Cannister Filter A Must?

[Zagggon]

I have a 42gallon hex tank that has african cichlids in it and a 55g that has south africans in it and a small oscar.

Currently the 42g has a penguin bio wheel with just one wheel and it does a decent job. In the 55g I have a dual wheel bio-wheel filter and on the other side have a dual topfin power filter thats just a simple "come with tank" filter.

Im thinking of buying a canister filter for the 42g because the bio wheel is somewhat outmatched by my 6inch mbuna and 6inch yellow lab along with the big catfish. Im just wondering if the cannister filters are worth what they cost? I mean it seems most of yall hold them in high regard so that must mean they work well. Then again its alot of money for just a filter, then again it is big and looks cool.

Any of yall that have em regret getting one? Also is it just a filter or alot of things in one? Seems it should do alot for 100+

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

well for alot less one of firends who works at my favortie pet shop makes his own canister filters. try searching diy canister filter on google and see what comes up! good luck!

 

[Zagggon]

hmm didnt consider that ill try it

 

[dylema]

I made my own tiny canister for a fighter tank but I think you would want to be a confident DIY master to make a big one. I have been on the lookout for large containers for a big DIY canister and have found that a home brew beer canister looks good but are too expensive to be worth it.

I can't see anyone regretting buying a canister mine (the bought one) is more reliable and less maitanence that a similarly rated internal.

Dylan

 

[Zagggon]

Well so like whats so great about em compared to a bui-wheel? They just do a MUCH better job or something? Cuzz I know these two guys who sell fish and they are old fellas in their 50's and have been in the hobby all their lives and they just use bio-wheels in all their tanks. I had never heard of canister filters b4 coming here. Not to demean them in any way im just saying unless they make a noticable difference in the tank itslef I just cant see me buying one.

 

[dylema]

I can't argue for or against bio-wheels as I have never used one. Canisters can be very quiet, hidden in the cabnet, usually faily easy to maintain, allow any type of media you want in any order you want it, etc.

What ever works for you

Dylan