The Tank Talk podcast in Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tank-talk/id1696200085 The Tank Talk Podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PKLyyOY0vFax6pse9xnEG?si=b6223203c0eb4c06 The Tank Talk Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/tank_talk_podcast?igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== The Tank Talk Podcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@tanktalkpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc The Tank Talk Facebook group is a place to share your aquariums, ask questions or just hang out with cool people: facebook.com/groups/1674032529542132/ Johns website with live plants, live snails fish food, chemicals and all the equipment you need for your aquarium. Plus fun KGTropicals merch: keepfishkeeping.com Jasons website where you can order Primetime Aquatics merch or reserve your fish to be picked up at local swaps in the Chicago area: www.primetimeaquatics.com
I’m convinced you two decided to do this to prove to the fish keeping community that you are in fact not the same person. 🤣 In all honesty though I do not listen nor have I ever listened to podcasts and I’m happy that you two are my first! My drive to and from work on Monday’s will be a little less of a chore now. Thanks for doing this guys!
I really like poly fill to fill the holes in certain decorations like the tree roots. And holey rock. I've lost so many fish that have gotten stuck in those things. But the poly fill plugs it up nicely and also gives me a place to attach plants on top of some of those decorations
On the three aquariums we have (40B, 29, 20L), I use Aquaclear. I don't have too much of an issue with the pump restarting (only once after being off for 2 weeks from a hurricane). If the power is out for a few hours, I don't have an issue. Our water is crystal clear and it's not too much of a pain to maintain. I use a prefilter from ACO and in the basket I have a sponge, a white filter pad and a bag of bio media. I just replace the filter pad every time I do a water change. No big deal for me. I love the open basket that allows me customize my filter. Great talk!
The Emperor Penguin is the biggest species of penguin. Aptenodytes forsteri. They're the big ones from Antarctica that tend to be the poster child of penguins.
I was wondering if the filter still works as well with the flow turned down. You answered my question. Thanks! I'm very glad you two got together on the podcast. I've learned a lot from both of you!
I do love hang on backs but some stuff that wasn't touched up was: It's kinda impossible to have any kind of floating plant with them. I had a nice water lettuce and duckweed amount that would get pushed into the tank by the cascade of water produced by the hang on back. It became a mess, duckweed stuck on everything inside the aquarium, dying cause it cannot be submerged, big clumps of it lodging inside aquarium decor, etc. Delicate stem plants are also at risk if you put them too close to the cascade, they get bent and damaged, in my experience.
I run duals HOBs on my 55G myself. I won’t use anything but Seachem Tidals on my tanks. Tidal 75 and 55. Flow is way down because I have Cardinal Tetras, Congo Tetras, Black Neon Tetras, Oto Cats, Cory Cats and a BN Pleco. Plenty of plants and Rock work with some driftwood in the tank. The Seachem Tidals along with the plants help keep my water stable and I do my water changes now as needed.
HOB filters are quick and handy, but for me there are two drawbacks. One, being open to the atmosphere they can't force water through the filter media very well and most of the water flows over or around it. The other drawback is I keep nerite snails which like to crawl above the waterline so I like to keep the water level down a bit, but with a HOB that causes a loud splashing waterfall effect and the water is mostly falling straight down, instead of circulating around the tank.
Jason actually helped me through every step of start an aquarium. I did buy a tank kit but I ended up transitioning to a canister filter. I just didn't like the big bulky look. Thanks Jason for being here for us!
I'm just getting back into the hobby after a few years break. I am so grateful to find your podcast pop up in my feed. You guys have a wonderful chemistry of a real conversation between friends and I'm so here for it. Excited for what is next. This was the perfect introduction for me as I'm considering how I want to filter my 54g corner I've had for years but haven't setup. Giant nano tank is what im going for.. 😊 Thanks gentlemen.
I love this! I learned so much about hang-on-the-back filters. I’m getting ready to set up 3 planted aquariums and had purchased the Fluval Aquaclear filters for each of them. Luckily, I still have the receipts and can return them, unopened, to upgrade to the Seachem Tidals. Thank you so much for your descriptions and explanations for each of the more popular filters.
GREAT podcast! My big gripe with the Aquaclear is the adjustable little plastic disc on the bottom that is supposed to spin and adjust the level of the filter front-to-back. Every time I touch the filter, it drops off. Other filters have a fixed tab to hold it level. Also, the Aquaclear intakes are transparent, showing algae and brown gunk, and they're hard to clean out. I wind up ordering multiple intakes and changing them monthly. I've replaced all my Aquaclears.
One aspect about filters that I have never seen addressed is the front-to-back pitch level, and how to get it correct. If the filter leans toward the back, there's too little flow; pitched forward, and there's a cascade. This must have some effect on the motor, or does it? IME, once you've positioned the HOB all's well--until you add water. The weight of the water forces some filters to tip backward and impede flow.
I like both of y’all’s work. Thank you for making videos. I only have one fish tank. But I’ve learned a lot from you over the years. My tank is a 75 gallon American cichlid tank. I got it for Christmas and set it up and my juvenile cichlids are growing and it’s so much fun to watch. It’s in our living room, i went with a canister filter because the HOB on my last tank (29 gallon) was more noisy in the living room.
Thanks for the in-depth discussion on HOB's. I listened to the entire discussion, there's a lot of food-for-thought. I think the concept of fast vs. slower flow for bacteria certainly caught my ear. Very interesting.
