Opinions on Canister Filters

[n00b]

Hi.

I would like to know the opinion of the gurus here regarding canister filters and reef building.

will this be sufficient?

(assumption: lighting fixture in place.)

Thanks for the inputs!

[charlie]

As far as I am concerned, the only thing they are good for is for running carbon in them. JMHO

[n00b]

does that mean that it can't be used as an alternate sub tank if you don't have one?

am asking because I have one given to me and am thinking of going skimmerless with only a canister to make a reef tank.

[charlie]

What do you mean by "sub" tank?

You can use it for water flow.

[n00b]

sorry, new to all the terminologies.

I believe its the "sump".

I was given this RS Electirical RS-85 Canister filter. Its got 3 layers for filtration and comes with a 5-watt UV.

I have a FOWLR, 35 gallons, (LxHxW) 30inX18.4inX15.4

Got around 25~30 kilos of live rock in it. And about 2~3 inches of white beach sand.

Been maintaining it close to 2 mos now.

Salinity is @ 1.021 and temp is between 80~82 deg F.

Ammonia and Nitrite is 0; Nitrate is @ 40ppm.
dKh is 10
pH is 8.2
Calcium is consistent @ 480.

Got a pair of tux damsels and a pair of false percs.

Am hoping to spin it off to a reef with what I have. I mean i have seen the technology involved used by the more experienced reefers and i believe i don't have that budget.

So before I embark on something, Id wanted to know if what is have will be feasible for a reef tank.

oh and i have a budget for the light. but not buying yet cause I wanted to know if the rest of the components will fit.

Thanks!

[charlie]

sorry, new to all the terminologies.

I believe its the "sump".

I was given this RS Electirical RS-85 Canister filter. Its got 3 layers for filtration and comes with a 5-watt UV.

Not familiar with this particular canister. If you are going to turn your tank into a reef, I would remove all the filtration in the canister, what they put in there tends to turn into a nitrate trap and won't be good for what you are trying to do, especially without a skimmer.

Salinity is @ 1.021 and temp is between 80~82 deg F.

The temp is OK, I would try to raise the specific gravity to 1.024-1.025. Salinity and specific gravity are two different things. You have given me the specific gravity.

Ammonia and Nitrite is 0; Nitrate is @ 40ppm.
dKh is 10
pH is 8.2
Calcium is consistent @ 480.

The nitrates are going to have to come down to between 0 and 10, preferably <5. That is the fault of the filtration that you have in the cannister filter. Your calcium could come down to 450 or less. There is no reason for the level to be at 480 right now, or probably ever in my opinion.

[n00b]

Thanks for the inputs Chris!

Remove all the filters, meaning not use it anymore?

sorry for the really noob questions.

please be patient.

and by the way, am using API test kits.

[charlie]

Thanks for the inputs Chris!

Remove all the filters, meaning not use it anymore?

sorry for the really noob questions.

please be patient.

and by the way, am using API test kits.

That would be Charlie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remove all the filter media in the canister filter, yes, that is what is causing your nitrates to be high.

I would really suggest trying to find a protein skimmer, that would also help a bunch.

Don't know much about API test kits, I use Salifert.

[n00b]

my bad,

thanks charlie!

any suggestion for further use of the canister?

such a waste....

[charlie]

Not a waste, run carbon in it, just make sure you change the carbon out at least every 3-4 weeks.

[n00b]

but aint carbon recommended in reef thanks as they take away vital "nutrients" from the water?

[charlie]

I think you will find that alot of people run carbon 24/7 in their reef tanks. Do a search on it. I am sure you are going to find differing opinions, but alot of people I know run it. For that matter, I run it 24/7, I change it out every 2-3 weeks.