^^^^Regarding filtration the best way to go is a sump, however I do like HoBs and canister, they have their charm, make the hobby much simpler, are fun themselves and the most important: They work, and work well.
IMHO I only would go sump it we were talking about tanks bigger than 200 gal, for smaller ones I would choose Hobs and canisters instead, but that's me because I like them.