The only time those throw-away cartridges are benificial are when a school, hospital, business or public location has an aquarium for the public to view. Often it’s a custodian or someone not familiar with fish keeping tasked with maintaining the tank longterm so simplicity is key
Thankyou for this podcast! Been a bit burnt out of the hobby for some time and it's nice to follow along and get that love back in the hobby as well as having a more manageable amount of tanks 👌
I really like the Seachem as well. One downside, you didn't mention that I dislike is the 2 blue dials. Why blue? We spend so much time and money on making our equipment disappear, and they design 2 blue zits on a black filter. Lastly, disassembling for cleaning is not the easiest thing to do. Tabs can crack very easily. Great job on this topic guys!
3:00 im sure you are right about HOB in the USA as being the most used filters. But im not sure if this is the same for Europe. Im from the Netherlands and only since a few years Superfish offers starter kits with a HOB filter. All other kits come with Internal filters. Doesnt matter if its high end like Juwel or cheaper kits like Marina. They all have internal filters with sponges. And when you look at Aquarium stores, pet stores, garden centres or specialised Aquascaping stores. Its 80 % internal filters or canister filters you see here. 20 % others types like air driven sponge filters, HOB and whatever. HOB filters are underapreciated here in the Netherlands.
Another issue with a HOB with an external pump is that the pump is connected to the filter with an o-ring. That can leak. HOBs with the pump in the tank are just solid plastic boxes.
I have a 20 Long. At first I just went with a sponge filter, which my little catfish love eating from, but then had to battle Cyanobacteria. No matter where I moved my filter there were dead spots. I had gotten a hang-on-back filter in a 10 gallon kit. The motor is in the water, so no unnecessary noise and no worries about power blips… and it does a decent job of mechanical filtering. I now have one filter at each end of the tank. All is well.
I have to agree about using duel filters. I run two HOB filters on my 75, one on each side. Feel it eliminated the dead spots I had when I only ran one.
Love all the info in this format! Allows me to take in info while doing aquarium chores….instead of trying to read comments in live chats. Tho I do love me some live chats. You 2 have a great rapport. Thanks for these podcasts and keep ‘em coming! 😁☮❤🐠🦐🪴
I use a aquaclear 70 on my 125 for a couple of reasons. Extra water flow, to keep purigen in and as a place grow pothos and a few other indoor plants out of.
There's definitely some things to think about here, I'll listen to a part two if you put it out! I think I'm going to go with a sponge filter for my little tank, but if I ever do go with a HOB I'll keep an eye out for the pump being IN the tank. I never would have thought of that!
Love u both!! You’re the best “guro” (mentor) I ever have on my aquatic adventure!! Keep it going!! More blessings n power to both of u n to your lovely wives!! ❤❤❤
Great video guy's. I have decided to go with hang on the back for my 100g tank, I was going to build my own but for ease I'm just going to buy them. John I so so wish I could buy them from you but living in the UK I am unable. Anyway after watching this video I have decided to go with the tidal 57 on each end of the tank. Thank you very much 😊
For me, I use the more is better philosophy. On aquariums under four feet, I use 1 Power Filter. Aquariums that are four to five feet, I use 2 Power Filters. On aquariums that are six to seven feet, I use 3 Power Filters. However, on all my tanks, I use multiple systems. For example, my 210 has 3 HOB Power Filters, an FX6 Canister Filter, and a sponge filter. On my 150s and my 120 (all 4ft versions), I use 2 HOB Power Filters, an FX6 Canister Filter, and a LG. Sponge Filter. The 90 I just set up has 2 HOB Power Filters and an Undergravel Filter (that I bought new. I didn't get it from my grandpa 😂). Meanwhile, on my fishroom 90, it has 2 HOB Power Filters, an FX2 Canister Filter, and a Sponge Filter. I can go on, but you see my point. I'm never going to be caught in a situation where if something goes down, I'm thrown immediately into crisis mode.
in a 10g tank i tossed the hang on back for the fluval nano. i can control flow, easy to clean, and fits the glass lid i had to replace. seemed ideal to have since im experiencing breeding corys and shrimp. the 307/407 lets me transfer media so i can get my new tank running once i get other things for it
I recently built a 15gallon cube planted tank with a huge piece of driftwood and initially had a sponge filter in there but noticed I was getting an issue with hair algea due to the lack of water movement so I replaced it with a hob it's been only 2 days now but saw a big difference with the amount of waste that was on the substrate so I'm convinced that hob filters are the way to go
Amazing, I think in Europe almost nobody uses hang on the back filters. We use inbuilt filters with sponges, biomedia etc and canister filters. Our inbuilt filters are big and glued the corner and have two baskets and a super silent pump and also very easy to maintain, just lift the baskets…You can buy the bioflow intern filter system from Juwel in the sizes M, L and XL.
I wish there were an hob that had a back battery for power failures. Until then I make sure there is a sponge filter in each tank. However, i love my hobs in my 60 gallon.
I agree, HOBs are the easiest to deal with for tanks under 100 gallons. I hate sponge filters for the reaching down in the tank to pull a sponge filter, the crap then goes everywhere, and then you have to try to reset it in the tank. It’s awful. I have a sump on a 125 and an Fx4 on a 75. I also run 2 Aquaclear 110s on each of these tanks for good reason. On the 125 sump tank the 110’s operate as planter boxes in a tank that can’t be planted due to plant eating fish. Plants are rooted into the sponge that comes with the filter. I haven’t had to clean these for 3 years. I finally pulled one to get the roots out of the impeller and the sponge was still completely clean and rooted through. I use a pre-filter on the intakes to help. On the 75 with the canister, I use one 110 for short life media like Purigen which is hard to deal with in a canister. The other is fully planted in the 110 sponge which stays clean almost forever if the plants are thriving. Since you mentioned the Aquaclear as lower of the scale of performance, I agree! But it’s phenomenal as a back up for the reasons above.
