My New 3x2x1.5 ft

[teolt]

All gurus out there... need some advice.

I've just setup a 3x2x1.5 but the cabinet space is too small to fit in a sump (w=40cm, l=45cm) so I use 2 canisters instead. One for filtration (stuffed with phos), and the other only with coral chips and ceramic balls for bac (will not touch it for as long as the tank runs). Any advice? Can a marine tank survive using canisterS? Someone might just tell me to throw away the tank (After seeing some really cool setup here). So please..... your valuable comments are very much appreciated. I'll take every advice with an open mind

BTW, how to post pic??

[iantoh]

hi there teolt, i'm not much of a guru, but heres my opinion ya- hope it helps in some way.

your improvised use of two canisters where youre unable to fit a sump is great, but other than increasing the available surface area within the ceramic balls and coral chips for bacterial activity, the canisters dont really do much in way of filtration, though a canister is the perfect place to place your phosphate removing media. im wondering, for a 3feet tank, is the cabinet not around two feet? would that not be able to fit a small sump? a sump neednt be big. sumps are often used as refugiums for biological filtration, where a deep sand bed is employed and macroalgaes are grown inorder to remove the nitrates and phosphates and silicates from the water column, so even if the sump tank were a foot long, it would still be viable. a sump is also commonly used for placement of a skimmer, which brings me to the question as to whether youre running a skimmer.

from the sound of your set up though, i think you can keep the two canisters in place, as i suspect youre surely already running a skimmer of some sort. but if youre not running a skimmer, my imperative would be to do so, as skimmers are the most effective equipments for nutrient removal, and a skimmer is worth more in terms of "water purifying or cleaning" ability than two canisters.

all in all however, a sump is not "die, die must have", but it certainly is an easy way to increase water volume and hide large equipment like skimmers, etc.

cheers, and good luck on your set up's success,

ian

[teolt]

Thanks for the advice Ian. Yes, I'm using a Prizm Skimmer and now deciding to custom built a refugium (hang-on type maybe). I might also change my existing skimmer to macro AS-350P (again, hang-on). My tank might ended up like a christmas tree

I've been cycling my tank for more than 2 weeks and NO3 is still at the high.

Anyway, thanks again for your reply as I know my post is a bit boring, not as fantastic as the rest

Addition to my tank.

1/2 hp chiller

150w MH - DIY

[Gouldian]

Thanks for the advice Ian. Yes, I'm using a Prizm Skimmer and now deciding to custom built a refugium (hang-on type maybe). I might also change my existing skimmer to macro AS-350P (again, hang-on). My tank might ended up like a christmas tree

I've been cycling my tank for more than 2 weeks and NO3 is still at the high.

Anyway, thanks again for your reply as I know my post is a bit boring, not as fantastic as the rest

Addition to my tank.

1/2 hp chiller

150w MH - DIY

HI bro,

I have a similar problem of having a cabinet too low for sump. I solved it by having a remote sump.

Cannisters are good if you maintain them periodically.

I used to have cannisters with I was into seahorse, they are a great and cheap filtration if you can't afford set-ups that comes with sumps.

[teolt]

Thanks Gouldian. Point noted.

Currently exploring the possibility of fixing a remote sump. Maybe DIY another cabinet to hide the sump . Hmm... lots of possibility.

[klim]

Good...

[kokhui]

Hi bro teolt,

Check out madmac's tank thread. He is using canisters filtration and he is doing great! He should be able to advise you more!

Cheers.

[Gouldian]

Thanks Gouldian. Point noted.

Currently exploring the possibility of fixing a remote sump. Maybe DIY another cabinet to hide the sump . Hmm... lots of possibility.

If you free you can drop by my place (Punggol) to see how i manage with remote sump.

[teolt]

A pic of my tank.

[Gouldian]

Nice rock works.

I guess you are still cycling right?

[teolt]

Hi Gouldian,

Thanks. Yeah still cycling. Went to visit Ian this afternoon. Great stuff he has. Considering getting a sump at his shop now. Got to do the math right if not got to eat grass liau

Hi kokhui,

Saw madmac's setup and his coversion to BB. will check with him on his experience using canister. Thanks.

[teolt]

This is how narrow my cabinet is.

[klim]

A pic of my tank.

Nice tank...hehee, should have gotten this tank rather than the 4ft

[Rex Ng]

how is it now?

[leonang]

I also use canister for my tank. But only 1 pc.

After 3 months, some coral start to die. I not sure what is the

problem yet. Maybe I should change some of the water ASAP.

[blueheaven]

wah another zoo freak!!!

love that one at the centre

[teolt]

Hi Rex, I've transfered my 2ft LS into the 3ft this Wed. As you can tell in the Pic nothing much left. The fishes and shrimps all survive.

Hi leonang, I've decided to setup a sump tank. Measurement will be 16x18x12 inch. Getting an over flow box from I-aqua and still designing the sump tank. It's going to be a challenge as I'll be fitting a 6" beckett skimmer in the sump as well. Will see how that hoes

[teolt]

Sorry forgot to attach pic

[Rex Ng]

damsel and angel?? good luck

[bawater]

damsel and angel?? good luck

Why?

will the damsel eat the angel?

Great start teolt, a sump makes things a little easier to manage - but canisters can be used too, just with a little more regular and larger water changes.

[acidjazz]

damsel and angel?? good luck

If got nothing nice to say, best keep comments to urself.

[teolt]

Such a dissapointment today. Thought I can get my new toy tomorrow but supplier cannot deliver cos down with food poison. Had everything ready... will post some pic once I have any updates.

[KTLK]

nice rockscape u got there Teo!

[teolt]

Thanks KTLK. Saw your thread... awesome! Mine is nothing compare to yours.

[teolt]

A pic of my custom made sump and skimmer. Still missing one item and hopefully will be able to convert my system tonight.