Dreaded Canister filter for nano

[Delmarr]

Hello all:

I have a 28 bow reef tank, about 6 months old.
T5 Retro x4
Tunze 9002
Aquafuge med.
RODI unit
Water changes every 2 weeks
New clean up crew

SPS and LPS tank with 1 clown.

The problem is there is no mechanical filtration in the tank and a fair amount of crap floating around and the begining of a hair algea issue. I have never needed mechanical filtration on my larger reef tanks but it seems as it would be a real benifit in this nano.

I was thinking about setting up a little Fluval 105. Running with sponge for a weekend after stiring up the tank. Then removing all sponges and just having carbon and phosban in the canister.

Hoping to be able to effectivly remove some of the crap that builds up when needed and then use canister as a phosban/carbon reactor the rest of the time.

What do you all think?

Delmarr

 

[DHaut]

sounds like a good plan if all you use it for is a media reactor (after the initial sponge run). canisters work as long as you don't let detritus build up in them, and it sounds like you wouldn't let that happen. personally, I just run an AC70 with some floss and carbon - much cheaper than a canister.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

i run a 405 with only chemipure inside. 8 bags in the baskets for a 270+ gal. system. my water is crystal clear. i like the chemipure over the carbon since it's once a month rinsing/maintenance for the chemipure. works really well for me.
i used to run phosban in there too but now i have a separate phos reactor which i think is more efficient.

 

[jrobbins]

if you dont want to use it long term as a reactor, but need a quick fix for mechanical filtration, diatom filters kick a**. just run a powerhead over your rocks and get everything all stirred up and then run the filter. i did this a couple years ago but then broke the glass part during a move and never replaced it...

 

[kilroy217]

I used to use a Fluval 305 for my 55gal. Switched to a full sump due to nitrate issues that I couldn't combat (even without the provided "media" in there). However, I did run GFO and GAC in there, and my phosphates were always very low. I used to clean the pads every 3 weeks, and it was a pain in the behind. Used to make so many bubbles in my tank for days after taking it apart.

 

[Delmarr]

Would love to run a hob filter but with my diy fixture taking up the sides and the Aquafuge taking 90% of the back I only have the curved front to work with so there just isnt room. I have enough room in my stand to put a 105 and can run the intake and exaust in the back corners.

I have always counseled new reefers to stay away from canisters as they can become a significant issue so it is a tough decision to use one myself.

It is my hope that running sponges only for a day or two after stiring the tank then removing them completly will eliminate this issue.

I am also going to work on a way to place the chemical filtration media in a way as to avoid the collection of detrites in the canister.

I am hopefull this will work. I put my tunze inside my HOB fuge, which was'nt the most popular idea when I posted and so far has worked great.

I am hoping this will turn out as good.

Delmarr