filtration

i was just wondering if a skimmer is the primory filtation system? i do have a canister for to me is just basic. i have a 55g tank. just wondering what else i could put inside my canister if anything that would help. i dont have problems atm but was thinking i may add some more stuff to it.

 

You could run GAC in it. I'm not sure what you are running in it right now. I think that you could also run GFO pellets in it and use it like a reactor as well. I think the primary filtration would be the skimmer then a sump. Don't quote me on that though.

Edit: Sorry about that, when I hear filtration I always go for equipment first for some reason. Of course Live Rock is the primary filtration. Right now I have at least 20 pounds in my 16 gallon aquarium.

 

live rock is my primary filter. i have about 100-120# in my 55g.

 

Gfo won't bode well in a canister filter less it's only pushing like 30gph if ya tumble it too hard gfo breaks up and the particles will flow in to the tank.
Carbon works ok but can become a nitrate factory as most canister filters are. Floss and a skimmer will so fine less you have soft corals in which I recomend carbon so they don't poison with their bio-warfare.

Edit: yes live rock is a primary source of filtration in the sence of getting rid of some organic materials along with amonia, nitrites, and even a little nitrates. A canister filter with floss will aid this process but if not cleaned will also cause problems. The filter uses the floss to pull large particles out of the water collum to be broken down.

 

yea i have bout 125lbs LR in my tank but get brown crap all over the place. some1 wssaying over feed and hjgh bioload .

 

Here some reading for you. Hope it helps.

http://http://www.3reef.com/forums/...-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

 

canister filters are not "nitrate factories" across the board. If they were that evil they wouldnt sell, in fact canister filters can be quite effective. Its the lack of maintenance that turns them into problems, people turn the canister on and forget about it for 6 months or a year until it gets so full of gunk it doesnt even turn over any water & then blame the canister. A good canister with good regular care can be a very useful piece of kit.

 

ok with that said once a month clean the canister?