Combo of canister and AquaClear 500?

If you are going to use CO2 in the tank, my thought is that an AC 500 is not the best option. HOBs waste a lot of CO2 into the atmosphere. I know.....I've used them in the past and still am using one at this time. Would it work to keep the tank clean, yes.
If CO2 is not in the future.
If money is an object, a better option would be a large cannister and a large power head, which you could also use as a CO2 reactor and it would help move the water around and avoid "dead spots" in the tank.

Len
 
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