canister filter vs skimmer + fuge
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Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28653
Printed Date: August 08 2025 at 12:49am
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Topic: canister filter vs skimmer + fuge
Posted By: vbg
Subject: canister filter vs skimmer + fuge
Date Posted: October 14 2008 at 3:19pm
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I have looked a little bit and I think I have a good understanding of what a skimmer and refugium will do for me. But my tank came with a rena filstar canister filter, and I dont really understand what those are best for. What are your feelings on the two? Would it be a good thing to run both? or do I really just need one? Right now I am leaning towards doing a refugium with a skimmer. ------------- Aaron Ferre New guy with a keyboard, watch out!!! 54g custom bowfront |
Replies:
Posted By: sukie
Date Posted: October 14 2008 at 3:32pm
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Aaron - you could always keep the filter and run carbon actively, every once & awhile. That's what I do. . . I have a carbon filter like the rena and I put it on my tank once a month. It's clears the water faster. . . I would dare say faster than ozone or uv. . . but I haven't ran any of those to compare. But I do have a skimmer and refug but if I had more room under my tank - I'd keep that filter on 24/7  |
Posted By: vbg
Date Posted: October 14 2008 at 3:35pm
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Hmm good to know. But for sure you think the skimmer is a good thing? ------------- Aaron Ferre New guy with a keyboard, watch out!!! 54g custom bowfront |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 14 2008 at 4:00pm
Skimmers are wonderful but unecessary. I haven't used a skimmer since 1997 on any of my tanks. I'm kind of a different hobbyist too, since many of my tanks were in the sun.
 ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: sukie
Date Posted: October 14 2008 at 4:04pm
| If it was me. . and I had to choose skimmer vs. carbon filter - Skimmer hands down. |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: October 14 2008 at 6:10pm
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I'd go with a skimmer for sure.
Mike -------------  |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: October 14 2008 at 7:21pm
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Skimmer over a canister? Yes, I agree - But why not both - especially since you already own the canister...?
The skimmer will remove proteins and the canister will remove other types of organics; they can compliment each other well
Run carbon and pO4 remover in the canister with just a small amount of filter pad fibre.
Change out your carbon monthly. pO4 remover every 3 -6 months.
And IMO run your canister 24/7 just like the skimmer
 ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: airteresa
Date Posted: October 14 2008 at 11:14pm
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Mark,
I love your tank. Especially the macro algae, it adds a vibrant green. I used to have my tank open on all four sides years ago, I miss that. My current home doesn't afford a spot to allow me to do so. Thanks for sharing the pic.
Please PM me with your tank, filtration, and livestock specs when you get a free minute.
Thanks. ------------- Aaron G. Taylor Richmond, (Cache Valley) Utah You can't swim with the big fish if you spawn like a guppy! |
Posted By: superman1981
Date Posted: October 15 2008 at 9:38am
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I use both... and honestly, I wouldn't get rid of either one.
------------- Sure you are, you are Crappy Reef Club Member #1 -Chk4tix 6 gal nanocube 65 gal http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=78639&title=tims-65-gallon-build" rel="nofollow - build thread |
Posted By: vbg
Date Posted: October 18 2008 at 5:05pm
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I got a great deal from rtparty on a skimmer so hopefully soon it will be in my sump and at least for a little while I will run both all the time,
------------- Aaron Ferre New guy with a keyboard, watch out!!! 54g custom bowfront |