7 Best Small Hob (Hang on Back) Aquarium Filter (2024)

Lauren Kiekbusch
7 Best Small Hob (Hang on Back) Aquarium Filter

Small tanks and larger tanks, always require a good filter because fish excrete waste constantly as they swim around in the water. Currently, the HOB-PF Hang-on Back Power Filter is a visually appealing and versatile filtration unit ideal for aquariums.

This power filter has a convenient drop-in media basket with a removable divider plate that allows you to easily change and customize your filter media. 

They always have adjustable flow rates, allowing you to reduce the flow when feeding your fish, and they also produce less heat and friction in the water. In this article, we’ll help you find a good quality HOB filter for your aquarium.

So, let’s start with the question: What things need to remember before buying a HOB power filter?

The first important factor to consider is the number of filtration stages. A good filter should have at least three stages of filtration, including mechanical, biological, and chemical.

The second filtration flow rate is an important factor to consider. It is recommended that the flow rate be at least four times the capacity of your fish tank. For example,  40-60 gallons per hour is ideal for a 10-gallon aquarium.

The last factor to consider is the amount of water that can be produced in a reasonable amount of time.

Also worth reading;

  1. 5 Best Filters for 5 Gallon Small Fish Tanks (2024)
  2. The Best 10-Gallon Aquarium Kits for Beginners (2024)
  3. 10 Best Small Aquarium Filters for Betta Fish (2024)
  4. 7 Best Led Lights for Planted Fish Tanks (2024)

7 Best Small HOB (Hang on Back) Aquarium Filter

We have listed the best products that are available on the market. So go through the list, and you’ll find the information in detail in this article.

best small hob filter

Product nameSpecificationAvailable
MarineLand Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 5.5 x 8 inches; 1.65 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ PF0100B
  • Department ‏ : ‎ Filters
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ June 20, 2004
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Marineland
Whisper IQ Power Filter for Aquariums
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 5.5 x 9 inches; 1.79 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 78000
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 6, 2017
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Tetra
Tetra Whisper Power Filter 10 Gallons, Quiet 3-Stage Aquarium Filtration
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.25 x 6 x 7.06 inches
  • Item weight:  1.06 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 26316
  • Department ‏ : ‎ Filters
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ August 1, 2004
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Tetra
AQUA-TECH Power Filter for Aquariums
  • Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.15 x 8.11 x 6.02 inches; 2.2 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ AQ-78264WM
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ October 2, 2020
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Spectrum Brands Pet
Fluval C2 Series Power Filter
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 7.5 x 5 inches
  • Item weight: 1.57 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 14001A1
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ August 19, 2004
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Fluval
AquaClear Hagen Power Filter
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.5 x 7 x 6.5 inches; 
  • Item weight: 1.4 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ A595
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ June 20, 2004
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
Marina S10 Power Filter
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.7 x 7.3 x 6.5 inches
  • Item weight:  1.23 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ A285
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ December 30, 2009
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Marina

1. MarineLand Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter

If you were a beginner aquarist and had some experience long ago, then Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter is an ideal option for you. It is available in four sizes, with the current model with the right aquariums ranging from 10 to 20 gallons.

This filter has three stages of filtration that remove ammonia and nitrate from the water, keeping it clean, clear, and healthy. Its mechanical filtration removes dirt particles from your 10-gallon aquarium, while its chemical filtration removes odors and discoloration. 

Since it has three stages of filtration it will keep the water quality at a high level and toxic level balanced in your aquarium for a long time. 

This filter also has bio-wheel technology, which will create a rich, oxygenated surface area that promotes bacterial growth. 

You will be surprised about its alarm feature if your water level falls too low, it will notify you. Maintaining an adequate water level in your tank is also important to ensure that your Penguin Power filter runs quietly and efficiently.

Main Features

  • Filter with three stages of power.
  • Simple to clean and maintain.
  • Long-lasting and tough.
  • Rite-size cartridges are included.
  • It moves quietly.