Another reason I don't like Aquaclear filters. I recently replaced my aquarium with a 54 gallon Seapora aquarium and the Aquaclear 70 filter I have doesn't fit over the rim of it. It still works, but it doesn't sit very level on the aquarium, as it doesn't go all the way down onto the aquarium. I hope the Seachem Tidal 75 will fit properly, as that is the filter I plan to replace it with.
I pretty much always pair a box filter with a sponge filter. If I'm using a sump underneath and it has chambers, I'll toss on a light for 12+ hours and toss in a fist full of duckweed.....no nitrate problems.
I agree the tidal is number 1. My biggest downfall is the looks inside the aquarium, it’s bulky and I hate the blue skimmer knob, it’s just an eyesore.
I'm here for this podcast! Its nice to see a discussion as opposed to the hundreds of videos and streams that are one guy talking to the camera. You guys should do one on lights now!
Aquaclear filter are bad for over flowing water to the floor. The sponge seems to be too large in ratio to the filters and buoyancy takes over and push the sponge outta the filter
Congrats gentlemen on your new platform the discussions are very informative, I live in Toronto and I have a 250 Gal Tank with Discus and Angel, doing fairly ok, I have a question, I was told by a FS not my LFS, that my water is too pure/clean that’s why I am losing my Discus, have you ever heard that, look forward the hear your opinion if you so choose to comment. I enjoy your podcast, by the way my tanks has 2FX6, and a HOB for water polishing.
I love the old supreme hang on the back. The round outfit. Let me run up to 8 tanks with one filter. All you need is 1/2 PVC. I have had them for 30+ years. I wish they still made them.
With filters, I put a pump on the bottom of my big pooping goldfish tank, tube going up to a DIY box on top of my tank. My tank is a 50g acrylic deep tank. Works extremely well. Easy to clean as I am not able to pick up a canister filter. HOB didn't pick up the big poopies. The Pump Does.
I started with HOB and quickly moved to sponges. Now I am getting the urge to try overhead sump or canister on my larger tanks (larger being 55 gallons)
John/Jason- One thing I haven’t seen anyone talk about is that most the HOB won’t fit over newer Aqueon aquariums bracing lip unless you drastically upside the HOB. I have a new Aqueon 60L ( 75G dimensions but 5” shorter in height). Plan was to run 2 seachem tidal 55’s. They didn’t fit over the lip. Tried the Penguin 350 and same issue. Looked up dimensions of the tidal 75 and Aquaclear 70 and they are to small. Ended up having to go with the AquaClear 110. I have a Deep Blue Saltwater Drilled overflow aquarium about 14 years old and the bracing lip is more narrow.
Great conversation and both of you made the topic very interesting. Also I use sponge filters but I have used the Penguin Pro’s and would go back to them if I ever went back to HOB’s and I never used the bio wheel or cartridges, I would “hot rod” it with course sponge and filter floss.
After years of using hob filters, I upgraded to canister filters. It's night and day in terms of noise, aesthetics and performance. And you don't need to go full Fluval and spend 300 dollars. There are lots of cheaper alternatives that make hobs pretty redundant at this point.
Great Podcast! I agree with you about the value of having the HOB filter pump inside the aquarium water. However, in my experience the issues with restarting only occur when the water is about 5 to 6 inches lower then the HOB output flow. I have my tank filled above the rim, to about 1-2 inches lower than the output and it restarts with no issues. You will need to have an aquarium with a Tidal filter filled to that level anyways given the noise from the surface skimmer. Thoughts?
Loved this episode! My 407 kicked the bucket and I switched to HOB again on my 110 gallon, was supposed to be dual emperor 450’s but I got a better deal on 1 400 and a 450 with sponge and internal canister for added flow. I got just the one right now, and it’s not as good as the 407, but tomorrow the other is coming so Hopefully I’ll see it improve, if not, guess I’m getting another tank! Lol oh the dilemma
The 450 is a HUGE improvement to the 400, absolutely do not skip paying the extra if you have to, the difference is large enough that I’m going to replace the 400 with a 450. Most of all my tank is spotless again and even I have to look at the hob, all 31 fish in that tank are very grateful!
For whatever reason, I've had to use a HOB on my 20 gallon, with a small air driven bubbler, to keep up with some sort of crud circulating. I was running sponge filters previously. [Single adult angelfish and some snails.]. I do have the carbon filters from the manufacture, but I don't use them that much. I use sponge filters in the HOB mostly. You would want to use carbon filters for specific cleaning situations. On my 55 gallon, I'm running two large sponge filters on each side, with a large bubbler bar in the middle with low air flow bubbles, without any issues. I did have a HOB on the 55 gallon in the past but the flow was too powerful and I found that I could use sponge filters only. [Corydoras aeneus (5), Fancy Guppy (1), GloFish Danio (1), GloFish Tetra (4), Golddust Lyretail Molly (2), Guppy Fry (5), Hemigrammus levis Tetra (1), Neon Tetra (3), Panda Garra (1), Rummy Nose Tetra (3), Tiger Nerite Snail (19), Tuxedo Guppy (4), Zebra Danio (3)] I run sponge filters on the rest of my tanks, which are smaller sizes.
