Canister Filter input needed asap!

Since you don't have a sump, I'm assuming you are looking at a hang on back type skimmer?

If so, there are a couple of things to consider. They can be a little more finnicky and work better when the water level in the tank is constant. Also you will have more equipment that you can see in the tank(skimmer pump/pick-up). There is also the chance if it is HOB skimmer that it could put water on your floor if it leaks or overflows. There is one out now that you don't have to worry about overflowing called the Hydor Slim Skim, it is setup in your tank, but I have heard some good things about them.

If you use a cannister, I would suggest as mentioned by somone else before using chemipure elite in it and keep up with filter changes.

Hope this helps.

 

They're not too bad,4 side latches and a quick disconnect for the hoses and it opens right up.I just don't like the fact of having to maintain them all the time to keep them working properly,but i'm lazy ,and the constant maintenance goes for any brand canister to keep it optimal.

I'll eventually do a sump/refugium when funds allow,but for now,my jbj serves me well.

 

Thanks everyone and i am going to check into the slim skim and add it to my options!

 

I was using the 305 on my 45 gallon tank. Started having problems with nitrites after removing the 305 they were gone within a day. I would recomend just the skimmer. I had both for awile.
http://http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/my-new-45gal-tank-learning-129161.html

 

Skimmers are used primarily for removing DOC's (dissolved organic compounds) basically after food and waste have broken down in your water.Not using any type of filter (no hob,canister or sump) will prevent the user from running any type of mechanical filtration for removal of food and waste BEFORE it breaks down into the water column.It will also prevent having a place to run chemical filtration.That would not be my choice.

And scottmwoods,the nitrates you experienced was not due to the canister filter itself,but rather the lack of maintenance of it was more than likely the culprit.

Canisters are great and efficent filters when used properly in conjuntion with a skimmer.

Another benefit of canisters over hob filters is-water always takes the path of least resistance,where in a hob filter water can flow around the media rather than forced through it.One of the reasons Aquaclear hob filters are one of the prefered hob filters as they work in the same manor.

Canisters have gotten a bad reputation for being "nitrate factories",but thats simply not true,there's nothing in a canister filter to produce nitrates other than "waste buildup",it all falls back to proper routine maintenance and cleaning.

 

I've been using the Marineland Magnum 350 (have 3) for 20 years now. It's the only canister filter I've ever used and they're wonderful. That and Marinelands customer service just can't be beat! But to be fair, I've yet to try any other

 

Well put, any form of mechanical filtration can become a "nitrate factory" if not properly maintained.

 

I've got an eheim canister filter (2213) and I have to say its the quietest filter I've ever had. And I'm listening right now to the AC 20 which is much louder than the eheim (almost silent, just a tiny hum) across th room.

 

I had a slim skim (the one rated up to 65g) and it worked, but it was HUGE. it was a massive black tower in my tank...and that among other reasons is why I took it out. I think the tunze 9002 is smaller

 

Kathy, Is there any room at all under your stand?

I'm a pro at fitting/bending/squeezing large sumps under existing stands with DT setups on them- speaking of my DT and DIY sump.

There are various sizes of sturdy plastic containers, sold at the big box hardware type stores. Then a slighlty smaller container can be put in the larger one, to house the skimmer, etc. You can use a strainer type basket- also sold there, for a chaeto/macro basket. Plumb it up and you're all set, with a working sump!

Are you aware of the SWC - Ebay brand of skimmers?
For your 65hex, the swc 65 is under $100, and works great. I use the larger SWC150 myself- best bang for the buck- bar none.

Good luck

PS- my DIY overflow and sump is near the end of my short DT vid in my signature