Which Canister Filter

[YamahaF934]

Hello, I am new here but have been looking for a while. I am starting a saltwater FO at first then convert to FOWLR. My tank is not drilled and I dont have the money to set up a wet/dry. But I want to get a start on things and want know what a good canister filter is. Have about 200 hundred to spend gove or take. What about Fluval, Eheim, Cascade, or Rena. Cascade is cheap and I am sure it doesnt work to great. Thanks for the help.

 

[Bosco83]

You would be better off with just live rock and a hang on the back protein skimmer. I don't think anyone recomends the use of cannister filters because they trap nitrates in them.

Brian

 

[Blindloser1080]

Yamaha,

I was in your place once. I would highly advise against the canister filter. I have a Rena Filstar XP3 sitting not being used at my apt. They tend to trap nitrates, and can be more of a nuisance than a help, especially if you "forget" about the filter and never change it

I second the LR with a good HOB skimmer. What size tank do you have? I bought an Octopus BH 300-F and I LOVE it! Great skimmer, I got it for I think it was about $170 shipped. A great skimmer is the BEST purchase you can ever make for your aquarium, so I wouldn't skimp on one...buy a good one, and you'll never have to look back!

 

[YamahaF934]

Thanks, I have a 72 gallon. Even starting the tank up you would only want to run the protein skimmer.? What about the Toms Aquatic overflow with canister and skimmer.? Thanks.

 

[Skimmy]

+3 for ditch the cannister and get a decent skimmer, + live rock.

just forget about cannister filters with saltwater...

for 75g, I would really seriously look at doing a cheap rubbermaid/used glass tank sump vs. hang on the back gear.
you can get in sump skimmers that are double the power for the same price as a hob skimmer.

 

[Bosco83]

I think the hang on the back overflow would be a good idea. Like skimmy said you can make a cheap diy sump. I made one out of a 30 gallon tank bought used for $15 at value village and cheap acrylic pieces from Home Depot. Here are the plans that I used. It was very easy and diy is always more fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxnugJGiT3o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgNe_OYgoL8&feature=related

Brian

 

[beoks]

this forum is going to be your savior you can find just about everything your looking for in the for sale forums i know you have to wait to post its a new rule and it kinda sucks but i couldnt be in this hobby if it where not for some of these guys i second a small tank for sump and live rock and a skimmer you can easily get that done with your price range

 

[ac7av]

Can the canister idea
Live rock and skimmer
Better for you
Better for the fish
Better for the pocket book

 

[iroll253]

They are right let this forum guide your decisions, of course its your decision, just inputting.

IMO ditch the canister idea you can always look into sumps/refugiums.

An overflow box, return pump, and a do it yourself sump if all found in the right place such as here could very well be cheaper than a canister.

 

[jrgilles]

They are right let this forum guide your decisions, of course its your decision, just inputting.

IMO ditch the canister idea you can always look into sumps/refugiums.

An overflow box, return pump, and a do it yourself sump if all found in the right place such as here could very well be cheaper than a canister.

I just set up a tank, so am a bit new. Everything I've heard is canisters are bad. You can make a pretty cheap sump if you want out of small rubbermaid containers. This would also allow for expansion by adding a refugium later if you are so inclined.

I scored some free plexiglass and made a sump out of a 50 gallon breeder I got for 50 bucks. Plumbing still ended up costing some time and maybe a hundred bucks, but you could plumb it cheaper if you wanted too. It takes a bit of time, but is a lot of fun.

rob