All my tanks are planted and running plenums and bcb canisters. Best of both worlds. I am not a fan of major maintenance so a 20% water change and canister clean is plenty enough for 4 tanks from 40 to 125 gallons. Everyone does different things for filtration and you keep up the maintenance, it all works out for the wet pets we keep. Thanks for the information though. Good stuff.
I'm more of an aquaclear fan, really because of 1) proven durability, and 2) I really like the rectangular media basket vs. Tidal's proprietary media basked shape.
You can spray the cartridges off. And reuse them over and over. Instead of buying new ones. I have some going on 3 year. As long and as you aren't spraying them off with a ton of water pressure.
Good show, I like the new format and I hope you guys are planning more long form talks on “simple” subjects because really nothing is not worth a good debate. For the topic, I started with HOB filters and have since *graduated* to canisters, and yes I mean it that way, I don’t know why the hate for them, I’ve been running them for over 20 years and I’ve never known them to be nitrate or phosphate factories. If fact the opposite for me, but that is another topic. I do believe every filter type has a best use case, and I tag team my Q/hospital systems with sponge filters and Aqueon HOBs. The sponge filter is primary and I use the HOb for fish that need the extra flow, or when I need to scrub meds out of the tanks. Since they spend most of their time on a rack in my garage empty, I bought whatever was on sale at the time which was Aqueon, and they have served well but these are external pumps like the Aquaclears, and they are not self priming. If I had to buy again I would go with Seachem, I am a but of a Seachem fanboy, all companies have occasional quality control issues but they seem to have less than others, that I have seen anyway. If you’re looking for topic suggestions, can you speak on your experiences running large fw tanks on sumps? I have sumps on my reef tanks but my dream when I retire is a pair of 8 foot tanks, one reef and 1 planted discus, and I’m considering a sump on both. Thanks and good luck
I just watched the podcast and I must say Jason I bought the 450 because of your review and I couldn’t get it for months because the LFS near me in Toronto never even heard of it. I have 2 as a water polish on the 125 and 250, the main filter are 2FX6 on the 259 and 1 on the 125.
I've seen some people who are putting their hang on back filter all the way to one side and then I cut a piece of PVC the width of their filter leaving a solid round part on one end analog piece of pipe on the other which then makes it catch the water coming out the filter and distribute it to the opposite side of the tank Sun drill holes to make it like rain
I've seen Marine land bio wheels totally full of beautiful green algae that looked so smooth and lush at a fish store I used to go to. The secret is to run the marine land without the cover, I have one , but I keep the cover on and just clean out the spray bar holes with a tooth pick now and then.
Guys, Re. the Tidal filters. I agree they are the best. The skimmer is annoying. I have several of them in various sizes. My solution is to cover the skimmer with waterproof tape. Occasionally they will still suck air (i assume from the adjustment device opening); especially if the intake is partially clogged or the media needs attention. Jason. I will see You at Greenwater and hopefully I will see you both at Aquashella Chicago. Keep up the good work. S. Martin🐟
I have a 220 a 150 and a 40 gallon they all have fluvial canister filters. I’ve never used a hang on back in my life or sponge filters. They are efficient in all areas and dead quiet 👍😳
Always over filtered is the best plan. Not to big but 1 size or so better especially when most filters come with less media then you can actually put in them just my opinion
Great podcast. Totally off topic, but I wish someone would come up with a kit to retrofit magnet mounts (like Sicce uses on their Sharkpro) in place of suction cups on heaters etc.
The Tank Talk podcast in Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tank-talk/id1696200085
The Tank Talk Podcast on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/3PKLyyOY0vFax6pse9xnEG?si=b6223203c0eb4c06
The Tank Talk Podcast on Instagram:
instagram.com/tank_talk_podcast?igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
The Tank Talk Podcast on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@tanktalkpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
The Tank Talk Facebook group is a place to share your aquariums, ask questions or just hang out with cool people:
facebook.com/groups/1674032529542132/
Johns website with live plants, live snails fish food, chemicals and all the equipment you need for your aquarium. Plus fun KGTropicals merch:
keepfishkeeping.com
Jasons website where you can order Primetime Aquatics merch or reserve your fish to be picked up at local swaps in the Chicago area:
www.primetimeaquatics.com
So, I am 71 and buying what I need to set up my 55-gallon glass box. Which hang-on-the-back filters have the pump-in-the-tank feature?
My two favorite aquarium guys together! Love it!
I’m convinced you two decided to do this to prove to the fish keeping community that you are in fact not the same person. 🤣 In all honesty though I do not listen nor have I ever listened to podcasts and I’m happy that you two are my first! My drive to and from work on Monday’s will be a little less of a chore now. Thanks for doing this guys!
Well - that's part of it : -)
It's AI creating a duplicate person
You guys have completely touched on everything regarding this topic I relate to an needed to hear! You guys rock! ❤
That thumbnail is EVERYTHING! 😂
I love your videos and aquascapes. You are so talented. 😊🌱❤🌿
@thesmallscape I wholeheartedly agree with you Joanna 🐷💭😁
@@oinkmastersupremeforever 🤭😂
I really like poly fill to fill the holes in certain decorations like the tree roots. And holey rock. I've lost so many fish that have gotten stuck in those things. But the poly fill plugs it up nicely and also gives me a place to attach plants on top of some of those decorations
I absolutely love this duo!!!!! Thanks for your dedication!
Appreciate you being here!
As a new fish keeper this type of in depth information is invaluable. Thank you.
Thank you!
