Need some suggestions for a new filter

[saywill]

I am thinking about changing my filtration. I currently have an Emperor 400 in place, along with a protein skimmer for my 55 gallon. I would like to change it to a canister, any ideas?

 

[melosu58]

Your info says you have 50 lbs of LR and climbing. IMO a skimmer and LR is really all you need. Save the emporer in case you need to run GAC but if it were me I would consider spending the money somewhere else like some more LR. JMO

 

[MT79]

Is a sump a possibility?

 

[PrettyFishies]

LR and good water movement are the essentials to SW filtration. A sump would allow for placement of a heater, your skimmer and a UV, if you decided to get one. Other than that, all it does is move water which is what your emperor does.

If you can, get more LR, shoot for 75# (or more) in total and you'll have teh best filter for your tank. Remember to blast the LR w/ a turkey baster when you water change to remove the detritus.

 

[MT79]

if you decided to get one. Other than that, all it does is move water which is what your emperor does.

It provides more water volume(solution to pollution is dilution), a refugium can easily be incorporated into the design providing nutrient removal and a natural food source for fish/coral and more stable PH(pods, worms, etc breed in the fuge and supply the tank food also LR can be added here w/out cluttering the display). Also overflows are great at keeping the water surface clean and getting the dirtiest water right to the skimmer, making your skimmer work more efficiently. Hiding equipment and getting some PH's out of the display is the icing on the cake. IME all that HOB equipment introduces micro-bubbles to the display, which I absolutely hate, as well.

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.