What can I add to my refugium and protein skimmer?

[Dr. Dai Phan]

Greetings all friends,

I need to make my water as clear as possible with what I have now. I am thinking of adding a canister filter in the sump area where the pumps and protein skimmer are at. The LFS has some that are rated at 55 gallon. I need some form of chemical filtration that I am lacking now. I have a Polyfiler sheet and some phosphate remover bags but I need some device where the water is forced through a media. Is the canister filter a proper choice? Thanks DP

[melosu58]

Alot of people use them. I dont see why not. I dont use one. LR and a skimmer and a fuge should be all you need.

[jessicasmarine]

I have a skimmer, wet/dry, and LR but I still use the canister filter that I started fish keeping with. Its just a little cascade 750, but I have it set up in my sump.

[thincat]

I run a marineland hob with carbon 5 days before I do a PWC.

[mdaniel2882]

Why is your water not clear? I am not yet running a protein skimmer and only have two HOB filters designed for fresh water and my water is crystal.

[thincat]

You might have to much turbulance in the tank. Is your PH kicking up sand and stuff?

[Dr. Dai Phan]

The water is not cloudy but there are lots of impurities. I have 6 PHs in my tank (three K3s and two rotating ones). I know that's a lot but I need them to avoid deadspots in the tank. DP

[thincat]

My return pump shuts down for an hour at night and my PH's go into nightmode to give the fish a rest period and also to let suspended particules a chance to settle.