How To Customize a Hang On Back (HOB) Aquarium Filter - Tutorial

I made this tutorial for a member of fishlore.com who is new to the fish keeping hobby and has questions about her Top Fin HOB (Hang On Back) filter. I hope this is helpful.
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[@crystaldawn2708]

Thank you so much! Trying to read random forum posts about this subject was terribly confusing and this video covered every single question I had, including what order everything should go in! You're a gem, sir!!!

[@Urgletizer]

Thank you for posting this! I’ve been wanting to change from a filter cartridge to this style of filter media but couldn’t find a way to do it without completely ruining the cycle. Your’s is the only explanation I’ve seen that gives advice on doing that.

[@sharmisai]

Watched a bunch of videos on why throwing away filter cartridge is bad for your tank. But this is the first video where I saw instructions on how to transfer the existing bacterial colony to your new setup. Very useful for a rookie like me. Thank you.

[@neilmartin99]

If you have an established tank, I wouldn't worry too much about preserving old media and cartridges. There are tons of beneficial bacteria residing on pretty much every surface in your tank. Good luck in your fish endeavors.

[@ThomasDillon-z6u]

This is good advice. I have been keeping aquariums for over 50 years. In order to maintain my beneficial bacteria I have Incorporated Driftwood into all of my tanks.

[@Raegan1616]

OMG!!! This is amazing! I have been struggling with how to do this. You broke it down so well. Thank you!

[@kristahouston4743]

Thank you so much for this! I watched this about a wk ago, ordered everything and am changing everything over tonight. Best video with easy to follow instructions

[@theresaabshire711]

Great video & very easy directions. I've been doing this for about a year now. Very cost effective & a lot better for the tank/fish !

[@KurlySillage]

only person I know with the information I needed thank goodness .. only thing is it took so long for me to find it ..

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

You’re not the first person to tell me this video took a while to find. If you don’t mind me asking, what were some of the failed searches you made before eventually finding this information? I can add search terms to make this more accessible.

[@KurlySillage]

@@JeremyGoneWildPets i was specifically searching for optimizing hang on back fish tank filter or modifying a top fin hang back filter .. or DIY filter .. "pimp my filter" something like that

[@CasualKarma]

@@JeremyGoneWildPets I had the same experience, thank you so much for explaining how to keep my cycle going. For the record, I was looking up "replace filter cartridge with reusable media lose cycle" and sometimes threw the word aquarium in there since covid made instances of the word "filter" skyrocket, and sometimes replaced "lose" with "keep". All the other videos talked about how it was a good idea, and even explained what to do, but you're the only one who talked about keeping the cycle.

[@manoelgarbuio]

Nice video.. I’ll give a shot. Question, when cleaning this modified filter, what is the recommendation to keep the beneficial bacteria?

[@jlaurel71]

I was wondering the same thing

[@natenishi1283]

I'm new to tanks and I've been getting lots of info off the net and Tube. I've been unsure on filter systems and you've explained it in a way I understand lol. thanks

[@factsoverfeelings1776]

Just make sure that the "stuffed animal fluff" you purchase is not treated with chemicals. They often are to keep mold from growing.

[@felixgunner9538]

you probably dont care but if you are bored like me during the covid times then you can watch pretty much all the latest movies on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last few weeks :)

[@trippdennis5773]

@Felix Gunner Yup, been watching on InstaFlixxer for since december myself :)

[@whitechin99]

Good point. And some floss is treated with fire retardant

[@cindy1274]

U explain so well thank you! It cost sooo much for cartridges this will help. I subscribed your a keeper.

[@Mrico2331]

Hey man, thanks for the tips on modify my filter. My water couldn’t be any clear. You’re the best.

[@Sjen-jb7zk]

By saying the beneficial bacteria only lives in the filter media is not necessarily true. It also exists in other areas of the filter and especially in the substrate..

[@slimsqde7397]

yea itd not true at all

[@highwayprisoner3539]

First video I’ve seen of yours and immediately subscribed because this is the only video that I’ve found that explained how to switch from cartridges to a build your own kit. great video, extremely helpful! Thank you 🙏

[@mattreichenberg309]

JUST got done doing something very very similar to the Top Fin filter my girlfriend bought for her fancy Goldfish! Great video

[@PrakArry84]

Thank you so much for posting this video. This has been really helpful to replace my filter media with reusable media.

[@tikitessie]

Thank you so much for this walk through! Filmed nicely, easy to understand. Looking forward to upgrading my cartridge filter.

