Canister Filters: Canister filters are a viable, inexpensive way to filter a reef tank. True or False?

Freenow54 · Nov 12, 2021

I have a canister for my 45 gallon, and a sump for my 90. I find that I do not have to clean the canister as often. To do it propery ( fluval 350) it takes about 15 minutes every 3 months or so. My 45 gallon sump Requires cleaning more often, and because of the plant light for my algea it gets unwanted algea groth

rustyreefer said:
I ran an FX4 and FX6 on a cichlid tank for years. They work great as long as you clean them very regularly. Otherwise they are nitrate factories. I dont remember the exact amount i paid for them but I bet I had $650 in them.

you can buy pads to help with almost anything for them. Come in sheets and you cut them to size.

bstodds15 · Apr 25, 2022

I have a 55g tank that I recently switched from a sump to a Fluval FX6 (probably 2-3 months at this point). Main reason was the noise factor as it's in the living room, and the sound was a little too much at times.

Honestly the tank hasn't even noticed the difference - if anything I think it's doing better.

Big thing about canisters is the media should be upgraded so it's not just 70% filter pads. I have the FX6 loaded with ceramic bioballs I took out of the sump and a little bit of filter padding on the top.

I actually was looking for some recommendations on "upgrades/attachments" for the FX6 (i.e. inline UV Sterilizer or Protein Skimmer).

sfin52 · Apr 25, 2022

I run the fluval fx4 on my 90 and I can grow anything a sump tank can. I don't get as clean look as a sump system. I hide it with coral and rock. Gsp does a great job for this.
I clean my canister once a month

Uv is a bit tricky because of flow rates.

Freenow54 · Apr 25, 2022

bstodds15 said:
I have a 55g tank that I recently switched from a sump to a Fluval FX6 (probably 2-3 months at this point). Main reason was the noise factor as it's in the living room, and the sound was a little too much at times.

Honestly the tank hasn't even noticed the difference - if anything I think it's doing better.

Big thing about canisters is the media should be upgraded so it's not just 70% filter pads. I have the FX6 loaded with ceramic bioballs I took out of the sump and a little bit of filter padding on the top.

I actually was looking for some recommendations on "upgrades/attachments" for the FX6 (i.e. inline UV Sterilizer or Protein Skimmer).

To me Skimmer for sure. I use a canister on my 45, but would not do without my skimmer for sure