Emperor 400, Canister or Skimmer?

[Hawaiian Style]

Emperor 400 or Canister filter

I am just getting started with a 46 bow. I have an emperor 400 now, should I keep the 400 or get a canister or use both? Is 240 or 360 gpm over kill for a 46 gallon?

 

[biggyclops]

flow depends on what you want for a tank? fish only? reef? if reef... stony? softies? mixed?

 

[Hawaiian Style]

I will start off with fish then working up to softies then to a mix. I also have a Koralia 3 at 850 gpm..

 

[afboundguy]

I'd suggest saving the money and investing in a quality HOB skimmer... Octopus is making some really nice HOB skimmers for under $150...

 

[bpfan64]

i use a uv 4 stage canister filter personally...

 

[biggyclops]

I'd suggest saving the money and investing in a quality HOB skimmer... Octopus is making some really nice HOB skimmers for under $150...

+1
I haven't really seen anyone use a canister filter for a full blown setup...

 

[Spearsie]

If you just want the flow make sure you ditch the Bio-wheel or media. I use an Eheim Ecco 2236 canister for my 29g which I picked up cheap. I don't have a sump or refugium setup on it so I have Purigen and Phosguard in the trays instead of the Bio Media that comes with it. It does a pretty solid job while also giving some added flow and adds a bit over a gallon to my water capacity.

 

[deuceb]

I'd suggest saving the money and investing in a quality HOB skimmer... Octopus is making some really nice HOB skimmers for under $150...

right on i would throw them both out and go with skimmer

 

[ym9854]

I'm a beginner reefer myself, but this is the feedback I got about canister filters and HOB power filters.

HOB power filters: don't even bother with them...
canister filters: if you're meticulous about keeping it clean, great, but if not, it can actually harm the tank, as canister filters can accumulate nitrates.

The overall advice I got: take your time, don't overstock, just go with a good skimmer, and all you need for filtration is the LR & LS.

 

[Aquaman_68]

Welcome...You may want to bring these questions in reef talk...you will get more exposure there for sure...

B

 

[deb b]

I am just getting started with a 46 bow. I have an emperor 400 now, should I keep the 400 or get a canister or use both? Is 240 or 360 gpm over kill for a 46 gallon?

I had a 55 gal and used the empror 400 and prizm skimmer for 1 1/2 years..no problems..worked great!

 

[Hawaiian Style]

Thanks for all the imput

Thanks for all the imput....I will move my post to the Reef forum... Love the site,and its only been a week.

 

[jojo1n2]

get a skimmer. canisters can be a nitrate trap

 

[Mrs. Delta]

Thanks for all the imput....I will move my post to the Reef forum... Love the site,and its only been a week.

Threads merged so people can continue the discussion

 

[Hawaiian Style]

Thanks

Thanks for the help Mrs Delta... I was not sure how to move the thread.

 

[Mrs. Delta]

No problem. You cannot move posts or threads, but you can request that things be changed by reporting your post, which will alert a moderator to your need. Reporting your post by using the alert icon below your name on the post (red/white triangle with !).

Good luck