HOB and Canister flow rates....

[K626]

In looking at the f7low rates of the HOB filters and cannister filters, what's the difference? HOB has 400gph, where the cannister has 350 gph and works for a larger tank. Why is it, that though the HOB has a higher gph rating than the cannister, but the cannister with the slower flow can be used on a larger tank?

Call it a noob question if you wish, but it baffles me that even with the higher gph rating on the HOB, the cannister is still better? I've been in the hobby for over 15 years and it still has me confused. Someone please explain this to me.

 

[dennisdeng2002]

High flow rates are only good for mechanical filtration. The real part of filtration is the biological portion. Canisters can usually hold alot more bio and therefore can be used for larger tanks.

 

[K626]

Ok, so the emperor 400 doesn't hold enough biomedia in the extra box along with the biowheels to compare to a cannister, say xp3 at 350gph?

 

[12 Volt Man]

correct.

a fully loaded XP3 blows an Emperor out of the water..

 

[K626]

Good to know. Now that I know that, I don't feel like a complete idiot anymore. Thank you for explaining this to me. I thought it had something to do with the biological filtration, but I wanted to KNOW what it was.


I learned something today!

 

[BigDaddyMagnum]

well you asked a great question thus getting a great answer.. another problem solved in the MFK community... haha

 

[K626]

well you asked a great question thus getting a great answer.. another problem solved in the MFK community... haha

As always, MFK came through again.

Everyone who owns a tank should read through these forums at LEAST once. The world would be a much better place.

 

[tcarswell]

As always, MFK came through again.

Everyone who owns a tank should read through these forums at LEAST once. The world would be a much better place.

Thats why I love this place and yes. Its about efficiency and thorough cleaning not power Just ask my Eheim

 

[K626]

I have emperors and and eheim myself. Was just kind of curious to know why and what and how.