a reactor, and if you look around they cost about the same.

08/29/2013, 07:02 PM	#21
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	Eheim rules. They last forever and with standard quick disconnect valves they are IMO easier to service than BRS and TLF reactors. I use mine for GFO/GAC. __________________ Current tank info: 180 mixed reef

08/30/2013, 04:23 PM	#22
Remmers Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 332	What type of media are you using in the canister filters? I was thinking of adding one to my set up as I have extras,but I want to use stuff like carbon,Bio media Etc. Any recommendations?

08/30/2013, 05:09 PM	#23
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	Pellet style media like GFO and activated carbon. BRS has it.