canister filters

Question
I have a 46 gallon bowfront salt tank with fish and coral. I have a refugium and a canister filter. Do I need both and what is your advice on a canister filter only on salt water aquariums?

Answer
Hey Thomas,

I am not a fan of cannister filters.  BUT, many folks are.  I would suggest to take out all the bio-balls, or bio-beads, and place some rock rubble in there.

I would change or clean the pads often, (weekly)

I would rinse the rock rubble once a month, and by rinse i mean by just dropping the tray they are in into the small bucket of salt water, maybe the old water from the last water change.

Just a single dip, and the loose detritus will fall off.

Don't try to 'clean' the rock rubble.  Just a quick dip, the rest is good..

Thanks for asking, and let us know how things work out.




Mr. Bill