I have 2 Penquin 350 filters on my 55 gallon---close by is a 10 gallon tank with an Aqua Tech---then another 10 gallon with 2 smaller Aqua Teck---then a 5 gallon Betta Tank with a Whisper.

The Whisper ----really makes no noise at all----the Aqua Teck's are very quiet---both those 2 Penguins with their Biowheels can get just downright annoying. Noise bothers me a great deal, so I was wondering would a cannister filter for that tank make more or less noise than the 2 penguins? I know there are other considerations besides noise, but will consider them later. One consideration is that these pernguins are only a couple months old, but I knew I would perhpas make some bad decisions before I ever got this set up just like I want it---or does that ever happen? Is one ever satisfied, or are we always looking to improve. I know I have been on the improving path, but then I started with no experience.
Thankfully, my Goldies, King Bee Betta, and one lone Guppy, are behaving, and are holding up good through all my mistakes and learning experiences.

canister filters are definately much more quieter. Actually they are so quiet that I can barely hear them. And in case you are wondering about what kind to buy, I would recommend the Rena Filstar XP1,2, or 3 series; they are quiet yet so easy to maintain. For my 80 gallon tank, I am using two filstar XP3 and the water is crystal clear. Hope that helps

Hi, Fluval external (canister) filters are very efficient and good value as well.

A lot depends on how you set the spray bar for noise, but, YES, cannisters are a lot quieter. I like Ehiem, myself.

I have found that most cannisters tend to be more expensive than the HOB, but only have about the same gph ratings. You will still need multiple filters on that 55 gallon tank - but instead of $30 filters you will have $300 filters.

JMO.

Have you tried raising the water level such that the waterfall hits the water surface as it exits the filter?

What about removing the bio-wheel? They are nice, but you can do as much or much more in the way of a bacterial colony on extra media in the filter and the tank. The 350s have baskets - if they are stuffed full, you should be just fine abandoning the biowheel.

The 350's are very noisy. I had posted about them before. Rmoving the Biowheel does help. The baskets are an added feature but do not come with the filter and have to be purchased seperately. They are cheap though(under $5.00)

Nanay6, on top of the excellent information Daryl provided, there are a few other thing that you should consider before switching from HOB to canister type filters.

Although most canister filter instruction manuals are pretty well written, canister filters are not as simple to setup as a HOB filter. There are hoses that need to be cut to the correct length. Then these hoses need to be properly installed onto hose barbs and the clamp nuts installed. If this step is not done correctly, the hose connections can leak and you could very easily drain most of the water out of your tank and onto your floor.

Assembly of a canister filter also requires placing the sponges, media and media baskets properly into the canister filter body. Then the top has to be properly aligned, without damaging the O-ring, and then the clamps engaged. Again, if this isn't done properly, you could end up with a lot of water on your floor.

One other thing that needs to be thought about; the weight of the full canister filter. A canister filter will weigh ten pounds or more when filled with water. Can you get down on your knees, reach in under your tank and lift at least ten pounds and carry it to your sink when you need to service the filter.

I'm not trying to scare you from changing to canister type filtration. I'm just giving you a few things to think about before going that route. Installing moon lights onto a light fixture is FAR simpler than assembling and installing a canister filter.

Oh such great info. and I am so glad I asked. Definitely will not be getting a cannister filter. Mechanics of any kind is not my forte, never has been, never will be. Thank goodness for a son who is excellent in that area for an emergency, but I want to keep it for emergencies.

Also, the health problems are there, don't need to add stress to those.

Yes I have raised the water level, and that did help.

Really hate to take the Bio Wheels off, want that plus all the room for the extra media.

I will live with the noise, its worth it.

Thanks all!!!!!!!!! I think you all just saved me from much expense and frusteration.

Nanay6, after reading your posts in the Improved lighting topic, I though you might appreciate knowing a little about the setup of canister filters.

Yea i have 2 canister filters on my goldfish tank and a whisper HOB filter on my tropical tank. I have to go up to the canisters with my ear on them to make sure they are still working they are that quiet!

My Rena Filstar XP2 is REALLY easy to maintain, my aqua one is more powerful but a royal pain in the bum to clean.. but its only available in australia from my knowledge. I wouldn't give my canisters up for a HOB any day!

i have a XP3 and its very quiet. the spray bar is under water, so you cant hear anything. i also have a pengium 350 in my 55gal and i just hear the water splashing out.