Should I use a cannister filter?

[ken6217]

I just set up a second tank primarily for a RBTA and a pair of Clarkii clown fish. I will probably add another 4 small fish and some star polyps and mushrooms at some point. The tank is a 46 gallon bow (3 foot length )with about 65 pounds of live rock, Tek 5 T5 lighting, two Tunze 6025 Nano Stream powerheads, and a Deltec hang on back skimmer. I am not using a sump. Even though I can make a large % water change with a couple of buckets of new water, or water from my SPS tank with this size tank if I ever run into trouble, I was wondering if I should add a canister filter to my set up. If I did this, I would not use the bio media or noodles, and just use the sponge for mechanical filtration to trap debris. I could also use it for Phosban etc if needed.

I have no mechanical filtration in my SPS tank, but the debris eventually will end up in my sump which I can then clean out. This tank has no sump. I of course will have a clean up crew for the tank. Do you think the canister filter is a good idea or a waste of money. If it is a good idea, is Eheim still the way to go?

Thanks,
Ken

[stevelkaneval]

you could get the cannister but then you would have three nice and expensive power heads instead of two. dont do it.

[splateee]

I run a Fluval 404 on my 240 gallon. It is just for running carbon and phosphate remove and some blue filter pad material to help polish the water. I don't run any of the noodles/bio ball materials because of nitrates. If you are going to run any of the foam sponges in it just make sure to clean them once a week or so.

[xJake]

If you're just looking to trap detritus to clean out more easily I would just put a filter sock on the output of your skimmer. You could even hide the sock by attaching a plastic container under the output and spray paint the outside of this container black with some krylon fusion. Filter socks can easily be cleaned by simply throwing them in the washing machine with no detergent, or even just by flipping it inside out and running hot tap water through it. Also, if you want to run phosphate removal media then you should pick up a Phosban reactor for less than $40. Even buying both of these is still cheaper and easier than running a cannister filter which would cost $150 or more.

[ken6217]

Thanks for the replies. Can I use a Phosban reactor without a sump?
Ken

[j tavares]

Yeah you could buy a cheaply made piece of junk that could leak or you could do it right and buy a Eheim which would give you much more media options last for years, mine are over 15 yrs old. and by the way with good skimming and Quality live rock never had nitrate issues and my tanks sparkle and are over 20 yrs in existence both reefs and FOWLR the choice is yours!

[sjm817]

I prefer a canister filter over the little "reactors" to run carbon and GFO, They are built better, and hold a lot more media.

[kdblove_99]

If its going to hang in you tank i would also get a Canister over the reactors.

I tried tons of canister filters even quite a few Eheims. To me fo rthe moeny and ease of use you cannot beat a RENA XP