HOB [Finnex] vs SPONGE Filter *for a NANO Tank* [Which is Better?]

Which filter is better in a nano tank? A conventional sponge filter or a small hang-on-back (HOB) filter? Let's compare two filters from The Aquarium Co-Op. Their Co-Op brand of sponge filter vs the small (3 watt Finnex "Power Filter Pure-7") HOB. Which one is better in a nano tank application?
Have you used these filters? Do you think, "My filter is better!" Share your experiences in the comments below. "We all learn from each other at this channel!"
Link to HOB here:
www.aquariumco...
Link to nano sponge filter here:
www.aquariumco...
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[@j.t.cooper2963]

👍🏻😎 I have tanks with both sponge filters and HOB's and since I'm old school I also use under gravel filters on some of them. UGF's, HOB's and sponge filters have served me well over the last 36 years and thats why I like them and will continue to use them in and on my aquariums. Thanks for the video!

[@jefferybruce2332]

Big fan of hang-on back filters. Easy to replace/clean media and with sponge on intake tube best of both worlds. Not to mention (which you did) less intrusive in your landscape. Good video, little long n repetitive but good review

[@AaronKunkle]

I just got one of these from Amazon and had the same idea. I pulled out the carbon cartridge and filled the bottom with Seachem matrix. It's working great on my 5 gallon tank so far!

[@Whips_World]

I'm sure I've said this before, but I choose not to choose. I can't say I do it on all my tanks, but the majority of them use a combination of all three types (plus a 4th that has lost popularity in the last 20 years). As documented here, on my... 210 Gal - I have two Marineland 350s and an AquaClear 110 HOB filter, an FX6 and two Marineland 360 Magniflow canister filters, and a Large Aquarium Co-Op sponge 150H (1) I have two ?Aquatop? 110 HOB filters, an FX6, and a Large Aquarium Co-Op sponge 150H - (2) I have two Tidal 110 HOB filters, an FX6, and a Large Aquarium Co-Op sponge filter. 135 - So far, all I have for it is an Undergravel Filter, but it's not set up yet. 120 - (2) I have two Tidal 110 HOB filters, an FX2, and a Large Aquarium Co-Op sponge filter. 90 - I have two AquaClear 110s and an undergravel filter 75 - I have two Marineland 350 HOB filters and a Medium Aquarium Co-Op sponge 40 - I have a Marineland C-160 canister filter, Aqueon HOB filter, and a Medium Aquarium Co-Op sponge filter. 35 rimless cube - I have a small Aquatop CAF Sponge Filter

[@jay-remedy-plz]

Placing the sponge as a pre-filter is great. HOB is my preference over canisters and sponges. I use all of the above in addition to powerheads or even a lightly stocked aquarium with no filter. That looks like a cute little addition.

[@dannyaquatics]

Thank you Ben great video. Very cool hob.

[@markfranklin8831]

Good video and comparison to the sponge filter i prefer the HOB. over all filters besides a sump. IMHO. Thanks for sharing

[@terrygorsch386]

Nice with the flow control for smaller tanks 🐠🤓🎸

[@BenOchart]

Yes, it actually would be fine for a Betta with the flow rate dialed down a bit.

[@RyanRoux]

I recently purchased one of the HOB from ACO for a 6 gallon cube. I also have some sponge filters. I like this HOB a lot. It's very quiet. I turned the knob 90 degrees to cut the flow as much as possible because of the Betta. My biggest complaint about sponge filters and the reason why I got this HOB is because of the look. Also, I don't have a lot of real estate in a 6 gallon cube and that's the second reason. Great filter though. I also hot rodded mine with ACO filter in the back and poly filter in the front. It keeps the aquarium very clean.

[@adamfrankel9857]

Nice little HOB.

[@cyndyyoungschimke5936]

Ben, I've only been fishingkeeping for two years. When I first started I succumbed to all of these filters that wanted you to replace their prefab media. Thanks to KZbinrs like yourself, I soon learned that that was not necessary. It's been a money saver for sure and honestly, I think using less expensive media actually works better.

[@BenOchart]

I agree 💯 %

[@tamera6853]

I use 2 like that in Each tank! As I pull out, I drop into Rubbermaid w tank water, then Rinse, put back.

[@trilliance]

With sponge filters, I reach in with a cup, go under the filter, get it in the cup and pull it out slowly. Helps so much with the gunk floating everywhere. I have 2 other tanks with sponges and that has always driven me nuts. The cup I use is actually not quite a "cup," but a taller wider thing lke ...i don't know, the size of something take-out rice would be? lol. I also have sponges on my intake of one of my tanks because shrimp, and I do it the same way, I just have to pull the filter off, ofc, and I do it faster pulling it out. I'm too sexy for my tank. I plan to have plants covering the area around the sponge, which will be great to hide it. There's no way I'd put a smoky filter because this is my first 'artsy" tank, so I'm going to be super attentive to the look more than my bigger ones. I've seen some clear HoB that I might think about, but I'll probably just let the sponge and plants to do the job (maybe removing the filter when the plants are heavy and established).

[@dennisruedel4620]

I think the CoOp Sponge Filters and lithium pumps are the best and quietist in the market

[@BenOchart]

They are rock solid.

[@vigilum]

Great info, thank you!!

[@BenOchart]

You’re welcome 😀👍🏻

[@tamera6853]

Oh, and 1 hob in each tank as well!

[@SlimTim_dirty_aquatics]

At the 10 minute mark, when you turned on the filter, noticed a good little swell of water. Right beside the inlet, looks as if thou could potentially work its way up to drip out. Honestly looks a lot like the Marina Slim series HOB, difference is the motor in the aquarium.

[@BenOchart]

I'm pretty sure that the overflow into the tank would prevent that. A different model I was using before would not restart (the water flow) after a flicker in power. The pump would run while the water sitting in the unit got hotter and hotter. Eventually that one burned out and this is the replacement. I'm hoping, after seeing how fast and strongly the Finnex fills up, that if there's a short power outage and I'm not around, it will restart and flow back into the tank and not overheat.

[@joeyryan5389]

Ben Flowchart!!!

[@stephenwhite4999]

I have been seeing a lot of reviews of the Finnex 7 and they say it is the same model as the former Finnex 5 and the flow rate is not as advertised but the old flow rate of the Finnex 5

[@BenOchart]

I wonder if anyone has tested that flow rate, like how fast can it fill a 5 gallon bucket. My initial impression is that this unit has a very strong flow that might need to be turned (and certainly would be if I had a Betta in there).

[@jonas2431]

I love using marine pure blocks and carbon

[@BenOchart]

MarinePure is legit (but I've gotten great results with it and without it, so I'm not sure how vital it is in my types of tanks).

[@jonas2431]

@BenOchart I have a 50 gallon tank and it keeps it so clean along with the carbon.

[@AQUARIUMFREAK123]

if you really like a SPONGE FILTER and dont want the after flow of trying to remove it without making a mess.. Then place a sponge inside of a BOX FILTER... now you can handle it without accidentally squeezing all of the crap out of it..... BOX FILTERS