Replacing canister filter with HOB and internal filter - pros and cons?

[Calamardo Tentaculos]

My canister filter has decided to show signs of wear & tear by leaking from the aquastop valve when I put the flow on max. It works fine for now at half strength, but I am treating this as a sign that a change is in order before a catastrophe occur.

Given inflationary costs, I am disinclined to purchase a new canister filter. Since I have an Oase Biostyle 75 and Aquael Pat mini lying around, I am planning on using both at diagonal ends of my tank to replace the flow and biofiltration capacity of my canister filter. Sponges will be added to the intakes to increase biofiltration capacity of the Biostyle 75.

Any flaws in my plan or any shortcomings that I should be aware of?

 

[Phish Tank]

I use to use a canister filter years ago, and I also switched to a Tidal hob after a canister leak. I like the tidal because it doesn’t require any priming.

Using existing equipment always beats buying an expensive canister filter. Do everything you can to preserve your beneficial bacteria, and go for it.

 

[Pepere]

Aquastop valves can be serviced or replaced. Many typically cost in the neighborhood of $20 or so.

O rings can be replaced or cleaned and lubed. Often times the cost is not a lot to do so.

What brand and model canister filter do you own?

Without question, canister filters provide much more filtration surface area than a hob and or sponge filters. Often times flow distribution and flow amounts is much higher in canister filters than HOBs.


Ie my canister filter distributes flow via a full length spray bar mounted on the back of the tank below water line aimed at the front glass inducing circular flow across top, down glass, circulating back over the substrate and back up. A hang on back typically has a single point of water flow.

 

[Calamardo Tentaculos]

Aquastop valves can be serviced or replaced. Many typically cost in the neighborhood of $20 or so.

O rings can be replaced or cleaned and lubed. Often times the cost is not a lot to do so.

What brand and model canister filter do you own?

Without question, canister filters provide much more filtration surface area than a hob and or sponge filters. Often times flow distribution and flow amounts is much higher in canister filters than HOBs.


Ie my canister filter distributes flow via a full length spray bar mounted on the back of the tank below water line aimed at the front glass inducing circular flow across top, down glass, circulating back over the substrate and back up. A hang on back typically has a single point of water flow.

It's a Fluval 307. I bought it second hand and had to replace the aquastop valve shortly after. That it starts leaking a year after is not filling me with confidence and I feel that it is getting uneconomical to keep buying parts to keep it running.

Of course, I may be getting overly emotional here but that is my train of thought.

 

[Pepere]

It's a Fluval 307.

With the Fluval aquastop, sometimes the cylinders can slide laterally allowing leaking.

You can try opening up the valve and seeing if you see them moving laterally.

Simply squeezing them back to the middle usually seats it better.

I have two fluval 207s a d a 107 that I have run for 3 years now. I replaced 1 aquastop valve that had developed that lateral movement.

I would be inclined to replace the aquastop valve myself, as overall my personal experience with them has been fairly positive.. $18.42.

Amazon.com : Hagen Fluval X07 AquaStop Valve A20062 AquaStop Valve for 07 Series Filters : Pet Supplies

Amazon.com : Hagen Fluval X07 AquaStop Valve A20062 AquaStop Valve for 07 Series Filters : Pet Supplies

www.amazon.com

With any mass produced component, a certain percentage can fall short and give problems. Most companies accept at least a few percent…

With the 07 series, you have a few consumable parts that need replacement from time to time.

O rings, impellers, priming handles and aquastop valve. Hobs need replacement impellers from time to time as well, and are not completely free from overflows leaking water on the floor as well..

I much prefer canister filtration myself fo increased filter media surface area and superior flow amount and controllability…. However there is a market for hobs, internals and sponge filters as everybody has different values that are important to them.

If you are more comfortable using your hob and internal, by all means go ahead. Peace of mind is important. If you have lost confidence in the canister, replace it.

Even if it is a decision based on emotion, if it makes you feel better there is value in that..

I will fully affirm I have made and will continue to make decisions based in what I have been comfortable with that many other people feel differently about…

 

[techman81]

For me, appearance and noise are very important. I want the equipment all out of sight as much as possible, and while HOBs run quieter than they use to, they're still not nearly as quiet as a canister. All canisters will need some upkeep over time. Finding parts for the Fluval 07 series is pretty easy.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

Would you be interested in an Oase Biomaster 600? I've got a ton of extra Biomaster filters just laying around. Cover the cost of shipping and it's yours if you'd like to try it!

 

[techman81]

Would you be interested in an Oase Biomaster 600? I've got a ton of extra Biomaster filters just laying around. Cover the cost of shipping and it's yours if you'd like to try it!

Not sure how much shipping cost to the UK is but that's still an incredible and very generous offer, even with the cost of a plug adapter thrown in. Glad to know I'm not the only Biomaster hoarder .

 

[Calamardo Tentaculos]

With the Fluval aquastop, sometimes the cylinders can slide laterally allowing leaking.

Even if it is a decision based on emotion, if it makes you feel better there is value in that..

I will fully affirm I have made and will continue to make decisions based in what I have been comfortable with that many other people feel differently about…

Thanks for the encouragement mate. It has been a long weekend for me when it comes to this hobby.

I ordered some napoensis/nanus which turned out to be too large for my 54L when they arrived on Friday. One jumped out overnight so I rehomed them with a friend. Then my heater failed and my valve started leaking when I tried increasing the flow.

So I'm pretty sick of throwing good money after bad; especially since I bought this filter used for £50, spent £20 immediately on the aquavalve and will potentially spend another £20, when a brand new 307 costs £150+.

 

[Calamardo Tentaculos]

Would you be interested in an Oase Biomaster 600? I've got a ton of extra Biomaster filters just laying around. Cover the cost of shipping and it's yours if you'd like to try it!

You legend!

As @techman81 says, I'm not sure how much shipping will cost, but I'm happy to explore and see.

On a side note, wouldn't the flow of the 600 be too much for my 54L(15 gallon)?

 

[Pepere]

On a side note, wouldn't the flow of the 600 be too much for my 54L(15 gallon)?

I would think so.

I run a Fluval 107 on my 20 high, and Fluval 207s on my two 29 gallon tanks.

I never felt there was insufficient flow on any of them.

 

[techman81]

On a side note, wouldn't the flow of the 600 be too much for my 54L(15 gallon)?

It is a lot of filter for a 15 gallon but there are ways to adjust the flow down. The positive would be that if you want to get a larger tank at some point, you already have a good filter for it.

 

[Calamardo Tentaculos]

Thanks all for your comments.

i do think I will continue as planned with the HOB and internal filter as biolfiltration is dependent on oxygen levels in the water. It stands to reason that the higher surface exchange of both these filters could more than make up for it. After all we've all seen healthy tanks with just sponge filters.

 

[Phish Tank]

Sounds good. With two filters instead of one, you’ll even have a bit of redundancy added, which is always nice.