Filtration Talk

[WyldFya]

You should look into Eheim 2217 filters. They are great filters, and come filled with great media, and will only run you ~$100 online. The major difference for a canister doesn't lie in mech filtration. They are meant to be bio-filters primarily, and should be used as such, with a few exceptions. AC110s (formally known as the AC500) are great filters, but cannot handle nearly as much as a canister. The combination of the two, however, gives you great mech and great bio filtration. I personally would use 2 foam blocks and 1 bio-max bag in the AC, and run the stock medias that come with the eheim.

 

[WyldFya]

very true. but they suck

You underestimate the internal filter. Foam filters are IMO far better than many filters. They are great for mech and bio, and are cheap. It is very difficult for them to fail as well. Then there are internals like the fluval plus series, and the AC powerheads with attachments. These aren't meant to be bio, but are great for use as mech, or chemical filtration.