Canister Filter???

[Vstar99]

Hello!
Newbie here to saltwater and really new to the entire hobby in itself. As I am modifying my wall to hold my 55g tank just yesterday i visited a couple of local stores. One gentleman at the the 2nd store was recommending a Canister Filter as oppossed to a Sump. It seems that the C Filter seems easier to maintain, set up, etc. Can someone give me some info on what it would be best. thanks - E!

[hobogato]

depends. if you are going FOWLR (fish only with live rock) a canister will work ok, but you will likely have a nitrate battle in the end. if you plan on doing a reef with live corals, that canister will probably be insufficient. most people with reef setups run a sump, fuge and skimmer.

[hobogato]

btw, welcome to maast - you a yamaha man?

[Vstar99]

ya at first i thought it was too good to be true, as far as i read a sump is the best way to go, but wanted to make sure..oh ya i ride a 99 custom 1100 ;) THANKS! for the reply

[hobogato]

dont forget, if you are using a sump/fuge, you will have to have a way to get the water to drain from you tank to it..... some people here have had success with HOB overflow boxes, but most prefer a reef ready tank (drilled with internal overflow) if the tank is dry and not tempered, i would recommend having it drilled.

[Vstar99]

thanks, the 55 g was given to me, how to you suppose to find out if it tempered or not? thanks!

[SoLiD]

There is usually a sticker thats says "Tempered Glass" inside the black brace area.

BTW (By The Way): Most peolple run 55gallon tanks for their sump. When It comes to Saltwater you'll find out that the more water you can afford the better. If it was me I'd look for a minimum of a 90g Tank; especially if you are going to cut into your wall. I'd only want to do that once. But ultimately it's gonna be your decision. Before you start do as much research as you can. You already found this site so if you have a question just ask... really.

-David

[SoLiD]

By the way "Welcome To MAAST!!!"

[Vstar99]

Aw thank you thank... I will take a look when i get home.....well the reason i am using the 55 g cos it was given to me plus it a good size for where i will be using it. you can view the progress here: 1. i had build a waterfall but was not WOW enough for me so i have decided to take on this project, anyways you can veiw why i have limited space: I will most likey finish the wall modifications by this weekend. http://develop.webheadgroup.com/naca/fountain/default.htm and thanks for the welcome