Whats the best Hang on Back (HOB) Filter

[Colin_T]

It is RIDICULOUSLY difficult to get the intake assembly to fit in the space given, especially as the filter ages and warps - if there is a secret to it I haven't found it.

You slide it in from above.

When you have cleaned an AquaClear HOB filter and put it back on the tank, slide the intake tube into position from above, fill the filter with tank water, then turn it on. The filter will suck the water up and spit out some air, then it will run.

If you have concerns about the size of the gaps in the intake strainer, put a round/ cylindrical sponge (from an internal power filter) over the intake strainer screen.

 

[Mcostas]

I was considering a fluval aquaclear for my new 20L. I assume that's what people are referring to when they say aquaclear?

 

[Rocky998]

I was considering a fluval aquaclear for my new 20L. I assume that's what people are referring to when they say aquaclear?

Yes, that is. Sometimes the packaging is different though and that is because a brand named Hagen used to own aqua clear until fluval bought it out. So there is the Hagen aquaclear and the fluval version. (Both very close in style and how it works)

 

[Dajuyu]

I was considering a fluval aquaclear for my new 20L. I assume that's what people are referring to when they say aquaclear?

From the same company yes ...

 

[Essjay]

Interestingly, Fluval's website says Fluval is a registered trademark of Rolf C Hagen Inc. which implies Hagen took over Fluval?

 

[Rocky998]

Interestingly, Fluval's website says Fluval is a registered trademark of Rolf C Hagen Inc. which implies Hagen took over Fluval?

Hmm, so wait LOL... Fluval bought Hagen and then Hagen bought fluval? LOL

 

[Slaphppy7]

Interestingly, Fluval's website says Fluval is a registered trademark of Rolf C Hagen Inc. which implies Hagen took over Fluval?

Yes.

+1 to the AquaClears, I have 6 of them, been running for years, no issues (with proper maintenance).

 

[Rocky998]

So I did some research and Hagen owns lots of companies... Including Fluval and Exo-terra... They own like 5+ companies

 

[Essjay]

Their UK site lists Marina and Nutrafin among their aquatic brands as well as Fluval.

 

[Uberhoust]

I liked the old AquaClear HOBs but the new ones apparently aren't as good. However, they are meant to have a lifetime warranty so that is something worth looking at.

As far as HOB's go - I have never had anything but Aquaclear (for tanks that came with other HOB filters they usually only held one proprietary filter that needed changing monthly - no way to add additional media which is a BIG problem.

The bad news:

@Jan Cavalieri I 100% agree with you on the Aquaclears. I have a number but the 100 series and to a lesser extent the 70 series really start to be picky both in regard to noise, rattling, grinding. And I can say that the siphon doesn't always restart after a power outage, though the restart issue is more an issue when you do a water change in which case it is easy to start. My aquaclear 20s and 30s seem to run a lot better, as did my old aquaclear 400/500? (the now 100 equivalent). The media basket is what makes the aquaclears still my go to but my wife is getting tired of the noise.

I

 

[robmcd]

I have several Marineland Emperor 400s that are over 15 years old that are still operational.

 

[Dajuyu]

Havent pull the trigger yet on HOB ....
Meanwhile my FLuval C4 already making a loud of noise ... a grinding noise whitch is annoying and a nuisance ...

 

[Dajuyu]

I have several Marineland Emperor 400s that are over 15 years old that are still operational.

Dang even in online shopping they are not selling it to my location.. thats too bad .

 

[jimwg]

I have several Marineland Emperor 400s that are over 15 years old that are still operational.

That's good to know. I just bought one.

 

[Dajuyu]

That's good to know. I just bought one.

Looking at the size and a lot of moving parts is it prone to make a lot of noise ?