7 Best HOB Aquarium Filter: Guide to Hang On Back Power Filters

Aquarium filters are a necessary piece of kit for any tank owned by a hobbyist. They contribute to keeping the water flow clear and stable, which is essential for the health and well-being of the fish and other aquatic life that resides in the fish tank. Aquarium filters come in a wide variety, each with a unique set of features and advantages. If you are looking for a proper filtration system for your aquarium, then let’s look into the HOB aquarium filter.

hob aquarium filter
hang-on-back (HOB) aquarium power filter

What is a HOB aquarium filter?

An aquarium power filter known as a HOB, or hang-on-back filter, is one that is made to be fastened to the rear of an aquarium. To remove garbage, pollutants, and extra nutrients from the water, HOB filters combine mechanical, chemical, and biological filtering. They frequently have media chambers or baskets that can house several kinds of filter media, including bio-balls, ceramic noodles, and activated carbon. Additionally, HOB filters frequently include adjustable flow rates, enabling the hobbyist to tailor the volume of water being filtered to the requirements of the tank. To ensure optimum efficiency, HOB aquarium filters need to be cleaned frequently and their filter media replaced.

What is the Best Aquarium HOB Filter?

Here are some of the top rated HOB aquarium filters available on the market.

Marineland Penguin

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Popular HOB aquarium filters like the Marineland Penguin can be used in tanks up to 70 gallons.
It is renowned for its trustworthy performance and reasonable price. Three media baskets that may accommodate a variety of filter media, including chemical, mechanical, and biological media, are included with the filter. Additionally, it includes a variable flow rate that enables the user to tailor the amount of water being filtered to the requirements of the tank.

The Bio-Wheel technology of the Marineland Penguin is one of its distinguishing qualities. A rotating disc called a Bio-Wheel is coated with a particular kind of bacteria that aids in breaking down waste and pollutants in water. As a result, the water in the tank stays clean and healthy for the fish and other aquatic life.

The Marineland Penguin is comparatively simple to maintain in terms of cleanliness. The media baskets are simple to take out and rinse, and the Bio-Wheel can be cleaned with a gentle cloth to get rid of any extra dirt. The Marineland Penguin’s dependable functioning is one of its advantages. It is a sturdy filter that can efficiently filter water from a tank holding up to 70 gallons. It is a practical option for enthusiasts because it is also reasonably simple to install and maintain. Another benefit is that it is reasonably priced, making it an excellent bargain overall. The Marineland Penguin’s potential size incompatibility with larger tanks is one of its drawbacks. It may not be adequate for hobbyists with larger tanks because it is only designed for usage in tanks up to 70 gallons. Furthermore, some users have mentioned that the filter might be noisy when it’s running, which might be a problem for people who are sensitive to noise. Overall, for hobbyists searching for a premium HOB filter, the Marineland Penguin is a dependable and affordable option.

Pros
• Reasonable price
• Bio-Wheel technology
• Easy to install

Cons
• May be a bit noisy

AquaClear 70

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Another well-known HOB aquarium filter is the AquaClear 70, which can be used in tanks up to 70 gallons. It is known for its adaptability and unique filtration choices. Additionally, it includes an integrated foam filter that aids in filtering out bigger particles from the water. The AquaClear 70 has a variable flow rate, which is one of its distinctive features. Depending on the requirements of your tank and the kind of filter material you’re using, you can adjust the flow rate. By doing so, you can adjust the filtration procedure to make sure that your tank receives the ideal level of filtration.

The AquaClear 70 requires little upkeep and is extremely simple to keep clean. The foam filter may be changed as necessary, and the media baskets can be effortlessly removed and thoroughly cleaned. Additionally, the filter features an integrated overflow mechanism that aids in preventing water leaks from the tank when doing maintenance. The adaptability of the AquaClear 70 is one of its benefits. It may be used in a variety of tank configurations and sizes, and the adjustable flow rate lets you tailor the filtering process to your tank’s requirements. It is a practical option for enthusiasts because it is also reasonably simple to install and maintain.

The AquaClear 70’s potential for noise when in use is one of its drawbacks. The filter can be loud, according to some users, which may be an issue for individuals who are sensitive to noise.
In comparison to certain other types of filters, the filter might not be as successful at removing tiny particles from the water. Overall, the AquaClear 70 is a flexible and adaptable HOB filter that is suitable for a variety of tank configurations and sizes.

Pros
• Foam filter
• Little maintenance
• Adaptable for many situations

Cons
• May be a bit noisy

Penn-Plaxx Cascade 150

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A high-capacity HOB aquarium filter, the Penn-Plax Cascade 150 is appropriate for use in tanks up to 150 gallons. It is a strong filter that can efficiently filter out waste, pollutants, and surplus nutrients from water while managing enormous volumes of water. Three media baskets, including ones for chemical, mechanical, and biological media, are included with the filter and can accommodate a variety of filter media. Additionally, a built-in foam filter helps to filter out bigger particles from the water. The cost of the Penn-Plax Cascade 150 is one of its drawbacks. In comparison to some other HOB filters on the market, it is a more expensive choice. Furthermore, some users have mentioned that the filter might be noisy when it’s running, which might be a problem for people who are sensitive to noise. The Penn-Plax Cascade 150 is a robust and high-capacity HOB filter that is ideal for use in sizable tanks.

