Filter suggestions

[Radioactive]

So I am planning my upgrades to my 29 gallon and am looking into canister filters. Right now I have 2 HOB filters. One of them is an AQ 50 and the other is an aquatech 20-40. My main goal is to get as many things I dont like seeing out of the tank lol. I plan on doing a DIY 3d rockwall background and was thinking about doing a slight overhang effect on the top. I would incorperate the inlet tube and spray nozzle or spray bar into my 3d background. My current stock is 1 F8 4 BBG's and 2 glass shrimp. I have a sand substrate and a nice size peice of driftwood. Another reason I want a canister is so I can put an inline heater in it. Just to narrow it down lets give it a $100 cap but would prefer to come out less then that if possible. I would also like to add that this setup will probobly last about 1-2 years at most. I can pretty much Gaurentee that I will upgrade tank size within that timeframe and sell this tank/setup. Thanks for reading!!

[RTR]

I'm uncertain why you plan so short-term. Your tank is near ideal for your stock now, and 1-2 years in the life of an F-8 is short-term. The F-8 should average ~15 years captive lifespan, and would likely not accept new additions after 1-2 years,other than possibly accepting new BBGs if the current stock does not breed for you.

Increasing the complexity of the decor might be beneficial. Do you have any pictures?

It would improve the tank's upkeep to remove/replace the driftwood with synthetic material. Wood decays more rapidly in even light BW, and makes it harder to maintain the needed KH. Replacing a plain sand substrate with aragonite would improve the water conditions there as well.

[Radioactive]

By no means do I plan on getting rid of any stock I currently have and dont want to add anything either. I am perfectly happy with my stock. I can replace my current sand with arganite as i know how beneficial it would be. Removing the driftwood is possible and I would most likely build another slate structure in its stead. The HOB filters are bothering me along with the heater as far as visual appearance. I just wanted to know everyones thoughts on Canisters before I spend money on one. I will post a Pic soon. I guess I should have specified that all of the stock would be moved to a biiger tank within 1-2 years time and I would most likely sell this current setup (unless I can convince the MRS to keep it ). Thanks again.

[Radioactive]

http://s1169.photobucket.com/albums/r50 ... activeoo1/

These were all taken with my smartphone which is pretty bad quality in my opinion but my normal digital camera broke.

[RTR]

Personally I do not like or use HOBs at all. They are too noisy and do not offer enough freedom or flexibility in current control. I use primarily canisters, and multiple per tank, but they are more expense to buy and require a bit more work time in upkeep. There are always trade-offs in equipment selection and use. I do tend to set my tanks for long-term use - ten years is my standard for set-ups, but I do have several tank set-ups over 20 years old. Long term total costs and energy usage are the factors concerning me most, but aesthetics are never ignored in display tanks. They may be utility tanks.

HTH