hob filters pointless on large tanks?

[lascombes]

I have two emperor 400 filters running on a 100g and it seems like it's not enough. I have a Rena canister filter on the way but I'm wondering if I should be using canister filters now that I have a bigger tank(I switched from a 55g).

What do you guys think?

 

[js302]

U probably should use canisters.
What size Rena on the way?

What fish u got? Messy eaters? Sensitive to Nitrates? Fish that prefer slow circulation?
A good canister filter makes w/c's easier too.

 

[finsandfangs]

combination of the two works great. lots of people use them on their big tanks. i have one on my 240 gallon. no reason to stop useing them. get a big power head to kick up the crap so the HOB filters can be more affective

 

[lascombes]

I've noticed alot of people mentioning using power heads. I thought that was something that went with underground filters. How would I go about using one with hob filters and a canister? I've never used one before so what do I have to do? I really don't know so that's why I'm asking. If it helps I'll do it.

As far as fish goes, I've got a 12" common pleco, a 3" syrdonis lace cat, 3" jag, 2" rd, two 2" firemouths and a 1" gt.

 

[Dr Joe]

Put the power head opposite the HOB's intake if possible, so it pushes the trash toward the HOB. If that is not convenient place it so it stirs the trash with an upward current.

You have to keep your HOBs prefilter or filter cleaned for this to work well.

If you have a large gravel bottm this could pack some trash into crevices so gravel cleaning is still necessary.

Dr Joe

.

 

[Honda12]

HOB aren't pointless on big tanks, but I do find AC's to be better than penguins and emperors. I have all three brands going on different tanks and the AC's do a far better job.

 

[blue_pill85]

hate to hijack here but what do you mean ac? Im sure dumb question.

 

[upyun]

AquaClear (filter brand)

 

[softturtle]

I put an HOB on my tank when I want to use carbon or any other chemical filtration. That way I don't have to worry about messing with my canisters bio-media.

 

[mac]

I still run undergravel filters in conjunction with canisters and hobs. I have a planted 40b with a penqiun 400, mag 350, fluval 304, and an undergravel. Its kind of alot but I need it all for the variety of media I use. If I run hobs I alway put powerheads or return flows near the bottom to stir up detritus to be picked up by the hob if you dont they are pretty much worthless as a mechanical filter.