Cleaning a Hang On Back (HOB) Aquarium Filter

All aquarium energy filters must be cleaned often, and this holds true for the favored hang-on-back (HOB) model. This filter model, which merely hangs on the again wall of your aquarium, is widespread as a result of it’s simple to take care of and straightforward to scrub.

How It Works

Energy filters draw water up a elevate tube and right into a filter chamber; from there, the water is pushed by means of a collection of filter media, offering organic, chemical, and/or mechanical filtration.

After the water goes by means of the filter media, it flows out an overflow lip and again into the aquarium. The water strikes with the help of a water pump that pulls it by means of the elevate tube—or the water could also be transported by air bubbles that convey water into the elevate tube after which the filter field.

A HOB filter cartridge must be cleaned provided that the water move fee by means of the filter diminishes, or if the water stage within the filter field will increase as a result of it isn’t flowing again into the aquarium through the overflow outlet. Don’t let greater than a month go between cleansing and sustaining your filter since it would construct up vital detritus, which can being to decay and should trigger nitrates to climb rapidly. Cleansing the filter solely takes about 20 minutes and it’s good insurance coverage for conserving your tank wholesome. 

Easy methods to Clear a Hanging Energy Filter

1. Have contemporary filtration media, a small pitcher, and a bucket used just for fish tank cleansing readily available earlier than beginning.
2. Place about 2 quarts of tank water in a small pitcher and set it apart.
3. Flip the filter off and unplug the twine from {the electrical} outlet. You may additionally must unplug your aquarium heater if the water stage of the tank drops beneath the highest of the heater.
4. Gently elevate the filter off of the aquarium and place in a clear bucket.
5. Take away the sponge or filter media insert. Whether it is disposable, discard it and skip to step 9.
6. If the sponge or filter media insert is refillable (accommodates activated carbon), discard the filtration media inside it.
7. Place a part of the tank water in a small bowl and gently rinse the sponge or media in it.
8. Refill the washed insert with contemporary media (carbon), shut and put aside.
9. Take away any algae or lime deposits from the filter housing, and rinse completely with contemporary water.
10. Rinse the brand new or refilled sponge insert utilizing the pitcher of tank water.
11. Place the rinsed sponge insert into the filter housing.
12. Grasp the filter again on the aquarium.
13. Utilizing a small cup, partially fill the filter with aquarium water, then exchange the duvet.
14. Plug the filter in and switch it on. You now have a clear filter. Plug within the aquarium heater if it was additionally unplugged.