Canister filter on FOWLR

[Uptightjoker]

Hello Reefers,

I have had a dream of a reef tank for a long time, and today I finally took the first step. I found a used 125 gallon tank and stand that I bought. I wanted to start with just fish and live rock/sand to get a feel for saltwater (I've done smaller freshwater tanks in the past) but here is the issue, the tank is not drilled, and came with a canister filter that the owner previously used for fresh water. I know most people will say it's best to drill it, and I agree, but it isn't really viable. I have neither tools nor space to do so myself ( I live in a small apartment and don't have the outdoor space to do this, or indoor space other than carpet which I am NOT drilling glass on carpet). So i was planning on getting a HOB overflow box into my sump. Which comes to my question.. it will be a while before I can afford everything for the tank, would it be possible/probable/viable to setup the tank with the rock, cycle it, and add fish using just the canister filter (and obviously some power heads) while I save up and buy the sump, overflow box, protein skimmer, etc..

I know this is a patience hobby, but just having an empty tank for months while I save up to get EVERYTHING is going to drive me crazy, but I also don't want to risk crashing the tank or killing fish just because i want to start sooner.

 

[ZoWhat]

IMO..... save your money until you are ready to buy better equipment

Why buy equipment that's doesn't exactly fit the guidelines....only to rebuy better equipment down the road. Money pit

Save your money and do it right the first time. Join a Reef Club to see other ppls successes and failures.

 

[Auquanut]

In my opinion, yes you can BUT. It's much easier to set up a sump on a dry tank than to make changes once it's running. My brother runs a canister on his 75 gallon FOWLR, but is a little lax with keeping the filter clean. He seems to always have very high nitrates and all of the nasties that come with them. Then you also have to consider the impact on the system when you make the change.