hang on refugium

[jeremyj0247]

I just built a hang on refugium for my 38 gal. I am slowly adding live rock. It is expensive so I have to add it slowly when I get extra money. the refugium will hold about 5 gallons. My question was will this refugium, more live rock and my css65 skimmer be all the filtration I need. I have a rena canister filter now. I have read a lot how these are nitrate producers. Should I keep the canister along with the other stuff, or ditch it. I also heard people take the foam out and just run carbon through them. Also rena make so ceramic rings for bio. Should I put those in the canister for added bio, or do those produce nitrate too. Thanks for everyones help.

[chemisfun11]

I'd suggest as much biological filtration as possible. Nitrate will build up over time, but remember you can decrease the nitrate levels with water changes. I don't like canister filters personally, but different strokes for different folks. As you shift toward more LR, you could probably substitute a cheap DIY sump.

[Reefmedic79]

Looks like you'd be all set. Go ahead and add the rings for th eextra surface area, but one you have all the LR you need they can be removed. I would suggest keeping the foam and the carbon though. Buy an extra foam block and rotate them out with every carbon replacement which should be every 2 months. The foam block will help catch particulate matter.