biological canister filtration

[Sean Smith]

What filter media would you guys put in a canister filter?

I posted on this subject once before when I was considering a reef tank. As a result of your input changed my plan to a FOWLR, DSB.

I planned to have rowa phos and carbon in the filter. But now I am wondering if I could use more. Since I do not have sensitive corals and my maintenance regime is frequent and regular, would I benefit from the additional bio/mechanical filtration that a canister offers?

[HoopsGuru]

No, don't add anything...the carbon and phos you have listed should be more than enough. Since you are going with a DSB (great choice), you will have a detrivore or "clean up" crew that will do a fascinating job and cleaning the tank for you. Using any sort of filter floss or similar on a consistent basis will just trap debris and cause excess nitrates for no reason. Any extra biological media will do the same, and is unnecessary anyway since you have the DSB (incredible surface area for bacteria).

[Sean Smith]

How much carbon/Rowa Phos do you think?

Does this need to go in after the cycling has finished or from the beginning?

[HoopsGuru]

I only use carbon so I will only comment on that....hopefully someone who uses the phos product can chime in with their thoughts.

Carbon only really lasts a few hours to days at the most, so I would only use it once a month. Especially since you are only planning a FOWLR, you don't really have to worry much about organics or coral allelopathy. Add a handful or two in a filter bag to clean up the water a bit.....again I don't think you can use too much or too little with your system so experiment and see if you like the results different ways.