Canister filter vs. Sump

Dragonet · 11-04-2009, 11:48 AM

I am getting a new 125 gallon tank and I have the choice of either getting a sump system because the tank has a corner flow drain already drilled in, or a FX5 fluval canister filter.
I have had experiance with canister filters and I think they work very well but because the tank has a predrilled drain for a sump I was wondering which is ultimately better or will work best with what I have.

Any opinions would be very helpful.

Thankyou.
Liam.

Lotus · 11-04-2009, 12:16 PM

Go with the sump. Every time. A canister filter tends to cause nitrates to build up in saltwater tanks.

Dragonet · 11-04-2009, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the reply and should the sump be cleaned as often as a canister filter?

Lotus · 11-04-2009, 04:16 PM

It's best to not have much mechanical media in your sump. Definitely don't put bio balls in there. Filter socks are good, but you should clean/change them weekly.

Lorna · 11-05-2009, 10:27 AM

rather than bioballs I would suggest that placing a bunch of live rock rubble in a media bag is a good addition along with running some cheato or other macro algae in the sump. These coupled with a good protein skimmer and you will be good to go. That is provided you also have a sufficient amount of live rock in the display to give you adequate biological filtration.

11-04-2009, 11:48 AM	#1
Dragonet Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kingston ON. Posts: 58	Canister filter vs. Sump I am getting a new 125 gallon tank and I have the choice of either getting a sump system because the tank has a corner flow drain already drilled in, or a FX5 fluval canister filter. I have had experiance with canister filters and I think they work very well but because the tank has a predrilled drain for a sump I was wondering which is ultimately better or will work best with what I have. Any opinions would be very helpful. Thankyou. Liam.

11-04-2009, 12:16 PM	#2
Lotus Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 14,775	Go with the sump. Every time. A canister filter tends to cause nitrates to build up in saltwater tanks. __________________ Lotus and Ecotank's tanks "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

11-04-2009, 04:16 PM	#4
Lotus Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 14,775	It's best to not have much mechanical media in your sump. Definitely don't put bio balls in there. Filter socks are good, but you should clean/change them weekly. __________________ Lotus and Ecotank's tanks "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

11-05-2009, 10:27 AM	#5
Lorna Super Fish Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 3,043	rather than bioballs I would suggest that placing a bunch of live rock rubble in a media bag is a good addition along with running some cheato or other macro algae in the sump. These coupled with a good protein skimmer and you will be good to go. That is provided you also have a sufficient amount of live rock in the display to give you adequate biological filtration. __________________ 75g reef 29g reef Living the salty side of life

11-04-2009, 12:38 PM	#3
Dragonet Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kingston ON. Posts: 58	Thanks for the reply and should the sump be cleaned as often as a canister filter?