Canister filter with a pre filter

[Colt13]

I'm trying to keep my system as simple as possible, and I am tempted to use a canister filter. However, 99% of people warn against it. But, with diligent maintenance, I think they may be feasible (what are your thoughts?). The key to my plan is using the Oase biomaster thermo 250 filter. This filter is pretty unique in that it has a prefilter that can be easily cleaned out every few days without dismantling the whole canister. So, in the actual canister, I wont have anything to hold detritus, i would just hold a lot of marine pure balls. and maybe some carbon i would change out when i rinsed the whole canister monthly. The prefilter would have fine/medium foam to capture most of/all the junk and be cleaned out often enough that hopefully the canister will remain clean and detritus won't build up. what do you guys think about this? asking for trouble? or a possible strategy? would detritus still build up in the balls or would it go through them back into the display?

 

[Bob Weigant]

I used a canister filter many years ago and it was doable but I had to stay on it big time. I used filter pads , chemi pure elite and a few other things I honestly don’t remember. I was happier when I stopped using it. The tank at the time was mostly LPS

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I to have a diy canister. Here's 1 of 33 carnation corals, dendronephthya sp.
Canister filter, filters sump water
One of my children of the sea

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Evening,

I love canisters. A quick thought though. If you are using the canister for balls and carbon only a sump would be a better choice since it could also hold a skimmer and other things. If it is a space or plumbing issue that prevents a sump, the canisters is a good alternative. But like you mentioned it will take more maintenance.