Can I survive without my cannister

[GDD66]

I have a well established (3 years) 75 gallon FOWLR. Up until now I've had a Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 canister filter, along with about 75 lbs of Live rock and a wave pump. After my water change, canister maintenance today; my canister is leaking bad and I've tried everything to stop it....no luck, so I've had to remove it from operation. While I'm waiting for a replacement, I'm wondering how long my tank will be ok. Somebody said I don't even need the cannister, as my live rock is plenty? Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Red_Beard]

They are mostly right. The canister is going to functuion mostly as mechanical filtration, pulling out particulate organics etc. Make sure you have good surface agitation to keep surface film away, watch N&P levels. Regular water changes will keep that in check and you will be fine.

 

[BairCorals]

Well I'd think the rock and wave makers would be enough. I'd probably set up an air stone if you have one just to be safe and get as much surface agitation as possible as well as good flow across the rockwork. Hope you're looking into the sicce whale 500 or fluval fx4. Really good canisters there.

 

[dyno]

Well I'd think the rock and wave makers would be enough. I'd probably set up an air stone if you have one just to be safe and get as much surface agitation as possible as well as good flow across the rockwork. Hope you're looking into the sicce whale 500 or fluval fx4. Really good canisters there.

If you didn’t order a fluval as a replacement send it back! You’ll be fine don’t worry.

 

[Spare time]

I'd just swap it for a hang on back filter to act as the mechanical filter and storage for carbon and such. Much easier to deal with than a canister

 

[mfinn]

I have a well established (3 years) 75 gallon FOWLR. Up until now I've had a Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 canister filter, along with about 75 lbs of Live rock and a wave pump. After my water change, canister maintenance today; my canister is leaking bad and I've tried everything to stop it....no luck, so I've had to remove it from operation. While I'm waiting for a replacement, I'm wondering how long my tank will be ok. Somebody said I don't even need the cannister, as my live rock is plenty? Any thoughts are appreciated.

You do not need a canister filter