[@UNSPOK3NMENAC3]

so will there ever be a time where i'll have to replace anything in the filter once I use all of this stuff?

[@tinacorrine5392]

THANK YOU!! How often to you replace the filter sponge and filter floss?

[@ethelindamorte921]

You don’t replace the sponge, you rinse it in aquarium water (your tanks water) every so often

[@timhiland3908]

Can also cut the top of the cartridge with an exacto knife or a razor blade, empty the old carbon replace with new carbon, then use a rubber band to keep it closed. I've been doing it for years never buy a cartridge until it rots or can't be cleaned. I like the media you used fore the bacteria (sugar cube shaped things) lots of surface area for bacteria. Nice video thank you.

[@silllykitten329]

Thank you so much for this video! My nitrites are out of control, and my local fish store helped me figure out it was due to that topfin cartridge crashing my cycle!

[@ZombifiedWatermelon]

I habe a variety of AquaClear and SeaChem Tidal HOB's (the SeaChems are slowly replacing the AquaClears) and on all of them I run a prefilter sponge on the intake tube for mechanical filtration. This lets me use the whole filter body for bio filtration using ceramic ring media in a couple of netbags.

[@lovemycollies]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the great tutorial!!

[@neilmartin99]

Doesn't the water on this filter flow from back to front? Not so sure if going from bottom to top with the media is the best thing. Not sure though.😀

[@valkeriejones3818]

Bless you, bless you! This is exactly what i needed

[@Lord_Giygas]

Hell yeah! Thank YOU!

[@mign2818]

Also can u do this with the tiny filers that 10 gallon tanks come with also? Have a betta in a 10gallon and goldfish in a 36 with a topfin filter that looks like yours

[@cjalexanderjr8811]

Does Petco or PetSmart sell those mesh bags?

[@gbrown3783]

Yes

[@dandiefenbaker6750]

With this type of setup how often do you need to replace media/filterfloss/sponge? I know with the cartridges it requires a monthly change due to the carbon going bad. So im just curious how long this lasts and how to keep up with the maintenance for a DYI type filter so that I can continue to be successful.

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Dan Diefenbaker the sponge and the bio media should never be changed, just rinsed in old tank water. The filter floss should only be changed when it starts to fall apart. It too can be rinsed but it’s a little more difficult to rinse.

[@dandiefenbaker6750]

@@JeremyGoneWildPets Thank you, When do you rinse the sponges out? When they get full of junk?(about every month)? Does this allow for the beneficial bacteria to stay in the sponge when rinsing in old tank water and also helps to remove all the excess junk|? This has been very helpful!

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Dan Diefenbaker rinsing in old tank water “as needed” gets rid of the junk and debris without exposing the sponge to the chlorine that is found in tap water. So the beneficial bacteria is still very much alive and in tact due to not being exposed to chlorine. I usually rinse my sponges once every month or two depending on how heavily stocked the tank is. As I have several tanks, some are more heavily stocked than others. But I have been using the same sponges and bio media for over two years.

[@dandiefenbaker6750]

@@JeremyGoneWildPets Thank you this is exactly the information I was looking for! Really appreciate the amount of time you put into answering my questions and I can't wait to try this myself!

[@madisonarmstrong2397]

Super helpful video, conveniently with the same HOB filter I have. Thanks for making it!

[@cindywood2089]

Hi Jeremy... I have a tetra whisper 20 hang on the back filter. I am wanting to get rid of the bio carbon bag that came with it and I'm going to take your advice. However, I have a mesh bag filled with purigen in there currently. Can I use the ceramic beads and the purigen together? Mine doesn't stack like the filter you showed mine is front to back. So, should I put the filter sponge, then Polly fill, then the ceramic beads and then the Purigen?

[@komarpineda4192]

Gotta say. It's been a nice informational video to learn a trick or two. Unhappy with the comments about the tripod situation, because when he put the stand by on, it went from interesting to funny to once again interesting or informative. All productions need comic relief scenes. Good job sir. Now these days babies diapers are changed for new, when good bacteria stayed on those that yah mama or grandma rewashed. Got my point? Ahh. Ahhh- shooooe!!! 😂

[@hahapink]

Straight forward explanation. This is such a great video

[@mkey6226]

Thank you for the info! Much appreciated.

[@enigma533]

Can we use pillow wool instead of filter floss

[@gigishaw6157]

How often do you change the sponges and floss?

