Equipment for 55 and 170

[Jade.Crusader]

I know a lot of things like HOBs and heaters are grossly underrated for what they should really be using. That is why on our 20 gallon we have a Tetra Whisper 30-60 on it. Anyway, we are going to be setting up a 55 and a 170 (thought it was a 125, but it's a 170, though we are still deciding between that and the 150 they are also saying we can have. Only taking one of the two though... probably the bigger one). What are good heaters and good HOBs for those sizes (55 and 170)

 

[calivivarium1]

Why do you want a HOB filter for such a big tank? I have used Ebo Jager heaters with good success... I love(d) my Hydor inline heater until it went on the fritz and doesn't seem to always turn on anymore.

 

[Jade.Crusader]

Is HOB not the proper thing to use for bigger tanks? I really don't like under gravel filtration. Is that the only other option?

 

[Tifftastic]

Typically with bigger tanks like that, canister filters are much more efficient. Or a combination of a canister filter and a sump.

 

[calivivarium1]

I would personally go with canister filters.

 

[fishorama]

I can only say on my 55g I have 2 Aqua Clear 70s...& a powerhead, it's a river-ish tank.

I'd definitely have at least 1 or 2 canisters...I don't really get sumps but know I should, eek!?!

 

[Lady JinglyJones]

Why do people go with sumps over canisters? I'm hazy on the particular virtues of the sump myself...

 

[fishorama]

Something about water volume: filtration socks... I think...not sure...I like my canisters, lol.

 

[krytan]

You can hide equipment like heaters in a sump and fit a lot more filter media into a sump.

 

[Sploke]

You can hide equipment like heaters in a sump and fit a lot more filter media into a sump.

Yes, sumps offer more versatility for multi-stage filtration, particularly wet-dry filtration. However, they are definitely more work to set up and require more piecing-together than just unboxing a canister and getting it primed and running. Unless there's a very specific reason to have a sump setup, I'd usually recommend a good quality canister filter.