Hang-On-Back Filters! Spillways Vs Canisters - What's The Best Filter For Your Aquarium?

Check out my ultimate guide to aquarium filter types and find the perfect filter for your tank - https://glassboxdiaries.com/best-aqua.... PRODUCTS SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO Nicrew HOB Spillway - https://glassboxdiaries.com/nanohobfi... AllPondSolutions Single Bay HOB Spillway - https://glassboxdiaries.com/apshobfilter AllPondSolutions Double Bay HOB Spillway - https://glassboxdiaries.com/doublehob... AllPondSolutions HOB 500 HOB Canister - https://glassboxdiaries.com/hobcanist... 30 PPI Foam - https://glassboxdiaries.com/30ppifoam Filter Floss - https://glassboxdiaries.com/filterfloss Hang-On-Back Filters! Spillways Vs Canisters - What's The Best Filter For Your Aquarium? In this video, I’m diving deep into the pros and cons of two popular filter types: Hang-on-Back (HOB) Spillway filters and HOB Canister filters. I’ll share my personal experiences with both to help you choose the right filter for your aquarium. Currently, I have AllPondSolutions and Nicrew Nano HOB Spillways running on six different tanks and have extensive experience with AllPondSolutions HOB Canisters, including one that's currently running on my 29-gallon quarantine tank. If you're unsure which filter suits your needs best, this video will guide you through the key differences. First, I’ll cover the design of each filter type. The HOB Spillway filter uses a more traditional design where water is drawn through an inlet and passes through filter media before spilling back into the tank via a spillway. This design has some key advantages, like preventing excess noise even when the media becomes clogged. However, there are also some disadvantages, such as reduced filtration efficiency if the media gets too dense or dirty. On the other hand, the HOB Canister filter pushes water from top to bottom through multiple media trays, maximizing exposure to filtration media even when it becomes clogged. While this design is great for larger tanks and more intensive filtration, it can become noisy if not properly maintained. When it comes to **filtration options**, both types allow for mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration, but there are some important distinctions. I’ll explain my personal filtration setups, including how I use filter floss for mechanical filtration and 30 PPI foam for biological filtration in both types of filters. This foam is a cheap, effective medium that supports beneficial bacteria while providing sufficient filtration for most tank setups. I’ll also share my thoughts on different types of biological media like biogravel, as well as why I rarely use chemical filtration like activated carbon or Purigen. However, if you do use chemical filtration, I’ll explain the best placement for it in both filter types to get the most out of it. *Flow rate and water circulation* are critical factors, and I’ll break down how each filter type performs in these areas. HOB Spillway filters rely on gravity to return water to the tank, which results in a consistent, predictable flow. This makes them great for small tanks or setups with fish like bettas that prefer gentle water movement. In contrast, HOB Canister filters offer a more customizable flow rate, thanks to an adjustable outlet, and can move more water when needed. This makes them ideal for medium to larger tanks where more circulation is beneficial. I’ll also cover how adding a spray bar to a canister filter can help disperse the flow, making it suitable for a variety of tank sizes and fish species. When choosing between a HOB Spillway and a HOB Canister, *tank size and compatibility* are key considerations. For smaller tanks (5 to 15 gallons), I recommend a single-bay HOB Spillway filter, which is efficient and doesn’t overwhelm nano tanks. I currently run Nicrew Nano HOB Spillways on several of my smaller shrimp tanks and have been impressed with their performance. For medium tanks (15 to 30 gallons), a double-bay HOB Spillway or a HOB Canister filter would be more appropriate, as they can handle the increased bio-load and provide better filtration. I’ve successfully run a HOB Canister on a 40-gallon heavily planted tank, but for tanks over 40 gallons, I’d recommend considering a traditional canister filter or a sump for optimal performance. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:12 - Current Filter Setups 00:38 - Hang-On-Back Filter Design 03:13 - Filtration Media Options 04:42 - Flow Rate And Circulation 06:09 - Suitable Tank Sizes 09:00 - Costs 10:17 - Noise Levels 11:08 - Maintenance 12:04 - Conclusion Some of the links in this video description may be affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission from any purchases made.