Do I need a canister filter?

[kimle]

Do I need a canister filter? Or would a Aquaclear HOB work? I'm planning on setting up a 50 gal with AC 70, protein skimmer and two powerheads. No stump or refugium.

 

[ritter6788]

The skimmer and the powerheads will be enough. You can use the HOB filter to run carbon if you'd like but it isn't always needed.

 

[KoleTang]

Canister filters are more trouble than their worth. Don't use them in saltwater.

 

[fyrfytr]

I was gonna ask the same thing. The PetSmart black friday ad has a fluvalv on sale

 

[always reefin]

I wouldn't run one all the time. They can be massive nitrate factories. Can be helpful for short periods to clean/polish

 

[ifarmer]

you rarely see salt water people use canister filter. this equipment is usually good for fresh water setup.
ideal salt water filtration would be live rocks, sand bed and protein skimmer

 

[Hyprviperx]

it will also depend on your bioload, what are you stocking? i used a hob on my 45 for a while until i could save enough $$ for my new filtration system (sump)

 

[coralfish keeper]

I would use a canister once a month for polishing the water . but all in all live rock dsb ( deep sand bed) and a skimmer will do the trick dont forget Water Changes

 

[-Logzor]

No you do not need a canister filter.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I use a canister filter on my 55 reef and 30 gallon seahorse tank. I think it is a pain. I have to do maintenance to each filter at least every other week.