They are HOB filters that have had a pleated fibrous polyester media wheel added, which rotates in the flow of the water out the filter. Sponge filters work well as a pre-filter on the inlet of a canister filter. Fluval C4 Hang On Back Filter Review. Look at any other filter design from HOB’s ( hang on backs) to canister. Photo: The two HEPA filters in a Dyson vacuum cleaner (one above and one below the dirt cylinder) help to stop dust returning to the room. In general, the HOB models would be cheaper than the Canister filters, so if you are on a budget and still need a great aquarium filter, you can always opt for the HOB filter. The Via Aqua Multi Skimmer is a great combination skimmer, HOB Filter, and UV Sterilizer that is ideally suited for beginner saltwater aquariums up to 80 gallons (we recommend 60 gallon max if this is the only filter used, larger if other filters are used). Excellent when used in conjunction with other filters and live rock! If I could do it again however, I wish I would have drilled my tank, and used a … You will never be disappointed. Filters. How to use them, how they work, etc. This video is about My absolute favorite intake sponge, its effective at prefiltering, and its cost effective as well! Choosing the best HOB filter can be a challenge, so this product review guide walks you through their features and offers tips for using hang on back filters! Filters also help generate flow, absorb substances that causes turbidity, and … The bio-wheel serves to aerate the water a little bit. They run $40 to $85 and process 200 to 400 gph. It is far easier to clean or replace the sponge pre-filter often, rather than tearing apart the canister filter. While you can usually buy replacement pads pre-filled with media, it may be cheaper and more effective to cut your own pads and fill the baskets with your choice of bulk media instead. Ill probably add an airstone for oxygen too. The HOB-1.5 uses an upgraded Italian Sicce Syncra pump for quiet, reliable service. Keeps the actual filter nice and clean, but the reason I got them was to keep the Pygmy Corys from getting in the filter. Is that sufficient if i go out and upgrade to a 20g tank? I just rinse them out when I do a water change. Fits all the HOB filters I have, Whisper, AquaClear, and Penquin Bio Wheel. Never use chemical as after expiration they leak back into water. All media placement should be coarse > medium > fine > biological. This brings me to the point that many HOB filters can be equipped with Pre Filters (the Filter Max is the best due to its patented sponge technology). Pre-Filter Use . In conjunction with regular partial water changes, filters help keep the ecosystem balanced. Cover the intake of a large hang-on-back (HOB) or canister filter with a pre-filter sponge to stop animals and debris from clogging the filter motor. I have a 5.5g tank and a topfin 10 HOB filter with a aquarium coop prefilter, a small square of the sponge filter and a small square of floss (thats really all that fits). They are nice and cheap. I plan to use mechanical filtration first and then the rings, leaving the blue plastic pieces in the HOB filter and seeding from his current tank gravel and established filter media. First and foremost, a quality filter ensures clean water and promotes fish health. This is what I've been using. Think about this, if you want more surface area for biologicals to colonize you would get more from fine than you would coarse. The sponge filters out a good deal of the larger particulate matter, which keeps the canister from clogging. I’m currently doing the same thing, moving a 5″ comet goldfish from a 20 gal to a new 55 gal that I’m setting up using ceramic rings. 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