Canister Filter Advice

[MrFlubbins]

Looking to replace my old Fluval 103 that has soldiered on for almost 10 years now and I am looking for a little advice on what to replace it with. I am not sold on the Fluval 104. I like the XP1 Filstar, but will that be too powerful for a 20 long? Anything from Eheim good for a 20 long? Any help would be appreciated as I have not bought any new equipment in over 6 years, outside of an airpump or 2, and I have 5 tanks of varying size that are going to need filters in the coming year. But for now the pressing need in a canister for a 20 long. Many thanks in advance.

R'

 

[Kyle]

Personally, I wouldn't spend a whole bunch of money on a canister filter for a 20 gallon long. I would just go with an HOB Filter. You can get more filtration, alot easier mantienience, and more gph for less money.

 

[MrFlubbins]

What is a HOB filter and what type of HOB filter is good? I agree regarding the maintenance. I am tired of taking the 103 apart, cleaning the hoses etc. Thanks in advance.

R'

 

[Kyle]

An HOB Filter is a hang on back filter. Some popular brands include aqua clear, tetra whisper, and emperor filters. I'll get a link to some and put them on for you to look at. I think for a twenty gallon long, you really don't need a canister, and I think HOB filters are easier to clean, do just of an effective job, and are alot cheaper.

 

[Kyle]

Here are some links to some popular HOB Filters.

Penguin Bio-Wheel


Tetra Whispers


Aqua Clears


As you can see they are alot cheaper, and you get just as much filtration as a lot of canisters. With a Fluval 104 you are getting about 100gph. You can pay less than half of that for an Aqua Clear 300 and get 3x the amount of filtration.

 

[LongTime]

I prefer canisters over HOB even for a 20 and I am happy with my Filstars and my Eheims. I put a pre-filter sponge on and off I go. One thing about eheim, I have not heard a lot of good things about the econo series from them.