Filter Decisions

[The Duke]

Ok so i am at the decision making stage of sand or gravel for my 112 litre tank. I am not a novice with tropical aquariums but I am when it comes to sand as a substrate. Now my questions is what filter would be best in a sand substrate tank? External or internal? Heard some bad stories of sand being sucked into filters and doing all sorts of damage so want to avoid that!! Any thoughts?

 

[OldMan47]

A canister type filter has the advantage of the filter stages coming ahead of the impeller. That means that even if you manage to pick up some sand, it will do no damage in one of those filters.

 

[The Duke]

Thanks. Excuse my ignorance but I have only ever used an internal filter. I take it a canister filter is an external filter? Thanks

 

[Juggler75]

yeah most externals are canister filters. tbh as long as the intake isn't too close to the sand bed then you won't be sucking any in.