Hang On Back (HOB) Filters
Hang-On-Back (HOB) Aquarium Filters in India
Hang-on-back filters, also called HOB, power or waterfall filters, are the easiest external filters to live with. They clip onto the rim of your tank, draw water up through mechanical, biological and chemical media, and spill it back in a gentle waterfall that also skims and oxygenates the surface. They're the sweet spot for most beginners and community tanks: more media and flow than an internal filter, far simpler than a canister. Fish Bazaar stocks HOB filters from Seachem Tidal, Fluval C-Series, Sobo and Blue Pet, shipped across India.
Which HOB filter for your tank?
- Nano – 2 ft (up to ~70L): Sobo WP-308H, Blue Pet BLH-301/401.
- 2–4 ft (70–265L): Sobo WP-408H, Fluval C-Series, Seachem Tidal 55/75.
- 4–5 ft (300–425L): Seachem Tidal 110.
Deciding between styles? Compare canister vs HOB vs sponge filters and see the full aquarium filter buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hang-on-back filter? An external power filter that hangs on the back rim of the tank and returns water as a waterfall, providing three-stage filtration plus surface skimming without taking up space inside the tank.
Are HOB filters good for planted tanks? Yes, though the waterfall can off-gas CO2. In high-tech planted tanks many aquarists prefer a canister; for low-tech planted or community tanks a HOB is excellent.
Do HOB filters make noise? A properly primed HOB with a full water level is very quiet; the main noise is the waterfall, which you can soften by keeping the tank topped up.
