Overkill filter?

[Alan_Nunez16]

So I have a question, there is this Fluval FX4 filter canister designed for 175 gal tanks on sale , and I have a 75gal tank medium stocked but with high nitrates. Is there such thing as overkill for a filter? What are the downsides or the benefits? For the tank I have an appropriate protein skimmer, hanging filter and a Fluval 207 which is smaller for that tank. I’ll like to replace the Fluval 207 with the FX4 which with the deal won’t be much money but I don’t know if having too big of a filter a bad thing

 

[VintageReefer]

The only thing that affects those ratings is the amount of media it holds and the gph it pushes. I don’t think it would be overkill imo

What are you planning to use inside it?

 

[Alan_Nunez16]

The only thing that affects those ratings is the amount of media it holds and the gph it pushes. I don’t think it would be overkill imo

What are you planning to use inside it?

I’ll probably use what comes with the kit, maybe look for something that will help with my nitrates and of course lots of bio media. But I’m open to suggestions, I’m barely learning how to set up filter and what to put on them

 

[GlassMunky]

Why even add the canister?
Most reef tanks don’t use any kind of filter like those or the hang on back ones, those are mainly designed for freshwater tanks.

All you need is liverock really and nothing else. The skimmer is a nice touch but again, not required.

Personally I’d stay away from the canister as they tend to get clogged quickly and can be nitrate factories, and you say you already have high nitrates.

 

[VintageReefer]

Why even add the canister?
Most reef tanks don’t use any kind of filter like those or the hang on back ones, those are mainly designed for freshwater tanks.

All you need is liverock really and nothing else. The skimmer is a nice touch but again, not required.

Personally I’d stay away from the canister as they tend to get clogged quickly and can be nitrate factories, and you say you already have high nitrates.

Honestly if it was me I’d fill it with live rock rubble and a layer of floss on top that I change out weekly. Maybe a layer in between with a few packs of chemi pure flattened out

 

[GlassMunky]

Honestly if it was me I’d fill it with live rock rubble and a layer of floss on top that I change out weekly. Maybe a layer in between with a few packs of chemi pure flattened out

yea i guess in that sense it would just be a sort of "sump" if the tank isnt drilled for one. could even get an inline heater to get more equipment out of the tank.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

A mechanical filter cannot mechanically over filter a tank. You have a hob and a canister filter and it does nothing except move the water. This is actually where your high nitrates comes from, its the food stuck in the filter rotting away.

IMO the protein skimmer provides better benefits than both your mechanical filters together.

 

[VintageReefer]

I don’t use a hob, canister, or skimmer. There’s really very little that’s actually “necessary” it’s just that there are many methods and paths to success and you need to pick one that handles the requirements of your livestock.

Although for your situation you probably would find most success using a hang on turf scrubber + skimmer. Then you could ditch the other stuff and replace the lost water flow with a decent power head or wavemaker