Switching out the canister

jtbadco · #1 12-20-2011, 02:37 AM

I am looking to increase the flow in my 33 gal reef. I am thinking of swapping out the Fluval 405 canister for a Koralia 425 Gph. The Koralia has more flow but the canister is full of Bio-max.
Will this reduce the bio-filtration?

Nano · #2 12-20-2011, 02:43 AM

I would think so, but canisters are nitrate factories, at least with salt water. I am currently about to embark on my first sump build, and join the sump club. Seems like the best method, plus you have a place to put frags/hitch hiker crabs for eating algae. IMO that is.

jtbadco · #3 12-20-2011, 02:49 AM

Dont have the option of a sump.

Tank is almost a year old, never had an issue with any Nitrates

Canisters only become a problem if you use sponges or filter floss

Nano · #4 12-20-2011, 02:53 AM

weird I had heard it was the bio balls

jtbadco · #5 12-20-2011, 02:57 AM

well, it is whatever catches and holds onto detritus and organic matter.

Without floss or sponges there is no place for it to build up

Nano · #6 12-20-2011, 03:07 AM

So if your removing your canister, are you planning on going filterless? Like just using the LR in you tank as a filter? I have seen a few filterless nanos but they required weekly water changes, unless you have a skimmer, then it might be different

Beverly · #7 12-20-2011, 03:14 AM

Canisters or HOB filters with floss or foam are only nitrate factories if they are seldom or poorly cleaned. I clean the foam in my HOB filter a couple of times a week and I don't have algae problems of any kind. I also run a bare bottom tank and siphon out the crud during weekly water changes. It's my firm belief that tanks in general are nitrate and phosphate factories and the only way to keep them clean is by doing frequent and thorough maintenance on them. Crud build up in any part of a reef system ALWAYS equals algae and/or excess nutrients.

ReefOcean · #8 12-20-2011, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtbadco

I am looking to increase the flow in my 33 gal reef. I am thinking of swapping out the Fluval 405 canister for a Koralia 425 Gph. The Koralia has more flow but the canister is full of Bio-max.
Will this reduce the bio-filtration?

You could add a Koralia and a small media reactor. You could prbably get the whole thing for a hundy or so. 30 for the Koralia, 50 for the reactor and another 20 or so for a powerhead for the reactor.

Leah · #9 12-20-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtbadco

I am looking to increase the flow in my 33 gal reef. I am thinking of swapping out the Fluval 405 canister for a Koralia 425 Gph. The Koralia has more flow but the canister is full of Bio-max.
Will this reduce the bio-filtration?

I had a 33 gal running and never used a canister filter, just used a Aqua Clear filter and 2 power heads actually Koralia Nano's. My tank had only softies and LPS's though.

I ran my original first two tanks, 72 gal and 95 gal with canister filters and when I took them off at first I was worried.

Best thing I ever did. Having said that... what do you have in your tank for corals, fish and how much live rock?

mike31154 · #10 12-20-2011, 02:24 PM

I take it you're using the canister output as a flow supplement? I have a Rena XP canister running carbon on my system & while the nozzle does provide a bit of flow, the bulk of my water movement is provided by a couple of VorTech MP40s. I certainly don't consider the canister flow even close to adequate for providing water movement in my system. The canister simply provides a tiny bit of extra chaos near the middle of the tank where the VorTech flow drops off. And I consider it a little self contained mini sump, adding another gallon or so to total water volume. Every little bit helps when you're running sumpless.

Having said all that, is there a reason you can't do both as I do? Just add the Koralia or whatever powerhead suits you needs & continue running all the other filters. Trying to save power?