Canister suggestions

[Thade_hicks]

What does everyone use for a canister on a smaller tank (20-60 gal)? Seen Sicce whales here recently, but also have used Fluvals forever on freshwater. Any other options that won't break the bank that work well?

-Thanks

 

[afrokobe]

I used a sicce whale for a few months. It was ok. The quick disconnect made it easier to service, but I still got tired of servicing the cannister.

I would just run a tidal or another hob if you are trying to do a budget build. Otherwise go full sump

 

[Peace River]

Sicce and Fluval are good options for canisters. A different approach is a Tunze DOC skimmer.

 

[Thade_hicks]

Sicce and Fluval are good options for canisters. A different approach is a Tunze DOC skimmer.

I'll have to look into that!!

 

[Thade_hicks]

I used a sicce whale for a few months. It was ok. The quick disconnect made it easier to service, but I still got tired of servicing the cannister.

I would just run a tidal or another hob if you are trying to do a budget build. Otherwise go full sump

Running a tidal on it now, tank looks like crap, tons of detritus everywhere

 

[jimfish98]

Personally between the two, I would take the Fluval. More sponges for filtering and bio growth. The trays have plenty of room to load with marine pure spheres and still leave space if you need to add carbon, gfo, etc. The quick connections suck, but the filtration power is there. Miss the old Rena XP4 though and wish those were still an option.

 

[Thade_hicks]

Personally between the two, I would take the Fluval. More sponges for filtering and bio growth. The trays have plenty of room to load with marine pure spheres and still leave space if you need to add carbon, gfo, etc. The quick connections suck, but the filtration power is there. Miss the old Rena XP4 though and wish those were still an option.

Any suggestions for any outside those two options?

 

[jimfish98]

Nothing else sticks out really, I would personally stick with the Fluval FX4 and watch flow in case you have to restrict it. Dollar for dollar, those hold up really well and will handle a good bio load as everyone overstocks at some point. Biggest thing is to watch for sales. I remember when I got my FX6's years ago it was over $300 online and I went into a PetSmart and found them randomly marked down to like $260.

 

[Thade_hicks]

Nothing else sticks out really, I would personally stick with the Fluval FX4 and watch flow in case you have to restrict it. Dollar for dollar, those hold up really well and will handle a good bio load as everyone overstocks at some point. Biggest thing is to watch for sales. I remember when I got my FX6's years ago it was over $300 online and I went into a PetSmart and found them randomly marked down to like $260.

For a 20 gal an fx4 is gonna be huge lol

 

[jimfish98]

You said 20-55g and like I noted, you may have to restrict it.

 

[afrokobe]

oases? if you are still looking to use one. the ability to hide the heater is p neat

 

[Thade_hicks]

oases? if you are still looking to use one. the ability to hide the heater is p neat

I'll check it out!

 

[Uncle99]

I used just an AquaClear 110 with sponge and carbon.
Very easy to keep this unit clean, I simply swap out the sponge twice weekly.
This tank 65g, just with the AquaClear and a skimmer.

 

[Thade_hicks]

I used just an AquaClear 110 with sponge and carbon.
Very easy to keep this unit clean, I simply swap out the sponge twice weekly.
This tank 65g, just with the AquaClear and a skimmer.

Dang!! Looks immaculate! Any power heads?

 

[Uncle99]

Dang!! Looks immaculate! Any power heads?

Yup, 1 Jebao OW-25 on the left, 1 on the right.
Tons of expensive equipment is just a myth.

 

[Thade_hicks]

Yup, 1 Jebao OW-25 on the left, 1 on the right.
Tons of expensive equipment is just a myth.

Totally agree. I'm running and evo 13.5 with no skimmer and growing everything from povanas to zoas

 

[Idech]

Sicce and Fluval are good options for canisters. A different approach is a Tunze DOC skimmer.

That’s what I use for my 75 gallons. Tunze 3168 comline filter along with Tunze 9012 Doc skimmer.

They both do an excellent job and they are quieter than any canister filter I’ve ever had (I used Fluval 407 in my last years of freshwater fish keeping).

 

[Spare time]

Running a tidal on it now, tank looks like crap, tons of detritus everywhere

Get better mechanical filter materials or use wavemakers to stir stuff up.

 

[Evil1]

Any suggestions for any outside those two options?

Yes look the Oase line of canister filters. I run all fluvals on my 125, 65 and 40. Oase will br my next purchase when fluvals go.