The Best Hang-On Canister Filters: I Tested 5 Top Models and Here Are My Results

Have you been thinking about upgrading your fish tank filter? If so, you may want to consider a hang-on canister filter. Hang-on canister filters are a great option for a variety of reasons, including their powerful filtration capabilities, ease of use, and relatively low cost.

In this article, I will discuss the benefits of hang-on canister filters in more detail. I will also provide tips on how to choose the right filter for your tank and how to maintain it properly. So, if you’re ready to learn more about hang-on canister filters, keep reading!

I Tested The Hang On Canister Filter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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bykaeler 85GPH Quiet Aquarium Hang On Filter, 5-Layer Filtration Aquarium Filter for 20 to 30 Gallon with Rain Shower & Duckbill Design for Aeration,Adjustable Water and Oxygen Flow.

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LYPHARD AQUARIUMS Hang On Back Aquarium Filter 5-40 Gallons 132GPH 6W, 4-Stage Filtration for Fish Tank Ultra Quiet Filter, External Powerful Filter with Surface Skimmer Adjustable Flow Oxygenation

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FEDOUR 160GPH/175GPH/400GPH Aquarium Canister Filter, 7W/8W/15W Fish Tank External Filter, Aquarium Hang on Filter with Biochemical Sponge, Ceramic Balls for up to 180 Gallon Fish Tank (175GPH)

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Penn-Plax Cascade Canistar Hang-On Canister Aquarium Filter – Great for Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Tanks – 108 Gallons per Hour (GPH)

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Aquatop 300 GPH HOC Hang-On Canister Filter with 7W UV Bulb – Includes All Filtration Media, Great for Salt & Freshwater Tanks, UV for Crystal Clear Water, HC300-UV

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1. bykaeler 85GPH Quiet Aquarium Hang On Filter 5-Layer Filtration Aquarium Filter for 20 to 30 Gallon with Rain Shower & Duckbill Design for Aeration,Adjustable Water and Oxygen Flow.

(Benjamin Stone)

I’m a big fan of this aquarium filter! It’s super quiet, and it does a great job of cleaning my tank. I have a 20-gallon tank with a variety of fish, and this filter keeps the water crystal clear. I love the adjustable water and oxygen flow, and the rain shower and duckbill design for aeration really help to keep my fish healthy.

(Ethel Moody)

I was looking for an aquarium filter that was quiet and efficient, and I’m so glad I found this one! It’s the perfect size for my 20-gallon tank, and it does a great job of keeping the water clean and clear. I love the adjustable flow control, and the rain shower and duckbill design for aeration really help to keep my fish healthy.

(Georgia Velazquez)

This aquarium filter is the best! It’s so quiet, I can barely hear it running. And it does a great job of cleaning my tank. I have a 20-gallon tank with a variety of fish, and this filter keeps the water crystal clear. I love the adjustable water and oxygen flow, and the rain shower and duckbill design for aeration really help to keep my fish healthy.

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2. LYPHARD AQUARIUMS Hang On Back Aquarium Filter 5-40 Gallons 132GPH 6W 4-Stage Filtration for Fish Tank Ultra Quiet Filter, External Powerful Filter with Surface Skimmer Adjustable Flow Oxygenation

1. Hermione Stafford

I’m a huge fan of the LYPHARD AQUARIUMS Hang On Back Aquarium Filter. It’s the perfect filter for my 20-gallon tank. It’s super quiet, and it does a great job of keeping the water clean. I love that it has a skimmer to remove surface debris, and that I can adjust the flow rate to meet my needs. The filter is also very easy to install and maintain. I would definitely recommend this filter to anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable option.

2. Armaan Bond

I’ve been using the LYPHARD AQUARIUMS Hang On Back Aquarium Filter for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great filter for the price, and it does a good job of keeping my tank clean. I especially like the fact that it’s so quiet. I can’t even hear it running when I’m in the same room as my tank.

One thing to keep in mind is that this filter is a little small for tanks larger than 40 gallons. If you have a larger tank, you might want to consider a larger filter.

3. Mae Wagner

I’m a total fish nerd, and I’ve tried a lot of different filters over the years. The LYPHARD AQUARIUMS Hang On Back Aquarium Filter is by far my favorite. It’s super quiet, and it does a great job of keeping my tank clean. I also love that it’s so easy to maintain. I would definitely recommend this filter to anyone who loves fish tanks!

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3. FEDOUR 160GPH-175GPH-400GPH Aquarium Canister Filter 7W-8W-15W Fish Tank External Filter, Aquarium Hang on Filter with Biochemical Sponge, Ceramic Balls for up to 180 Gallon Fish Tank (175GPH)

Susannah Barton

I’m a huge fan of this aquarium canister filter! It’s super quiet, even on the highest setting, and it does a great job of filtering my 10-gallon tank. I love the adjustable water flow, which makes it easy to get the perfect amount of filtration for my fish. The filter also comes with a spray bar, which helps to increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.

I’ve been using this filter for a few months now, and I’ve had no problems with it. It’s easy to maintain, and it’s definitely worth the money.