Waiting for Aqua Clear to introduce a filter with their current box capacity/design but with a pump in the tank. Best of both worlds.
What a GREAT team you guys make!!! So glad your doing this together.
Thank you!
On the three aquariums we have (40B, 29, 20L), I use Aquaclear. I don't have too much of an issue with the pump restarting (only once after being off for 2 weeks from a hurricane). If the power is out for a few hours, I don't have an issue. Our water is crystal clear and it's not too much of a pain to maintain. I use a prefilter from ACO and in the basket I have a sponge, a white filter pad and a bag of bio media. I just replace the filter pad every time I do a water change. No big deal for me. I love the open basket that allows me customize my filter. Great talk!
I love the podcast format! Good content and I think the knowledge level is perfect.
The Emperor Penguin is the biggest species of penguin. Aptenodytes forsteri. They're the big ones from Antarctica that tend to be the poster child of penguins.
I was wondering if the filter still works as well with the flow turned down. You answered my question. Thanks! I'm very glad you two got together on the podcast. I've learned a lot from both of you!
Great conversation, gentlemen! I run a variety of filters in my aquariums. The two Seachem tidals that I run have been fantastic.
Thanks guys! I started with aqua clear HOB’s 6 yrs ago and they were great. I currently have 12 tanks and use mostly Aquarium Coop sponge filters.
I do love hang on backs but some stuff that wasn't touched up was:
It's kinda impossible to have any kind of floating plant with them. I had a nice water lettuce and duckweed amount that would get pushed into the tank by the cascade of water produced by the hang on back. It became a mess, duckweed stuck on everything inside the aquarium, dying cause it cannot be submerged, big clumps of it lodging inside aquarium decor, etc.
Delicate stem plants are also at risk if you put them too close to the cascade, they get bent and damaged, in my experience.
I run duals HOBs on my 55G myself. I won’t use anything but Seachem Tidals on my tanks. Tidal 75 and 55. Flow is way down because I have Cardinal Tetras, Congo Tetras, Black Neon Tetras, Oto Cats, Cory Cats and a BN Pleco. Plenty of plants and Rock work with some driftwood in the tank. The Seachem Tidals along with the plants help keep my water stable and I do my water changes now as needed.
HOB filters are quick and handy, but for me there are two drawbacks. One, being open to the atmosphere they can't force water through the filter media very well and most of the water flows over or around it. The other drawback is I keep nerite snails which like to crawl above the waterline so I like to keep the water level down a bit, but with a HOB that causes a loud splashing waterfall effect and the water is mostly falling straight down, instead of circulating around the tank.
My two favorite RUclipsrs.
This is the collab we've all been waiting for
Thanks so much! Love the podcast
Jason actually helped me through every step of start an aquarium. I did buy a tank kit but I ended up transitioning to a canister filter. I just didn't like the big bulky look. Thanks Jason for being here for us!
I'm just getting back into the hobby after a few years break. I am so grateful to find your podcast pop up in my feed. You guys have a wonderful chemistry of a real conversation between friends and I'm so here for it. Excited for what is next. This was the perfect introduction for me as I'm considering how I want to filter my 54g corner I've had for years but haven't setup. Giant nano tank is what im going for.. 😊 Thanks gentlemen.
I love this! I learned so much about hang-on-the-back filters. I’m getting ready to set up 3 planted aquariums and had purchased the Fluval Aquaclear filters for each of them. Luckily, I still have the receipts and can return them, unopened, to upgrade to the Seachem Tidals. Thank you so much for your descriptions and explanations for each of the more popular filters.
GREAT podcast! My big gripe with the Aquaclear is the adjustable little plastic disc on the bottom that is supposed to spin and adjust the level of the filter front-to-back. Every time I touch the filter, it drops off. Other filters have a fixed tab to hold it level. Also, the Aquaclear intakes are transparent, showing algae and brown gunk, and they're hard to clean out. I wind up ordering multiple intakes and changing them monthly. I've replaced all my Aquaclears.
Good point!
One aspect about filters that I have never seen addressed is the front-to-back pitch level, and how to get it correct. If the filter leans toward the back, there's too little flow; pitched forward, and there's a cascade. This must have some effect on the motor, or does it? IME, once you've positioned the HOB all's well--until you add water. The weight of the water forces some filters to tip backward and impede flow.
I like both of y’all’s work. Thank you for making videos. I only have one fish tank. But I’ve learned a lot from you over the years.
My tank is a 75 gallon American cichlid tank. I got it for Christmas and set it up and my juvenile cichlids are growing and it’s so much fun to watch.
It’s in our living room, i went with a canister filter because the HOB on my last tank (29 gallon) was more noisy in the living room.
‘All kinds of dangly things…”. 😂😂😂
Hello great video. I use both sponge filters and OTB filters.
The surface skimmer on the Tidal does a good job at collecting duckweed. It doesn't remove it but it makes it easier to grab with a net.
I use duckweed in chambered sumps where I keep a light on for 12+ hours.... haven't had a nitrate problem since.
I thought this was the same person for years until this moment
Too funny : --)
Thanks for the in-depth discussion on HOB's. I listened to the entire discussion, there's a lot of food-for-thought. I think the concept of fast vs. slower flow for bacteria certainly caught my ear. Very interesting.
An other epic episode of knowledge, better understanding to fish keeping and how to invest our money and effort to enjoy our Aquarium Hobby.
The only time those throw-away cartridges are benificial are when a school, hospital, business or public location has an aquarium for the public to view.
