External Canister for 2ft marine tank

**tflow** · 20th Feb 2009, 23:49

Hi guys, would like to check whether external canister filter is recommended for marine tank? heard that it is not so good but dunno the reason.

If okay, what is the filter media recommended also?

Thanks thanks.

**fighting fish** · 21st Feb 2009, 13:56

Not that its no gd...but the "current" main form of filtration for marine tank are biological filtration (live rocks) and protein skimmer. using a cannister filter (mechanical filtration) will only collect detritus in the long run and foul up your tank. BB can also propogate in your cannister and aid in breakdown but we already have the live rocks for that.

You could install a cannister filter for extra flow or water capacity but IMO the pros doesnt outweigh the cons.

**tflow** · 21st Feb 2009, 21:07

Thanks for the information.

In this case, a hangon filter does not do any good also right? Would a skimmer + live rocks be sufficient for a 2ft marine tank?

**fighting fish** · 22nd Feb 2009, 00:39

Theorotically if you have sufficient amt of live rocks + skimming it shuld be more than enuff.

however there are alot of other methods for nutrients export when setting up a marine tank e.g. refugium(HOB, insump), DSB(preferably insump), algae screen method (also insump), water change, denitrator(insump) etc etc....

As you can see most of the methods includes a sump tank. therefore it would be advisable to get a sump tank where u can store all ur bulk and unsightly equipments

**tflow** · 23rd Feb 2009, 00:17

Thanks...think i understand better now.....my hangon filter is collecting debris as u mentioned

But no choice...cant really get a sump...coz is an office setup haa...guess will still with hangon filter then....will do some cleaning along the way...

**Fuzzy** · 28th Feb 2009, 03:31

You would probably be better off replacing the HOF with a skimmer instead.

You might want to consider the AquaC Remora or the Tunze Nano 9002, both have glowing reviews, I went with the Tunze myself.

**tflow** · 28th Feb 2009, 07:44

I actually got a redsea skimz (with surface skimming attachment). Working fine but too noisy i feel.

Probably will just decomm the HOF once it get too "dirty" and monitor from there.

**anfieldmad** · 3rd Apr 2009, 18:28

Is it advisable to just put some LR in a canister?

**BFG** · 3rd Apr 2009, 21:39

Originally Posted by anfieldmad

Is it advisable to just put some LR in a canister?

Nope. Live rock is not an end all filtration system. It will leech out what is has absorbed from the water column at some point, kind of like a cycle. A skimmer is a better option follow by constant water change.

**Fuzzy** · 4th Apr 2009, 04:31

Originally Posted by anfieldmad

Is it advisable to just put some LR in a canister?

putting LR or Biohome in a canister is better than using those ceramic bio rings, or bio balls.

But canisters are not recommended for marine tanks.

**Leonisation** · 4th Apr 2009, 15:41

Canisters can be used so long as they are maintained periodically. Bio homme is a good choice for media selection. mho

**tflow** · 5th Apr 2009, 08:18

That is what LFS recommend too in a way...saying just need to constantly change the sponge portion...

Question is just how much can we "trust" them

**mordrake** · 6th Apr 2009, 17:05

if you must, use a canister as a biofilter.
install a prefilter at the inlet to prevent dirt, gunk etc from going into the canister.
then you can fill the canister with biomedia like biohome and use it for extra biofiltration in addition to skimmer and LR/LS. maintenance on the canister can then be spaced out over a longer period than one that is used for mechanical and biofiltration.

for my previous 24G tank, i used a hydor prime30 for extra biofiltration. and since the canister container is abit translucent, i also added some chaeto into it then placed the canister in a toyogo container with a light source.... canister fuge