Canister vs Power Filters

[MicroFish]

What do you all suggest should be the "range" of tank sizes for these types of filters? In other words, would you say one should use a HOB filter for 5-29gal and a canister filter for anything more than that..? Or.....? We currently have a 20g but will be setting up the 50g soon and want to know the pros and cons of canister vs. power filters. I used to have a 44 hex tank w/ a HOB power filter and it was fine.... but that was a few years ago and I have recently been told that a canister filter would have been even better. What are your thoughts?

Sheila

 

[tkos]

Depends on the fish load you want to have. Some people like to use both on larger tanks. Another option on a larger tank is to use 2 HOB's. That gives good circulation and in case 1 breaks down it isn't going to kill all of your fish if you can't get another one right away.

 

[MicroFish]

What are the main differences in how these filters function?

Sheila

 

[wabyrd]

Another option on a larger tank is to use 2 HOB's.

That's my setup. I have 2 Emperor 280s on my 55 (on APC battery backup...there's a hurricane a comin') and it works GREAT! I have a pretty heavy fish load and it keeps the water sparkling. I've pondered adding a cannister, but I can't see any reason to. My Ammonia and nitrItes are consistently zero, my water is crystal clear, so what advantage is there in adding another cannister filter?