Canister Or Hob? (on A Budget)

I have 2 HOBS rated for 75 gallons, one of which I am using in my 29 gallons. It is pretty over stocked, with 6 goldies and 8 corys. Would it be cost and time effective to get a canister for the tank? I have thought about adding the other HOB, but I am afraid that it will crack the glass due to the weight. What are the pros and cons of each filter? Is it easy to wash a canister?

 

I know this doesn't answer your question but as long as your keeping 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites you have enough filtration. No amount of filtering will reduce nitrates. I prefer hob filters they are the easiest to maintain. I have aquaclears for all my tanks since they are much better than the cartridge type.

 

I don’t think 2 hobs will crack the glass. I have the marineland 350 on my 29gal. I also used a powerhead with an attached sponge filter and it works great.

 

Imo canisters require more maintenance and take slightly longer to assemble/de and clean. As for filters, their only purpose is to remove toxic and floating particles from your water. Everything else is dependant on your effort. Easier route is HOB.

 

I run both HOB and canisters on all our aquariums.

 

I run both HOB and canisters on all our aquariums.

How would you say your experience with canisters is so far

 

I’ve used Aquaclears almost exclusively for almost two decades now. I’ve tried to make the switch to canisters in the past and I hate it every time. I’ve tried fluval, Rena/api, and Eheim canisters and have always dumped them for the tried and true aquaclears. So much hassle with hauling the things out of the stand and popping top and removing the media and cleaning out the sponges always make a mess. The versatility of a canister is really nice, but the aquaclears have plenty of space and offer more than enough versitity. I even used one as a refugium back when I was nano-reefing.

If you’re comfortable with your HOBs then I say stick with them. Adding a 3rd wouldn’t be a problem, but I would follow David’s advice and let your parameters make the call. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right?

 

How would you say your experience with canisters is so far

I started using canisters back in the 70's with the Diatom filter. This is the latest design. It is still filters the water the best but its flow rate is too small for my needs. Had to add diatom power to a bucket for it to suck in then move it to the aquarium. Massive work but amazingly clean water. When the Marineland Magnum 350 came out I switched over to that. Simple and very effective but still more work than the HOB Marineland Penguins and Emperors we use. The 350 is no longer made and parts are running out (we have 3 still running and 1 that needs valves. A 5th one that is now down for good)

So when PetSmart had a 1/2 price 6 day sale on the new Marineland 360 I got two. I love them. Very easy to work with and do an amazing job with the water quality. At a much lower cost than the other quality canisters.

I run two filters on all aquariums (except the 10 gallon QT) If I had it to do over again I would have all Emperor HOB with the canisters. It is a better filter than the Penguins.

I run two for a several reasons:

1. If there is a filter failure I have one that is still running and I do not loose cycle.

2. I can clean the filters on a two week rotation to export organic mater to keep nitrates under control.

3. Water flow. Canisters and HOB's can gave the same GPH flow but handle it very differently:

a. Canisters are more forceful, like a jet of water that creates good current.

b. The HOB's I use are waterfalls that are very good with the gas exchange that oxygenates the water.

It is a pricey method. But the results are evident in the quality and clarity (two things that do not always go hand in hand) of the water.

And for my photography crystal clear water is a necessity.

I hope this has been helpful.

 

I have only ran single aquaclears on my tanks. My 110 has been in continuous use for probably 12-15 years now either on my 55 or 75 gallon tank. It even kept up with 2 10" oscars in the 75.