Depending on possible bioload I prefer sump systems paired with either a hang on or cannister filter on all of my tanks that are over one hundred gallons.
I have pretty much discontinued their use for those reasons.Any filter is better than canister. Canister is only easy to set up, but PIA to clean which disincentivized frequent cleaning. Infrequent cleaning can lead to anaerobic conditions. If the O ring or any connectors fail, it can leak and drain the tank.
BRILLIANT!!!downsize the impellers to smaller model. Smaller impellers pump less water without giving up filtration capacity, but make less noise.
I still have to try out that smaller impeller trick. Curious to see if it holds the same with ac filters.I run 5 Penguin 350 in my foyer and living room tanks and they are dead silent. Silence and safety (leak proof) are my priority. The tricks I keep HOBs quiet are never let the water level drop below the spillway, and downsize the impellers to smaller model. Smaller impellers pump less water without giving up filtration capacity, but make less noise. When my Penguin 350 impellers wear out in 3 to 5 years and start to make clicking noise, I replace them with smaller 170 or 200 impeller.
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