Hob Or Mini-External

[njstockley]

As the title suggests, I need some advice as to whether I should go for a HOB or external filter for the nano tank that I'm picking up tomorrow.


Tank dimensions are 40 x 28 x 25 (cm) // 16 x 11 x 10 (inches), so 7 gallons / 28 litres.

Am going to set it up as moderately planted, and will stock with some nano fish/shrimp, which as of yet I haven't made my mind up on (plenty of time whilst it cycles!).

I need advice on filter choice between:

1) All Pond Solutions mini-external - 150l/h
Pros: Neat unit, canister filter
Cons: Less turnover
2) Eheim Liberty 2040 - 380 l/h // 2041 - 570l/h // 2042 - 760l/h
Pros: High turnover, one unit with no additional piping
Cons: "Waterfall" outflow is noisy, and the tank is going to be in my bedroom!

Which would be a better purchase? Both are the same price, and can see pros and cons for them. Would the 150l/h suffice? I think I'm leaning towards the APS external (which actually clips on to the back of the tank anyway!) as could have more control over the flow and less noise, but conscious I could have a lot more filtering power with the Eheim!

Anyone have experience with either of these units, or an opinion on which would be better suited for my set up?

Thanks,

Nick

 

[OldMan47]

I have no experience with the particular brands that you are looking at but the 150 lph external should be plenty big enough. It will likely also be more flexible on media than a HOB filter. At over 5x turnover, it should be giving you enough flow to suit even the planted tank high flow people.

 

[nurglespuss]

Hi there,

I've been running a liberty 2040 on my 12x12x13 nano for ages now, fantastic little filter (well actually quite bulky outside the tank - but thats good), its reliable, quiet and low maintainance.

In fact, I've just ordered a liberty 2041 from zooplus to go with it (increase the flow for my white clouds).

I don't think the current run of nano/small externals are reliable enough yet for nano's.