Why canister filters and not a wet/dry?

[four_by_ken]

Why is all the talk about canister filters now... what happened to using a wet/dry sump system?

[GrizzlysDad]

Why is all the talk about canister filters now... what happened to using a wet/dry sump system?

Canister filters have come a long way in quality and numerous sizes. Combine that with many people not wanting to do the drilled tanks. It's just another option hobbyists have at their disposal.

[danielratti]

I actually don't like canisters way to messy and if a o- ring goes bad or impellor you will be sol until you can find a replacment. the only problems with wetdrys are they can overfill if your not careful when you plan it out. Like for example my 180 with a wet dry on it that holds 30 gallons of water and 8 gallons of bio balls doesn't need a water change for like 3 weks before the nitrates go up. On top of that it gives me a place to throw fish if I'm having problems with aggression. But back to canisters people think they are really great again but will soon be over it. It seems like its a trend. And everyone keeps going back and forth between the 2. Both have issues don't get me wrong.

[Regalblue]

The hell with both.... go sponges

I cannot stand canisters either 

[danielratti]

Yup sponges. Ordering some 5s through work for 5 bucks a piece

[Helloitsme]

Yeah, I'm trying what to do about filtration on this 100 gallon. It came with a really big filter of some sort. I'm not sure what it is or how to hook it up. It's about the size of a 10 gallon tank, but it's metal. I'll try and take a picture of it and post it. It looks impressive but I've never seen one. It might be too strong of a current for the fish that are going in there.

[danielratti]

Send me a pic and I can tell you what it is and maybe how to hook it up. What kind of fish are you keeping mine don't seem to mind a lot of flow

[Helloitsme]

The ones I'd be concerned about are the Goldfish. Orandas, Lionheads, Pearscales, American fantails. Everything else I think would be okay.

[four_by_ken]

Why is all the talk about canister filters now... what happened to using a wet/dry sump system?

Canister filters have come a long way in quality and numerous sizes. Combine that with many people not wanting to do the drilled tanks. It's just another option hobbyists have at their disposal.

You dont have to drill a tank to use a wet/dry.

Overflow boxes work just fine.

[four_by_ken]

I am just seeing a wet/dry as a completely customizable canister filter that allows many more options and the possibility of a lot more bio media to be used.

I took a break from the fish thing for 10 years or so.  Back then wet/dry filters were the thing and canister filters were not really even heard of.

If I dont get something worked out with a canister filter shortly, I will be building a wet/dry in the near future for my 140.

[scifisarah]

Personally speaking as someone fairly new to actually owning an aquarium, I went with a canister because when I search for filter products, there are no wet/dry ones generally available. Is this something that used to be bought, or does everyone just make their own? I have a 65 gallon and can't find info anywhere about what size I would need and really don't know where to begin. I remember my dad made his own when I was a kid out of plexiglass in his machine shop, but I don't really have those sort of tools to work with, unfortunately.   Do they make more noise than a canister? my Fluval 305 canister seems amazingly quiet...

[danielratti]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA00Y08Y0866&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-_-pla-_-Fish+-+Air+Pumps+%26+Accessories-_-9SIA00Y08Y0866

You can build them yourself they are fairly simple for your tank if you have access to a used 30 long or maybe even a 20 long will work for you all you really need is some glass cut a local glass shop can do that for you and some egg create. We build them at my work here and there. It is some what time consuming but fairly simple if all the acrylic is cut right. There are some really simple ideas out there on how to build them. If I had more time I would post some more links on how some people build them.

[Ron]

Do they make more noise than a canister? my Fluval 305 canister seems amazingly quiet...

Yes, there are manufactured options, but they are typically much more expensive than something you can DIY. As for noise, it really depends on how well you design it. It could be nearly quiet or always sound like a rushing river depending on construction choices.

[four_by_ken]

You can easily build a sump system wet/dry filter.

I guess I just dont see the downside to them and why more people dont use them?

You can get 10x the bio media in them as most canister filters.  It allows you to increase the water volume in the system.  You can hide your heater in them.  Maintenance is usually much easier.  The water level in your main tank never drops.  You dont have to worry about those canister filter leaks that everyone seems to come upon one time or another.  Media is about limitless. 

I guess I am trying to talk myself into one or the other and it looks like the wet/dry setup is winning in my book.

[four_by_ken]

Personally speaking as someone fairly new to actually owning an aquarium, I went with a canister because when I search for filter products, there are no wet/dry ones generally available. Is this something that used to be bought, or does everyone just make their own? I have a 65 gallon and can't find info anywhere about what size I would need and really don't know where to begin. I remember my dad made his own when I was a kid out of plexiglass in his machine shop, but I don't really have those sort of tools to work with, unfortunately.   Do they make more noise than a canister? my Fluval 305 canister seems amazingly quiet...

Just Google DIY wet/dry.  There are hours up hours of links to spend time on looking at.