Pros
• Great for bigger tanks
• Foam filter
• Adaptability

Cons
• May be a bit expensive

Fluval C4

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Due to its dependable performance and adaptability, fish tank owners frequently choose the Fluval C4 HOB aquarium filter. The Fluval C4 filter has some advantages, such as its capacity to handle huge volumes of water, its three-stage filtration technology, and its programmable flow rate. It helps maintain a healthy environment for your fish by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria through its biological filtration, chemical filtration, and mechanical filtration, which removes solid particles, pollutants, and poisons from the water.

The Fluval C4 filter can be loud, especially when it is first turned on or when it needs to be cleaned, which is one of its main drawbacks. If your tank is small or your fish are delicate and easily stressed, this could be a problem. The replacement filter media and other parts for the Fluval C4 filter can pile up over time, making maintenance fairly pricey. Last but not least, some have complained that installing the Fluval C4 filter might be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with aquarium gear.

All things considered, the Fluval C4 HOB aquarium filter is a good option for people searching for a dependable and efficient approach to maintain their tank’s cleanliness and health. Even while it has certain limitations, overall, its advantages outweigh any potential problems. It is crucial to thoroughly examine the benefits and drawbacks of buying a Fluval C4 filter before deciding whether it is the best option for your particular requirements.

Pros
• Reliable company
• Great for large amounts of water
• Low maintenance

Cons
• May be more expensive than average

Tetra Whisper

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Fish tank owners frequently choose the Tetra Whisper HOB aquarium filter because of its low cost and simple operation. The Tetra Whisper filter has a number of advantages, including energy-efficient operation, the capacity to handle a variety of tank sizes, and practical features like a self-priming system and easily replaceable filter cartridges. Your electricity expenses won’t be greatly increased by its energy-efficient design, and its self-priming technology makes it simple to start up and maintain.

The Tetra Whisper filter may not be as effective as some other filters on the market, especially when it comes to eliminating bigger particles from the water, which is one of the main drawbacks. This could be a problem if your tank is overcrowded or if your fish create a lot of trash. The Tetra Whisper filter also has a reputation for being noisy, which might be a concern if you have a tiny tank or delicate fish that are susceptible to stress. Last but not least, the Tetra Whisper filter might not be appropriate for larger tanks because it might not have enough flow rate to successfully filter the water.

Overall, people searching for an economical and user-friendly filter for their tank can consider the Tetra Whisper aquarium filter. Although it might not be as strong as some other filters available, it is a dependable alternative for smaller tanks and might be a decent choice for people who are new to fish care. If you’re thinking of getting a Tetra Whisper filter, you should carefully analyze the benefits and drawbacks to see if it’s the best option for your particular requirements.

Pros
• Energy efficient
• Handles many different tank sizes
• Decent price

Cons
• May not work well with bigger particles

Seachem Tidal

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Due to its dependable performance and adaptability, fish tank owners frequently choose the Seachem Tidal HOB aquarium filter. The Seachem Tidal filter has a number of benefits, such as a self-priming system, easy-to-replace filter media, and a three-stage filtration system. It can also handle a variety of tank sizes. It helps maintain a healthy environment for your fish by encouraging the growth of good bacteria through its different types of filtration, which removes additional particles or organic matter that floats around in the tank.

The Seachem Tidal filter’s main drawback is that it can be expensive to maintain because filter media replacements and other parts can mount up over time. The Seachem Tidal filter also has a reputation for being noisy, which might be a concern if you have a tiny tank or delicate fish who are susceptible to stress. Finally, because the Seachem Tidal filter may not have enough flow rate to efficiently filter the water, it may not be appropriate for bigger tanks.

The Seachem Tidal aquarium filter is a good option for people searching for a dependable and efficient approach to maintain their tank’s cleanliness and health. Even while it has certain limitations, overall, its advantages outweigh any potential problems. If you’re thinking about getting a Seachem Tidal filter, you should carefully analyze the benefits and drawbacks to see if it will meet your unique requirements.

Pros
• Easy to replace filter media
• Strong filtration
• Adaptable

Cons
• Can be a bit expensive

Aqueon QuietFlow

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Due to its dependable performance and low noise level, fish tank owners frequently choose the Aqueon Quietflow HOB aquarium filter. The three-stage filtration system of the Aqueon Quietflow filter, its energy-efficient design, and its capacity to handle a variety of tank sizes are a few of its advantages. It helps maintain a healthy environment for your fish by encouraging the growth of good bacteria through its biological filtration and keeps the nasty stuff out of your aquarium water. Your electricity expenses won’t be greatly increased by it because of its energy-efficient design.

