Blue Pet BLH-402 Aquarium Hang-On Filter

Hang-On-Back Filter – Aquarium Filtration Guide

A Hang-On-Back Filter (HOB Filter) is a compact and efficient aquarium filtration system designed to hang directly on the back or side of the aquarium.

It continuously pulls aquarium water through different filtration media and returns clean, oxygenated water back into the tank. HOB filters are easy to install, simple to maintain and suitable for a wide range of freshwater aquariums.

Key Benefits

• Easy to install and operate

• Provides mechanical, biological and chemical filtration

• Improves water circulation

• Helps increase oxygenation

• Saves space inside the aquarium

• Easy access for cleaning and media replacement

• Suitable for beginner and advanced aquarists

How It Works

Water is drawn from the aquarium through an intake pipe and passed through filtration media.

Depending on the filter setup, filtration may include:

Mechanical Filtration – Removes dirt, waste and suspended particles.

Biological Filtration – Provides surface area for beneficial bacteria that help break down harmful ammonia and nitrite.

Chemical Filtration – Activated carbon or other specialised media can be used when required.

After filtration, the clean water flows back into the aquarium.

Suitable For

Hang-On-Back Filters are suitable for:

Tetra Tanks • Rasbora Tanks • Guppy Tanks • Betta Tanks • Gourami Tanks • Cichlid Aquariums • Planted Tanks • Community Aquariums • Shrimp Tanks

For shrimp tanks or aquariums containing very small fish and fry, adding a sponge pre-filter to the intake is recommended.

Choosing the Right Size

Always select a filter according to the aquarium volume and fish load.

For heavily stocked aquariums or fish that produce more waste, choosing a filter with a higher filtration capacity is recommended.

The filter should provide good circulation without creating excessive flow for sensitive fish.

Maintenance

For best performance:

• Clean filter media regularly

• Remove accumulated debris

• Check the intake pipe for blockages

• Keep the impeller clean

• Replace chemical media when required

• Do not replace all biological media at the same time

Biological media should preferably be rinsed using aquarium water, rather than untreated tap water, to help preserve beneficial bacteria.

Important Note

A Hang-On-Back Filter helps maintain good water quality, but it does not replace regular aquarium maintenance.

Regular water changes, proper feeding and routine cleaning are still necessary for maintaining a healthy aquarium.

With the correct filter size and proper maintenance, a HOB filter provides reliable, convenient and effective filtration for freshwater aquariums.