[NATIVEVAMAN]

It would seem to me that if you have a reasonably well running protien skimmer you shouldnt need a canister filter at all.Almost evert time someone complains about high nitrates around here it traced back to the canister filter.I have no idea what canister filter cost but im betting for the same amount of money you could get a great skimmer.You also might find that after a period of time you may save money by not buying all the stuff you have to replace in the canister.