Need help deciding on filtration!

Hey all!

I am not "new" to the hobby, but am hoping someone can help me out here. I am hoping to switch over to a different filtration setup in the near future. I am wondering what the best type(s) of filters are? I am interested in the canister filters, but I have heard they are nitrate factories. Also, I have never been a huge fan of under tank sumps, even though I know they work very well. Anything else I could do instead? Please help... BTW, I have a 40 gallon, oceanic stretch hex...

Thank You!

Scott

 

Welcome to 3Reef! For your main filtration I would go with live rock/live sand. As for canisters they can become nitrate factories if they do not get cleaned. I have always been a fan of Hagen's Fluval series.

 

I a definitely willing to clean it! I already have live rock and sand and all... have had for two years now. I am just deciding to switch to better filtration... All I have now is a hang on the back filter that I am sick of! How often do the fluvals need cleaning and switching media and all? Thanks!

 

I rise mine out once a week. If you use carbon I would change it out every 30days.

 

i have a fluval and love it.I would recommend not using the foam media for a very long time.I just use mines for the activated carbon and from time to time adding a pouch of phosphate remover.

 

I've never used a filter other than LR and I've never had any issues. Personally I do not feel a canister filter is needed in a reef tank with LR

J

 

I used to like Fluvals too, BUT I've had 2 404s die on me. They seem to last about 2 years then pack it in. In both cases it was due to something internal in the pump section. I also had one develop a leak and needed to replace the O ring. I think they have addressed some of the reliability issues on their new models. Still for the bucks it seems to be a good canister. It is amazing how rapidly the foam filter section gets dirty. It does require cleaning every other week without fail. The trays were useful for carbon, phosban or bio. I'm not sure of their current model runs, but I'd go with a 404= or larger even on your 40 gallon tank.

In any case a powerful canister has to be better than almost any hang on filter. I know you don't like them, but these days I'd still choose a sump over a canister any day. $.02

Oh, I should probably give you my reason...

It mainly revolves around the skimmer. It is just easier to put a powerful skimmer in a sump than deal with a hang on. IMO, the skimmer is the most important part of the mechanical filtration in your setup. A sump just makes life so much easier in dealing with skimmer options.

 

i second what blade runner said about the fluvals dying. i've known 2 of them to die after about 18 months. however i also agree with jason. if you have enough liverock you shouldnt really need it.

 

i like eheim. i clean mine out on the 1st of the month yea its a little work but its comes in handy.

 

Welcome to 3reef first of all!
I have never really been a fan of cannister filters, other than for their increased water flow and place in which to house filter media(chemical).
LIve rock and sand(biological) filtration and an efficient protein skimmer are your best bet IMO> this in conjunction with the many filter feeders, polychaete worms, and other microbial organisms will offer you the best results...