Canister vs. HOB

[Armand]

That typical 300gph HoB that uses less wattage is highly over-rated in terms of how many gallons it actually cycles.

The Ac110 HoB, for example, is a great filter but no way can it filter a 110 gallon tank by itself, nor can a motor the size of your palm actually cycle 500gph. They are cost efficient filters but are over-rated on the box.

Canister filters are for people who have big to monster size tanks and require strong amounts of flow and filtration. The price pays for its performance.


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In case you wanna go monster tank then the best option is to design a good sump and thats it.

AC110 may not be able to filter a 110 gal overcrowded tank by itself, but it doesnt mean that impeller isnt able to circulate the water flow they say it delivers.

 

[m8r8j]

In case you wanna go monster tank then the best option is to design a good sump and thats it.

AC110 may not be able to filt a 110 gal overcrowded tank by itself, but it doesnt mean that impeller isnt able to circulate the water flow they say it delivers.

the gph flow on the box is correct, but its tested with no media in it.


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[Armand]

the gph flow on the box is correct, but its tested with no media in it.


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Yes I know it is tested with no media,however net flow rate should be enough for most of appliction smaller than 90 gal.

 

[m8r8j]

Yes I know it is tested with no media,however net flow rate should be enough for most of appliction smaller than 90 gal.

ya i always go by the the 10x turnover rule of thumb for hobs and a 110 is 500 gph so the absolute biggest id put it on is a 55, but it would be fine on a larger community style tank


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[Armand]

no im not lucky... i do proper maintenance as suggested by the manufacturer and keep an eye on all of the o-rings, especially the big ones that go around the head/motor assembly that are the ones more prone to leaking. aside from building yourself a custom sump, canisters are the best filtration you can get.. my 180 will be getting twin fx5s because of how much i like my 406.


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True.

The o rings and other pieces should be in good conditions for many years with proper maintenance.

I suggest you grease O rings and parts that are submitted to constant friction such as impeller and shaft with food grade silicone grease.

I am using Molykote Compound 111 by Dow Corning.

http://www.dowcorning.com/DataFiles/090007c8802e1201.pdf

http://www.amazon.com/Dow-Corning-S...8&qid=1370223081&sr=8-1&keywords=molykote+111

This is a food grade silicone grease that is used in underwater applications and it is not expensive..

 

[Ajtennis]

Okay I have been convinced on a canister filter. So I ordered an Aquatop cf500 to start out. Once I get it how do I drill the hole in the table? Also wats the hole used for? I know it prevents flood, but how does it fit into the whole canister filter system?


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[tiger15]

The Ac110 HoB, for example, is a great filter but no way can it filter a 110 gallon tank by itself, nor can a motor the size of your palm actually cycle 500gph.

How about hanging two HOBs. There is enough length in the back of a 110 to hang 4 of them, but 2 is more than enough.

the gph flow on the box is correct, but its tested with no media in it.

The rated gpd for a HOB is true gpd, with or without media, because it works on a bypass system. Even if the media is clogged, you still get the full gpd, except that much of the flow goes throught the bypass, not through the media. A sump system works the same way as HOB as it is essentially a SOB (sits on bottom) system. Only canisters don't get the full gpd with media because they have no bypass, and the flow can slow down to a tricle as the media gets clogged. So if you want good water movement, you better go with HOBs or sump system.

 

[Armand]

Okay I have been convinced on a canister filter. So I ordered an Aquatop cf500 to start out. Once I get it how do I drill the hole in the table? Also wats the hole used for? I know it prevents flood, but how does it fit into the whole canister filter system?


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CF500 is a good call.

 

[viejafish]

A sump system works the same way as HOB as it is essentially a SOB (sits on bottom) system.

A sump system is not just a SOB as it works very differently from an HOB. The only commonality between an HOB and a sump system is that both are bypass system that the gpd will not go down even if the media is clogging up. A sump system is also known as a wet and dry system because the flow passes through unsubmerged bio balls allowing maximum oxigenation and contact with BB. A sump system is an open system that adds oxygen to the return water as opposed to a closed canister system that removes oxygen. Canister owners should be careful about power outage as a dirty canister can go anaerobic quickly generating sulfide and amonia that can wipe out the fish when the power returns.

A sump system is more complex system to set up than either HOB or canister. You need engineering skill to size and set up the sump, pump, intake and return right or else it can lead to overspill flooding or pumping dry. A sump system is not for no brainer. But if you set it up right, it's the way to go for big tank owners.