Filtration help

[Jay and Sara]

We have been running our 55 gallon reef tank with two separate filters each designed for 55 gallons. Both are marine land filters. Is this ok to use? If not what, other than a sump (space issue) can we use? Would a protien skimmer work all alone?

 

[Dkmoo]

We have been running our 55 gallon reef tank with two separate filters each designed for 55 gallons. Both are marine land filters. Is this ok to use? If not what, other than a sump (space issue) can we use? Would a protien skimmer work all alone?

Cannister filters are generally not recommend anymore for saltwater/reef ranks bc the mechanical filtration (the first level) generally becomes a no3/po4 factory unless you swap it out and clean it every 3 days or so. A HOB skimmer would be more effective, as will algae reactor that you can plumb that generally takes up the same footprint as a canister.

You can keep one canister as a media reactor (carbon, for ex), but in terms of waste/nutrient export and management, the two I mentioned are much more effective method even if sump is not possible.

If getting a HOB skimmer, make sure yiu get one with collection cup overflow prevention.