Canister Filter alternative?

Opalmoon · May 5, 2020

I have a 20 gallon FOWLR tank that I will eventually be making into a mixed reef tank and I recently got a canister filter after being given some suspect advice that it would be a good thing to have. Before that I had one of the generic aqueon HOB's. And after fighting with my filter earlier to clean and change out some media, I've come to the conclusion its a p i t a to manage as well as a possible nitrate factory. I don't have the technical know-how to build my own sump, and not sure I'd want too do that with a mere 20 gal.

So, I am thinking of switching back to a HOB for my tank, but I am not sure which choice will be the best bet for something that isn't super noisy, overkill or going to break the bank. I could spend all day looking up things via google and amazon and do online shopping (because I have) but I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions. I might even be willing to go the route of a sump if it proved worth it for a simple 20 gallon. (One day I hope to go the route of an AIO, but this is not the day.)

Spare time · May 5, 2020

Any of these should work

(i've used the 55 of this kind).

Opalmoon · May 5, 2020

Spare time said:
Any of these should work

(i've used the 55 of this kind).

Stupid question, but those wouldn't be overkill for my tank?

Spare time · May 5, 2020

Opalmoon said:
Stupid question, but those wouldn't be overkill for my tank?

They make smaller sizes. I just linked the general page for the type of some of the more popular options.

Spare time · May 5, 2020

If you want to make your 20 an AIO you could do this https://www.fijicube.com/products/in-sump-20-gallon

They make HOB refugiums that could work too

dreamcatcherr9 · May 5, 2020

Depending on what you keep. With HOB Aqua clear, you can go to Intank. They make awesome stuff, expensive, but efficient.

Like you said for the 20g ? Up to you how much $ you want to put into it.

dreamcatcherr9 · May 5, 2020

When I did (do) FOWLR and had a 30g, I used Emperor Biowheel and a skimmer.

When I upgraded to 60 it was two (2) Biowheel, skimmer and a canister filter.

Same with a 90, bit bigger skimmer, canister and Emperor 400 (I liked the product).

I did use Aqua clear and Intank upgraded basket on a 112g freshwater system. But eventually went back to Emperor 400.

I am finally doing at 240g and I’m going with my first sump!

Opalmoon · May 5, 2020

Spare time said:
If you want to make your 20 an AIO you could do this https://www.fijicube.com/products/in-sump-20-gallon

They make HOB refugiums that could work too

That's neat that you can make your tank an AIO like that. I wish I had learned of that sooner. Ah well, thank you though.
I do like the idea of a HOB refugium as well. I'll look into that.

Opalmoon · May 5, 2020

dreamcatcherr9 said:
When I did (do) FOWLR and had a 30g, I used Emperor Biowheel and a skimmer.

When I upgraded to 60 it was two (2) Biowheel, skimmer and a canister filter.

Same with a 90, bit bigger skimmer, canister and Emperor 400 (I liked the product).

I did use Aqua clear and Intank upgraded basket on a 112g freshwater system. But eventually went back to Emperor 400.

I am finally doing at 240g and I’m going with my first sump!

I've had to fight a lot with my canister filter lately, so I am not satisfied with it as I could be. Some of it is user error of course and the other half is clunky and messy to clean the media. But if it worked for you, that's great! I might try a bio wheel if I can find one I like. In the future though I definitely am going to plan for a sump (and a tank that fits the needs of it XD)