Canister Filter

[jaymz69]

Right now for my 36 gallon bow front tank I have a canister filter that can filter up to 45 gallon tank.

It has the intake pipe 2/3 the way down in the back of the tank and at the top a tube for the flow out

I need to add another 15 lbs of LR and this will block the intake. I can move it around but was wondering what your thoughts are on this situations.

Any local LR for sale too?

 

[akunochi]

Why do you need to add another 15lbs of LR? Also if possible I would look at getting a sump to replace that canister filter...

I prefer minimalist aquascaping...nothing says you need 1948458925798635 lbs of rock...

You solution is probably going to be aquascaping around the intake so it doesn't block it.

 

[jaymz69]

I just heard and read the general rule of a 1 of LR per gallon and I am at 20 lbs....

 

[akunochi]

You;re fine. I have maybe 50 lbs in my 75. I'll have maybe 125 in my 240.

Minimalist Aquascaping -

 

[jaymz69]

Aquascaping, nice pictures...

Here is what I have so far for my setup.




Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[iroll253]

Id get rid of the red looking rock. I dunno if thats supposed to be in there?? But id say double that. That doesn't look like 25 lbs. Also the intake for your canister will do better right under the water surface.

 

[Krish]

You technically only need enough liverock to support your bioload. The canister filter I agree on getting rid of especially if you are planning on putting liverock in it. That will become a nitrate factory. The only thing I'd use a canister filter for would be to run carbon or to polish the water peridically (like after a water change). Canister filters used on a saltwater tank differs than if youm were running a freshwater.

Just a few personal thoughts on it.

 

[jaymz69]

Thanks.
The red rock came with a smaller saltwater I bought off someone. It looks like lovable rock with no life to me.

So I need to study up on another method of water filtration.

For now take the intake higher up?

 

[akunochi]

Yep have it just below the sirface. Look into getting a sump to replace the canister.

 

[Krish]

So I need to study up on another method of water filtration.

Biological filtration comes from your liverock. Mechanical filtration comes in many forms. Skimmers are a REALLY good option. You can use a canister if you like with a sponge/cartridge in there to remove debris/waste/detritus etc, BUT...It will need to either be cleaned or changed every 3-4 days. If the waste is left to sit and rott it will degrade water quality so this is one of the reasons a lot of people don't mess with powerfilters/canister filters. Water changes weekly of about 10% of the tank's volume also helps remove waste. If running a shallow sandbed, then you can vacuum the sandbed removing trapped waste. All these things aid with keeping waste to a minimum.

 

[jaymz69]

As always - Thank you all.

I put the intake towards the surface
Got the Red Rock out
And the usual water change
And a bonus canister cleaning. It was dirty and I can see what
you mean as it can quickly turn into a waste area and dirty the water.

 

[Krish]

As always - Thank you all.

I put the intake towards the surface
Got the Red Rock out
And the usual water change
And a bonus canister cleaning. It was dirty and I can see what
you mean as it can quickly turn into a waste area and dirty the water.

No problem...

Do you know why it was suggested to put the output at the water's surface?? If not, then one reason is if you are running a sump it helps direct water to the overflow so it can carry waste down there, but main reason why is because you want good surface aggitation in your tank as this is where gas exchange takes place.

Here's a shot of one of my old tanks so you can see what my surface aggitation looked like. I always made sure I had ripples across the whole surface of my tanks!

 

[jaymz69]

I have the out take pointed more up now and have activity at the surface.
Trying to buy a Protein Skimmer on CL but not much people selling right now.

 

[akunochi]

I assume you are looking for a HOB skimmer?

 

[jaymz69]

Is that hanging back?
HB

 

[akunochi]

Yep Hanging on Back. Another nice skimmer is the Hydor units, but they sit down inside the tank. Nice looking units though.

 

[jaymz69]

I will keep watching the classifieds and CL

 

[jrgilles]

do you have a hole drilled at the top of your canister filter intake? If not, you might want one. If a hose falls off and there is no syphon break, it looks like that low intake will empty your entire tank onto the floor.

And replacing the canister with a sump would be a good idea. I think I just saw one in te classifieds here. Can pick up a used one cheap.

 

[jaymz69]

NO. It has a lock for quick release.

 

[N1Husker]

If you need more LR, Denny's Pet Store in Kirkland has it for 4.99/ lb., some guy in Everett is selling LR on craigslist for $3.00/lb. The rock at Dennys is branched LR, doesn't look too bad, don't know the quality on Craigslist. Denny's is having a big sale on Aug. 13 & 14. I 405 Exit 20 Toten Lake Rd. if this helps.