Most canister do fine, but bio-load and water quality play a major role.
I've had only one FH (4-5" size), had Fluval 206 canister (which came with the whole tank from pre-used!).
I've had bio-media (loose), fluval spongue, carbon in mesh bag, some vertical stripes sponges and that did the work fine.
With having only one FH 4-5" in size, I used to clean the sponges and bio-media with tank water once in a month! many would not agree with me here, but that flowerhorn had no issues in 2 years.. (I ended up giving him up to someone during my overseas long term travel).
Only problem with that filter was a manual pumping to fill the tank water, and then it will get going until you open it again.
No offense to anyone, but I find canister does excellent job if maintained properly. Fluval canisters are usually very silent.
I am sure you will like it.. Less often maintenance but more time to clean than HOB filters, however, once you know how to clean the canister, you will just speed maintaining it, and you will definitely like it. Youtube videos will do.
Enjoy the gift, and happy anniversary!
I've had only one FH (4-5" size), had Fluval 206 canister (which came with the whole tank from pre-used!).
I've had bio-media (loose), fluval spongue, carbon in mesh bag, some vertical stripes sponges and that did the work fine.
With having only one FH 4-5" in size, I used to clean the sponges and bio-media with tank water once in a month! many would not agree with me here, but that flowerhorn had no issues in 2 years.. (I ended up giving him up to someone during my overseas long term travel).
Only problem with that filter was a manual pumping to fill the tank water, and then it will get going until you open it again.
No offense to anyone, but I find canister does excellent job if maintained properly. Fluval canisters are usually very silent.
I am sure you will like it.. Less often maintenance but more time to clean than HOB filters, however, once you know how to clean the canister, you will just speed maintaining it, and you will definitely like it. Youtube videos will do.
Enjoy the gift, and happy anniversary!