The things that might be bothering you: When the water level is low, it can make a loud noise.

2. Whisper IQ Power Filter for Aquariums

If you are looking for a quiet and effective power filter, this filter will be the best choice. When you take the filter out of the box, you will find it assembled and ready to use, and this model is designed to fit easily in your aquarium.

It has three stages of filtration which should be in a power filter to remove small dirt particles, making them easier to filter and stabilize pH levels, preventing crashes, and making aquarium maintenance easier for you. 

On the other side, it has a Stay Clean filtration system, which is simple to use and keeps fish healthy by removing toxic ammonia and nitrites and encouraging beneficial bacteria growth. 

This filter motor is protected by a sound barrier and vibration-dampening technology, allowing it to run quietly, so if you want to keep your aquarium with this filter in your bedroom, then you probably won’t notice. 

You don’t have to be concerned about efficiency or maintenance because this is a well-made filter that is extremely quiet, highly efficient, and simple to maintain, and the upgraded materials ensure the filter’s longevity.

Main Features

  • Quiet filtration is achieved through the use of a sound shield.
  • The submerged motor starts up without the need for priming.
  • Maintain a healthy pH balance.
  • Bacterial preservation is made easier, resulting in healthier fish.
  • Filter cartridges of large sizes are used.

The things that might be bothering you: Biological filter media built with low-quality.

3. Tetra Whisper Power Filter 10 Gallons, Quiet 3-Stage Aquarium Filtration

Tetra Whisper is another filter that operates fully quietly, and it is one of the best aquarium filters on the market for fish tanks ranging from 10 to 20 gallons. 

This filter is not designed for a large aquarium because it can handle about only 30 gallons per hour, but it has a lot of potential for a small one.

The Tetra Whisper Filter also has a three-stage filtration unit with a 30 GPH flow rate that includes removing kind of particles and solid debris, chemical includes for removing colors and odors, and biological filtration includes removing, ammonia, nitrates, and other toxins.

This filter uses medium Bio-Bag filter cartridges to keep your aquarium water clean and clear. The ready-to-use cartridges are simple to replace, allowing you to enjoy low maintenance for as long as you use the filter. 

Main Features

  • It is simple to install and maintain.
  • Ideal for a small fish tank.
  • It’s quiet and cheap.
  • In general, they are dependable and long-lasting.
  • The flow rate is adjustable.

The things that might be bothering you: Filtration media’s quality is not much good as our expectation.

4. AQUA-TECH Power Filter for Aquariums

This Aqua-Tech model is an excellent hang-on back filter option specially designed for tanks ranging in size from 10 to 30 gallons and uses three filtration steps to remove debris and impurities.

The Aqua-Tech power filter is suitable in this case because it provides biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration.

The first mechanical stage removes large partridges, and the second chemical stage removes odor, discoloration, and any other impurities in the tank water. 

Finally, the biological stage removes toxic elements from the water, resulting in clear water.

This filter has an impressive water flow rate like 60-gallon water per hour, which is really impressive. It should not be used for anything else, regardless of how small or large.

The aqua-tech ultra-quiet power filter makes aquatic filtration simple with an impeller and motor assembly designed for efficient power and you can fit it in any standard hoods aquarium and canopies. 

You don’t need to worry about its maintenance. Aqua-Tech products make aquarist maintenance simple, resulting in a clean and appealing aquatic environment.

Main Features

  • Filtration in three stages.
  • Exceptional flow rate.
  • Simple to maintain and install.
  • Maximum contact between water and carbon.
  • It includes two filter cartridges.

The things that might be bothering you: It does not filter as much water as older AquaTech filters.

5. Fluval C2 Series Power Filter

The Fluval C Power Filter achieves excellent results thanks to its 5-stage filtration system. Fluval C power filters are self-priming and have an LED indicator that tells you when to change the polyfoam. You’ll also find a cleaning indicator, which tells you when it’s time to clean out your mechanical stages.

