We've been running Fluval FX6 on our 125 g for almost 7 years. No issues whatsoever. Regular cleaning and changing of filter pads is all we do.
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You can use a canister filter for everything you mentioned you use reactors for. And changing any of the Media is as simple as changing a light bulb. Your idea of a canister filter being primarily for nitrifying bacteria is completely wrong and you know it, if not stop speaking about canisters. If you used one, you would know how they actually work and how easy they are to take care of. Just like a sump these things will get dirty, if you don't like cleaning your equipment then that's your issue not the canister or sumps problem. Stop hating on something you obviously have no idea whatsoever about.I must have worded it wrongly. Let me clarify.
Carbon is different from nitrifying media. Very different.
Nobody would buy a canister just to run carbon, that would be an overkill. Canister filters are primarily designed to contain nitrifying bacteria and provide some limited mechanical filtration (the canisters sponges are way less effective that filter socks. Although if you're only using the canister to polish the water occasionally you could put filter sock material in it). Any carbon that is placed in the canister would be depleted within a couple of weeks.
Now, the primary purpose of the canister is to contain nitrifying bacteria, and in my experience live rock in the DT is usually sufficient. Therefor I don't believe that the canister filter is at all cost effective (or convenient).
The advantage of using a BRS reactor (or any brand really) is that it's much easier to change out the carbon or media. You can probably even run several reactors on a single pump, and keep carbon in one, ceramic media in another and so on.
As for 'tons of people who use media for water clarity and other reasons'. Is the media you're referring to carbon, if so it makes sense to me. But if you're referring to nitrifying media, I would love to know how that helps with water clarity and what those other reasons are.
Today let's talk about canister filters and if you would agree or disagree with the following statement:
"Canister filters are a viable, inexpensive way to filter a reef tank."
1. Do you agree or disagree?
2. Do you run a canister filter on your reef now or have you in the past?
Thanks @adittam for the QOTD idea!
Seems to me like a lot of people are lazy. Let’s just call it what it is. You don’t maintenance a canister filter every week. Either twice a month or once a month seems to be people’s preference. It literally takes 10-20mins to do what you have to do. For those who can’t pick up their filters obviously you need to not be worried about an aquarium but you need to be hitting the gym. Grab some dumbbells and do some curls. There’s people on YouTube and people on here that say they have no issues with Canister on their reef tanks.You can use a canister filter for everything you mentioned you use reactors for. And changing any of the Media is as simple as changing a light bulb. Your idea of a canister filter being primarily for nitrifying bacteria is completely wrong and you know it, if not stop speaking about canisters. If you used one, you would know how they actually work and how easy they are to take care of. Just like a sump these things will get dirty, if you don't like cleaning your equipment then that's your issue not the canister or sumps problem. Stop hating on something you obviously have no idea whatsoever about.
I clean mine once a month and don't have issues.Seems to me like a lot of people are lazy. Let’s just call it what it is. You don’t maintenance a canister filter every week. Either twice a month or once a month seems to be people’s preference. It literally takes 10-20mins to do what you have to do. For those who can’t pick up their filters obviously you need to not be worried about an aquarium but you need to be hitting the gym. Grab some dumbbells and do some curls. There’s people on YouTube and people on here that say they have no issues with Canister on their reef tanks.
@Axemanian You will love Pond Matrix.Agreed.. I am trying pond matrix (larger stones) and cutting a marinepure plate to fit the baskets, then placing the rest in the tank at the back in a low flow area… see how that goes…
Thank you kindly lolI clean mine once a month and don't have issues.
Funny, I see people with Sumps who’s pipes leak. There will be a story on both sides.No No, Unless you have one for free not a viable option
My first saltwater tank was setup in 1997. Since the LFS told me I need a canister filter I got a fluval. This thing was impossible to get going and when starting it or turning it off I flooded the kitchen in my parents house many times. The real inexpensive way to filter a reef tank is a HOB filter/protein skimmer. Canister filters should be left for freshwater tanks!
I took my aqua clear 110 off because I wanted less in my tank and also not hearing water crash is a plus. I won’t say the water crashing from the HOB isn’t tolerable but the silence is awesome lol. BUT I do have my AC110 on my 40G so…. LolHard to argue that canister filters arent viable. Theres too many successful tanks running them. I think the more relevant question is why would someone run a canister filter over something like a HOB aquaclear. Canisters can look a lot nicer with glass intake/returns but I cant think of any other reason to use one if your tank is compatible with a HOB. And yes I used a canister for around 15 years on a freshwater tank. HOB filters are cheaper, easier to clean, less prone to leaking, provide better aeration, easier to install (no plumbing), can be used to hide heaters and probes, dosing/ato away from livestock, etc.
Using a canister filter gives you more water volume. It's just as easy to clean, Removing and replacing media , if not easier. I had a HOB filter and can see absolute differences. The flow is directional.Hard to argue that canister filters arent viable. Theres too many successful tanks running them. I think the more relevant question is why would someone run a canister filter over something like a HOB aquaclear. Canisters can look a lot nicer with glass intake/returns but I cant think of any other reason to use one if your tank is compatible with a HOB. And yes I used a canister for around 15 years on a freshwater tank. HOB filters are cheaper, easier to clean, less prone to leaking, provide better aeration, easier to install (no plumbing), can be used to hide heaters and probes, dosing/ato away from livestock, etc.
1000 times quieterI took my aqua clear 110 off because I wanted less in my tank and also not hearing water crash is a plus. I won’t say the water crashing from the HOB isn’t tolerable but the silence is awesome lol. BUT I do have my AC110 on my 40G so…. Lol
Exactly1000 times quieter