Often it’s a custodian or someone not familiar with fish keeping tasked with maintaining the tank longterm so simplicity is key
Thankyou for this podcast! Been a bit burnt out of the hobby for some time and it's nice to follow along and get that love back in the hobby as well as having a more manageable amount of tanks 👌
I really like the Seachem as well. One downside, you didn't mention that I dislike is the 2 blue dials. Why blue? We spend so much time and money on making our equipment disappear, and they design 2 blue zits on a black filter.
Lastly, disassembling for cleaning is not the easiest thing to do. Tabs can crack very easily.
Great job on this topic guys!
Great conversation. Thanks
How did I just find out you guys had a podcast? Guess I’ll be binging at work tomorrow
3:00 im sure you are right about HOB in the USA as being the most used filters.
But im not sure if this is the same for Europe.
Im from the Netherlands and only since a few years Superfish offers starter kits with a HOB filter.
All other kits come with Internal filters.
Doesnt matter if its high end like Juwel or cheaper kits like Marina.
They all have internal filters with sponges.
And when you look at Aquarium stores, pet stores, garden centres or specialised Aquascaping stores.
Its 80 % internal filters or canister filters you see here.
20 % others types like air driven sponge filters, HOB and whatever.
HOB filters are underapreciated here in the Netherlands.
Polyfil batting holds together well, for one use. It’s also dirt cheap. I love fluval sponges for all my HOB’s
Very helpful topic discussed in this podcast !!!!
Another issue with a HOB with an external pump is that the pump is connected to the filter with an o-ring. That can leak. HOBs with the pump in the tank are just solid plastic boxes.
Great in depth info!
I have a 20 Long. At first I just went with a sponge filter, which my little catfish love eating from, but then had to battle Cyanobacteria. No matter where I moved my filter there were dead spots. I had gotten a hang-on-back filter in a 10 gallon kit. The motor is in the water, so no unnecessary noise and no worries about power blips… and it does a decent job of mechanical filtering. I now have one filter at each end of the tank. All is well.
I have to agree about using duel filters. I run two HOB filters on my 75, one on each side. Feel it eliminated the dead spots I had when I only ran one.
Love the new forum, keep up the great work guys. I get alot of great info from ya'll❤
Thank you!
Love all the info in this format! Allows me to take in info while doing aquarium chores….instead of trying to read comments in live chats. Tho I do love me some live chats. You 2 have a great rapport. Thanks for these podcasts and keep ‘em coming! 😁☮❤🐠🦐🪴
I use a aquaclear 70 on my 125 for a couple of reasons. Extra water flow, to keep purigen in and as a place grow pothos and a few other indoor plants out of.
Love this format!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
There's definitely some things to think about here, I'll listen to a part two if you put it out! I think I'm going to go with a sponge filter for my little tank, but if I ever do go with a HOB I'll keep an eye out for the pump being IN the tank. I never would have thought of that!
Love u both!! You’re the best “guro” (mentor) I ever have on my aquatic adventure!! Keep it going!! More blessings n power to both of u n to your lovely wives!! ❤❤❤
Thank you!
@Fishtory does a great video on the effects of sound on fish and how they hear. Alex is awesome
I love his content but that video spefically was so extremely interesting to me!
Great video guy's. I have decided to go with hang on the back for my 100g tank, I was going to build my own but for ease I'm just going to buy them. John I so so wish I could buy them from you but living in the UK I am unable. Anyway after watching this video I have decided to go with the tidal 57 on each end of the tank. Thank you very much 😊
I would get the seachem tidal, but the skimmer is a deal breaker. No easy way to cover it if you’re breeding fish.
For me, I use the more is better philosophy. On aquariums under four feet, I use 1 Power Filter. Aquariums that are four to five feet, I use 2 Power Filters. On aquariums that are six to seven feet, I use 3 Power Filters.
However, on all my tanks, I use multiple systems.
For example, my 210 has 3 HOB Power Filters, an FX6 Canister Filter, and a sponge filter.
On my 150s and my 120 (all 4ft versions), I use 2 HOB Power Filters, an FX6 Canister Filter, and a LG. Sponge Filter.
The 90 I just set up has 2 HOB Power Filters and an Undergravel Filter (that I bought new. I didn't get it from my grandpa 😂). Meanwhile, on my fishroom 90, it has 2 HOB Power Filters, an FX2 Canister Filter, and a Sponge Filter.
I can go on, but you see my point. I'm never going to be caught in a situation where if something goes down, I'm thrown immediately into crisis mode.
in a 10g tank i tossed the hang on back for the fluval nano. i can control flow, easy to clean, and fits the glass lid i had to replace. seemed ideal to have since im experiencing breeding corys and shrimp. the 307/407 lets me transfer media so i can get my new tank running once i get other things for it
I recently built a 15gallon cube planted tank with a huge piece of driftwood and initially had a sponge filter in there but noticed I was getting an issue with hair algea due to the lack of water movement so I replaced it with a hob it's been only 2 days now but saw a big difference with the amount of waste that was on the substrate so I'm convinced that hob filters are the way to go
Amazing, I think in Europe almost nobody uses hang on the back filters. We use inbuilt filters with sponges, biomedia etc and canister filters. Our inbuilt filters are big and glued the corner and have two baskets and a super silent pump and also very easy to maintain, just lift the baskets…You can buy the bioflow intern filter system from Juwel in the sizes M, L and XL.
Great stuff as always both thanks
I wish there were an hob that had a back battery for power failures. Until then I make sure there is a sponge filter in each tank. However, i love my hobs in my 60 gallon.
