kill 2 birds with canister idea?

[prairie_reefguy]

I have a lot of detrius and fine particles clouding my water in my 120 gallon.

I regret using fine sand but it`s too late now.I use a nylon bag in my sump to try to filter some but it does not seem to help.

what if I used one of the new powerhouse fluval fx5 canisters with polishing pads and when water is cleaned up run it empty for tons of extra flow and maybe eliminate a powerhead?

[beatle]

That's an expensive way to eliminate a powerhead. I'd just get a diatom filter and hook it up when you want to clear the water. It'd cost less than the FX5 and do a better job at filtering fine particles.

[xsdbs]

Hello, how often should a diatom filter be ran or used. I have heard that it is used for water polishing and not filtration, is this correct. Also regaurding the FX-5, is this filter not ran 24-7. I bought on for filtration as well as for water movement. My main pump to move water from the refugium to main tank is a mag drive 24 rated at 2400 gallons/ hr. Were my thoughts over spent. I did get the FX-5 for $189 on ebay new in the box and thought this would help to eliminate a couple powerheads as well as take some heat out of the tank by having an outside pump and filter. Thanks in advance for the help

[kcooley]

they say not to use the micron because it has far less surface area for our favorite bacteria to grow. if you have multiple filters it is ok.