Canister vs. Sump

[Foody]

I have been scouring Craigslist for a bigger aquarium. I currently have a 30 but would like to add an additional 72 or perhaps 90. Many if not most of the ones on C-list are/were using a canister filter. I would like to hear the pros and cons of using one over the other. I guess I thought a canister filter would be nothing more than a glorified HOB filter unless one used strictly to house carbon and cleaned the filter weekly. Thoughts?

 

[Flanders]

You are correct. There are no pros to using a canister filter other than it's easier to set up.

 

[DustyReefer]

And on the other hand there are many many pros to using a sump

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

i used a ehiem 2080 on my tank when i first started my salt water tank just becouse i always used one for my freshwater tanks. i was against a sump becouse well i was ignorant becouse i didnt know much about it. well after a year of using the filter i switched to a sump. no more hob skimmers and pumps in the tank. everything is right there in the sump its easy to change media and clean filter socks and the tank looks cleaner. and is way easier to take care of. if i had to do it again i would of went with a sump right off the get go its cheaper and easier. now i have a 500 dollar filter i cant get ride of lol

 

[Firedog1962]

I have a 75 with a sump and a 45 Fluval tank with canister set up in bedroom. The only advantage to canister is it is Silent no noise at all. That being said I hate it, canister maintenence is a pain because of the water loss and balancing the replacement water. I like the ease and simplicity of a sump

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I have been scouring Craigslist for a bigger aquarium. I currently have a 30 but would like to add an additional 72 or perhaps 90. Many if not most of the ones on C-list are/were using a canister filter. I would like to hear the pros and cons of using one over the other. I guess I thought a canister filter would be nothing more than a glorified HOB filter unless one used strictly to house carbon and cleaned the filter weekly. Thoughts?

setting up a 90 gallon reef aquarium? Do it right the fgirst time: sump it.

When it comes to reef aquariums, canister filters perform most similar to GAC/GFO reactors.

Your 30 can be the sump for your 90.

 

[hasek1639]

I have done both and I will say SUMP. I mean I completely agree with Gary on this one. canisters are not built for a reef style aquarium. Put a sump in and you will be very happy.