Combination of Filters

[leaveittoweaver]

Do you think its better to have two HOB's or an HOB and a canister for your tank? I'm trying to decide on the filtration to buy and I'm seriously considering getting the API Nexx canister because it's amazing and so easy to clean and an Aquaclear 50 or the next size up. But maybe I'd be just as well off with two Aquaclears?

[mermaidwannabe]

I have two AC110s on my 65-gallon, and both I and my fish are fine with that. I have zero readings for ammo, trites, even trates (due in part to a huge live Anubias and other live plants).

I have an AC50 on my 20-gallon, and it's doing an excellent job, too.

My advice is to remove the carbon and add extra biomax, and seed the tank with media from a cycled aquarium. Supplement that with Seachem's Stability's seven-day regimen, and you can add fish almost immediately. In fact, you must or the bacteria won't have anything to eat.

Can't go wrong with Aquaclears, just remember to get one that is rated at least twice the gallonage of your tank (20 gallons -- AC50; 30 gallons -- AC70, etc.).

-- mermaidwannabe

[Cermet]

I have a canister (primary bio-filtering - extensive bio-chips) and a HOB (provides secondary bio-filter and a main aerator.)

The two together work really great - still, canisters are the best option so if you want to over filter, an HOB has uses - aerator and a place to put phosphate or other absorbers

[Lady Hobbs]

I believe it depends on the tank size and what's in the tank. I have a canister on both my 55's + hang on the backs. On my non-planted tank, I have the AC110 but on my planted tank I use the Cascade 300 so my plants don't get beat to death.

[bmcintyre]

Canisters are quiet, can be hidden, go longer between cleanings, are most customizable for media, and can be used with a spraybar for added surface agitation. But they are more expensive, more of a pain to clean and use more power. Aquaclear HOBs are quiet, customizable, use less power & cost less.
I don't know about cost of Nexx canisters, but I've heard they are easy to detach & clean. What size tank is this for, and what stock? I wouldn't bother with a canister for less that 40 gallons, but would definitely get one for 75 gallons and over. For 55 gallons and less, the AC is probably best bang for your buck.

[Cliff]

I also like using two filters on my tanks. When I had a 36 and a 33 gallon tank, I used two HOB filters (AC50s). Now that I'm down to the 90 gallon, I have two cannisters on it as it is a larger and stocked on the heavy side

[leaveittoweaver]

It's a 55 gallon tank that I hope to plant. I'm going back and forth on my ideas, originally I wanted a big school of Congo Tetras and maybe a pair of Bolivian rams. But I'm also thinking maybe of having cichlids instead.

The API Nexx is only 99.00 where I work and you can buy an extension for it for double the filtration. We use it on our Saltwater tank at work and I just love how easy it is.

[Taurus]

If this were my 55 gallon tank (which it is not) I would use a Rena XP2 or 3
and an Aquaclear 70 HOB filter, especially if you're thinking cichlids down the line.

http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquari...r-Filters.aspx

Rena canister filters are known to perform well and are relatively easy to clean.

[DeadSulphurhead]

I have two AC110s on my 65-gallon,

holy smokes, that 65 must be all micro bubbles

[bignellm]

If this were my 55 gallon tank (which it is not) I would use a Rena XP2 or 3
and an Aquaclear 70 HOB filter, especially if you're thinking cichlids down the line.

http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquari...r-Filters.aspx

Rena canister filters are known to perform well and are relatively easy to clean.

I second this opinion. And I just cleaned my Rena for the first time two days ago. Was simple/straightforward/and comparable to my HOB's (Aqua Clear and Fluval C3). The only issue I came into contact with, was being caught off guard momentarily over the water weight.

And on the issue of added power consumption of a Rena over a HOB, it's very minimal. 10-15 watts (depending on make/model--some larger ones use a bit more than this range) compared to 3 watts. We use a massively great deal more than that in heating tanks.