Cannister filter on a reef ready tank?

sdoering · 08-07-2008, 03:24 PM

Can I hook up a canister filter (in this case a Fluval FX5) directly to the two holes on the bottom of of a reef ready tank, or will it over pressurize the FX5? Or is this just a dumb idea for another reason?

Background: I got a 180 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank for free (hard to pass up). It originally came with two black plastic overflow things on the back wall of the tank. The one on the left side is still installed and I would hook that side up to a sump system. The overflow on the other side has been removed, leaving the two 1 3/4" holes exposed. On that side I was considering hooking up a cannister (I have a Fluval FX5 already). I've seen this similar setup in a nearby LFS and was intrigued.

Can I hook the Fluval FX5 up this way or do I have to used the hoses that go all the way up and over the lip of the tank that come with the filter setup? I prefer not to do that and keep everything below the tank.

Thanks for the help.

unclejed · 08-07-2008, 04:52 PM

I don't think you would want to do the canister hook up. I don't believe it could handle the amount of flow and pressure. I would suggest utilizing both over flows as per it's design.

Dr.Fragenstein · 08-07-2008, 05:43 PM

Agreed, also I'm personally not a huge canister fan. Out of site out of mind and people tend to neglect cleaning it as often as they should

chadf · 08-07-2008, 08:15 PM

I wouldn't use a canister filter either. I also believe that it would be too much flow and pressure if you hook it up to the overflow.

las4444 · 08-08-2008, 06:30 AM

A sump also offers a utility area to service the tank. I add supplements and top off water hear. It is much easier than working on the top of the tank.

sdoering · 08-08-2008, 12:48 PM

Thanks for the advice. The overflow on the right side is already removed and not available for reinstallation. I plan on using the left side overflow with a sump per its design, but am looking for options on the other side. The folks from Hagen have said that the FX5 would support hook ups to the bottom of the tank. Since i have one already, that would be cheaper to get setup.

are there other options i should consider on that right side that doesnt have the overflow?