Canister filter or AIO?

[ggwp1111]

I'm consider between the Waterbox Clear 4820 w/ Oase 600 Thermo Filter or the Waterbox AIO 65.4 setup. Just would like to some input on pros and cons and which one would be better.

Currently running IM 40 AIO. I do like the simplicity of AIO or canister filter over sump setup. Originally I planned to just upgrade to the 65.4 but recently ran into this guy iwagumi reef on youtube and inspired to do one with the clear 4820.

 

[CallmePablo]

Sump > AIO > canister , i personally prefer AIO over canister because of the space for equipment and filtration options.

 

[Fish Fan]

I personally hate canister filters, I think they are a pain in the butt to clean, and I’ve had them leak before too. For me, I say all in one all the way.

 

[Aquavaj]

Just keep in mind that most equipment needed (ato, dosing, heater) were removed for that picture to create that minimalistic look. There's just no way to hide them without an aio rear section or a sump.

 

[Devaji]

I have through about this long and hard over the years.

yes you can totally do a nice reef with canister filters. the Oase are the best IMHO with the build in heater and pre filter you should be good to go. as long as you clean the pre filter out weekly and the canister out from time to time.
maybe every other month until your tank get its grove and you get in line with it.
that a good WC schedule you prob. will be good to go.

all that said you will did need an ATO at the very least. so there will be some equipment in the tank. the canister will hold a ton more media than the AIO.
I am a fan of seachem matrix ( use it in bags in my sump)

the overflows is where the uglies come in. the glass look nice but dont think they will be clan for more then one weeks algae and coraline will build up fast. maybe SS Lilly pipes??

also the AIO will skim the surface better IMHO.
there are surface skimmers out there but then again more gear in the tank.

the AIO & sumps hide most or all of it. that's why I fancy sumps over AIO and canister filters.

I do like the clean look of the WC clear and think it would be cool to see I thought about it many times myself. ( selflessly I want you to try it) so we can see it work or not.
that said the AIO would hide the gear but on a 4' 65 gal. that is sump material.

in the end its your choice many ways to reef. all comes down to budget style- looks & style of reefing.

I have seen filter less tanks that look great.

 

[ggwp1111]

I have through about this long and hard over the years.

yes you can totally do a nice reef with canister filters. the Oase are the best IMHO with the build in heater and pre filter you should be good to go. as long as you clean the pre filter out weekly and the canister out from time to time.
maybe every other month until your tank get its grove and you get in line with it.
that a good WC schedule you prob. will be good to go.

all that said you will did need an ATO at the very least. so there will be some equipment in the tank. the canister will hold a ton more media than the AIO.
I am a fan of seachem matrix ( use it in bags in my sump)

the overflows is where the uglies come in. the glass look nice but dont think they will be clan for more then one weeks algae and coraline will build up fast. maybe SS Lilly pipes??

also the AIO will skim the surface better IMHO.
there are surface skimmers out there but then again more gear in the tank.

the AIO & sumps hide most or all of it. that's why I fancy sumps over AIO and canister filters.

I do like the clean look of the WC clear and think it would be cool to see I thought about it many times myself. ( selflessly I want you to try it) so we can see it work or not.
that said the AIO would hide the gear but on a 4' 65 gal. that is sump material.

in the end its your choice many ways to reef. all comes down to budget style- looks & style of reefing.

I have seen filter less tanks that look great.

Really well put. The guy did use lily pipe, clear ATO tubing and lily pipe skimmer adapter to keep the clean look. But his videos do not mention how often he cleans them. And he hasn't updated anything in 3 years so I wonder if his build sustain over the years or he has scraped the build and start over with something else.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

AIO over a canister.

 

[Devaji]

Really well put. The guy did use lily pipe, clear ATO tubing and lily pipe skimmer adapter to keep the clean look. But his videos do not mention how often he cleans them. And he hasn't updated anything in 3 years so I wonder if his build sustain over the years or he has scraped the build and start over with something else.

yeah you never know. most people will say dont use a canister on a reef tank but there are a few good once out there.
with the pre filter on the Oase I think you will be fine, but what do I know. I have nver ran a canister filter on a tank. sooooo tale what I say with a huge grain of salt.

there is a lady on Auz that has a YT channel that runs a large tank on 2 canisters. let me see if I can find it for you.

 

[Devaji]

here you go,
2 year update:

3year update:

 

[40g]

I run a canister through an AIO box. You get the simplicity of a canister, combined with the flexibility of AIO (changing out carbon, phosban, etc.) I also use the box to hide the filter hoses, a protein skimmer, dosing lines, and probes.

It works like a regular AIO except the flow through the box is powered by the input of the canister. The output runs into an under-gravel filter (running it in reverse).

AMA!

 

[slythy]

I will never own a canister again in my life. I had a FX6 and while it worked well on my tank I would never mess with the hassle again. Sumps are so easy to do dont let it scare you.

But between the 2 AIO hands down.

 

[Fish Fan]

I will never own a canister again in my life. I had a FX6 and while it worked well on my tank I would never mess with the hassle again. Sumps are so easy to do dont let it scare you.

But between the 2 AIO hands down.

This x1000 for me! I hate canister filters, I'd much rather have an AIO or even a Hang on Back filter. Canisters are way too much hassle, and I've had them leak on me before too.

 

[Fish Fan]

I run a canister through an AIO box. You get the simplicity of a canister, combined with the flexibility of AIO (changing out carbon, phosban, etc.) I also use the box to hide the filter hoses, a protein skimmer, dosing lines, and probes.

It works like a regular AIO except the flow through the box is powered by the input of the canister. The output runs into an under-gravel filter (running it in reverse).

AMA!

You sure have a lot going on with your filter system lol! I'd just cation tht even running reverse flow, your under gravel filter plate may accumulate detritus, and give you a problem down the road. I personally don't know anyone that uses under gravel filters anymore, I didn't even know you could still buy one lol!

 

[Devaji]

You sure have a lot going on with your filter system lol! I'd just cation tht even running reverse flow, your under gravel filter plate may accumulate detritus, and give you a problem down the road. I personally don't know anyone that uses under gravel filters anymore, I didn't even know you could still buy one lol!

@Paul B runs a reverse under gravel filter on his tank that is older then the universe..lol that one's for you Paul. but I believe his tank is 30+ years old.

so it can be done.
but yes I am with you guys sumps are the way to go.
at the very least a HOB overflow from life reef. into a 20L or 40br DIY sump and you are off to reefing.

 

[Devaji]

I run a canister through an AIO box. You get the simplicity of a canister, combined with the flexibility of AIO (changing out carbon, phosban, etc.) I also use the box to hide the filter hoses, a protein skimmer, dosing lines, and probes.

It works like a regular AIO except the flow through the box is powered by the input of the canister. The output runs into an under-gravel filter (running it in reverse).

AMA!

wow that crazy. kinda cool and odd at the same time. glad its working for you.

 

[Fish Fan]

@Paul B runs a reverse under gravel filter on his tank that is older then the universe..lol that one's for you Paul. but I believe his tank is 30+ years old.

so it can be done.
but yes I am with you guys sumps are the way to go.
at the very least a HOB overflow from life reef. into a 20L or 40br DIY sump and you are off to reefing.

I stand corrected lol!

But to be fair, I had saltwater tanks 30+ years ago when almost the only option was an undergravel filter. I'm thinking the only reason that his tank has an undergravel IS because it's 30 years old lol!