Larger Canister filter or Add wavemaker

[b1uecheese]

Hello All! The question is in the title

I'm in the process of cycling a 40 gallon breeder macro algae/softie tank. I wanted a really clean look so went with Oase 350 canister filter with the built in heater and prefilter (easier maintenance hopefully...maybe...probably not really). I love the absence of clutter in the tank but am disappointed with the flow -- does not appear to be near the 300gph as advertised, though I know I have filter sponge inside it etc.

I'm not going for SPS levels of flow here but i put a small piece of debris in the tank and it took ages to make it to the filter, gently floating around :(

Has anyone else been in this scenario or could recommend a clear benefit to just returning the oase 350 and getting a larger model such as Oase 850 OR is 150gph filter adequate and I should add flow via wavemaker. I think an additional wavemaker could help target dead spots on the opposite side of the tank but a large canister filter might accomplish a similar task without added equipment. I even considered a second oase 350 that I would remove all the filter flass/sponge and just make a copepod hotel but now we getting crazy.

Curious about your thoughts!

 

[vlangel]

I have the Oase BioMaster 850 canister on my 75g. Actually I don't run sponges in the canister, instead its filled with rubble rock. I rely on the prefilter to catch the large debris so I get respectable flow from the return nozzle. The prefilter is very easy to remove and rinse.
I also like the clean appearance of the canister. However, on a 75g I still need powerheads.

 

[Fish Fan]

I'd add a circ pump or two instead of going with a larger canister filer

Good luck!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I would add a pair of small powerheads like nero's or something. I really like the rockwork but you will have many dead flow spots with just one source of flow. In my opinion. good luck

 

[vlangel]

I'd add a circ pump or two instead of going with a larger canister filer

Good luck!

I agree. The BioMaster 850 is a large unit. Mine is beside the tank behind an set of drawers so out of sight. Its too tall to easily service in an aquarium cabinet. Vortech's are low profile and not too disruptive.

 

[b1uecheese]

Thanks everyone, will do two small circulation pumps. That makes sense

 

[b1uecheese]

I have the Oase BioMaster 850 canister on my 75g. Actually I don't run sponges in the canister, instead its filled with rubble rock. I rely on the prefilter to catch the large debris so I get respectable flow from the return nozzle. The prefilter is very easy to remove and rinse.
I also like the clean appearance of the canister. However, on a 75g I still need powerheads.

Beautiful tank! Of many aspects I like about it, I've never seen a feather duster army like yours.

 

[Bear22]

Hello All! The question is in the title

I'm in the process of cycling a 40 gallon breeder macro algae/softie tank. I wanted a really clean look so went with Oase 350 canister filter with the built in heater and prefilter (easier maintenance hopefully...maybe...probably not really). I love the absence of clutter in the tank but am disappointed with the flow -- does not appear to be near the 300gph as advertised, though I know I have filter sponge inside it etc.

I'm not going for SPS levels of flow here but i put a small piece of debris in the tank and it took ages to make it to the filter, gently floating around :(

Has anyone else been in this scenario or could recommend a clear benefit to just returning the oase 350 and getting a larger model such as Oase 850 OR is 150gph filter adequate and I should add flow via wavemaker. I think an additional wavemaker could help target dead spots on the opposite side of the tank but a large canister filter might accomplish a similar task without added equipment. I even considered a second oase 350 that I would remove all the filter flass/sponge and just make a copepod hotel but now we getting crazy.

Curious about your thoughts!

Ditch all the filter sponges except the orange top sponge. Run the blue 10 ppi sponges on the pre-filter stem. As for the rest of the trays I would run the Oase proprietary tumbling bio media.

This will help you with getting better flow.

Canister filter advertised flow rates are rated sans media.

 

[vlangel]

Beautiful tank! Of many aspects I like about it, I've never seen a feather duster army like yours.

Thank you very much. My prior tank was tall but not very wide across but I am using the same light, ReefBreeder Photon V-24. Its coverage is weak at the ends of the tank, so feather dusters were perfect there and I adore feather dusters.