Canister filters

d.culloch · 04/04/2008, 02:28 AM

I use an internal fluval plus 3 filter it came with my 30 gallon long tank. I would like to filter externally but do not have much room under the tank, 14 inches width, 7 inches depth but plenty of height.

At the moment my set up is fowlr but my wife has asked if she can put a feather worm in later this year.

I have come to the conclusion because I am not very good at DIY and sumps sound like they have to be quite big before they benefit the tank, that I should maybe go down the road of buying a canister type filter, I have read that these filters are only really suitable for fish only set ups but have also read that you could use a canister filter with corals, which is true.

Fish_wiz2 · 04/04/2008, 05:27 AM

Well they are OK but don't use the biological media but liverock rubble instead. But with that space (14in x 7in) if you can pay to get a custom sump (your space is enough i know people who do only 2.5 gal sumps

).

d.culloch · 04/04/2008, 05:53 AM

Thanks for you help. I have been on the sump vol calculator and it reckons for my size of tank I would need a 3 1/2 gallon sump.
I think I will have a word with the LFS.

enerfin · 04/04/2008, 07:04 AM

a thick sand bed (4 - 5")and a lot of live rock is all the biological filtration you need. that along with a floval or a hang on the back filter with bio wheels should be fine for both fish and coral. oh, and don't forget the skimmer. i would go that route until you go bigger and WHEN you go bigger, make sure there is enough room underneath for the sump. and any wife who suggest that you buy coral is one awesome girl!!
good luck

d.culloch · 04/05/2008, 07:41 AM

Thanks everyone for the advice. I guess I am going to have a lot to think about before spending any money.

Thanks guys.

04/04/2008, 02:28 AM	#1
d.culloch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scotland Posts: 14	Canister filters I use an internal fluval plus 3 filter it came with my 30 gallon long tank. I would like to filter externally but do not have much room under the tank, 14 inches width, 7 inches depth but plenty of height. At the moment my set up is fowlr but my wife has asked if she can put a feather worm in later this year. I have come to the conclusion because I am not very good at DIY and sumps sound like they have to be quite big before they benefit the tank, that I should maybe go down the road of buying a canister type filter, I have read that these filters are only really suitable for fish only set ups but have also read that you could use a canister filter with corals, which is true. __________________ Derek Culloch Current Tank Info: 30 gallons fowlr. Prizm skimmer, fluval 305 canister filter, 3 yellow tailed damsels, 1 black neon damsel. 3 blue legged hermits, 2 star shell snails, 2 money cowries. 1 black feather worm (came in with live rock)

04/04/2008, 05:27 AM	#2
Fish_wiz2 Mangroves are kool. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,246	Well they are OK but don't use the biological media but liverock rubble instead. But with that space (14in x 7in) if you can pay to get a custom sump (your space is enough i know people who do only 2.5 gal sumps ). __________________ -The Wiz Current Tank Info: Elos Mini Seahorse Tank, 2500 gallon Koi pond

04/04/2008, 05:53 AM	#3
d.culloch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scotland Posts: 14	Thanks for you help. I have been on the sump vol calculator and it reckons for my size of tank I would need a 3 1/2 gallon sump. I think I will have a word with the LFS. __________________ Derek Culloch Current Tank Info: 30 gallons fowlr. Prizm skimmer, fluval 305 canister filter, 3 yellow tailed damsels, 1 black neon damsel. 3 blue legged hermits, 2 star shell snails, 2 money cowries. 1 black feather worm (came in with live rock)

04/04/2008, 07:04 AM	#4
enerfin Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: san antonio tx. Posts: 129	a thick sand bed (4 - 5")and a lot of live rock is all the biological filtration you need. that along with a floval or a hang on the back filter with bio wheels should be fine for both fish and coral. oh, and don't forget the skimmer. i would go that route until you go bigger and WHEN you go bigger, make sure there is enough room underneath for the sump. and any wife who suggest that you buy coral is one awesome girl!! good luck __________________ every passing day is a chance to turn it all around

04/05/2008, 07:41 AM	#5
d.culloch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scotland Posts: 14	canister filters Thanks everyone for the advice. I guess I am going to have a lot to think about before spending any money. Thanks guys. __________________ Derek Culloch Current Tank Info: 30 gallons fowlr. Prizm skimmer, fluval 305 canister filter, 3 yellow tailed damsels, 1 black neon damsel. 3 blue legged hermits, 2 star shell snails, 2 money cowries. 1 black feather worm (came in with live rock)