Lots of people here scoff at the idea of using a canister filter, but it's completely doable if you keep a regular cleaning schedule.
Take a look at my build thread (click on the "build thread contributor" badge under my name) for my budget friendly 46g bowfront tank. Canister filter, no sump, and just over $1k on equipment total, with an itemized equipment list on page 2 of the thread.
Take a look at my build thread (click on the "build thread contributor" badge under my name) for my budget friendly 46g bowfront tank. Canister filter, no sump, and just over $1k on equipment total, with an itemized equipment list on page 2 of the thread.