I fully understand a preference for AC filters. I run into that preference lots of places. Now back to reality please. I have cartridge type HOB filters where the cartridge in them is over 5 years old. They still work fine and I am not one to pour in that trace of carbon that the manufacturers would have me use. It is a total waste to try to use tiny bit of carbon for anything. I did finally have one of my cartridge HOBs go bad on me and I used the old floss bag as a stuffing for the new one, after dumping the carbon. As long as my tanks run with no ammonia and no nitrites, I really don't care much what the filter cartridge looks like or what brand the pump impeller is, it is working and doing its job.
When I go out to buy a filter, instead of making do with the one in a kit, I buy canisters for the simple reason that I don't like the constant maintenance of a typical HOB in any brand.

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Fishless cycling