Canister vs Wet/Dry

[Wheezer]

I spoke to an employee at my local pet/fish store. The store carries both canister and wet/dry filters. I explained that I was looking to setup my first sw tank and that I was most likely going to go with fish and live rock. When I ask for filter suggestions, he steered me away from wet/dry filters and toward a canister filter. His reason was that with a wet/dry if you lose power you will end up with the water from your tank on your floor and that it is not an issue with a canister.

So, I guess my question is; does he have a valid point?

Also, what do those of you with experience suggest for the someone who is new to sw?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[RTR]

No. I run three W/Ds and have not had a flood during power outages - which are frequent here if not long-lasting. If the system in improperly configured or overfilled, it could hapen, but why would anyone set up improperly? Repeated power-down tests should be part of setup.

 

[copyeditor]

I'm new to this myself, but I would suggest forgetting the filter entirely and invest your money instead into a good protein skimmer. You say you plan on using live rock. Good, cured live rock and a good protein skimmer will take care of your chemical and biological filtration. Add a powerhead for added water circulation. You could add a prefilter to this, too, for mechanical filtration, but if you plan on keeping a cleanup crew, it isn't essential.

 

[oscarchick]

Filter Info...

Hello! I am getting ready to set up a salt water tank also, so I am researching all of the angles myself. I asked the pet store about filters and she preferred the wet dry filter. The price difference appeared to be considerable. I personally am leaning more towards the canister filter because it is smaller in size and fits well in the bottom of my aquarium stand. The maintenance seems easier, but she also said that if you want a protein skimmer, it is simple to drop into the wet dry filter.
I just wanted to share the knowledge that I had gained, but I still don't know which one I am going to get. Good luck!

I am wanting a tank with live rock and fish. Do you know if you have to have special lighting for anemones? I just thought I would ask! Thanks for your time.
Heather