Canister filters- anyone use for reef?

[DracoKat]

I am still doing research and deciding on which items to get for my future 75 gal reef.

I am wondering if anyone use canister filters? Not needed if you're using a sump?

 

[Saltine]

I am still doing research and deciding on which items to get for my future 75 gal reef.

I am wondering if anyone use canister filters? Not needed if you're using a sump?

Not needed on a reef. Cause more problems than they are worth. Your Live Rock will do the filtration for you.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Not needed if you're using a sump?

correct. I do keep one for additional extra mechanical filtration when I need it. Big cleans scrubs and If you need to run extra carbon etc.

 

[Toakhuynh]

But you can put carbon, and the some more stuff in. Theywill work like retractor

 

[ksc]

But you can put carbon, and the some more stuff in. Theywill work like retractor

yep, a canister filter is nothing more than a reactor.

 

[DracoKat]

thanks for the replies, everyone! I know I am looking into more items than necessary, but just weighing my options!

 

[CodyRVA]

The short answer is yes, they are absolutely beneficial under certain circumstances. Running carbon in a canister does work, but you'll have much better success actually using a reactor. +1 if you have a sump: you can implement a filter sock or two in addition to placing filter media in the sump itself; basically making the canister useless. However, if you don't have a sump, canisters are absolutely worth while if you know how to use them. So many people claim them to be "nitrate factories," this basically comes down to not knowing how to use a canister filter properly. The only thing I ever recommend putting in a canister is felt pads and filter media.