The media must have a large surface area and optimal dwell times to ensure an effective filtration process. Beneficial bacteria will thus be preserved one stage at a time, resulting in a stress-free environment.

The motor is long-lasting and extremely quiet, and the impeller is protected from debris that could damage it.

Fluval C power filters have always been a good choice due to their low maintenance requirements, and the majority of them are now simple to clean and maintain. 

Main Features

  • Water is purified through a five-stage filtration process.
  • It is simple to clean.
  • Customization of media is possible.
  • Longevity is exceptional.
  • The intake tube is telescopic.
  • Allows you to change the flow rate of the water.

The things that might bother you: The mechanical filter stage will get used up quickly, and you have to clean it in a short period.

6. AquaClear Hagen Power Filter

The AquaClear has up to six times the internal space for filter media as comparable brands. 

These models are innovative because it has highly efficient three stages of filtration such as biological, mechanical, and chemical water purification in your aquarium while also acting as an ideal habitat for fish. 

So for solving specific problems such as high ammonia or carbonates, you can use custom media in addition to your standard options.

We know a healthy aquarium requires the presence of “beneficial” bacteria for the removal of toxic ammonia and nitrite this filter also maintains the life of beneficial bacteria, resulting in a stress-free environment for the fish. 

It is appropriate for all nano-aquariums and can be used for your own comfort as well as the safety of your aquarium pets. You don’t have to be concerned about its upkeep because installation and maintenance are quick, simple, and convenient.

Main Features

  • Filter that is both innovative and of high quality.
  • It purifies water in three ways: biologically, mechanically, and chemically.
  • It can be used in both freshwater and marine aquariums.
  • It keeps beneficial bacteria alive in a stress-free environment.
  • It’s ideal for a nano-aquarium.
  • Power regulator that is easy to use.

The things that might be bothering you: The waterfall noise is produced by this filter.

7. Marina S10 Power Filter

The Marina Filter is one of the better options for small 10-gallon fish tanks, on our list. It’s designed to be slim and compact, so it doesn’t take up too much space on the tank’s interior, which is ideal if you’re using a smaller tank. 

This filter can quickly process 30 to 40 gallons of water per hour, which is adequate for a small tank.

Because this unit includes 2 Bio Carb and 1 Bio Clear filter cartridge, you can be assured of excellent biological filtration of your tank water.

The clear bio cartridge absorbs toxic ammonia, which helps to reduce fish stress, and the biocarbon cartridge contains carbon, which helps to remove pollutants and odor from the water.

The flow rate is adjustable, so you can adjust the flow, and it is convenient because there is no need to prime yourself it will run on its own. You don’t have to be concerned about installation or maintenance because it is simple.

Main Features

  • The operation is quiet.
  • This is more than enough for a 10-gallon tank.
  • There is space for four different types of media.
  • There are two types of bio-media included.
  • It doesn’t take up much room inside the tank.
  • Self-priming.
  • Simple to use and maintain.
  • The flow rate is adjustable.

The things that might be bothering you: The motor is not designed for long-term use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours should the aquarium filter run?

The flow of water through the filter is what keeps your fish safe in the water. An aquarium filter should filter all of the water in the tank at least three times per hour. It is too small if it does not.

How many fish can I have in a 10-gallon tank?

Aim for one small fish per gallon of water at first, adding them in small groups every couple of weeks. You should be able to keep two neon-tetra-size fish per gallon once the aquarium has matured and your skills have been honed.

Should I turn off the filter when feeding fish?

If your filter pushes water downwards, it may be good to turn it off during feeding to avoid food sucked.

Final Words

The filter is a must for any aquarium but it should be chosen according to the comparison, and you must ensure that the filter you choose has appropriate filtration media and a reasonable flow rate for your fish.

Today we talked about the best filters, and in this article, we hope we have provided you with the right products that can give you aquarium-friendly water for a long time.

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