Power filter Vs. Canister filter
- Thread starter Tycoon
- Start date
Yeah, you could do a canister on a 20, but I don't really see a reason to other than personal preference. It'd be waaaay cheaper to buy a good HOB for it.
I like aquaclears for HOB filters.
they hold lots of media for their size, and I have never been a real fan of cartridge filters. I like the amount of meida the AC's have.
for a 20 gallon, an aquaclear 50 would be fine.
they hold lots of media for their size, and I have never been a real fan of cartridge filters. I like the amount of meida the AC's have.
for a 20 gallon, an aquaclear 50 would be fine.
We have an AC 50 and Penguin 200 on our 29 at the moment, The Penguin appears to have Higher flow......
AquariumFish
still playing with wet spots
for FW tank's - a magnum 350 kit that has 2 bio wheels and an attachment to clean the bottom through the canister fliter from a gravel cleaner.
That with a set of double valves installed makes it an easy job to handle the choirs of tank maintenance.
That with a set of double valves installed makes it an easy job to handle the choirs of tank maintenance.
We have an AC 50 and Penguin 200 on our 29 at the moment, The Penguin appears to have Higher flow......
thats because they have one of those little cartridges whereas the AC has lots of media for its size
echoofformless
Peat Advocate & Defender Of Snails
When it comes to a tank of any size it comes down more to preference and requirements rather than which is "better."
I've been using an Emperor 400 on my 40g breeder for over a year and it has been a monster of a filter. But lately I've begun to grow weary of such a heavy item hanging off the back of a tank that lacks a center brace, and sometimes if I let it go for an extra week or so between normal water changes, the water level only needs evaporate about an inch before the trickling sound starts in and people start complaining that it makes them feel like they have to pee!
So I'm switching to a canister - only because of these factors; not because the canister would do any better of a job in filtration.
Therefore concern yourself more with quality, flow rates, features, and your personal needs. Canisters will generally have more room for media and customization and may cost less in replacement media than HOB filters. Some people also like them for planted tanks because they can be made to create less surface agitation. HOB filters are inexpensive, very easy to maintenance, and a do a nice job in keeping the water oxygenated. Canisters can be a royal pain to care for in relation to HOBs. HOBs have more of a tendency to fail.
Hope this serves to confuse you further.
I've been using an Emperor 400 on my 40g breeder for over a year and it has been a monster of a filter. But lately I've begun to grow weary of such a heavy item hanging off the back of a tank that lacks a center brace, and sometimes if I let it go for an extra week or so between normal water changes, the water level only needs evaporate about an inch before the trickling sound starts in and people start complaining that it makes them feel like they have to pee!
So I'm switching to a canister - only because of these factors; not because the canister would do any better of a job in filtration.
Therefore concern yourself more with quality, flow rates, features, and your personal needs. Canisters will generally have more room for media and customization and may cost less in replacement media than HOB filters. Some people also like them for planted tanks because they can be made to create less surface agitation. HOB filters are inexpensive, very easy to maintenance, and a do a nice job in keeping the water oxygenated. Canisters can be a royal pain to care for in relation to HOBs. HOBs have more of a tendency to fail.
Hope this serves to confuse you further.