What canister filter to use?

[goby1]

Thought I would attach a photo of my tank as the tank you are describing is pretty much this one - 46g with hang on Remora skimmer with the in-tank skimmer box. I used to run a Rena cannister but it started to leak and by the time the replacement part was in I had scrapped it - total PITA to clean. I have 50 lbs of live rock with various softies that are easy to maintain (I don't have a lot of light - 96w 50/50 PC) and I do a 25% water change every two weeks. I don't have a glass top and the lights are on legs, not hanging above. I think if you can swing a sump it is easier and takes all the equipment out of your tank. But if you don't this is pretty much what it's going to look like and I think you need to keep it FOWLR with softies IMO. Trying to run a full reef with the lighting that is required is going to be more trouble than it's worth IMO.