The Aqueon Quietflow filter can be costly to maintain because replacement filter media and other parts can pile up over time. This is one of the main drawbacks of the filter. The Aqueon Quietflow filter can also be challenging to install, especially if you are unfamiliar with aquarium equipment, according to some customers. Finally, because the Aqueon Quietflow filter may not have enough flow rate to efficiently filter the water, it may not be appropriate for larger tanks.

Overall, the Aqueon Quietflow aquarium filter is a good option for people searching for a dependable and efficient approach to minimize noise while maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium. Even while it has certain limitations, overall, its advantages outweigh any potential problems. If you’re thinking about buying an Aqueon Quietflow filter, you should carefully analyze the benefits and drawbacks to see if it’s the best option for your unique requirements.
Pros
• Dependable
• Quieter than most models
• Energy efficient

Cons
• Can be difficult to install

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right HOB Filter for Your Tank

There are a number of things to take into account when selecting a HOB (hang-on-back) aquarium filter.
The size of your tank is one of the most crucial factors since you want to get a filter that is suitable for your particular requirements. The kind and quantity of fish you have, as well as their individual filtration needs, should also be taken into account. You should also think about the filter’s flow rate, energy efficiency, and the kind of filtration system it employs. The cost of the filter should also be taken into account, both in terms of the initial purchase price and the ongoing costs of filter media and other parts replacement.

Which HOB aquarium filter is the quietest?

Given the many of elements that might impact a filter’s noise level, it is challenging to determine which HOB aquarium filter is the quietest. Size, flow rate, and the impeller’s particular design are a few variables that can affect a filter’s noise level. The kind of tank and where the filter is located might also have an impact on noise levels. Nevertheless, certain HOB filters are renowned for being noisier than others. For instance, the Aqueon Quietflow series of filters and the Fluval Q series of HOB filters are both renowned for having low noise levels. It’s crucial to thoroughly investigate and contrast several filters to ascertain which one is the finest fit.

Which HOB aquarium filter is the best for saltwater tanks?

HOB aquarium filters come in a variety of models that are appropriate for saltwater tanks.
The size of your tank, the species and quantity of fish you have, and their unique filtering needs are some of the things to take into account when selecting a HOB filter for a saltwater tank. It is crucial to take into account the filter’s flow rate, energy efficiency, and the sort of filtration system it employs. You should also take into account the cost of the filter, including both the initial purchase price and the ongoing costs of filter media replacement and other parts. The Fluval Q series, Aqueon Quietflow series, and Seachem Tidal series are a few popular HOB filters for saltwater aquariums.

How does an HOB aquarium filter work?

An external filter known as a HOB (hang-on-back) aquarium filter hangs outside the tank and is attached to the rear of an aquarium. Through an intake tube, water is pulled from the tank and filters through a number of mechanical and chemical media to get rid of dirt, debris, and extra nutrients. After that, a discharge tube returns the filtered water to the tank. HOB filters are suitable for both freshwater aquariums and saltwater aquariums and are simple to install and maintain. Their effectiveness and affordability make them a popular option for hobbyists.

How to setup a HOB aquarium filter?

Depending on what kind and brand of HOB aquarium filter, it will need to be setup based on the individual instructions provided within the box. Make sure to follow any directions precisely to avoid any problems with the device.

How often should the aquarium filter cartridge be changed?

None of the beauty of your aquarium will come through if the mechanisms running the tank are not properly maintained. Not changing your aquarium filter cartridges will cause the water to become toxic over time. Biological filter will not require much changing as they tend to be bought more for the beneficial bacteria that helps the nitrogen cycles. However, mechanical and chemical filters are different. Mechanical filtration does not need changing until they are damaged or worn out. Chemical filtration should be changed monthly generally.

What are the different types of HOB filters?

Many of the HOB filters have the same functions. The main differences of these types of filters lie in the sizes and shapes of the different aquarium filters available.

What are the advantages of a HOB filter?

One main advantage of the HOB aquarium filters is that they lay on the back end of your tank, which leaves the environment created with the tank looking clear of any machinery. HOB filters are also fairly cheap and very easy to setup and use. They are great for tanks that have a specialty of just a small number of fish inside. Top tier HOB aquarium filters will also be quieter, so make sure to look for that when choosing your own.

Aquarium HOB filter vs Canister filter

Many people often confuse canister filters with HOB filters. While they both are external filters, the canister filter generally is stored separately and connected with tubes. The HOB filters are tiny and attached to the tank’s rear. They draw water from the tank using a pump, pass it through several filters, and then pump it back into the tank. HOB filters are not as effective as canister filters.

Aquarium HOB filter vs Sponge filter

HOB aquarium filters employ a motor to push water through a filter media, like activated carbon or ceramic rings, and hang from the rear of the tank. On the other hand, sponge filters are mechanical filters that employ a sponge to collect trash and offer a surface for good bacteria to grow on. Water flowing through the sponge powers sponge filters, which are motor-free. HOB filters might be noisier and more expensive than sponge filters, but they tend to be more effective and strong in filtering water. On the other hand, sponge filters are more affordable, quieter, and may not offer as thorough of a filtration.

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