Best Hang On Back Filters For Saltwater Tanks

Filtering a saltwater tank can be done in many ways. In order to keep your fish tank clean and healthy, it needs some form of filtration. Using a hang on the back filter can be efficient and effective. I know that choosing the best hang on filter for saltwater tanks can be confusing but with the proper research, this decision becomes easier.

This article will review 5 of the best HOB filters that you can use on your aquarium.

If you are in a rush, this is my top choice: Seachem Tidal Power Filter

What is a hang on back filter?

These filters are external and designed to hang on the back trim of your aquarium. They are considerably smaller and lighter than a canister filter and many people find them easier and more convenient to use. Hang on back filters can be used for mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. They are commonly used on small nano tanks, but large tanks can also benefit from them.

Factors to consider when buying a hang on filter:

  • Filter tank size rating – What size tank does the manufacturer recommend? It never hurts to use a higher rated filter for your tank size, but you don’t want to choose one that is too small.
  • Filter size – What are the dimensions of the filter? You want to make sure that it will fit not only on your tank but if you have the aquarium against a wall, then you need enough space behind the tank and wall in order for the filter to fit.
  • Aquarium trim size – What is the width of your tank trim? If the trim on your tank is 3/4″ wide and the filter will only fit up to 1/2″ trim width, then that filter will not work for you.
  • Price – Of course the cost is something to consider if you are on a budget. There are a wide range of prices for hang on back filters.
  • What purpose are you trying to accomplish? Some people prefer to use these filters for a specific purpose. For example, I have used hang on back filters strictly for mechanical filtration. In that case, you want to choose the one large enough to hold the amount of filter media you desire.
  • Brand and reviews – It’s always a good idea to read some customer reviews of a specific brand to ensure it has positive feedback and ratings.

#1. Seachem Tidal Power Filter

This filter comes in sizes ranging from 35-gallon tanks up to 110 gallons. The flow rates will vary depending on the model you choose. It has a large capacity design and you can interchange different filter media and configurations. They are affordable and do a great job filtering your aquarium.

Features and specs

  • Self-priming pump
  • Dual water intakes
  • Quiet operation
  • Designed for water to not bypass the filter media making it more effective
  • Maintenance monitor
  • Water diversion channel directs water back into the tank in the event of clogging
  • Leveling device for precision level
  • Flow regulation allows you to adjust the flow level
  • Tidal 35 – For aquariums up to 35 gallons. Dimensions: 7.5″L x 6.5″W x 6.5″H – Flow rate: up to 130 GPH – Power use: 6 watts
  • Tidal 55 – For aquariums up to 55 gallons. Dimensions: 8.0625″ L x 5.5″ W x 7.75″ H – Flow rate: up to 250 GPH – Power use: 6 watts
  • Tidal 75 – For aquariums up to 75 gallons. Dimensions: 10.125″ L x 6.25″ W x 9.125″ H – Flow rate: up to 350 GPH – Power use: 8 watts
  • Tidal 110 – For aquariums up to 110 gallons. Dimensions: 10.625″ L x 6.875″ W x 9.875″ H – Flow rate: up to 450 GPH – Power use: 12 watts
  • Tank trim sizes 2cm-4cm
  • Space behind tank and wall – 3-4″

#2. Aquaclear Power Filter

The Aquaclear power filters have been a staple in the aquarium hobby for many years. They are a workhorse that is reliable and long-lasting. The Aquaclear is a multi-stage filtration system with a unique design that creates a constant waterfall flow into your tank. These filters are simply plug and play and come ready out of the box with everything you need. They are available in different sizes ranging from 20 gallons to 110 gallons and like the Seachem Tidal filters, they are very affordable.

Features and specs

  • Easy to install and maintain
  • Complete multi-stage filtration
  • Quiet operation
  • Large filter media volume
  • Includes foam block, bio media, and carbon
  • Leveling device for precision level
  • Flow regulation allows you to adjust the flow level
  • Aquaclear 20 – For aquariums up to 20 gallons. Dimensions: 4.5″L x 7.”W x 6.5″H – Flow rate: up to 100 GPH – Power use: 6 watts
  • Aquaclear 30 – For aquariums up to 30 gallons. Dimensions: 4.5″ L x 8.2″ W x 6.7″ H – Flow rate: up to 130 GPH – Power use: 6 watts
  • Aquaclear 50 – For aquariums up to 50 gallons. Dimensions: 4″ L x 9″ W x 8″ H – Flow rate: up to 200 GPH – Power use: 6 watts
  • Aquaclear 70 – For aquariums up to 70 gallons. Dimensions: 8.5″ L x 8″ W x 6″ H – Flow rate: up to 300 GPH – Power use: 6 watts
  • Aquaclear 110 – For aquariums up to 110 gallons. Dimensions: 7.1″ L x 13.9″ W x 9.1″ H – Flow rate: up to 500 GPH – Power use: 14 watt
  • Tank trim sizes 2cm-1.75 inches”
  • Space behind tank and wall – 2.5″-4.5″

Check out: Best Aquarium Heaters for large tanks

#3. Aqueon QuietFlow Pro

If you are looking for a whisper-quiet hang on back filter that is powerful and efficient, then the Aqueon QuietFlow Pro is for you. These filters are available in different sizes from 10-75 gallons. A great feature that these filters have over the other ones is it comes with an LED indicator light that will remind you to replace clogged filter cartridges.

Features and specs

  • Easy to install and maintain
  • Complete five stage filtration
  • Quiet operation
  • Large filter media volume
  • Includes Aqueon specialty filter pads
  • Self priming
  • Internal pump design – no leaks
  • QuietFlow 10 – For aquariums up to 20 gallons. Dimensions: 6.4″x3.8″x6.3″ – Flow rate: 100 GPH
  • QuietFlow 20 – For aquariums up to 30 gallons. Dimensions: 7.4″x4.4″x7.9″ – Flow rate: 125 GPH
  • Quietflow 30 – For aquariums up to 45 gallons. Dimensions: 8.4″x4.6″x7.9″ – Flow rate: 200 GPH
  • QuietFlow 50 – For aquariums up to 50 gallons. Dimensions: 8.4″x4.1″x7.9″ – Flow rate: 250 GPH
  • Quietflow 55-75 – For aquariums up to 90 gallons. Dimensions: 12.9″x6.6″x8.4″ – Flow rate: up to 400 GPH
  • Tank trim sizes up to 1 inch
  • Space behind tank and wall – 2.5″-4.5″

Other recommended hang on filters

#4. Fluval C Series Power Filters

Available in 3 different sizes, the Fluval hang on back filters are a reliable choice.

#5. Marineland Penguin Bio Filter

Available in 4 different sizes, the Marineland Biofilters have been a commonly used filter for many years. they have a unique bio-wheel design that is designed to grow beneficial bacteria that is essential for any aquarium.