HOB stands for Hang-On-Back filter. Another name for your power filters. If you can afford it, canisters tend to be better than HOB filters. They're also much more expensive. On a 55 that has a heavy bio-load (has more fish than it really should have), I have an Emperor 400 and an AquaClear 30. I would like an AquaClear 110 with the Emperor, but the money wasn't there.
I've been a fan of bio-wheels since I got my first one. This is my first AquaClear. I like it, but I think it needs a bit more on the bio side. Maybe do what I've done and remove the active carbon part and replace it with filter floss or scrubbies.
Before I put some extra fish in the 55 (growing them out), I was fine with just the Emperor 400, so if you keep your stocking medium to light, you'll be fine with just one filter, although it's nice to have some redundancy. I don't use bubblers, but I do suggest you use a powerhead or two to circulate water and heat, and help agitate the surface a bit for better oxygenation.
Welcome to cichlids!
I've been a fan of bio-wheels since I got my first one. This is my first AquaClear. I like it, but I think it needs a bit more on the bio side. Maybe do what I've done and remove the active carbon part and replace it with filter floss or scrubbies.
Before I put some extra fish in the 55 (growing them out), I was fine with just the Emperor 400, so if you keep your stocking medium to light, you'll be fine with just one filter, although it's nice to have some redundancy. I don't use bubblers, but I do suggest you use a powerhead or two to circulate water and heat, and help agitate the surface a bit for better oxygenation.
Welcome to cichlids!
