Hang on back (HOB) filters are less maintenance than undergravel filters and they offer more types of filtration, which is why they have become so popular. Undergravel filters offer biological filtration only, but the plates that sit under the gravel need to be cleaned underneath them regularly, especially if no live plants are being kept in the tank to utilize the trapped "muck"/organic debris, which is plant food and will, over time raise nitrate levels and cause a multitude of problems such as a crash of pH, rise in ammonia, etc.
HOB filters offer not only biological filtration but also mechanical and chemical filtration, keeping the tank cleaner and safer for the animals. Gravel vacs are still needed, however, there are no plates at the bottom to trap the debris, so gravel vacs can easily remove the buildup from the substrate to avoid a buildup that can create water quality issues.
For a smaller tank such as 20 - 25 gallons this is usually the easiest and least expensive method of filtration. Cartridges should only need to be replaced monthly and can be rinsed in dirty tank water during water changes weekly to get rid of any debris that is trapped in the filter media.
The other benefit of HOB filters is that they allow for various different types of media to be used according to an aquarium's specific needs.
My favorite of the HOB filters is the Aqueon brand. The pump inside these filters is submerged in the water rather than located in the box of the filter and they offer good circulation/water flow while being easy to maintain at the same time.
Dawn
--- In AquaticLife@yahoogroups.com, "daydreamdesign13" wrote:
>
> Hi everyone! I'm new to this group.
>
> I haven't had a tank setup for about 20 years. I'm going fresh water, 20-25 gal, no live plants. I've done my research locally and the new things to go with a new tank are amazing! I've been told that an external water filter is now better than the under gravel filter I used to use. Heater, pump, bubbler, all seem to be the about same. The external filters seem to have high maintenance costs.
>
> What are your opinions on the subject of filters?
> Thanks for the input.
> Deb
>
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