Why are canisters good?

[BenSow]

Is it because of the filter media or turnover rate? How can I make a top filter better at keeping my water clean? I only use a sponge now. Will adding ceramic rigs and those black balls that have a large surface area(I dunno what its called) or even a bag of corals help keeping my water clean? I am bugged by my water being unclear.

Thanks

 

[andyjs]

What size tank? What's in it? What type and size of filter?

 

[Bderick67]

Filters can only do so much, if you want to make your HOB work better get rid of some of the fish you have in your tank.

Do you even test water parameters? Having a understanding of how the nitrogen cycle works in an aquarium would better help you understand your filtration needs.

 

[T@nkbuster]

What's your maintenance regime?

 

[KaiserSousay]

That 55 sounds like it`s wall to wall fish.
Must be all juveniles or you wouldn`t be able to see the water.
Anyway.
Top filter, or HOB(hang on back) usually do a pretty good job of keeping a tank clean looking. They move a decent volume of water through their media to remove particles. More so than your average canister. Another HOB with a high gph(gallons per hour) would be a big help in cleaning your tank.
You are asking allot from a single filter.
If you just have to have a canister, the FX5 has an excellent gph rate, user proved performance, and a large space for filter media.
Might be hard to come by in your part of the world, but would be worth the search.
While you are searching, you might consider another tank to house your fish. They are going to outgrow that tank pretty fast.

 

[BenSow]

But where can I place a HOB filter? My tank has a plastic hood sitting on the edge of the tank. Where can I hang it on?

Thanks