Canister filter

[Joker86]

Hi I am new to the hobby just wanted to know if anyone has any experience with the tom rapids pro3 filter. It has been workng good. Just considering adding rubble rock to replace the ceramic cylinders that came with it.

 

[Diesel]

On what size tank?
Many canisters will become Phosphate factories if not cleaned every week or sooner as that depends on your bio load.

 

[Joker86]

Well right now its on a 29 gallon but was planning on moving it to a 55 gal that i have. Its supposed to be rated for up to a 75 gal

 

[Joker86]

I do a 5 to 10 gal water change every week and broke it down and cleaned it out last week. Trying to do every month or 2

 

[Joker86]

Her is a pic of the filter

 

[Alanc425]

Do you have rock in your display? Generally around 1lb/gallon of live rock would be sufficient for your biofilter without adding rubble or any other bio media (ceramic).

 

[Joker86]

About 25lb

 

[Alanc425]

That rock and sand is the majority of your biofilter. If it was me- I would consider removing the ceramic media from the filter slowly (25% a week), allowing your LR take over all the bio filtration. and just running a sponge, filter floss that you change frequently.

As common as they are in freshwater.... most people don't use canister filters with reefs because as it was mentioned, they just become huge nitrate/phosphate producers. Have you given any thought to running a sump?

 

[Joker86]

I have considered it but i have already put the money into that filter. will probably convert over eventually. I actually thought about pulling the skimmer and stuff out and using that and the return pump to do that.