HOB Filter - Maintenance & Overflow?

tutmatt3 · Feb 16, 2017

Hey Guys,

So I have 2x HOB filters, and I was wondering if they require any maintenance, as well as how often should I change out the carbon?
Excuse the paranoia, but I was also wondering - do these things ever 'overflow' & leak out the back? Obviously concerned since that's where all my electrical is.

Thanks!

tankstudy · Feb 16, 2017

First of all, Wow... Love the aquascape. Its got a pretty smooth/flow look to it.

As for carbon, prefabricated filter pads for HOB filters generally have very little, so I recommend changing that out often, once a month at minimum I'd say. I run a fist size amount of carbon and change it out every month.

Now for the overflow issue, you'll need to observe how the HOB filter is designed. Some have a bypass design in the event that the filter pad becomes clogged, the water flows around or above the pad. A canister filter is more prone to leak versus a HOB filter in my experience because of tubing/water seals going bad. As long as the HOB filter never cracks, its pretty fail proof.

GoVols · Feb 16, 2017

As tankstudy said... "Love the aquascape"

JMO, If you can run Purigen in your HOB's then dump the carbon. Purigen changes colors when it's exhausted and won't leach goodies back in your tank like carbon does when it's exhausted.

tutmatt3 · Feb 16, 2017

Awesome!! Just looked into it and both (my marineland & topfin) filters have overflow sections. That's a good peace of mind haha
Ok, once a month, got it.

Since these filters are 'sealed' it appears, should I pry them open to refill, or just buy replacements? & Ok, I'll look into Purigen!

Thanks on the Aquascape comments! The BRS 'reef safer' rock is soooo easy to piece together haha.