I too would go for external canister if you can afford it. I have Fluvals, Eheim wet/dry (DON'T BUY ONE!!! :evil: ) and Jebo. I like the Jebo best.
The externals are bigger and so hold more media. They also don't take up space in the tank that could be used for decorations or fish
My Malawis are messy and I have 2 externals, one at each end of the tank. I also had an AquaClear HOB at one time (just running as spare).