HOB vs. Canister Filter

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HOB filters definitely have the advantage in water surface agitation. It's built right in, you have no other choice. Canister users need a good spray bar; but most might opt for the lily pipes which may have good water flow underneath the surface, but the surface will build up an oily film.

Where the canister succeeds is having the most biological filtration exposure for the longest amount of time compared to a HOB filter which might circulate a few times but then get spat back out into the tank. HOB's are easier to clean but will require more frequent cleaning than a canister filter; though put a good prefilter hard sponge on both and you should be a lot better off and won't need to clean them that often.

I think if you go up to a certain size, canisters are the clear choice, but for your size tank you can have either and be good. For clean looks, canister is better as you can add in an inline-heater. It' also more "techy" or "geeky" I say, so it's the next step up from hang on backs and if you haven't tried it before, I would encourage you to try it because they are definitely good.