Which Filtration would you use?

[C_AWOL]

If you end up not upgrading I would suggest sticking with the HOB over a canister or U-tube style overflow box for a sump.
Hang on backs between the two non tank modifying forms of filtration is easier to clean which means you will actually do it vs canisters being "generally" more work to clean which commonly will result in negligence.

If upgrading then a tank properly prepared for a sump is superior to a canister or hang on back (properly sized for backflow and being extra mindful of evaporation)

 

[_LittleRed]

If you end up not upgrading I would suggest sticking with the HOB over a canister or U-tube style overflow box for a sump.
Hang on backs between the two non tank modifying forms of filtration is easier to clean which means you will actually do it vs canisters being "generally" more work to clean which commonly will result in negligence.

If upgrading then a tank properly prepared for a sump is superior to a canister or hang on back (properly sized for backflow and being extra mindful of evaporation)

Thank you! If I upgrade i think it would be to an AIO as someone else said they dont actually add volume mass (it ends up being a 35 gal display with a 10 gal sump on the back i understood), we only rent and I dont want want to risk the weight if that makes sense?

 

[_LittleRed]

Sump would be my vote, either as a wet/dry or Berlin system. I've had success with canisters too though.

Canisters have a few drawbacks in marine systems:

1. They tend to be a pain to clean. If you're okay doing an easier cleaning procedure more-often, then just putting biomedia in the filter and adding a sponge to the intake can make things easier. You just pull the sponge off the pipe and clean it. No need to mess with the contents of the canister.

2. They offer less aeration. The outlets of these filters are often designed to be below the water level, so you often don't get much surface agitation when compared to other methods. This makes it harder to off-gas CO2, and your tank pH could sit a little lower because of it.

3. The flow rate drops as they get dirty. You'll need to stay on top of the cleaning. I use 2 canisters on my 125 gallon freshwater predator tank. I also run an air pump because when the filters get dirty, the fish start gasping without it. It's a high bioload tank though.

I would generally prefer a HOB filter to a canister in small reef tanks. They all work - they just have their pros and cons.

Thank you so much!

 

[Uncle99]

Looking into a new filteation system, which would you suggest?

I currently own a 70gal HOB filter on my 32gal tank but im looking into potentially shifting gears

Would you switch to sump or canister? Any other suggestions? Tank is not pre-drilled so if i used a sump id be making a DIY one until in the far future when I can upgrade
(I already own a 20gal spare tank that id look into converting)

I also considered upgrading to a 40 gal AOI system until I move and can get a bigger system

I’m not sure what triggers the need for a new filtration system.

This tank runs on a HOB filter (which you have) and a HOB skimmer. These do just find in pulling particles and disolved organics from the water.

The population of micro critters residing on Rock, sand and hard surfaces are the true processors.

It does take some time to develop sufficient populations and diversity, but with good chemistry, they will come.

 

[_LittleRed]

I’m not sure what triggers the need for a new filtration system.

This tank runs on a HOB filter (which you have) and a HOB skimmer. These do just find in pulling particles and disolved organics from the water.

The population of micro critters residing on Rock, sand and hard surfaces are the true processors.

It does take some time to develop sufficient populations and diversity, but with good chemistry, they will come.

Thank you! I had just read somewhere that its ok with a low bioload but not for a heavier one so I was just looking into better options if there were any while my tank hasnt been set up