ooibhuskyoo

Hey Guys,

Well, I came across this 60 gallon tank, which I got for free (Craigslist FTW!), and it was in EXTREMELY good condition, so I'm using it for another freshwater aquarium.

Since this aquarium is a 60 gallon, which IMO is pretty darn big, I was wondering if I would be OK with a Hang on Back filter, or if I should shell out a few extra bucks for a canister filter.

I do not know much of the pros and cons of canisters because I have NO experience with them. Please let me know which would be more efficient for the 60 gallon.

BTW, my 40 gallon has this Hang on Back "canister-style" Jebo filter that works pretty well. It literally is like a canister filter as the water goes through 2 layers of floss, activated carbon, bio-sponge, then ceramic ring (well I guess it goes in reverse order), so that's about as much experience I have with canisters!

Thanks guys! All your help is ALWAYS appreciated!

Calvin

aquarist48

Personally I prefer the Hang on Back (HOB) Aqua Clear 110 (500gph) which ever filter you decide to use, the GPH should be 8 to 10 x the volume of the tank. Too, it's easy access and so much room for bio media. (60g tank should have at least 480gph for best results)

kimb

Agree with Aquarist...all mine are HOB

Dozey

I’ve got more HOB filters sitting in boxes then I have aquariums. I spent more money on HOB filters trying to find a descent one then my canister filter ended up costing me. Canister filters require far less maintenance then do HOB filters and provide far greater flexibility and options in filtration media.

I have a 5 stage canister filter. Those stages can be filled with any media that I choose to use. My HOB filters offered one choice, the filter cartridges designed specifically for the filter being used.

Although the initial cost of a canister filter is far heftier then a HOB filter the maintenance cost soon pays for itself.

That’s my two cents.

ccb04

If funds permit ... prehaps consider using both.

For HOB's I really like AquaClears ... as they're like HOB canisters in that you can customize your media. The larger models (70 & 110), also have quite large media area's for HOB's, and don't limit you as a cartridge filter would.

Prehaps pair an AquaClear with one of the many fine canisters. As big of a fan of AquaClears as I am ... I'd likely go with a canister 1st given your larger tank. But if it were me ... I'd also be adding an AquaClear for good measure.

ooibhuskyoo

Any thoughts of the Marineland Canister Filter that is being sold on Drs. F&S site?

It looks easy to use, and it seems to get pretty good reviews.

Dozey

I have a Marineland C-220 canister filter and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s very easy to use and maintain. It took me all of about 10 minutes to un-package it and have it up and running and that includes the 5 minutes I spent watching the included DVD user guide supplied with it.

Cleaning the filter takes me about 5 minutes and I find that I only have to do this monthly. I no longer have water stains on the back of my aquarium or puddles in my living room trying to clean HOB cartridges. As great as a canister filter is for keeping aquariums clean another point worth mentioning is the absolute silent operation of these filters. For the first couple of weeks I was constantly checking mine to ensure it was running. It was.

I am a very happy Marineland canister filter customer. And no, I do not work for Marineland.

Here’s a great website to check out…
http://www.marinelandc-series.com/

dking271

I'm with the others who have suggested cannister. There is way more space and options for a cannister and they run silent. I have no experience with the Marineland, but will recommend pretty much all of the models in the ehiem line of cans. I more often than not will run two cans on my bigger tanks. I clean each filter every other month (alternating), and never run the risk of crashing my cycle.

ccb04

There are two Marineland canister models on DFS (both on sale right now).

One is the C-Series ... and the other is the Magnum (with the biowheel).

It would depend on what you wanted and how much you want to spend. At the site, there are favorable reviews for both. However, the C-Series is the more traditional canister ... and the one I'd favor.

ooibhuskyoo

Sorry, I meant the C-Series one. There's the 500-something model that I like, and I was thinking of getting it.

ccb04

No need to apologize

I kinda figured you meant the C-Series ... but there are good reviews for both at DFS. I would think the C-530 would serve you very well.

ooibhuskyoo

Thanks, I am set on buying the C-530 Canister filter, and I will let everyone know when I set it all up.

BTW, Can fish somehow get into the water output pipe? The outlet looks pretty big in the pictures.

ccb04

I wouldn't think so. I would think the current would drive them back pretty forcefully if they were to get too close.