Protein skimmer vs canister

[JP79]

Hello I was wondering which is better. I have a 65 gallon tank fish only. I'm tying to figure out a way to reduce my nitrate. I have a Protein skimmer on it now with my original hob filter. Wondering if I should go with a protein skimmer and a reactor or try a canister filter. Thank you In advance

I use a canister filter and a hang on back simmer for my 55 mix reef tank. Here's a couple little tricks I've learned and Or are using at this moment. One it's a pain in the butt. But it's very doable. I basically use it as a media reactor. I took out all the sponges and media that came with it because it's crap. I replaced all that crap with seagel from seachem in one chamber. You can use any type of carbon you want but I like the seagel. I also added the martrix stone from seachem to 4 other chambers. I have one chamber open next to the seagel that Iv used for GFO but GFO doesn't really work unless it's tumbling. So I took that out and use if for phosgaurd once and a while. You can use sponges in it but you'll have to clean them every couple days. You'll also have to clean the canister filter every 5-7 days if you don't run sponges. That's the pain in butt. But they work really well if you keep them clean. I have 9 fish, grabs, shrimp, a seastar, sponge, a maxi clam and 50+ corals ranging from LPS,SPS and softies. So it can be done but it's a pain. I've had this tank for over a year and half. I'm in the process of switching over to a sump for only the reason is because it will be easy to maintain and add water volume. Which we know will make easier as well. My nitrates range from 0-.2 but never higher then 5. Good luck and Any questions ask away.

 

[Rjramos]

I have live rock live sand and fish in the tank

If you have live rock and sand, I would not use a canister filter. Use protein skimmer and if you can get a surface skimming device for your HOB filter that will be best.

 

[dromo2189]

Okay I'm going to get a protein skimmer. I saw coralife had a protein skimmer that did up to 125 wondering if anyone heard how they were?

 

[dromo2189]

Also was thinking ahead and was thinking within the next 3 years I will want to move up to a 150. If I get a skimmer for 150 gallons will I be okay or should it be rated for around 200?

 

[CodyRVA]

Okay I'm going to get a protein skimmer. I saw coralife had a protein skimmer that did up to 125 wondering if anyone heard how they were?

I would run both canister and skimmer, without a sump, but if you have to pick just 1 then yea definitely slimmer. I'd go with a Reef Octopus HOB.

 

[dromo2189]

I was thinking of doing the protein skimmer and a reactor. I'm just worried about the canister if I'm away for work or vacation

 

[Be102]

@saltyfilmfolks does a great job explaining why canisters are a bad idea on a reef tank. Maybe he'll come share his knowledge. Yes they work. Yes you can have a tank with them. Will it be a lot of work than regular maintenance? Yep.

 

[CodyRVA]

@saltyfilmfolks does a great job explaining why canisters are a bad idea on a reef tank. Maybe he'll come share his knowledge. Yes they work. Yes you can have a tank with them. Will it be a lot of work than regular maintenance? Yep.

Cleaned mine twice a month. I spend more time now changing and cleaning filter socks overall than I did my canister. If you don't know how to use one, yea it'll work against you, but that's just about anything that's customizable.

 

[Austin S]

Hello
I echo what several people have said. That is the canister filter can be a huge nutrient sink. That said I used them for over 20 years without a skimmer. It HAS to be cleaned regularly IMO every couple weeks. It's also definitely easier to add to the system then a skimmer. Assuming the skimmer is being added to a sump which will need to be plumbed. My humble recommendation is to add a quality canister to your hob if you like how it's currently running. If you can't honestly commit to the cleaning regimen associated with the canister please don't do it. Have fun.

 

[jeff williams]

Op I haven't heard anyone ask yet so what's your nitrate level currently and are you you using RO/DI or tap water

 

[jeff williams]

Hello I was wondering which is better. I have a 65 gallon tank fish only. I'm tying to figure out a way to reduce my nitrate. I have a Protein skimmer on it now with my original hob filter. Wondering if I should go with a protein skimmer and a reactor or try a canister filter. Thank you In advance

Op I haven't heard anyone ask yet so what's your nitrate level currently and are you you using RO/DI or tap water

 

[dromo2189]

It's 20. I use to have it at 80 but did water change every 5 days. I use salt water from my local saltwater fish store

 

[jeff williams]

Just for peace of mind check the nitrate level in your Lfs water you might be adding 20ppm every time you do a change if so buy your water else were

 

[alex.mccann99]

I was thinking of doing a sump also but I don't feel comfortable drilling in the tank. And sounds like the overflow u have to be careful of leaking

Drilling the tank is much easier than it sounds. You can buy the entire kit at Glassholes and there's a ton of videos. I just did it for the second time, drilled for Overflow and Return line. It was really easy and took about 20 minutes. Hardest part would be emptying the tank. It is soooo worth it.

 

[dromo2189]

Yeah I can't drill. I'm going to wait until I get my 150 in a couple years

 

[Bob Escher]

I was thinking of doing a sump also but I don't feel comfortable drilling in the tank. And sounds like the overflow u have to be careful of leaking

I ended up using a overflow and a sump on my JBJ all in one tank. My videos in my sig line show how I did it

 

[lewis.maryann08]

Ok i ordered some of this cant wait ti try it thank you for the video just awesome!!

I've shared this many times, but here it is again. I set my canister filter up this way and it worked to perfection. I cleaned mine bi weekly, replacing the felt padding completely. Also, here's a link to the media I use, I personally think it works as good, if not better, than marine pure and is much more durable and no worries of AL leaching (not even going to start that debate o_O).