HOB vs Canister filtration

[wantokeeptrout]

is there any advantage to using canister filters that justifies the price.
I currently have 2 HOBS rated for 70 each on a 30 and I'm planning to get
an extra 2 for my upcoming 75 gallon tank but if there is an advantage to canisters
i might reconsider but 140 in HOB filtration is les bulky and cheaper then a 120 canester.

 

[JasonsPlecosCichlids]

Depends on each individual application, space, etc. Myself, I had all HOBs, then I decided to go all canister so I got 4 FX5's, biggest mistake I made. I dont have room for sump living in an apartment doesnt give you much room, specially when its filled with tanks Now I'm back to using Emperor 400s on all my tanks and everything is back to normal. Id rather have a sump, which will happen when I get my log home. I do have 2 cans left because they are running UV serilizers. This works best for me.

 

[joe jaskot]

Both filters work. The only major advantages to a canister filter are that the tank can be placed closer to the wall and the filter can be placed out of sight.

 

[krichardson]

is there any advantage to using canister filters that justifies the price.
I currently have 2 HOBS rated for 70 each on a 30 and I'm planning to get
an extra 2 for my upcoming 75 gallon tank but if there is an advantage to canisters
i might reconsider but 140 in HOB filtration is les bulky and cheaper then a 120 canester.

Guess it depends on tank size and bio load.Most HOB'S can't compete with the ammount of bio media that cannisters can contain due to their size.On bigger tanks,HOB'S seem only to be useful as part of a filtration system containg other types of units.They are perfect for tanks of a certain size though.

 

[twan25]

i would say canisters all the way...i have a marineland c-360 and it works wonders, but its all on personal preference

 

[lp85253]

hobs, way less $ .....if you dont mind combo with sponge filter ,much better option for most peoples budget.

 

[Jc1119]

3 things come to mind for me 1)sound.....canisters are generally a lot quieter2)volume.....canisters usually can hold a lot more mech and or bio, and 3)flexibility.....canisters can be fitted with spray bars and inlet strainers can be hidden more easily than hob inlets tubes. Canisters are more out of sight imo

I like hob's for my smaller tanks though, because they are cheap, move tons of water and are a breeze to do maintenance on. They are easy to move from tank to tank. I love my sump and XP3's, but I'll always own an emperor or aqua clear for certain situations

 

[chelo]

well is depending on ur tank size.. i like more the canister specially fx5 cuz the biger capasity to hold more media for my big tank's, and for my smaller ones i use the fluval 405 and a HOB AC110.. for me the AC110 is the bes HOB....

 

[wantokeeptrout]

i'm getting a 75. i already have 2 aquaclear HOBs on a 30 and i'm planning on getting 1 or 2 more for the 75 along with one from the 30 but a 120 canister is 90 bucks right now because of boxing week sales, which is about the same price as the 2 HOBS. just wondering what is best for my situation.

 

[kamikaziechameleon]

Guess it depends on tank size and bio load.Most HOB'S can't compete with the ammount of bio media that cannisters can contain due to their size.On bigger tanks,HOB'S seem only to be useful as part of a filtration system containg other types of units.They are perfect for tanks of a certain size though.

I always found the lower flow rate per dollar of canisters as undesirable and the extra media is kinda a waste. I mean for the dollar a powerhead/sponge filter combo is great. In terms of filter quality no there is no difference between OTB and canister. An AC110 can be jammed full of ceramic rings, and can be lit from above to create a refugium of sorts(not possible in a canister) for pristine water filtration and moves more water per dollar than most other filter solutions.

EDIT: The only filter I see as notably better is the sump design in that it really allows you to control many variables especially if you use filter socks you can make your particulate levels 0.