Newbie to Aquariums with Some Questions

[Kim3269]

If I were to use a 3" by 4" drawstring media bag over the intake tube of an HOB filter, would it work? If not, I'll use a sponge filter, but I prefer the look of an HOB filter to a sponge filter.

Also, if using a glass canopy over a 20 gallon long tank how would one install the HOB filter? The glass canopy should be closed because I'd be using a 30" fluorescent light over it. Would I have to cut the glass?

And, do you guys prefer HOB filters or sponge filters?

~ I'm still in the process of researching and plan on getting a shrimp tank in 1-2 years. I'm just 13 years old (a kid) so I want to make sure I'm fully prepared (and have enough money saved up, lol.) I've never had an "aquarium" before except when I was 6 years old. I had a poor male bettas in a 1 gallon "betta tank."