A few setup ideas

[Vafik]

I've been toying with the idea of setting up a 30 gallon cube and would like to go sumpless since theres no room under the stand to put one. I was instead thinking of building a false back so it's kind of like a nano cube. Just get some black plexi glass and silicon it to the back of the tank leaving a few inches for equipment. Now for my first question would running a cannister filter be ok on a reef tank? I never hear of anyone using a canister filter on there nanos or any reef tank for that matter. But by running a canister I get filtration and a high return of water that I can split up or run threw one of those sqwd units. Not sure if thats the right spelling but its the current switching unit that doesn't run on power just force from a pump. As for the canister I probably would just have a sponge or two and run stuff like cemi pure or this new stuff I see mike has been using. I don't want the canister for bio filtration so much as I'd use it as a power head with benefits. Help is aprecitated.

 

[skipm]

Your plan is very doable, the main reasons you don't hear of cannister filters being used is price and accessability. Cannister filters are just to much trouble to get into to rinse the sponges every week or change the media in when compared to pulling them out of a sump. If you already have one you want to use fine but I wouldn't buy one for a reeftank. You can have an overflow built into the false wall and have it divided similar to a Nanocube with chambers for a sponge, refugium, heater, return pump, etc. The design is basically up to you, make it as simple or complex as you are comfortable with. You can buy a decent powerhead or small pump cheaper than the least expensive cannister filter and you'll get more flow from the powerhead/pump.

 

[Jordan8008]

a friends tank runs a canister filter on his 20 long and, the only thing he has done, is split the return with 1/2" plumbing, which you already intend on doing, so looks like your set, if you have a camera id like to see some pics, maybe start a thread on the DIY forum

Thanks

Jordan

 

[Anonymous]

there is a post right now in the SPS section at the RC of someone who did just the same thing

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthrea ... did=796161

and others have done this, as well including myself with a 20 gal with an overflow/false wall, its a very good idea and the next tank i'm working on will also have one with some improvments that i'm still working on in my head.

as far as canisters yes they are a pain to clean the sponges but i run a HOT MAG on my 35 hex so i can run carbon when i want and i have a fluvial on my 125 for the same reason. They are not neccessary but do have a place if you want one, i like mine, but there are definitly other options, personal choice........... with both good points and bad

 

[Vafik]

Thats pretty much what I had in mind. But I was thinking of making the back wall black for a more finished look and to hide equipment.