Canisters vs power fiters

benray4fun · 02/11/2007, 12:37 AM

I recently had a magnum 350 go out on me, also, I've had some leaks because of it on a couple of occasions. Now I'm looking at a possible power filter because they're easily accessible for maintenance and the filtering capacity is available.
The filtering capacity and the almost impossible chance of leakage has me thinking of switching over. I'd just like to hear if anyone has already been down this road and if the switch was worth it....

Thanks for any and all inputs...

benray4fun · 02/11/2007, 10:27 AM

anyone?...

helloreef · 02/11/2007, 10:56 AM

Power filters dont really have any place in this hobby, IMO. You would be much better off just get a nice skimmer and skip on the filter.

helloreef

benray4fun · 02/11/2007, 11:01 AM

Hmm, already have a 150 wet/dry with a built in skimmer which is fairly decent, this is in addition to the filters...polishing and such.

Navyblue · 02/11/2007, 11:20 AM

I wouldn't put a canister nor a power filter in my tank unless I have serious amount of particulate floating around. The exception is if you want to run some filter media like carbon or polyfilter.

However if I have to choose, I'd use a HOB if your tank allows it, my tank doesn't because of the hood design. I think canister filters are a pain to clean, so the next choice would be power filter.

Btw I do have a tiny power filter in my tank acting as a pseudo surface skimmer.

virginiadiver69 · 02/11/2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by helloreef
Power filters dont really have any place in this hobby, IMO.

I disagree with that one!

The question of weather a canister of power filter is more efficient for carbon or filter media can be debated. I will leave that to the more experienced. I have not used a canister yet(I will be soon) but one or the other is a good piece of equipment to have.

Rays · 02/11/2007, 11:23 AM

I've used an Aquaclear 500(now called a 110) for years mostly for circulation, but it was also good for throwing in a bag of charcoal or phosphate remover or whatever, like it very much.
but one or the other is a good piece of equipment to have.
Agreed, except cannisters are a real pita to clean.

ljsreptiles · 02/11/2007, 11:28 AM

I also have used the aquaclear just throw carbon and polys in. I don;t like using canisters on an saltwater tank.

kaihonu82 · 02/11/2007, 11:44 AM

i have an aquaclear as well...works for me

benray4fun · 02/11/2007, 03:12 PM

keep coming with the opinions please...

RedEyeElf · 02/11/2007, 03:28 PM

i have a x2 renaair canister, love it on my small tank, works great to keep water crystal clear, even after I stir everything up, clears much faster than my other tank without.
Just like everything else in the hobby, neglect will cause problems

02/11/2007, 12:37 AM	#1
benray4fun Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hartford, CONNECTICUT Posts: 1,147	Canisters vs power fiters I recently had a magnum 350 go out on me, also, I've had some leaks because of it on a couple of occasions. Now I'm looking at a possible power filter because they're easily accessible for maintenance and the filtering capacity is available. The filtering capacity and the almost impossible chance of leakage has me thinking of switching over. I'd just like to hear if anyone has already been down this road and if the switch was worth it.... Thanks for any and all inputs... Last edited by benray4fun; 02/11/2007 at 12:53 AM.

02/11/2007, 11:23 AM	#7
Rays Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Mansfield, Ma Posts: 948	I've used an Aquaclear 500(now called a 110) for years mostly for circulation, but it was also good for throwing in a bag of charcoal or phosphate remover or whatever, like it very much. but one or the other is a good piece of equipment to have. Agreed, except cannisters are a real pita to clean. __________________ What! I need this too? Current Tank Info: 90 seahorse, 60 hex seahorse, 55 reef

02/11/2007, 11:28 AM	#8
ljsreptiles Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: CT Posts: 63	I also have used the aquaclear just throw carbon and polys in. I don;t like using canisters on an saltwater tank. __________________ Thank You, Leslie Steinmetz

02/11/2007, 11:44 AM	#9
kaihonu82 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: bay area, ca Posts: 454	i have an aquaclear as well...works for me __________________ lindsay

02/11/2007, 10:27 AM	#2
benray4fun Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hartford, CONNECTICUT Posts: 1,147	anyone?...

02/11/2007, 10:56 AM	#3
helloreef Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ft. Worth Tx. Posts: 51	Power filters dont really have any place in this hobby, IMO. You would be much better off just get a nice skimmer and skip on the filter. helloreef

02/11/2007, 11:01 AM	#4
benray4fun Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hartford, CONNECTICUT Posts: 1,147	Hmm, already have a 150 wet/dry with a built in skimmer which is fairly decent, this is in addition to the filters...polishing and such.

02/11/2007, 11:20 AM	#5
Navyblue Low maintenance first Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,790	I wouldn't put a canister nor a power filter in my tank unless I have serious amount of particulate floating around. The exception is if you want to run some filter media like carbon or polyfilter. However if I have to choose, I'd use a HOB if your tank allows it, my tank doesn't because of the hood design. I think canister filters are a pain to clean, so the next choice would be power filter. Btw I do have a tiny power filter in my tank acting as a pseudo surface skimmer.

02/11/2007, 03:12 PM	#10
benray4fun Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hartford, CONNECTICUT Posts: 1,147	keep coming with the opinions please...

02/11/2007, 03:28 PM	#11
RedEyeElf Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 462	i have a x2 renaair canister, love it on my small tank, works great to keep water crystal clear, even after I stir everything up, clears much faster than my other tank without. Just like everything else in the hobby, neglect will cause problems