Shut down the canister or not?

[DTMadhouse]

I've started my FOWLR build and here's what I have so.
30gal
30#dry rock
5#LR
sand bed
2x550 koralia
CPR Bakpak HOB skim
150w heater

I also have an Eheim Canister from my first sw tank from years ago and I've read a lot of commentary on the forum in terms of nitrate build ups in the canisters. It's a pain to clean out and I don't want to do it every water change. So would it be best to shut it down or can I put in LR rubble and just let it run? or Should I replace it with a HOB mechanical filter?

Thanks

 

[Ibrahim]

I've started my FOWLR build and here's what I have so.
30gal
30#dry rock
5#LR
sand bed
2x550 koralia
CPR Bakpak HOB skim
150w heater

I also have an Eheim Canister from my first sw tank from years ago and I've read a lot of commentary on the forum in terms of nitrate build ups in the canisters. It's a pain to clean out and I don't want to do it every water change. So would it be best to shut it down or can I put in LR rubble and just let it run? or Should I replace it with a HOB mechanical filter?

Thanks

You can add some rubble and run some carbon in there as well as filter floss.

 

[mr_X]

It's going to collect detritus no matter what's in it, so I would suggest whatever you put in it, to still take it apart and clean it weekly.

 

[DTMadhouse]

Thanks X In that case I think I might shut it down and go with HOB filter if I need mechanical filtration. The canister is more of an effort to clean than I'd like