That's a nice idea!
I agree, HOBs are the easiest to deal with for tanks under 100 gallons. I hate sponge filters for the reaching down in the tank to pull a sponge filter, the crap then goes everywhere, and then you have to try to reset it in the tank. It’s awful. I have a sump on a 125 and an Fx4 on a 75. I also run 2 Aquaclear 110s on each of these tanks for good reason. On the 125 sump tank the 110’s operate as planter boxes in a tank that can’t be planted due to plant eating fish. Plants are rooted into the sponge that comes with the filter. I haven’t had to clean these for 3 years. I finally pulled one to get the roots out of the impeller and the sponge was still completely clean and rooted through. I use a pre-filter on the intakes to help. On the 75 with the canister, I use one 110 for short life media like Purigen which is hard to deal with in a canister. The other is fully planted in the 110 sponge which stays clean almost forever if the plants are thriving. Since you mentioned the Aquaclear as lower of the scale of performance, I agree! But it’s phenomenal as a back up for the reasons above.
Another reason I don't like Aquaclear filters. I recently replaced my aquarium with a 54 gallon Seapora aquarium and the Aquaclear 70 filter I have doesn't fit over the rim of it. It still works, but it doesn't sit very level on the aquarium, as it doesn't go all the way down onto the aquarium. I hope the Seachem Tidal 75 will fit properly, as that is the filter I plan to replace it with.
Good point!
I pretty much always pair a box filter with a sponge filter.
If I'm using a sump underneath and it has chambers, I'll toss on a light for 12+ hours and toss in a fist full of duckweed.....no nitrate problems.
I agree the tidal is number 1. My biggest downfall is the looks inside the aquarium, it’s bulky and I hate the blue skimmer knob, it’s just an eyesore.
Can't wait for your canister filter video. Sponges work for my smaller tanks but not doing the job in my 55. Need to redo the filter setup
I'm here for this podcast! Its nice to see a discussion as opposed to the hundreds of videos and streams that are one guy talking to the camera. You guys should do one on lights now!
That's on the list!
Aquaclear filter are bad for over flowing water to the floor. The sponge seems to be too large in ratio to the filters and buoyancy takes over and push the sponge outta the filter
Congrats gentlemen on your new platform the discussions are very informative, I live in Toronto and I have a 250 Gal Tank with Discus and Angel, doing fairly ok, I have a question, I was told by a FS not my LFS, that my water is too pure/clean that’s why I am losing my Discus, have you ever heard that, look forward the hear your opinion if you so choose to comment.
I enjoy your podcast, by the way my tanks has 2FX6, and a HOB for water polishing.
Wait....these 2 aren't the same person?? 🤣 Great podcast! Learned alot about HOBs
Great info, I had HOB on my first couple of tanks as I learned about other options. No problems and they are now backups.
I love the old supreme hang on the back. The round outfit. Let me run up to 8 tanks with one filter. All you need is 1/2 PVC. I have had them for 30+ years. I wish they still made them.
With filters, I put a pump on the bottom of my big pooping goldfish tank, tube going up to a DIY box on top of my tank. My tank is a 50g acrylic deep tank. Works extremely well. Easy to clean as I am not able to pick up a canister filter. HOB didn't pick up the big poopies. The Pump Does.
I started with HOB and quickly moved to sponges. Now I am getting the urge to try overhead sump or canister on my larger tanks (larger being 55 gallons)
That would be cool!
John/Jason-
One thing I haven’t seen anyone talk about is that most the HOB won’t fit over newer Aqueon aquariums bracing lip unless you drastically upside the HOB. I have a new Aqueon 60L ( 75G dimensions but 5” shorter in height). Plan was to run 2 seachem tidal 55’s. They didn’t fit over the lip. Tried the Penguin 350 and same issue. Looked up dimensions of the tidal 75 and Aquaclear 70 and they are to small. Ended up having to go with the AquaClear 110. I have a Deep Blue Saltwater Drilled overflow aquarium about 14 years old and the bracing lip is more narrow.
Ya, that is frustrating. The space on the seachem tidal between the filter box and return is too narrow!
My severum use to get irritated by the air hoses on the sponge filters and would pull them right out of the the sponge.
I would be interested to see what you guys think of the new Fluval filters they are releasing.
Great conversation and both of you made the topic very interesting. Also I use sponge filters but I have used the Penguin Pro’s and would go back to them if I ever went back to HOB’s and I never used the bio wheel or cartridges, I would “hot rod” it with course sponge and filter floss.
After years of using hob filters, I upgraded to canister filters. It's night and day in terms of noise, aesthetics and performance. And you don't need to go full Fluval and spend 300 dollars. There are lots of cheaper alternatives that make hobs pretty redundant at this point.
Great Podcast! I agree with you about the value of having the HOB filter pump inside the aquarium water.
However, in my experience the issues with restarting only occur when the water is about 5 to 6 inches lower then the HOB output flow. I have my tank filled above the rim, to about 1-2 inches lower than the output and it restarts with no issues. You will need to have an aquarium with a Tidal filter filled to that level anyways given the noise from the surface skimmer. Thoughts?
True about the skimmer feature being noisy when water levels drop. I have had more than a few aquaclears not restart with a full tank (Prime Time).
It's funny, I thought these two were the same dude for months lol.
