I did have a HOB filter, also a HOB refugium.
I was going to try to build a sump, but space issues got in the way. This tank is adjacent to the kitchen table in the breakfast nook. So I just don't have a lot room to play with. I love the tank in this spot though as I spend a lot of time at the table, as I work from home part time and the table doubles as my desk.
I was also having space issues inside the tank. Between the 2 HOB devices, heaters, and power heads I felt like the tank was nothing but a jumble of equipment.
I decided to get the canister and try it. I actually like it so far. It's super quiet. It has given me back some space in the tank without being an eyesore outside the tank. The canister is small enough that it tucks up well near the tank and I may move one of my plants in front of it if I feel like it needs a disguise.
The return actually has a higher output than my power heads, so I was able to remove 1 power head completely. Removed the HOB filter, obviously, and made use of the less visible side of the tank to put the intake, heater, and return.
So I feel less cramped, it adds quite a bit more water volume than I thought it would, and it is cheaper and less of a space issue than the sump build was going to be.
Hopefully it works out long term. This tank is actually empty at the moment, except the CUC that has always been there. It has 8 weeks to go before I can put any fish, but I am working on putting a little coral.