[@sugarpop2883]

So, with this reusable method, do you ever need to rinse or replace the filter floss?

[@MadMike78]

Once you cut it out, how long do you keep it in the tank before you can remove just the old carbon?

[@TheWinger1008]

Perfect! JI just bought the Top Fin 36gal kit and was wondering how to make the filter better. Off to the pet store I go! :-)

[@Keepingitreal815]

Thanks just the video I’ve been looking for!!!!!!

[@titi511sis]

Omg I just spent 2hrs looking up video and finally yours answered all my questions and gave me ideas ( and saved me a bunch$$$$$) thank you 🙏

[@sleepytASMR]

This was amazing!!!

[@MadMike78]

Great video. One thing a lot of videos don't say is how to transfer the bio over to the new filter.

[@tori5315]

so like with the stuffed animal fluff type stuff, when you clean the tank do you just rinse it with tank water or replace it after a while or what

[@Nat_theBlackWidow]

Do I have to use multiple different kinds of media? Could I only use sponge?

[@alexandermolina8747]

Nice video. In minute 6:07, you indicate to cut the filter floss from old cartridge. After removing the carbon and rinsing it in old tank water, do we reuse that carbon in the new setup or do we fold the old cartridge in half with the rinsed carbon and stick that between the new filter floss and biomedia? My original and new cartridge has been running for a little over 5 weeks. My new tank is still approaching the last phase of its cycle. I though carbon goes bad after 4 weeks and can harm your water?

[@neilmartin99]

You don't really need the carbon in your tank. Also, the blue cartridge holder is made to house bacteria. In short, just toss the dirty cartridge away and you should be just fine.

[@laurithom3081]

Great video!! Can you tell me about anything I can put in the filter to filter out the ammonia also?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Ammonia is removed by cycling the tank. There is no type of media that removes ammonia without cycling the tank.

[@Mjuxtapose03]

Meaning water change?

[@dedanthomas9921]

I did learn something thnk you

[@ARVICKTO]

Do we change this every month or no

[@XorbesYT]

Amazing video, this really helped me out. Do you have to clean it every once in a while with dechlorinated water or is it ok without being cleaned? Thanks!

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Yeah it definitely gets cleaned every month. It gets clogged if you don’t clean it

[@josieh5361]

Thanks for this. I may have missed it but how often would you need to change the "fluff" or can it be cleaned & re-used?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

I just clean it and reuse it until it starts falling apart.

[@josieh5361]

@@JeremyGoneWildPets Thanks!

[@sandycuza7784]

To save some hassle, can you just throw that old cartridge in the tank for a few days to keep the beneficial bacteria when you switch to a diy filter?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Yes. I’ve done that

[@danielwu4825]

how often that you change the filtration?

[@keba1126]

This is the exact video I was looking for. As someone who started a tank with the hang over & carbon & lost a few fish at the start & had to do a 75% water change after a day; I ordered some media & sponges & I’m going to switch it up when they come. Nice to know to keep the floss from the carbon cartridge cause I would’ve just tossed it. After the switch, how long will that floss be good for & can it eventually be tossed after the tank gets acclimated to the sponge/media method? And those are basically used forever & only rinsed every month or so in used tank or treated water?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

I generally keep the floss until it starts to literally fall apart. It can be cleaned in old tank water along with the bio media and the sponge. As for how often you clean the media, that depends on how heavily stocked the tank is.

[@keba1126]

@@JeremyGoneWildPets My tank is either 10-12 gallons & only has 5 Glofish. I lost some fish the first couple of days & replaced those fish (as a beginner I didn't know what was wrong) & did a big water change & all of the new fish have survived & the water has tested good according to the testing strips I have & the fish are still doing good. I ordered the sponges & Fluval Biomax media that should be coming soon. So when those come, do I replace the carbon filter with the sponge & bio media but keep the floss? Does the bio media have to go in a mesh bag? I appreciate the help.

[@Karla-rb5jg]

Would this be safe to use with my aqueon quiet flo filter?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

I use this method with my Aqueon Quiet Flow filter so yeah. You just have to clean the media regularly to keep it from clogging.

[@Karla-rb5jg]

@@JeremyGoneWildPets how often?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

@@Karla-rb5jg I usually clean it every 2 months. It depends on the bio load of the tank

[@rosun2778]

How long do you leave the old carbon cartridge in with the new media?

[@NomNomNom]

Love the video. would I ever need to replace any part of the filter?

