Sand and Canister Filters

Fishpuppies · 06/19/2017, 10:45 AM

I have a 29g fish-only tank with live rock and a live sand substrate. For years I've filtered it with a hang-on-back filter. I am moving the tank to a more prominent space and would prefer to get a less-visible filter, so I'm looking into the canister filters. However, I've been told more than once when sand gets into the filter it will "chew up" the components. Any suggestions on alternate substrates that won't likely get into the filter during water changes?

mcgyvr · 06/19/2017, 11:29 AM

IMO.. Just ditch the filter and run without one..
Rely on water changes alone..

The same "chew up" comment applies to any filter just as it does with canisters though..
Mostly just wives tale/BS too.. Sure sand is abrasive but why are you running sand through the filter? In a reef tank its best to not disturb the sand bed at all..

Fishpuppies · 06/20/2017, 09:42 AM

Hi Mcgyvr,
It is my display tank so I want the water to be clear with no bits of detritus or algae floating around. I don't run sand through the filter, it just gets whipped around when I do water changes or clean the detritus off the bottom.

I stopped by my LFS and came across crushed coral. I'm going to put some in my tank and see how it reacts during the next water change - if it stays on the bottom I will use it instead of sand when I move my tank.

Pelagic_e36 · 06/20/2017, 11:15 AM

I ran a fluval 206 with sand, no problems, then again my sand was rarely stirred up.

mcgyvr · 06/20/2017, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishpuppies

I stopped by my LFS and came across crushed coral. .

And I would never use crushed coral (and many here will agree)..
Its too coarse and will allow detritus to float right down through it and just collect below it.. Thus forcing you to disturb it to clean it thus causing more debris floating around and potential nitrate issues,etc...

I've never run filters, never run filter socks.. Never do I have noticeable/distracting particulates floating around in the water.. And what does is beneficial food for corals/fish,etc...

But to each his own.. Good luck.. Enjoy..

bblumberg · 06/21/2017, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishpuppies

I have a 29g fish-only tank with live rock and a live sand substrate. For years I've filtered it with a hang-on-back filter. I am moving the tank to a more prominent space and would prefer to get a less-visible filter, so I'm looking into the canister filters. However, I've been told more than once when sand gets into the filter it will "chew up" the components. Any suggestions on alternate substrates that won't likely get into the filter during water changes?

Eheim classic canister filters are excellent and durable. Replace Ehfisubstrat media with Siporax and you will be happy with water quality and not make a NO3 factory.

bblumberg · 06/21/2017, 03:49 PM

delete duplicate post

06/19/2017, 10:45 AM	#1
Fishpuppies Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 2	Sand and Canister Filters I have a 29g fish-only tank with live rock and a live sand substrate. For years I've filtered it with a hang-on-back filter. I am moving the tank to a more prominent space and would prefer to get a less-visible filter, so I'm looking into the canister filters. However, I've been told more than once when sand gets into the filter it will "chew up" the components. Any suggestions on alternate substrates that won't likely get into the filter during water changes?

06/19/2017, 11:29 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	IMO.. Just ditch the filter and run without one.. Rely on water changes alone.. The same "chew up" comment applies to any filter just as it does with canisters though.. Mostly just wives tale/BS too.. Sure sand is abrasive but why are you running sand through the filter? In a reef tank its best to not disturb the sand bed at all.. __________________ Who me?

06/20/2017, 11:15 AM	#4
Pelagic_e36 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Orange County, Ca Posts: 115	I ran a fluval 206 with sand, no problems, then again my sand was rarely stirred up. __________________ Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon mixed reef, Eshopps HOB skimmer, HOB overflow, DIY sump, Current USA Orbit Marine IC LED. Nothing good comes easy. Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon mixed reef, Eshopps Overflow, Diy Sump

06/21/2017, 03:49 PM	#7
bblumberg Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 606	delete duplicate post __________________ Bruce Current Tank Info: 150G mixed reef (6x Blue Acro 20K Pro COB LEDs, 4x 80W T5 supplement), 150g fw discus (T5 lighting), 110G fw Angelfish (DIY LED lighting), 4 x 40 g frag tanks (DIY LED).

06/20/2017, 09:42 AM	#3
Fishpuppies Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 2	Hi Mcgyvr, It is my display tank so I want the water to be clear with no bits of detritus or algae floating around. I don't run sand through the filter, it just gets whipped around when I do water changes or clean the detritus off the bottom. I stopped by my LFS and came across crushed coral. I'm going to put some in my tank and see how it reacts during the next water change - if it stays on the bottom I will use it instead of sand when I move my tank.