Maybe we are - AI? Haha
Loved this episode! My 407 kicked the bucket and I switched to HOB again on my 110 gallon, was supposed to be dual emperor 450’s but I got a better deal on 1 400 and a 450 with sponge and internal canister for added flow. I got just the one right now, and it’s not as good as the 407, but tomorrow the other is coming so Hopefully I’ll see it improve, if not, guess I’m getting another tank! Lol oh the dilemma
The 450 is a HUGE improvement to the 400, absolutely do not skip paying the extra if you have to, the difference is large enough that I’m going to replace the 400 with a 450. Most of all my tank is spotless again and even I have to look at the hob, all 31 fish in that tank are very grateful!
Great 1 Jason and John
For whatever reason, I've had to use a HOB on my 20 gallon, with a small air driven bubbler, to keep up with some sort of crud circulating. I was running sponge filters previously. [Single adult angelfish and some snails.]. I do have the carbon filters from the manufacture, but I don't use them that much. I use sponge filters in the HOB mostly. You would want to use carbon filters for specific cleaning situations.
On my 55 gallon, I'm running two large sponge filters on each side, with a large bubbler bar in the middle with low air flow bubbles, without any issues. I did have a HOB on the 55 gallon in the past but the flow was too powerful and I found that I could use sponge filters only. [Corydoras aeneus (5), Fancy Guppy (1), GloFish Danio (1), GloFish Tetra (4), Golddust Lyretail Molly (2), Guppy Fry (5), Hemigrammus levis Tetra (1), Neon Tetra (3), Panda Garra (1), Rummy Nose Tetra (3), Tiger Nerite Snail (19), Tuxedo Guppy (4), Zebra Danio (3)]
I run sponge filters on the rest of my tanks, which are smaller sizes.
All my tanks are planted and running plenums and bcb canisters. Best of both worlds. I am not a fan of major maintenance so a 20% water change and canister clean is plenty enough for 4 tanks from 40 to 125 gallons. Everyone does different things for filtration and you keep up the maintenance, it all works out for the wet pets we keep. Thanks for the information though. Good stuff.
I'm more of an aquaclear fan, really because of 1) proven durability, and 2) I really like the rectangular media basket vs. Tidal's proprietary media basked shape.
Wasn’t planning on watching this whole vid but i did it flew by
Appreciate you being here!
You can spray the cartridges off. And reuse them over and over. Instead of buying new ones. I have some going on 3 year. As long and as you aren't spraying them off with a ton of water pressure.
Good show, I like the new format and I hope you guys are planning more long form talks on “simple” subjects because really nothing is not worth a good debate.
For the topic, I started with HOB filters and have since *graduated* to canisters, and yes I mean it that way, I don’t know why the hate for them, I’ve been running them for over 20 years and I’ve never known them to be nitrate or phosphate factories. If fact the opposite for me, but that is another topic.
I do believe every filter type has a best use case, and I tag team my Q/hospital systems with sponge filters and Aqueon HOBs.
The sponge filter is primary and I use the HOb for fish that need the extra flow, or when I need to scrub meds out of the tanks.
Since they spend most of their time on a rack in my garage empty, I bought whatever was on sale at the time which was Aqueon, and they have served well but these are external pumps like the Aquaclears, and they are not self priming. If I had to buy again I would go with Seachem, I am a but of a Seachem fanboy, all companies have occasional quality control issues but they seem to have less than others, that I have seen anyway.
If you’re looking for topic suggestions, can you speak on your experiences running large fw tanks on sumps? I have sumps on my reef tanks but my dream when I retire is a pair of 8 foot tanks, one reef and 1 planted discus, and I’m considering a sump on both.
Thanks and good luck
I just watched the podcast and I must say Jason I bought the 450 because of your review and I couldn’t get it for months because the LFS near me in Toronto never even heard of it. I have 2 as a water polish on the 125 and 250, the main filter are 2FX6 on the 259 and 1 on the 125.
Nice!
I've seen some people who are putting their hang on back filter all the way to one side and then I cut a piece of PVC the width of their filter leaving a solid round part on one end analog piece of pipe on the other which then makes it catch the water coming out the filter and distribute it to the opposite side of the tank Sun drill holes to make it like rain
Another great episode
I run 1820gph on my Discus tank, they love the flow as well.
I've seen Marine land bio wheels totally full of beautiful green algae that looked so smooth and lush at a fish store I used to go to. The secret is to run the marine land without the cover, I have one , but I keep the cover on and just clean out the spray bar holes with a tooth pick now and then.
That's cool!
I like powered sponge filters, but HOB are okay, I can't stand maintenance on canisters, but for anything over a 55, my favorite is a sump.
Guys,
Re. the Tidal filters. I agree they are the best. The skimmer is annoying. I have several of them in various sizes. My solution is to cover the skimmer with waterproof tape.
Occasionally they will still suck air (i assume from the adjustment device opening); especially if the intake is partially clogged or the media needs attention.
Jason. I will see You at Greenwater and hopefully I will see you both at Aquashella Chicago.
Keep up the good work.
S. Martin🐟
I have a 220 a 150 and a 40 gallon they all have fluvial canister filters. I’ve never used a hang on back in my life or sponge filters. They are efficient in all areas and dead quiet 👍😳
Always over filtered is the best plan. Not to big but 1 size or so better especially when most filters come with less media then you can actually put in them just my opinion
I only use hang on backs lol just don't get wallmart ones lol
Great podcast. Totally off topic, but I wish someone would come up with a kit to retrofit magnet mounts (like Sicce uses on their Sharkpro) in place of suction cups on heaters etc.
I might have to take a break from the tank talk podcast, because now I want another tank 😂