We run two Aquis 2400's on our big 8fter, they crank... we have never in the whole time of running them had the water flow reduce on them due to clog... they get cleaned every three months, and they do an outstanding job on the tank... and the tubing on them is horse choker size, never had a clog there ever either 8) After keeping and having many African tanks, well stocked Malawi to smaller Tang tanks... canisters have been excellent in our experience of keeping africans.
I like the idea of a sump, however, we never went there because we have a 4 year old boy who even tho he doesn't touch fish related stuff as he knows it is out of bounds, we just wouldn't risk the whole easy access thing. Yes they are great, but there is no reason why a nice big filter or two if by choice, get passed by as an option.