HOB vs Internal Filters

[KiwiGal77]

My 200-250L tank will have an AquaOne Aquis CF1200 as its main filter.

I'm planning to have a second tank which will probably be about 35ish litres and used primarily as a quarantine and plant storage tank. Trying to decide if I want an internal or hang on back filter for that one. The filter will live in the main large tank to keep the BB population thriving, and will get moved to the small tank when there's going to be new or sick fish in there.

Leaning towards the HOB as they seem to be a bit more customisable and have more room for filter media. I haven't had an internal filter before though so don't know too much about them, keen to hear thoughts

 

[DragonScales+Doubletails]

I go for the HOB's for more water space and the fact they can sound like waterfalls.

 

[KiwiGal77]

I go for the HOB's for more water space and the fact they can sound like waterfalls.

Yea. The only thing I don't like about the HOB filters is the lack of water flow having the outlet just dropping straight down in front of the inlet. I think internal filters with spray bars provide much better water circulation

 

[Slaphppy7]

I'd choose an HOB over an internal, for sure...when I look into my tanks, I want to see my fish and deco, not ugly, bulky equipment

A canister filter would be an even better idea, for a tank that size...but if you went with HOBs, you could have one on each end of the tank...the water circulation would be just fine, set up this way

 

[BrianK]

My HOB directs the flow to the front of the tank, not straight down. I also like canister filters although I do not have one at this time. I have 2 all in ones and other came with an HOB which I like more than usual HOBs. It is a Fluval that does not have the usual cartridges. It has media that you can rinse and put back in.

 

[DragonScales+Doubletails]

Yea. The only thing I don't like about the HOB filters is the lack of water flow having the outlet just dropping straight down in front of the inlet. I think internal filters with spray bars provide much better water circulation

in my experience spray-bars are just too powerful. especially in a small tank

 

[KiwiGal77]

Thanks all, sounds like sticking with the HOB will be the best way to go

 

[Slaphppy7]

Thanks all, sounds like sticking with two (2) HOBs will be the best way to go

There, fixed it for you
There's advantages to having 2 HOB filters, on larger-sized tanks like yours...one goes down, you have a backup...you can alternate maintenance, while keeping filtration going in the tank...circulation...etc

I recommend the AquaClears, I've used them for years...easy maintenance, simple design, use any filter media you like

 

[KiwiGal77]

There, fixed it for you
There's advantages to having 2 HOB filters, on larger-sized tanks like yours...one goes down, you have a backup...you can alternate maintenance, while keeping filtration going in the tank...circulation...etc

I recommend the AquaClears, I've used them for years...easy maintenance, simple design, use any filter media you like

Large tanks? This is for a 35L quarantine / plant storage tank

 

[Slaphppy7]

Large tanks? This is for a 35L quarantine / plant storage tank

My apologies, I read "My 200-250L tank" and took it from there

Get a AC20: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=aquaclear+20&t=brave&ia=web

 

[KiwiGal77]

My apologies, I read "My 200-250L tank" and took it from there

Get a AC20: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=aquaclear+20&t=brave&ia=web

Haha all good. Don't think I've seen that brand here. Likely will get an Aqua One Clearview

 

[TwoTankAmin]

You can buy AquaClear filters in Australia from places that will ship them to NZ. I found one at least. Eheim makes ahang on I have used here they are called Liberty.

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https://www.aquaticsupplies.com.au/pages/delivery-info

Look here https://www.aquaticsupplies.com.au/collections/hang-on-filters

 

[sharkweek178]

in my experience spray-bars are just too powerful. especially in a small tank

When I first put fish in my ten gallon with a HOB, the outflow was too much for these little fish. I saw online how to make a baffling out of a water bottle and that solved that. Can you do something similar with an internal filter spray bar?

 

[Lynnzer]

I have 2 of these: One slightly larger for a 60 ltr tank and the other smaller one for a 45 ltr tank. They appear to be doing OK and have sufficient internal space for the filter medium etc. My only problem is that I really don't much room behind the tanks but I managed to fir them fine. They are SunSun filters and I think that brand is gaining some headway in UK stores at present but AliExpress was the best way to get them.

 

[KiwiGal77]

When I first put fish in my ten gallon with a HOB, the outflow was too much for these little fish. I saw online how to make a baffling out of a water bottle and that solved that. Can you do something similar with an internal filter spray bar?

I know the brand I'm looking at has flow adjustment options, I believe on both their internal and HOB filters. Makes sense that even these small filters could create too much flow in a small tank, so good to find ways to modify that for filters which don't have the flow adjust option. I believe putting a finer sponge over the inlet tube can also help slow flow into the filter and therefore out of the filter?