Canistan filter?yes or no

I'm running a 125 litre reef tank I've got a hang on v2 400 skimmer and been using a fluval 205 canistan filter. Do I need to use the filter as I read and hear that they are nitrate factorys. I use nothing in the filter but the foam pads.

 

Your current and future nitrate levels will be the best judge of the above

If cannisters are not cleaned/ rinsed, regular, they can accumulate detritus and thats where they get their reputation as nitrate factories, if you clean the sponges in the old tank water at every water change and once a quarter pour some old tank water into the cannister and flush it out, then IMO you can avoid high nitrates sometimes associated with cannister filters


Steve