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What is the difference between wet/dry filters (for example, Eheim Wet/Dry 2227 and 2229) and normal canister filters? Is one better than the other? Or in what situation will one be better than the other?

I know of the canisters you speak of..but have never owned one, but I'm going to take a shot at this anyway.

First off the good and the bad vs. regular canister filters:

good: as with most wet/dry filters, it provides much better oxygenation for those oxygen loving good bacteria. It strengthens your biofilter considerably.

bad: if you have plants and run co2, you're going to lose it.

The eheim wet/dry canister filters are basically a recreation of a sump filter but in a sealed format so you don't have to worry about drilling holes in the tank, overflows, and all that. It fills up with water, then empties, fills up then empties ( the wet/dry section of the filter does) by use of a breathing tube to supply the air needed for the pressure changes.

Saltwater or non planted freshwater tank - Eheim wet/dry better than regular canister. Or if it's lightly planted and you will not be turning it into medium to heavily planted tank with co2 for certain.

Medium to heavily planted tank with co2 injection, or lightly planted tank that you might want to turn into a medium to heavily planted tank with co2 injection in the future - regular canister filter.

It's a niche filter, so you'd have to be certain of your future intentions before purchasing it.

Oh I see....thanks for your info!