HOB Filter or Canister Filter

[gozetec2002]

I am setting up a 20 gallon long with Soft Corals and inverts.

I currently have an aquaclear powerfilter and am wondering if it would be better to use a canister filter and if it would keep the water cleaner because of the higher capacity?

Thanks,
Damien

 

[IslandCrow]

I'm thinking a canister filter is going to give you more options and more than likely provide for much cleaner water. I've been very happy with mine. I run carbon in it most of the time and use a micron filter for about a week every month for a little water polishing. And if phosphates ever became an issue, I could use it to run something like Phosban. My water was noticably clearer (I thought it was pretty clear before) after adding the canister filter and I finally got my nitrates down to an undetectable level (I guess the latter could have been coincidence). Of course, I also run a protein skimmer, so it's a combined effort between the two.

 

[Agu]

If you already have the Aquaclear and it's one of the bigger ones it'll work just fine on a 20 gallon.

Check the nano forum to see how people mod them.

 

[gozetec2002]

Its one specificly designed for the 20 gallon but I am dissapointed in the design of the intake tube's lack of adjustment i was thinking that it will make the tank look a bit cleaner if the filter was out of sight or under the stand. And I plan on having an easy anemone with a 150watt MH pendant so that will take care of the soft coral i want with plenty of light so they will thrive.

 

[xrobbx03]

i have an aquaclear on my 38 gallon and works really well in combination with my skimmer. I pretty much only use it for additives that i would need. Other than that the media basket is usually kept empty.