Canister Filters

Cambren Sievert · Jun 24, 2019

Hey guys this is my first post here! So I found this nice 75 gallon tank on Craigslist with a nice stand lighting and some other equipment too I believe. Thinking about buying it but the only issue is it comes with a canister filter which I have heard and things about. What are you guys’ opinions on canister filters. I’m most likely going to run a FOWLR thanks!

ReeferReefer · Jun 24, 2019

Canister filters get a bad rap for being "nitrate factories". They only do this when they are maintained properly. Ideally the canister filter should be cleaned out twice a week, the same frequency in which you would replace filter floss in a tank. If regularly cleaned, there is nothing inherently wrong with them.

That being said I would highly recommend additional filtration like a skimmer.

Edit: Should be "Maintained improperly": Second sentence.

Mastiffsrule · Jun 24, 2019

#WelcometoR2R

I like canister filters. Definitely more than adequate for you goals at this point. It does depend on the canister though. There are good and bad. Easy to use and pain to use. Also to be sure the size is good for the tank. I am going to guess it is good if the prior owner used it. Can’t hurt to ask them how they liked it, how long they use it, etc.

Even if you start with a canister future upgrades to sump and other things may be ahead. Just plan on some extra cleaning and maintenance on canisters.

And again welcome.

Peace River · Jun 24, 2019

Cambren Sievert said:
Hey guys this is my first post here! So I found this nice 75 gallon tank on Craigslist with a nice stand lighting and some other equipment too I believe. Thinking about buying it but the only issue is it comes with a canister filter which I have heard and things about. What are you guys’ opinions on canister filters. I’m most likely going to run a FOWLR thanks!

Congratulations on the new tank and welcome to R2R! I think that you will find a wide range of opinions ranging from people who have used them for years with no issues to others who consider them to be nitrate factories and would never consider using them again. IMO, canister filters may not the best option for many tanks but do have their place in the hobby. If you do use a canister filter, I personally recommend using the canister filter for mechanical filtration (and occasionally for chemical filtration) and not for biological filtration. Instead you can use live rock and live sand supplemented with regular water changes to meet your tank's need for biological filtration. As mentioned in the threads above, it you clean out the filter media regularly then you should be able to use a canister filter successfully.

Additionally, as you are setting up your system I suggest that you evaluate your tank to see if it is tempered glass. There are several YouTube videos explaining how to use polarized sunglasses to check for tempered glass - most people recommend against attempting to drill tempered glass. That way, if and when you decide to upgrade to a sump, then you will know if you will be able to drill your tank or if you will need a hang-on overflow box.

Mjl714 · Jun 24, 2019

ReeferReefer said:
Canister filters get a bad rap for being "nitrate factories". They only do this when they are maintained properly. Ideally the canister filter should be cleaned out twice a week, the same frequency in which you would replace filter floss in a tank. If regularly cleaned, there is nothing inherently wrong with them.

That being said I would highly recommend additional filtration like a skimmer.

“...maintained improperly.”

That said, canisters can be very helpful, but i would not want it to be my primary filtration unless no other option existed.

Cambren Sievert · Jun 24, 2019

Mastiffsrule said:
#WelcometoR2R

I like canister filters. Definitely more than adequate for you goals at this point. It does depend on the canister though. There are good and bad. Easy to use and pain to use. Also to be sure the size is good for the tank. I am going to guess it is good if the prior owner used it. Can’t hurt to ask them how they liked it, how long they use it, etc.

Even if you start with a canister future upgrades to sump and other things may be ahead. Just plan on some extra cleaning and maintenance on canisters.

And again welcome.

Yeah that’s what I was thinking I may just end up adding a sump anyways but I may give the canister filter a chance first

Subsea · Jun 24, 2019

I like cannistar filters. I have used them for years with good results. It amuses me to hear “nitrate factory”. I have a 25 year mature tank that I feed heavily and still add ammonia as a source of nitrogen.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/2...m-on-top-with-30g-ecosystem-mud-macro.421526/

ReeferReefer · Jun 24, 2019

Mjl714 said:
“...maintained improperly.”

That said, canisters can be very helpful, but i would not want it to be my primary filtration unless no other option existed.

Thank you for the correction. You know what I was trying to say.

Mjl714 · Jun 24, 2019

Subsea said:
I like cannistar filters. I have used them for years with good results. It amuses me to hear “nitrate factory”. I have a 25 year mature tank that I feed heavily and still add ammonia as a source of nitrogen.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/2...m-on-top-with-30g-ecosystem-mud-macro.421526/

Well that’s awesome, good for you.