Hang On Filter.....Yes Or No?

[Ctiger3158]

I plan on starting a 36 gallon Reef Tank (30×15×21) with about 30 lbs of live rock. My question is should I go with I good strong hang on filter or go with the Fluval 206 Canister Filter? Trying to save on money the best way I can but not come up short. I have everything else I need. Just debating on these things.

 

[mike007]

If you have good live rock, skimmer and good circulation you really don't need a hob filter. Some use one to put their media in such as carbon,phosphate reducers etc. You really don't want to use a cannister filter or any type filter that has pads or filter floss as they can become nitrate traps if not cleaned often.

 

[prdubois]

You need a skimmer, not a hob filter or canister.

 

[LPSGUY]

Agreed a skimmer is needed. IMO hang on filters are poor.

 

[GHill762]

I'll never use another canister, they're a pain.. HOB filters are just fine, a good way to run some floss and chemical media - most people like the aquaclear 70 or 110 for SW tanks..

if you have room under the tank you should really consider a sump.. eshopps overflow and get'r'dun.. I'll never run sumpless again..

 

[prdubois]

I'll never use another canister, they're a pain.. -- I'll never run sumpless again..

+1 - Sump makes it so easy.

 

[rock_lobster]

I think HOB filters are underrated for small tanks. They can provide tremendous bacterial support and save your tank in the event of say an anemone death or other large nutrient sink. They can produce nitrates but you need to have macro algae in your display to consume nitrates anyways. It is a much more stable system with a larger bacteria support. Plus you can have more fish only problem is they are large and bulky. i actually have a filter pad floating in the corner of my tank right behind a korallia circulation pump (out of sight) that is basically a sponge organics. it gets high flow and provides the same function as a canister filter.

 

[Ctiger3158]

Well unfortunately I dont have the room for a sump now. Plus i am just testing the waters to see if I like the coral deal. But thanks for the comments any and all advice always accepted.

 

[rock_lobster]

If you dont have a sump you will have to put macro algae in your display or else cut your feeding to absolutely minimal.

 

[NanaReefer]

Devil's advocate here! Properly maintained a canister filter can be a wonderful addition to a SW tank! Key word being maintained. They must be kept clean!
Filter media should be changed out weekly to bi-weekly. They are great for running GFO & carbon. Great for removing larger particles of detritus. Great for water polishing. Great for added flow. Great when a sump is not an option.
I know many reefers using them, I'm actually going to be adding one soon.
IMO & IME you do NOT need to add macro algae to your tank to combat excess nutrients.

 

[NC2WA]

if you have room for a hang on filter, does that mean you have room for a HOB skimmer? if so, I would get HOB skimmer..

 

[coreybroja]

I wouldn't use a HOB filter in my opinion. Just buy a protein skimmer and you will be fine with that, just add some good water flow in your tank and you're set!

 

[mcarroll]

If you already had one, a hang on power filter makes really nice flow and a good place to run chemical media, but I wouldn't go out and buy one just for that. You'll want at least one propellor-based power head for that duty.

The best money-saving move IMO would be to pick up a used AquaC Remora hang-on skimmer. Anywhere $100 or less would be a decent price...a bit less if it doesn't come with a pump.

You really shouldn't need any other hardware - not for a while anyway.

-Matt

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

look up diy aquaclear filter and buy the biggest one that will fit your tank. they can be turned into a nice fuge area. i've got one on my 7.5g with a tbsp of carbon and gfo and the tank is looking good. don't need a skimmer if you can keep up on weekly water changes.