[@neilmartin99]

Only the floss gets changed. Change it when it gets gunky or if your filter starts to back up with water. The other media he mentioned only gets rinsed off every few weeks but not at the same time.

[@drynalove8184]

Very helpful thanks

[@brooklynreed3685]

Thank you for this!! Can you post a video or tell me how to change it out and when you would do that?

[@mandibles0322]

Super helpful and informative video, thanks!!! Also, when replacing the filter floss should I keep some of the old stuff so it doesn’t lose that beneficial bacteria or is completely changing it okay?

[@claywilkins9527]

Nice video! I set mine up with sponge and filter floss after removing their cartridge then I put bio rings on top, but now I am wondering if it is just hitting the bio rings and going straight out... Wish I could send a short video of it to you. Or do you have any experience customizing an Aqueon 20?

[@theredriverreaper3762]

Clay don't overthink it. What u wrote in your message is perfect! Only change what you are doing if it goes wrong. I have nearly a dozen tanks and a decade of experience. Some filters I only put bio rings in. Some tanks I use no bio rings. U can use crushed lava rock, and even gravel! Believe it or not they all work amazing

[@marishere]

how often should you change out the filter? Or which parts should you change?

[@alissatyau849]

Finally it makes sense! Thanks!

[@loganb1996]

Ok so when cleaning the filter items. Do I need to change out the filter floss with new filter floss? Or do I just have to wash the filter floss out in bucket of tank water and put it back in?

[@kirkhubbard1227]

Can you do this along with the carbon filter? Is that overdoing it?

[@neilmartin99]

You really do not need the carbon in your filter at all. I would skip that.

[@songbirdmedows]

This video was very helpful for me. I have only had a 20 gallon aquarium for a few years and I am moving up to a 50 gallon. I am still a little confused though on cutting open the old filter and replacing it into this new set up. And I’m not sure what to do after this new set up needs to be cleaned? Do I remove everything I just rinse it out in aquarium water and replace it or do I replace it all with new?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

I clean it all in aquarium water and only replace things when they start falling apart

[@luciancorvus9992]

If I may ask ... are you retiring the 20g and moving your fish to the 50? Or running both (it is always a good thing to have a emergency tank!). I've always kept a small 'utility' hob (5-20g) and used the cartridge as a bag for periodic activated carbon treatments (phosphate for saltwater) or as a substitute filter until I repair or replace the main hob. Hope this is helpful .... cheers!

[@conniesue2482]

Could you tell me would it be ok if a person don't have the light that goes in the left hand corner? That uses LED Battery s ?

[@davidwayman3121]

Ok so how often do i need to take everything out and clean it.

[@brianarothrock5956]

Been looking for this exact information! Thank you!!!!!

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

I'm glad I was able to help!

[@papinskiHax]

Great tutorial!! Just curious how often this should be changed, or is this kind of end game? Lol thank you in advance

[@shaynemitchell5180]

Simple to understand, thanks mate

[@Moonlight76876]

Fantastic Thanks for sharing 💙

[@Jessica_Crease87]

Do u actually need the carbon?

[@VentroLan]

If I did this set up, would I have to replace the sponge every few weeks?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

No you just clean it in old tank water

[@katrielbarlis4330]

May I ask if a hob filter can suck up all fish poops or just the poops near the intake?

[@janahorton713]

How often does the stuffing, bottom sponge and bio rings need to be changed?

[@KW-fe5ye]

Finally some answers. I unfortunately have a top fin as well lol very informative thanks you!!! 4/11/2020

[@TheHimElGuerro]

What do you replace when changing?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Nothing. I just clean and reuse.

[@wendygiddens2757]

What is the upkeep? How do you clean it or what parts do you change out and how often?

[@steakinbacon8593]

So aside from the floss would I find the bio rings, sponge, and mesh bag at petsmart that's the closest pet store I have near me otherwise I would be traveling 2 hours just to get to a pet store

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Yes you can get the bio media and mesh bag at PetSmart

[@pointnozzleaway]

does all this extra filtering make the pump work harder & maybe overheat ?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

I haven’t noticed any issues with the pump and I’ve been running my tanks like this for 2 years.

[@yoselinc4721]

Great video thank you

[@718imag]

Thank you so much for this. J wanted to ask. Why not just get a canister filter.. whats you take on it and also us there more other ways to hook up your filter =)

[@Aka_honeymoon]

Could I start cycling my tank with this filter you modified or should start with a carbin package?

