HOB filters are good compliments to sponge filters or under gravel filters.
SPONGE FILTERS ...
An Aquaclear 200 HOB filter gently and continuously returns about 100gph of water from the rear top center of the tank. Additional water movement is provided by a Mini-jet 606 which is half buried on the bottom right side.
The advantage of HOB filters is that they are space saving and does not take up space inside the tank. There is also good surface agitation and water circulation because of the water flowing in from the top on the water surface.
They are significantly more expensive than HOT/HOB filters as a rule. The larger media volumes used may carry larger initial price tags as well. Historically they have been less than user-friendly.
Unlike other HOB filters that use cartridges, AquaClear media is held in an easy to remove insert, but each set of media (biological, chemical, mechanical) is it's own individual unit, wrapped up in a mesh bag and stacked one on top of the other.
My second set of attempts were placing pairs in standard 20 gallon tanks with HOB filters. For the first few times I would let the pair stay together and again the males would swallow their brood between days three to four.
And my HOB filter pipes won't let the box fit either! Yes, we need to cut slots in the back panel to allow for these, and exactly where you cut the slots depends on where the wires and pipes are entering the tank.
Bio-wheel on a Penguin 200 HOB filter
This can be done in various ways.
By the use of a length of plastic or silicon tubing, airstone and a air pump to force air into the water.
Power heads can also be useful in eliminating dead spots. Many times with a HOB filter, there will be areas in the tank that get little circulation. A carefully placed power head can serve to increase the circulation in these areas of your tank.
External Filter - Any filter that is located outside of the tank, e.g. HOB Filter, Canister Filter.
FO - Fish Only. Saltwater aquarium containing fish but not Live Rock or Reef animals.
The solution (PPS standard + Flourish Excel) for the 20g tank is being dispensed into the HOB filter.
 See also: Water, Filter, Gallon, Aquarium, Fish
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