Are Canister Filters Worth It?

[brandonv26]

I am just wondering if canister filters are really worth all the hype. I am going to be setting up a 55 gallon mbuna malawai cichlid tank and I am wondering if its really worth the extra money to get a canister filter or if I could get away with just using a couple of HOB filters.

 

[CichlidSensai]

I myself prefer canisters. Depending on the stock of the tank decide how much filtration you need. I'm old school still run mag 350's!!!!

 

[brandonv26]

I myself prefer canisters. Depending on the stock of the tank decide how much filtration you need. I'm old school still run mag 350's!!!!

There are a couple of reasons I am asking. From what I have read, canister filters are prone to leaking, is this true? Also, I was looking at the Eheim 2217 canister filter which has a 264 GPH flow rate, this is nearly half of what the AC 110 HOB filter flow rate is and I could put in 2 AC 110's for less than I can get one Eheim 2217 for.

 

[Digital Deviant]

Flow rate isn't everything the eheim has a much greater volume of filter material no doubt? I have had three canisters over a period of 10+ years and had no leaks. Eheim had an issue with their priming mechanism (now resolved)

 

[jcolon]

I am just wondering if canister filters are really worth all the hype. I am going to be setting up a 55 gallon mbuna malawai cichlid tank and I am wondering if its really worth the extra money to get a canister filter or if I could get away with just using a couple of HOB filters.

For large tanks like 75gal and above I see a positive value to Canister Filters. Leaking is a downside which is one reason why I had to stop using my Fluval 404. It's the nature of the beast since gravity along with suction pulls water downward.

Now in my opinion it's 75gal -90gal tanks that's where the line blurs between which is best. HOB's like the AC-110 can easily handle a 75gal, but so can a Fluval 406 Smaller tanks like a 55 and HOB's like an AC-70 can do the job.
Once you get into the 100gal range, you get above the filtration capacity of most LFS sold HOB's.

 

[San Raphael Catfish]

Love the canister filter. Would love to learn how to use mine better. My 55 gallon tank with one HOB filter, and I bought a matching one and still it never seemed like enough filtration for large messy fish. Bought a canister and after 10 months I need to do my 3rd media change on it. I LOVE how much charcoal I can put in the canister and how clear the water is. I am past due on media change and just ordered 3 pounds of activated charcoal tonight. Once I bag it up and put it in my filter, my tank will be sparkling clean again.

SRC <><

 

[pcdebb]

I prefer canisters over HOB. Never had one leak. After that, I think it real boils down to the name you use. XP Rena and Marineland are my choices right now.

 

[Douglas4701]

I got real lucky and found a brand new canister filter on clearance for 40 bucks that retails for 150. The store had been sent it as a demo.

 

[Chris J]

I've been an HOB man myself but this weekend I went and splurged on a Fluval FX5 for my 125g cichlid tank and could not be happier. Water quality and clarity are both way up. I was very nervous about dropping that much coin on a filter, but I am so glad I did. That being said I agree with the previous posts and if its less than 75g, you probably could do just as we'll with HOBs.

 

[Chris J]

If you do purchase a canister, I suggest an oversized one to allow yourself to upgrade the tank later if you choose to, an extra $50 for a larger canister saves you $150 for having to buy a brand new one later. Just my 2 cents.

 

[hcarr1234]

I just bought a Fluval 406 for my 55 gallon, and so far I love it!