[@hallehuckleberry]

i hope you’re still responding to comments! so if i cut off pieces of the dirty cartridge bag, gently swish it in dechlorinated water (to rinse off the carbon), put it in between the filter floss and media, is it safe to start using my filter immediately? or do i still need to cycle it? (i’m sorry if this is a stupid question, i’d just really like to know.) right now i’m sort of in a dire situation... i put a lot of new plants in my tank and there’s bacterial bloom. my carbon has expired so i have my filter unplugged (probably why i have bacterial bloom). i hope i can get an answer soon! today i’m going to change the water (i’m thinking a 50% water change) because i think that will help my situation.

[@sarge6870]

I've watched a lot of videos about rigging up your filter. I don't agree with any of them nor this one. I have an Aqueon QuietFlow 20 LED Pro. I tried removing the cartridge and replacing with other media and here's the issue. HOB's have overflows for when the water at the filter gets clogged and it backs up into the receiving tank. It then overflows into the FRONT of the cartridge and right back into the tank doing nothing to filter that water. All this media in the filter reduces the flow in the filter causing it to overflow like I mentioned. It also causes the filter return to be lower into the tank. To each his own but for me, the filters are designed a certain way for a reason.

[@TheCupfulBoy]

Do all water filter's water intake raise from the bottom or from the intake pipe side?

[@joebidengaming8843]

That I have no idea and it’s exactly what I’m trying to find out rn

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Some filters may be different. But all of the HOB filters I have used have worked this way, and I've had probably 9 or 10 different ones over the years.

[@2010YYfish]

awesome video, thank you! very helpful

[@timrussell89]

Nice video, however that blue plastic grid in the filter is also meant to be surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow on so that you don't lose the cycle when replacing the cartridge. I've never lost my cycle throwing away cartridges or filter floss. Its not as much surface area as sponge or ceramic but thats what it is made to do.That said reusable media is nice. With cartridges you pay for convenience. Its just a matter of whether someone is willing to pay for it or not. Kind of like paying 2 dollars for a 2 liter drink at the gas station because it is convenient and avoids you having to go to walmart to get it for 99 cent lol. Either way nice instructional video. Not disagreeing with you at all, hope this isn't taken the wrong way. Just offering my opinion as well!

[@Aliholic]

Another good "optimization" would be adding a round sponge on the intake of the filter (the tube that sucks water), especially if there are any floating plants! Fish love nobbling on the tiny food particles on it

[@juli8vdberg562]

I use cottonpads instead of filterflos! Same cottonpaddies I use to remove make-up or clean skin etc

[@fuzzywigschickenemporium]

Thanks for the video I've been looking for a way to hotrod my topfin filter!

[@mt.julietchristianacademyl4163]

I did this but mine is a topfin10, so I tossed the blue thingy. Is that OK? It all fits well now, sponge, cut up floss from old filter pad, then ceramic rings....

[@AmazimEscapes]

For this setup.. How often do I have to change the black sponge and white filter fibre?

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

I just clean them. The sponge never has to be replaced. The filter fiber gets replaced when it can no longer be cleaned

[@AmazimEscapes]

@@JeremyGoneWildPets thanks I'll give this a shot. I'm using the exact model of this HOB

[@Unknownagitation]

Thank you so much I’m new to keeping fish so this helps a lot

[@rosun2778]

Hi I was wondering if I could just use sponge and bio rings only or do I have to add the filter floss as well? Thank you!

[@z.c8108]

Ro Sun honestly, I don’t think you need the filter floss, you can also be fine without bio media and just a sponge, but fill the filter to the top with sponge, I wouldn’t use carbon if you had live plants.

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

If you want to skip out on the filter floss thats fine. However you want to do it is fine. This is just what worked for me

[@brucekent7442]

Jeremy did I get you right when u sd the activated carbon only lasts a month? Because i got a 15G tank with a slim HOB with 680l/hr flow...and its has limited space for Bio media...😭😭😭 cartridges are too damn expensive..what do i do a month is up

[@loganb1996]

So how long do I wait to clean the filter items out? Month? 2 months?

[@neilmartin99]

Depends on how much load your tank has in terms of fish and how much you feed them. I would check around once a month though.

[@heinzhubbuch9409]

I PUT MY BIO MEDIA AT THE BOTTOM THEN THE SPUNGE AND THE POLISH FIBER ON TOP AND ITS BEEN WORKING JUST FINE FOR ME FOR OVER 20 YEARS!!