HOB or hang-on back filters are a type of fish tank filter. Their job is pretty much the same as with any other tank filter – to keep your fish clean and away from toxic ammonia and to keep your tank sparkling and crystal clear. Another advantage is that HOB filters can aerate your tank, unlike canister filters.
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However, not all HOB filters are great, and this is why you may be looking for the best HOB filter. This type of filter can be easy to use since the filter media that you can put into it can be easily bought from the store.
What’s more, it can just hang at the back of your tank, hence its name. HOB filters are popular for medium-sized aquariums but some larger aquariums can also make use of them.
Top 5 Best Hang on Back Filters
Here are our top picks for the best HOB filter:
MarineLand Penguin 350 BIO-Wheel Power Filter
This power filter has a unique design due to the bio wheel, which can help speed up the filtering process.
It can accommodate aquarium sizes of up to 70 gallons and it only uses 2 C-sized filter cartridges to work.
Since it has a flow rate of 350 gallons per hour, you can use it if you have larger fish.
As a power filter that hangs at the back of your aquarium, it uses mechanical, chemical, and biological filters with the bio-wheel, black diamond premium activated charcoal and the floss screens.
You’ll need about 3.75 or 4 inches of clearance for this filter.
Things We Liked
- Bio wheel for speeding up the filtering process
- Good flow rate for large fish
- Automatic shut-off feature
- Easy to set up
- Quiet compared to other HOB filters
Things We Didn’t Like
- Controlling the flow rate can be difficult
AZOO Aquarium Mignon Filter 150
This filter is ideal for up to 30 gallons of tank size. You can use it just fine for fish species such as betta, cichlid, algae-eaters, crabs, turtles, reptiles, and the like.
It has a flow rate of about 30 GPH so it can be friendly to smaller fish.
It also comes with its own pre-filter sponge so that it will not suck up the smaller fish, babies, fry/shrimp, and the like.
Therefore, this HOB filter may be ideal if you have a small tank. The flow is also adjustable so you can use it just fine for betta fish to avoid blowing them away or sucking them up.
Things We Liked
- Good for small tanks
- Ideal for small species of fish
- Low flow rate can’t easily suck or blow away the fish
- Adjustable flow rate
- Okay for reptiles
- Comes with a pre-filter
Things We Didn’t Like
- May not work well for larger tanks
Marina Slim S10 Power Filter
From a trusted brand, Marina’s power filter is capable of handling tanks up to 10 gallons in size, making it ideal for beginner aquariums and fish keepers.
The flow rate is also adjustable so you don’t disturb the smaller fish. This feature also makes it friendly towards breeding tanks.
Since it has a self-priming feature, you don’t have to worry about starting it up with any hassle.
It also has a compact design so smaller tanks don’t get too clogged up with a bulky filter.
Its motor also has a quiet operation. The Bio-guard filtration method also helps to promote good bacteria inside the tank.
Things We Liked
- Self-priming feature
- Compact design
- Bio guard filtration
- Adjustable flow rate
- Good for breeding tanks
Things We Didn’t Like
- The motor bottom could be designed better to protect the fish
SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter
If you want a filter for a bigger tank, this one may be your option.
It can be used for up to 75 gallons of water or 300 liters and it even has its own surface skimmer, which can capture contaminants, such as algae and fish oil, which your aquarium might not need.
The intake pipe is also adjustable and telescoping so you can direct it to anywhere you want. You can use it regardless of whether your tank is for saltwater or freshwater fish use.
There is even a clip so you can integrate your own tank heater along with this unit for convenience.
Things We Liked
- Great for large tanks
- Has a surface skimmer
- Telescoping and adjustable intake pipe
- Easy installation
- Ventilation slots
- Large media basket
- Self-priming
Things We Didn’t Like
- The skimmer may not be ideal for small fry
AZOO Generation II Aquarium Mignon Filter 60
This filter has a smaller size, which makes it ideal for smaller fish tanks up to 3 1/2 gallons.
Aside from the included sponge, you can also buy your own sponges and install it to fit the filter media tray.
It takes about 6 months to replace the sponges.
Since it doesn’t have an obtrusive design, it can be good for smaller tanks that have betta fish.
It has a flow rate of about 15 gallons per hour or 60 liters per hour so it may be safe and gentle for breeding fish, small fish, and the like. You also don’t need any tool to set up the whole filter.
Things We Liked
- Easy installation
- Good for betta fish
- Safe flow rate for small fish
- Non-obtrusive design
- Includes a pre-filter
Things We Didn’t Like
- The instructions may not be that clear
Things to Consider
In choosing the best HOB filter, here are some criteria:
What are the benefits of a HOB filter?
The following are the benefits of buying a HOB filter:
- Easy to use for beginners. Hang on back filters are simple and straightforward, making them the usual first filter that a beginner buys. They can be easy to load with media, easy to clean, and also easy to set up.
- Most have sufficient amount of filter tray media room. Just pop in any of the fitting filter media that you may have bought from the store and you’re all set.
- Doesn’t blow away or suck little fish. A HOB filter usually has a flow rate that is not too high so your fish won’t really get sucked in. Aside from that, it also has a pre-filter so it can protect those little ones.
- Can be quite cheap. Most HOB filters can be purchased at a lower price as compared to canister filters. This can mean a lot to those who are still beginners in the hobby.
What problems could I encounter with a HOB filter?
There may be some problems that you might run into if you buy HOB filters, such as:
- Difficult for saltwater and planted tanks. The design of a HOB filter is that it may intake salt, so it should not be used with them. Canister filters work better with saltwater tanks. Planted tanks may also have trouble due to the HOB filter’s design and space.
- Must be frequently cleaned. Unlike other filters, the HOB filter can be a bit chore-intensive since you may have to clean it more often.
- Some HOB filters can still be noisier. This is a problem that plagues most users of HOB filters. You can just solve it by choosing a lower flow rate or using supplemental sponge filters along with it.
Which fish work well with a HOB filter?
Fish tanks that use a HOB filter can be easier maintained if they have freshwater fish. Saltwater fish could be hard to maintain since filters that have a hang-on back design could suck up the salt. If you want to filter a tank with saltwater fish, it’s best to leave that job to the canister filter.
How do I choose the best HOB filter?
To choose the best HOB filter, you may want to look for:
- The flow rate. HOB filters can have a high flow rate, but you may want to keep it low if your fish are too small. Or, you can include a pre-filter if you intend to use it for such fish.
- Media type. You should know what the HOB filter is capable of taking in as filter media, and how much to put in your filter media tray.
- The size of your tank. The flow rate can also have an impact on how big or small your tank is. Do consider a lower flow rate if your tank is too small compared to others.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best HOB filter is the MarineLand Penguin 350 BIO-Wheel Power Filter due to its bio wheel for speeding up the filtering process and a good flow rate for large fish. It also has an automatic shut-off feature for convenience and it is easy to set up and is quiet compared to other HOB filters.
While setting up the speed can be a bit of a daunting task, it is still doable if you have the right tools and supplies from your local pet shop or store.
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