Canister Or Hob Filter?

[trianglekitty]

Are canister filters always better than HOB style filters? I'm considering replacing the biowheel HOB filter on my 20 twenty tank for a canister. Will this make a big difference in filtration? The filter on the tank now is rated for a 50 gallon, and I would probably get a canister rated the same. But everyone seems to recommend canisters as better overall, and I'm just wondering if this is true and why.

 

[Ruskull]

Canister filters are better for a variety of reasons:

1. First when you do your water changes, you just unplug it, change water, plug it back in. No priming. If you tried that with a HOB filter you'd get a noise like the motor is dying & a poof of junk from within the filter.

2. Secondly due to their size being larger, there's more surface are for the good bacteria to grow.

3. They are much queiter.

4. The inlet & outlet can be spread out in the tank if you want.

5. Most have spraybars that distribute the clean water out better.

6. I think they're supposed to be more efficient and their gallons (or liters) per hour rating is usually more accurate.

7. Then there's the ease of cleaning, most models you just unplug both hoses with a single lever, and pull the whole unit out & bring to the sink or tub.

8. Most of the foam inserts & other mechanical filtration media is re useable unlike the junky felt looking, expensive inserts for HOB filters. I had an insert fall apart when I took it out, can you say "mini cycle?"

9. You can put the tank closer to the wall because you only have to account for the hoses, not some big, honking plastic piece of junk.

10. Most setups will only require the unit being cleaned once a month or even as much as once every 3 months depending on your stocking, etc.

I'm sure someone else will chime in with something I forgot but these reasons came to mind first when comparing the two types. BTW, I'm changing over one of my 20 gallon tanks from a Penguin 200 to a Rena XP2. I'm sure I could get the smaller XP1 but I also plan to upgrade the size of the tank soon as well.

 

[DevotedToDiscus]

Very well put Ruskull

I would also add, that you have a better range of filter media with canisters. Things like peat, zeolite, coral, etc. This not only allows for better filtration, but can also be used to stabilize your water parameters.

Winner winner, chicken dinner

 

[Ruskull]

Very well put Ruskull

I would also add, that you have a better range of filter media with canisters. Things like peat, zeolite, coral, etc. This not only allows for better filtration, but can also be used to stabilize your water parameters.

Winner winner, chicken dinner

Thanks! I knew I forgot something.............

I'd recommend the Rena Filstar XP series & you'd be great with an XP1. Not sure if they're available in the UK or anywhere else outside the UK but we have them here in the USA. Most folks will say to get a filter rated for at least twice your tank's volume. The XP1 is rated for tanks up to 45 gallons and it does 250 gallons per hour which means you'd be turning over your water 12.5 times an hour! It's on Amazon.com for like $80 with free shipping. I'm getting the XP2 which is rated for 75 gallon tanks and it does 350 GPH since I'm upgrading the tank size soon. It's only $100 with free shipping in the USA.

 

[Mauigirl]

Very well put Ruskull

I would also add, that you have a better range of filter media with canisters. Things like peat, zeolite, coral, etc. This not only allows for better filtration, but can also be used to stabilize your water parameters.

Winner winner, chicken dinner

Thanks! I knew I forgot something.............

I'd recommend the Rena Filstar XP series & you'd be great with an XP1. Not sure if they're available in the UK or anywhere else outside the UK but we have them here in the USA. Most folks will say to get a filter rated for at least twice your tank's volume. The XP1 is rated for tanks up to 45 gallons and it does 250 gallons per hour which means you'd be turning over your water 12.5 times an hour! It's on Amazon.com for like $80 with free shipping. I'm getting the XP2 which is rated for 75 gallon tanks and it does 350 GPH since I'm upgrading the tank size soon. It's only $100 with free shipping in the USA.

Great thoughts. add that most ratings are lower than real world, used for awhile results. If the box gives you a 3x plan on at 1 month to see 1.5 to 2x at best . Plan ahead and over filter, you wont ever regret it.

 

[drobbyb]

Cons to canister filters:

More expensive
If they spring a leak, your tank empties into the floor
Not always practical in every situation (a canister on a 10 gallon is overkill)
You need an enclosure (cabinet, etc) to hide it and the tubing
If you ever need to prime one, they can be a pain (it happens depending on the model)


There are good points and bad points to both types of filters, it depends on your application. On a 50 gallon tank, I would however recommend a canister if you can afford one.