canister filters

I am using a cascade 1500 with matrix biofilter media. I was wondering if I
should run the filter without the filter pads that came with it, or run it
with them in? I removed the carbon baggie [as per the lfs advise], but kept
just in case. Any suggestions?

i've got a fluval 304 and I've been told not to use it because it holds
nitrates, so I interested in the direction of this thread too..

so far it seems that there's very little mechanical filtration involved in
reef keeping..can't wait till i can afford a protien skimmer.

-ss


"...." wrote in message
...
I am using a cascade 1500 with matrix biofilter media. I was wondering if
I
should run the filter without the filter pads that came with it, or run it
with them in? I removed the carbon baggie [as per the lfs advise], but
kept
just in case. Any suggestions?

IMO a canister filters is only good for one thing.........and that is to use
with carbon when needed. they do make excellent heaters tough.

as for your filter pads, they will become nitrate factories if not cleaned
at least weekly, preferably more often.

your lfs's suggestion to ditch the carbon was given under what assumption by
them???

kc

"...." wrote in message
...
I am using a cascade 1500 with matrix biofilter media. I was wondering if
I
should run the filter without the filter pads that came with it, or run it
with them in? I removed the carbon baggie [as per the lfs advise], but
kept
just in case. Any suggestions?

"...." wrote in message
...
I am using a cascade 1500 with matrix biofilter media. I was wondering if
I
should run the filter without the filter pads that came with it, or run it
with them in? I removed the carbon baggie [as per the lfs advise], but
kept
just in case. Any suggestions?


Any brand of "canister filer" will have chamber or block. These chamber /
block can be use for any purpose for your situation. You can use to clean
your water or obserb chemical / odor.

Carbon absorb - odor or smell. If you have add some kind of chemical or
medicine to your tank, carbon will absorb it while it pass through. Or if
you have a decaying stuff and cause odor, carbon will absorb that too.

Filter (floss / BiosBall) - This is a mechanical function. Depending how
dense or coarse, the debris that travel along with your water circulation
will need to pass through your floss / filter chamber and will get stuck /
trap until it get clog. The finer the floss, the smaller debris will catch.
Therefore, you tank will look cleaner.

Both Carbon and Filter will need to be clean or replace as it will get clog
and increase nitrate. Again, carbon only need when there a chemical or odar
you think it need to be remove. Otherwise, filter is only needed.

Do you get the general idea?

Note:
If you tank is a Reef type of tank, you normally do not need a canister
filter.

CapFusion,...

The lfs told me that carbon was not good for reefs... but after reading
books, magazines, and online sources(which I should have done first) I find
that I should have gone with a refugium and sump, instead of dumping money
on the canister filter.
Lesson learned: LFS operate to make money, and only occasionally have your
best intrests in mind.

But since I already have it, I might as well still use it till I can set up
a refugium.

"...." wrote in message
...
The lfs told me that carbon was not good for reefs... but after reading
books, magazines, and online sources(which I should have done first) I
find
that I should have gone with a refugium and sump, instead of dumping money
on the canister filter.
Lesson learned: LFS operate to make money, and only occasionally have your
best intrests in mind.

But since I already have it, I might as well still use it till I can set
up
a refugium.

Can you ask your LFS the reason behind that statement? Normally a canister
filter is not good for Reef type of tank unless it is a FO (fish only).
Carbon is to absrb chemical / medicine / odor ... etc out of the water when
it pass-through it.

I only use carbon if I need to remove some kind of odor or medicine that I
put in for certain purpose but I do not use it as daily cleaning like a
filter.

Return the canister filter and get something like Protein Skimmer for your
Reef tank. Otherwise, use your canister as water circulation without using
any mechanical filter or carbon.

BTW, please retain previous message history so I do not have to look back of
archive message.

CapFusion,...