Canister vs HOB filter

[Slannesh]

I was wondering this myself not too long ago, thanks for all the replies to this thread, definately answered a lot of questions for me.

My Girlfriend and I are just starting out, currently cycling a 10g tank but are considering some larger tanks for the future.

 

[125gJoe]

My opinion is that canister filters are better. One reason is with power outages (previously mentioned), the filter will run again when the power comes back. Another reason is eventually one might want to go with "live" plants (and why not?). The HOB filter causes surface agitation that helps remove CO2 the plants need. And yet another reason to be 'pro-canister' is there's more room for filter "media" -- filter floss. Which provides better filtration.