Sponge filter or HOB filter for my 55 gallon?

Wondering if you prefer to use a sponge filter or hob filter on your aquarium?

EDIT: I have a 55g heavily stocked tank which currently has a large sponge filter on one end and a aquaclear 110 on the other end, I kind of want to get rid of the aquaclear 110 and replace it with another sponge filter but I can’t decide if I should or not

 

There are many more types of filters. All of them have their pros and cons depending on the tank build.
People that don't like/use either - like me - can't give you an answer.

 

There are many more types of filters. All of them have their pros and cons depending on the tank build.
People that don't like/use either - like me - can't give you an answer.

Thanks for your reply. I am trying to decide if I really want to replace my aquaclear 110 with another sponge filter.

 

That bit of context should have been given from the start. Otherwise probably rolling a dice or flipping a coin could have been as helpful as this thread.

 

I have a pros and cons list of almost every (Store made, i.e. no sumps) filter in my filtration 101, here's a link, I am personally a big fan of the sponge filter:
Resource 'Filtration 101'

Also, here is another thread that is similar to this that has a lot of discussion that you might want to check out:
Thread 'Sponge filter vs hang on back'


Also, is your aquaclear broken? Or are you thinking about trying a sponge instead. If the latter, I wouldn't as it already has cycled media and you'd have to recycle the sponge. If the former, and you do go with a sponge, put them right next to each other so the bacteria can spread.

 

I tend to use an HOB amd 2 sponge filters on about everything over 30 gallons, and 2 sponge filters on everything up to 30 gallons.

 

That bit of context should have been given from the start. Otherwise probably rolling a dice or flipping a coin could have been as helpful as this thread.

Yeah I realized that after your comment.

I have a pros and cons list of almost every (Store made, i.e. no sumps) filter in my filtration 101, here's a link, I am personally a big fan of the sponge filter:
Resource 'Filtration 101'

Also, here is another thread that is similar to this that has a lot of discussion that you might want to check out:
Thread 'Sponge filter vs hang on back'


Also, is your aquaclear broken? Or are you thinking about trying a sponge instead. If the latter, I wouldn't as it already has cycled media and you'd have to recycle the sponge. If the former, and you do go with a sponge, put them right next to each other so the bacteria can spread.

Thanks!

 

Keep AC110 if it's keeping the tank clean and cycled

 

I've gotten to where I usually prefer sponges over HOBs, but I still run HOBs on some tanks for extra mechanical filtration. I'll also use small, cheap internal filters for this purpose, since the cheap internal filters are usually more reliable than cheap HOBs (less work for the pumps, since it's in the water).

That said, unless you're having problems, I'd just stick with your AC. If you do end up replacing it with a sponge, I may recommend adding a couple of extra airstones thoughout the tank to help with circulation.

 

The AC 110 is more or less just a motorized sponge filter. Maybe just remove the ceramics & carbon media & replace with a layer of FX series replacement sponges.
Although the AC 110'S are often noisy, they do provide really good filtration & circulation w/o taking up valuable space inside the tank like standard sponge filters do.