Canister vs. HOB

[mux11]

Really need some help here.
I will be getting my filtration today one way or another but am debating on running two HOBs (Hagen AquaClear 70s)
Or going with a Hagen Fluval external filter (304).

I will have the tank set up for about 1-2 years and then will switch over to salt water, or at least thats the plan for now.

I have been told that the Fluval requires substantially less maintenance than the HOBs.

 

[WILDER]

Not familar with hobs as you can't get them over here in the uk, but i would be tempted to go for he cannister filter, good luck.

 

[qwikimpss]

I have had good experiences with HOBs over the years. I would suggest getting a filter with a bio-wheel, every little bit of bio filtration helps (i dunno if the aquaclears have them) And you guys in the UK cant get HOBs??? Sounds odd to me...but thats my ignorant American self.

 

[freddyk]

Bot canisters and HOB's need to be maintained. Some people let their canisters go months without cleaning because it can technically hold a lot of waste - but waste in the filter is still waste in the aquarium, get it out. I've actually found good results in one of each (an hob and a canister) since both types have something to offer, but no matter how you look at it these filters work and you'll do fine as long as you have enough.

 

[Bloo]

The external would be a lot easier to maintain than two hobs. I say go for external

 

[mux11]

Thanks all!
Well I ordered 2 HOBs. Cost was a big factor here so I went the cheeper route. Figure I can alternate cleaning cycles to make it less pain full. Now to figure out the whole cycle thing

 

[IMCL85]

Fulval is really crap. I want to change it now. I have a 204 atm install on a 40g tank. The cleaning part is what I hate the most every week. And I love aquaclear ez to use and clean. Specially during treatment. If I where u I go for Aquaclear. Or if you dont like aquaclear go for eheim it also rox but samething apply as fulval it is very annoying doing cleaning out.