Canister filter

[dankoo]

Hi everybody....I understand the many of you guys here uses sump for filtration....how abt canister filter? I know people here will recommend sump but as an alternative?

For those that uses it, what are the filtration materials that are stacked in it?

Appreciate advise.

[lightningstrike]

i m using a ehiem 2026 external filter, the filter media i use r:

1st layer: normal white sponge (alternatively, u can use poly filter)

2 layer: coral chips wif chemi-pure media

3rd layer: coarse blue sponge

4th layer: bio hom

[Garlic]

I am using Atman 3337, only 2 baskets.

Bottom basket : Bio-foam, ceramic rings, zeolite and chemi-pure.

Top basket : Big Crushed Coral Chips.

[edwincis]

For canister using reefers, maybe you want to check your nitrate. Cause the usual problem is the high nitrate level.

[dankoo]

For canister using reefers, maybe you want to check your nitrate. Cause the usual problem is the high nitrate level.

edwincis,

care to elaborate what is the cause? The filter materials?

[edwincis]

Normally when nitrite break down it changes to nitrate and will release some sort of gas i think is nitrogen gas and in a canister there isn't any place to release the gas out not like sump filter that is why some people also call canister filter as nitrate factory.

[dankoo]

Normally when nitrite break down it changes to nitrate and will release some sort of gas i think is nitrogen gas and in a canister there isn't any place to release the gas out not like sump filter that is why some people also call canister filter as nitrate factory.

So that means that you need to clean up pretty often?

[edwincis]

Actually I am not so sure about that cause while you clean up the media, some of the helpful bacteria will die off and your biological system will be affected. Maybe any expert can clear your doubts. But I think the best is not to use any canister for marine fish lovers.

[terryansimon]

its called a nitrate factory because it breaks down ammonia to nitrite and nitrtie to nitrate. after that, it stops working. the environment inside the canister filter isn't condusive enough for anaerobic bacteria to work in.

N2 gas being trapped inside a canister =/= nitrate factory. in fact, N2 gas is harmless. the only people who should be weary of them are divers and maybe plant life.

[edwincis]

On then why people are so concern about high nitrate??? If it is harmless can we just leave it alone????

[terryansimon]

nitrate =/= N2. nitrate is NO3.

people are concerned with NO3 and not N2.

if people were concerned with N2, they'd probably be trying to get it out of the water if it gets stucked in the deep sea bed.

by the way, I doubt N2 can be trapped inside the canister filter. gases have the ability to dissolve back into water and escape at a place with an expose surface area across a concentration gradient.

[edwincis]

Ic then is it ok to use canister????

[terryansimon]

why not? you'll just have to fight the nitrate problem thats all.

some people do not have the space luxury of having a sump, so they go for a canister. good reef husbandry like checking parameters to make sure they don't sky rocket are a must. and good nitrate removing media/water changes are necessary then. (=

[dankoo]

Got no choice at the moment due to lack of space. I am having only a 2ft tank and currently using those top filter. Think the canister is better than my current filter right? Have been using the top filter for couple of mths....

[blacknails]

No don't use the top filter... I'm having a 2ft tank as well and using a canister... It's been running pretty well so far (2 yrs plus plus) with lots of corals but I don't have many LS... The problem with top filters (IMO) is that they take up precious space on top of the tank where you should be placing lights... This is really important if you wanna keep corals healthy... (I think top filters cause other problems for Marine Aquariums as well like salt spraying etc but I'm not too sure) Canisters are probably the best option if you can't house a sump...

[terryansimon]

ah yes the salt spray created by hang ons.

but you can counter it by filling the water to brim full levels?

[dankoo]

I used a piece of small cloth to cover the opening...of course the cloth will be full of salt after a while....A friend gave me a eheim 2226 canister and think I will use that....still pondering over the nitrate problem though....

[blacknails]

Hey honestly if you don't overstock your tank I think that the nitrate problem ain't as bad as you might picture it to be.. Just do regular water changes and clean out your filter once in awhile and I think your tank will be beautiful!!

[dankoo]

No don't use the top filter... I'm having a 2ft tank as well and using a canister... It's been running pretty well so far (2 yrs plus plus) with lots of corals but I don't have many LS... The problem with top filters (IMO) is that they take up precious space on top of the tank where you should be placing lights... This is really important if you wanna keep corals healthy... (I think top filters cause other problems for Marine Aquariums as well like salt spraying etc but I'm not too sure) Canisters are probably the best option if you can't house a sump...

I have just hooked up my filter last night...realised that the water out from the filter is warm!! Any same experience?the heat from the filter....

[sjsheng]

OHF that is no current dont u think so... just suck the water in n pour down...

if u remove ur OHF u can throw away lieo.. cause it wont work.. it rust lieo...

mine is an example... so i changed to a canister filter... cause mine only 2ft...