They are HOB filters that have had a pleated fibrous polyester media wheel added, which rotates in the flow of the water out the filter. Pre Filters vastly increase bio filtration, are inexpensive, prevent baby fish from being sucked into the filter, and provide a measure of bio stability when the cartridge is changed. The bio-wheel serves to aerate the water a little bit. Cover the intake of a large hang-on-back (HOB) or canister filter with a pre-filter sponge to stop animals and debris from clogging the filter motor. I just rinse them out when I do a water change. Keeps the actual filter nice and clean, but the reason I got them was to keep the Pygmy Corys from getting in the filter. Think about this, if you want more surface area for biologicals to colonize you would get more from fine than you would coarse. HOB Filter FAQ What is the best HOB filter? The HOB-1.5 uses an upgraded Italian Sicce Syncra pump for quiet, reliable service. It is far easier to clean or replace the sponge pre-filter often, rather than tearing apart the canister filter. Never use chemical as after expiration they leak back into water. They run $40 to $85 and process 200 to 400 gph. This brings me to the point that many HOB filters can be equipped with Pre Filters (the Filter Max is the best due to its patented sponge technology). Is that sufficient if i go out and upgrade to a 20g tank? The Via Aqua Multi Skimmer is a great combination skimmer, HOB Filter, and UV Sterilizer that is ideally suited for beginner saltwater aquariums up to 80 gallons (we recommend 60 gallon max if this is the only filter used, larger if other filters are used). In conjunction with regular partial water changes, filters help keep the ecosystem balanced. Pre-Filter Use . Choosing the best HOB filter can be a challenge, so this product review guide walks you through their features and offers tips for using hang on back filters! They are nice and cheap. I’m currently doing the same thing, moving a 5″ comet goldfish from a 20 gal to a new 55 gal that I’m setting up using ceramic rings. The Marineland Emperor 400 Pro Series model seems to top the list with its features. You will never be disappointed. This is what I've been using. Filters. I plan to use mechanical filtration first and then the rings, leaving the blue plastic pieces in the HOB filter and seeding from his current tank gravel and established filter media. The sponge filters out a good deal of the larger particulate matter, which keeps the canister from clogging. If I could do it again however, I wish I would have drilled my tank, and used a … Photo: The two HEPA filters in a Dyson vacuum cleaner (one above and one below the dirt cylinder) help to stop dust returning to the room. Ill probably add an airstone for oxygen too. 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