Reef tank and cannister filter

[jamba]

Hi all

I have a 30 g reef tank. I just read an opinion that says "don't use a canister aquarium filter for a reef tank unless you plan to clean the filter daily."

http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/filters_chart.html

I have a Ehiem cannister filter that is running on the system. Does anyone know why they recommend against this?

Thanks,
J

[Twitterbait]

cannister filters easily trap debris which turn into Nitrates. plus they usually only have limited flow. I use one on my freshwater tank. but i wouldn't on salt.

[Viv]

I used a cannister for a freshwater tank-disgusting to clean, and clogged with lots of debri-found the Emperor Bio-wheel filter and gave it a try-worked great, and when I had to switch the tank from fresh to salt was easy to clean, just changed the biowheel to reculture to saltwater...plus the back area of the box has enough room to place some ceramic cylinders in a bag to increase biological bacteria...great filter, works well, keeps water clear, cleaning is a breeze- I really like it!

[Loverotties]

I use a fuval on mine.I use it for a couple resones it helps skimm the water,use a poley filter and use phosban from time to time when the level starts to rise.It's bad if your lazy and don't clean it out alot.I clean it 1 or 2 times a month.works fine for me!I also use a spraybar for the return to move the top of the water.

[jamba]

Thanks for your replies.

As for nitrates, my tank registers at zero.

I have cleaned the Eheim cannister filter once ever three months. The first time I cleaned it I was quite surprised at the lack of debris. Usually it was full of stuff when I had a freshwater tank. I assumed the protein skimmer cleaned most of the gunk, and the live rock lessened the load on the cannister.

The last time I cleaned the cannister, it was acting as a refugium of sorts. I found a lot of baby shrimp (either that or copepods). Kind of cool.

Cheers,
J

[Twitterbait]

If it works for you then there is no argument. everyone tells me not to use bio-balls but they work great for me. If it works, go for it.