Newb Help? Canister Filter Content

I know that canister filters are never the way to go with SW systems but I got an Eheim classic for free with my tank. I was wondering - it came with those bio-balls (I know, nitrate factory). How do I go about making this canister work with my new (not yet set up) system? It's a 25gal tank. I'll have more specs later tonight on the set up and filter. Until I can afford to do the sump system that I would like to I have to bare with this... Any suggestions?

 

We never had a sump with our 72 gallon. We ran it for 10 years. We used a 350 mag canister with carbon. Be sure to clean it out and refresh carbon every 2 months or so. The carbon helps keep the corals doing damage w/ the chemical warfare they start if you mess with them moving them around.

Our 120 we have a sump and place carbon in a bag so the water now rushes through it w/o the canister.

 

Thank you!! I keep reading that canister just is not the way to go. How about the bioballs? Should I replace them with some other media or should I just clean them all the time?

 

I got a tank off of craigs list a couple of months ago. It came with two eheim canisters. I ended up filling one up with live rock rubble and putting carbon in the other.

 

I've heard of people putting live rock in the media trays. You'd have to break it up but that's they way I'd go if using a canister

 

I agree, get rid of bio balls as you want lv to help with bio. load.

You will need to have good cleaning every 5-6 months? or so as the tube worms do build up in the canisters pretty bad.

 

Thanks for the responses guys!! I got this tank and extras for Valentines day. We got it from a friend of ours. As soon as i saw the bio balls I was like, "Crap!" Can I use activated carbon or is LR a must?

 

I use the carbon in one and LR rubble in the other. You could just use carbon but make sure to change it when needed. I wouldnt use anything but Carbon or LR rubble.

 

Congrats on you're new setup. I've never had a cansiter but I know if I stop using carbon my water will start to smell after about a week. It's a must for me... I don't know how people get away with out it.

 

Good Luck with the setup. Let us know how it works out.