Those with canister filters

ReeferGuy96 · Jul 27, 2018

Tell us about your experience with canister filters,
What model you have, any mods you made and why you chose a canister over a sump

ReeferGuy96 · Jul 27, 2018

I’m choosing to go with a canister filter due to complete lack of space with my tank stand and location.

I’m thinking of going with a SunSun
https://www.chewy.com/sunsun-hw-702b-aquarium-uv-sterilizer/dp/158803

sa6hir · Jul 28, 2018

I went to abyss aquatic in Manchester about 2 months ago and their main display tank which approx 1000l was run off eheim external filters. Absolutely amazing set up.

Redleg · Jul 28, 2018

Not really what your after, but I've got an Eheim 2215 canister that is used on a QT tank. It's one of the few pieces of equipment left over from my freshwater days. It sat in storage for 20 years and started right up with no leaks.

Brianstone575 · Jul 28, 2018

I’ve used A Fluval canister on a 45 reef for about a decade. My new 125 has 2. Both tanks have a deep sand bed(jaubert style), in tank current pumps, and internal p skimmers.
I chose canister filters because I travel extensively and need a bomb-proof system. Didn’t want a sump that could overflow or run dry. Canister filters are also smaller, so they fit nicely in tight cabinets. Additionally, canister filters use much less energy than sump based systems due to the loss of hydrolic head in a sump system.
That said, sump systems have much more aggressive oxygenation and current production. They also house a lot of equipment that would otherwise be in the tank or hanging off the back.
And honestly, my canister filters only really provide surface skimming, carbon and phosphate media filtration, and some water flow. I trade having in tank equipment (skimmers, heaters, plc probes) for overflow security. I don’t want a plc alert for water on the floor when I am 400 miles away.

Brianstone575 · Jul 29, 2018

Oh, as far as modifications go, I use these cheap surface extractors. They work ok, but let me know if you have a better idea.
The bottom grating allows for full intake flow if the top castle looking piece gets plugged. However, the bottom grate is very prone to plugging off with algae and coralline algae.
Ideas anyone?

jrill · Jul 29, 2018

I have several eheim 2211's I've used on freshwater planted tanks. I am currently running on on my new build 15 gallon reef set up. It will function pretty much as a media reactor.

BeelzeBob · Jul 30, 2018

In my experience, they function fine with weekly to bi-weekly cleaning and maintenance.

I have always gone with a sump/fuge as I don't want to take down, breakdown, refill and prime a canister filter as much as you would need to be effective.

For like a dinky nano w/ lots of water changes it would be fine, if you have no other option.

IMHO though, canister filters are old tech, and they offer zero biological advantages over a fuge/sump combo

sfin52 · Nov 13, 2018

I used a fluval 406 for the last four years. I broke it or it was stepped on so I changed it out to a fluval fx4. I love it.

75g tank 80 or so lbs of lr. Mostly soft coral. 14 fish. It does a great job.

Brianstone575 · Dec 2, 2018

One more set of tips:
I put my canister filters in a bucket so if they leak water doesn’t get in the floor. I’ve got an apex leak detector probe in the bottom of the bucket. If you don’t have an apex, a local water on the floor alarm from the hardware store will work. The top if the filter should also be above the top of the bucket to keep electricity away from salt water should the bucket fill.

MamaLovesHerReefTank · Dec 2, 2018

I've been running a Fluval FX6 on my 125g for 3 years now. No sump. The tank and stand came as a package deal and wouldn't fit a sump underneath. I do monthly maintenance and cleaning on it. It works for me for right now. I will eventually switch to a sump when the time and finances are right.

cvanchuck · Feb 23, 2019

sfin52 said:
I used a fluval 406 for the last four years. I broke it or it was stepped on so I changed it out to a fluval fx4. I love it.

75g tank 80 or so lbs of lr. Mostly soft coral. 14 fish. It does a great job.

I am new to this hobby and I also have a fx4 fit my 75. Could you tell me how you have yours set up. Possibly pictures of the trays. Is really appreciate the input.

cvanchuck · Feb 23, 2019

MamaLovesHerReefTank said:
I've been running a Fluval FX6 on my 125g for 3 years now. No sump. The tank and stand came as a package deal and wouldn't fit a sump underneath. I do monthly maintenance and cleaning on it. It works for me for right now. I will eventually switch to a sump when the time and finances are right.

I am new to this hobby and I also have a fx4 fit my 75. Could you tell me how you have yours set up. Possibly pictures of the trays. Is really appreciate the input.

sfin52 · Feb 23, 2019

Its all together at the moment. I can describe it. the top try has the foam with all the bumps on top than I fit carbon and matrix in the remaining trays.

TroyClark · Feb 26, 2019

Eheim Pro 4 350. Love it. I can't hear it at all.

Scorp11 · Apr 22, 2020

MamaLovesHerReefTank said:
I've been running a Fluval FX6 on my 125g for 3 years now. No sump. The tank and stand came as a package deal and wouldn't fit a sump underneath. I do monthly maintenance and cleaning on it. It works for me for right now. I will eventually switch to a sump when the time and finances are right.

Hi. I'm thinking of setting up a reef tank or just fish and rock. And same like you I have an fx6 also I will add another external filter. My question do you use skimmer? And is it only monthly maintenance you do? Or also you changing materials? Would you be able to sent a pic of your set up please?

8675309TT · Dec 15, 2021

sfin52 said:
I used a fluval 406 for the last four years. I broke it or it was stepped on so I changed it out to a fluval fx4. I love it.

75g tank 80 or so lbs of lr. Mostly soft coral. 14 fish. It does a great job.

I’m just starting to cycle a 75 gallon and fx4. May I ask what type of media you use and how you pack it? Thanks!

sfin52 · Dec 15, 2021

8675309TT said:
I’m just starting to cycle a 75 gallon and fx4. May I ask what type of media you use and how you pack it? Thanks!

I pack like like they have it except the bio media. I have lots of leathers so I use carbon. Also make sure you clean it once a month. If you used it to filter the water clear the water after initial set up you'll need to clean the canister.

A couple of notes for you. Pick up a spare set of sponges makes seating and cleaning quicker.
Second have spare carbon bags for the same reason.

motitoa · Jan 15, 2024

BeelzeBob said:
In my experience, they function fine with weekly to bi-weekly cleaning and maintenance.

I have always gone with a sump/fuge as I don't want to take down, breakdown, refill and prime a canister filter as much as you would need to be effective.

For like a dinky nano w/ lots of water changes it would be fine, if you have no other option.

IMHO though, canister filters are old tech, and they offer zero biological advantages over a fuge/sump combo

Well canisters are just close sumps same thing and my 2 oase biomaster thermo 250 have been working great for over 3 years no need to clean that often they got a prefilter