Quick stupid question?

[nextlevel808]

I have a 55g mixed reef tank I run a small eshopps rs75 sump with a skimmer as well as a UV filter. I also have a ehiem canister filter I started with running that I change or clean the sponge every 2 weeks with water change. I run this as back up plus use it to pass the water better through my carbon and phosguard when I use them. My question would be is this bad to use canisters even if change sponges regularly or is it possible to remove the sponges all together and use it just for water to pass through. Any thoughts and suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks

[madweazl]

I wouldnt bother using it if you can move the carbon and/or phosguard into the sump. If not, just run as needed vice 24/7.

[nextlevel808]

Yeah I've always been worried about it being a nitrate and nitrite builder or that's what I've been warned about them so ivealways tried to keep sponge cleaned.

[Coral Hind]

You can remove the sponges and just use it for flow, no problems there. You can also use a canister with everything in it as designed , just clean sponges weekly.