Aio or Cannister filter for first tank ?

[Vsrt17]

Hello, looking for some advice on what setup to use.

Long story short I ended up with two tanks/ possible setup options.

#1
-45ish gallon 20” wide, 18” deep, and 30” tall glass tank
- fluval 307 Cannister filter

#2
-red sea max 130D, 34gal aio 20Lx24W
- needs one pump replacement or upgrade to single pump
- stock skimmer works
- stock lights work


I am restricted by room so I can't get a long tank. My biggest concern is that using the 34 gal I would be limited to the amount of fish I can get. I know sump is the way to go but not really something I want to do at the moment, I don't mind the Cannister filter maintenance.

I would really like to go with the 45 gallon unless the aio is significantly better. I could potentially add a hang on skimmer down the road.


Any help appreciated!

 

[MohrReefs]

I did a canister on my 44gal, change the media every 6 months, working great .

 

[Vsrt17]

I did a canister on my 44gal, change the media every 6 months, working great .

That's great, any other equipment besides the Cannister ? Any recommendations on what to stock the Cannister with?

Thanks!

 

[MohrReefs]

That's great, any other equipment besides the Cannister ? Any recommendations on what to stock the Cannister with?

Thanks!

I have a very simple setup. Canister filter eheim, 2 power heads and a LED.

I just used what came with mine, I believe some white padding, blue padding, Carbon pad and some bone like pebble substrate.

 

[Cwentz758]

I used a canister for awhile when I was in it. I suggest carbon, bio balls and some other mechanical media and then just the floss if it’s a 4 chamber. Carbon on top since you’ll change that the most.

I did little Maintnance on it (mostly because it wasn’t at my house) I wouldn’t say I had thriving corals but I had a lot of coralline and happy fish. Eventually I went with a Somatic sump since is small and came with a skimmer.

The AIO is nice because it’s very clean and you don’t see all the equipment hanging on the back and you have the black back drop already. I have a NUVO AIO and love it.

 

[jrill]

I like the AIO because you can hide equipment in the back chambers.

 

[Rjukan]

Another benefit of the AIO is evap doesn't show in the display.

 

[Peace River]

I currently have an AIO and a tank with a canister (as well as multiple systems with sumps) and if I have to pick between an AIO and a canister, I would definitely choose the AIO. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Vsrt17]

Seeing as I am only adding vertical volume with the 45 gallon vs 34, does the amount of max recommended fish change?

 

[RobertTheNurse]

Hello, looking for some advice on what setup to use.

Long story short I ended up with two tanks/ possible setup options.

#1
-45ish gallon 20” wide, 18” deep, and 30” tall glass tank
- fluval 307 Cannister filter

#2
-red sea max 130D, 34gal aio 20Lx24W
- needs one pump replacement or upgrade to single pump
- stock skimmer works
- stock lights work


I am restricted by room so I can't get a long tank. My biggest concern is that using the 34 gal I would be limited to the amount of fish I can get. I know sump is the way to go but not really something I want to do at the moment, I don't mind the Cannister filter maintenance.

I would really like to go with the 45 gallon unless the aio is significantly better. I could potentially add a hang on skimmer down the road.


Any help appreciated!

I have a cannister and so far so good. Hasn't given me any problems thus far. I've opted recently to stop using foam pads...they reall hold onto junk that unless you plan on changing the foam multiple times i guess its ok. Ive kept the ceramic media, seachem matrix for bioballs, and just until my last carbon foam pad is dead ill switch to some activated carbon...i dont have a tremendous amount of life except a few small fish and soft corals.

 

[Vsrt17]

I have a cannister and so far so good. Hasn't given me any problems thus far. I've opted recently to stop using foam pads...they reall hold onto junk that unless you plan on changing the foam multiple times i guess its ok. Ive kept the ceramic media, seachem matrix for bioballs, and just until my last carbon foam pad is dead ill switch to some activated carbon...i dont have a tremendous amount of life except a few small fish and soft corals.

Do you have a skimmer / is a skimmer necessary when using a Cannister filter?

 

[sfin52]

I use a canister on my 90 an fx4. Maintenance once a month don't skip. You can grow a lot if different types of coral including anemeones

 

[RobertTheNurse]

Do you have a skimmer / is a skimmer necessary when using a Cannister filter?

I personally don't. Not yet. Ask me again in a year lol but...im told if you stay on top of water changes and maintanence of your cannister then should be good. I purposefully dont have a lot of stock in my tank. Im taking it slow. In time I may get a HOB Skimmer...but all my corals and fish are happy (at least look happy) my corals are growing...and every odd issue I have had seems to be a common occurrence.

Already have skills in the saltwater hobby or just starting? I'm 7 months in lol...still learning...i hear the first year the worst lol read read read before you buy lol

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Evo 13.5. No skimmer, additional lighting or issues. I love the tank despite its small size

 

[sfin52]

Do you have a skimmer / is a skimmer necessary when using a Cannister filter?

I have a skimmer. It helps with water quality and oxygenated water. I love my reef octopus and would recomend the brand.

 

[Vsrt17]

I personally don't. Not yet. Ask me again in a year lol but...im told if you stay on top of water changes and maintanence of your cannister then should be good. I purposefully dont have a lot of stock in my tank. Im taking it slow. In time I may get a HOB Skimmer...but all my corals and fish are happy (at least look happy) my corals are growing...and every odd issue I have had seems to be a common occurrence.

Already have skills in the saltwater hobby or just starting? I'm 7 months in lol...still learning...i hear the first year the worst lol read read read before you buy lol

Just starting out, yeah everytime I think I made up my mind I read something that makes me rethink everything. I've always wanted to get into it and finally have the opportunity, although I somehow have a habit of chosing expensive hobie's lol

Thanks, hopefully I have luck without the protein skimmer in the meantime.

 

[Vsrt17]

I used a canister for awhile when I was in it. I suggest carbon, bio balls and some other mechanical media and then just the floss if it’s a 4 chamber. Carbon on top since you’ll change that the most.

I did little Maintnance on it (mostly because it wasn’t at my house) I wouldn’t say I had thriving corals but I had a lot of coralline and happy fish. Eventually I went with a Somatic sump since is small and came with a skimmer.

The AIO is nice because it’s very clean and you don’t see all the equipment hanging on the back and you have the black back drop already. I have a NUVO AIO and love it.

How was maintenance on the Cannister vs the Aio?

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I would go with the 307 Fluval, I had one on my 75 gallon, it worked, but it was too small for my aquarium. I upgraded to a fx4, which is easier to setup with better filtering options such as bio balls.
With the 307, I would use the filter pads that come with it, and add Fluval phosphate pads, it has limited filtering options since it's vertical in layout, and not horizontal.
If at all possible, I would upgrade the pump to the fx4, it's amazing and easy to use.
The 307 will work.

 

[sfin52]

How was maintenance on the Cannister vs the Aio?

Aio is easier. Canister isn't to bad. Aio you are limited on space. Pros and cons to any of it. The important thing is you can be successful any way you choose

 

[sfin52]

Just some of the colors in my tank.