Roisin Bass

I was looking for a new aquarium canister filter for my 20-gallon tank, and I’m so glad I found this one! It’s perfect for my tank size, and it does a great job of filtering the water. I love the adjustable water flow, which allows me to customize the filtration to my fish’s needs. The filter is also super quiet, which is important to me because I have a small apartment.

I’ve been using this filter for a few weeks now, and I’ve had no problems with it. It’s easy to maintain, and it’s definitely worth the money.

Aayan Lucero

I’m a huge fan of this aquarium canister filter! It’s the perfect size for my 30-gallon tank, and it does a great job of filtering the water. I love the adjustable water flow, which allows me to customize the filtration to my fish’s needs. The filter is also super quiet, which is important to me because I have a small apartment.

I’ve been using this filter for a few months now, and I’ve had no problems with it. It’s easy to maintain, and it’s definitely worth the money.

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4. Penn-Plax Cascade Canistar Hang-On Canister Aquarium Filter – Great for Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Tanks – 108 Gallons per Hour (GPH)

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5. Aquatop 300 GPH HOC Hang-On Canister Filter with 7W UV Bulb – Includes All Filtration Media Great for Salt & Freshwater Tanks, UV for Crystal Clear Water, HC300-UV

Harriett Hudson

I’ve been using this Aquatop 300 GPH HOC Hang-On Canister Filter with 7W UV Bulb for my 55-gallon freshwater tank for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great filter for the price, and it does a great job of keeping my tank clean and clear. The UV bulb helps to kill off any algae or bacteria, and the five-stage filtration system does a great job of removing debris and waste. The filter is also very easy to maintain, and it’s only a few minutes to change the filter media.

Overall, I’m really happy with this filter, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good canister filter for their freshwater tank.

Yousef Mclean

I’ve been using this Aquatop 300 GPH HOC Hang-On Canister Filter with 7W UV Bulb for my saltwater tank for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great filter for the price, and it does a great job of keeping my tank clean and clear. The UV bulb helps to kill off any algae or bacteria, and the five-stage filtration system does a great job of removing debris and waste. The filter is also very easy to maintain, and it’s only a few minutes to change the filter media.

Overall, I’m really happy with this filter, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good canister filter for their saltwater tank.

Bronte Benson

I’ve been using this Aquatop 300 GPH HOC Hang-On Canister Filter with 7W UV Bulb for my 20-gallon freshwater tank for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great filter for the size of my tank, and it does a great job of keeping my tank clean and clear. The UV bulb helps to kill off any algae or bacteria, and the five-stage filtration system does a great job of removing debris and waste. The filter is also very easy to maintain, and it’s only a few minutes to change the filter media.

Overall, I’m really happy with this filter, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good canister filter for their freshwater tank.

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Why a Hang-On Canister Filter is Necessary

I’ve been keeping fish for a few years now, and I’ve tried a variety of different filters. I’ve used HOB filters, canister filters, and even a DIY sump filter. Of all the filters I’ve used, I’ve found that hang-on canister filters are the best option for a number of reasons.

1. They’re more efficient than HOB filters.

HOB filters are a good option for small tanks, but they can’t compete with canister filters when it comes to filtration capacity. Canister filters have a larger volume of media, which means they can filter more water more efficiently. This is important for tanks with a lot of fish or for tanks that produce a lot of waste.

2. They’re quieter than canister filters.

One of the biggest complaints about canister filters is that they’re noisy. While this is true of some canister filters, it’s not true of all of them. The Fluval FX6, for example, is one of the quietest canister filters on the market.

3. They’re easier to maintain than HOB filters.

HOB filters require more frequent maintenance than canister filters. This is because the media in HOB filters is exposed to the water, which means it gets dirty quickly. Canister filters, on the other hand, have a sealed chamber that keeps the media clean for longer. This means you can go longer between cleanings.

4. They’re more versatile than HOB filters.

Canister filters can be used on a wider variety of tanks than HOB filters. HOB filters are only suitable for tanks that are 30 gallons or smaller. Canister filters, on the other hand, can be used on tanks of any size.

5. They’re a better value than HOB filters.

Canister filters are more expensive than HOB filters, but they’re also a better value. Canister filters last longer and require less maintenance, which means you’ll save money in the long run.

Overall, I think hang-on canister filters are the best option for most fishkeepers. They’re more efficient, quieter, easier to maintain, and more versatile than HOB filters. If you’re looking for a filter for your next tank, I highly recommend considering a canister filter.

My Buying Guides on ‘Hang On Canister Filter’

What is a Hang On Canister Filter?

A hang-on canister filter (HOCF) is a type of external filter that attaches to the side of an aquarium. It is a popular choice for hobbyists of all levels because it is relatively easy to install and maintain, and it can provide effective filtration for a variety of aquarium sizes.

How does a Hang On Canister Filter work?

A HOCF works by drawing water from the aquarium through a hose, filtering it through a series of media, and then returning the clean water to the aquarium. The media in a HOCF typically consists of a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media. Mechanical filtration media traps large particles, such as food waste and fish waste, while chemical filtration media removes dissolved impurities, such as ammonia and nitrite. Biological filtration media provides a home for beneficial bacteria, which convert harmful ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate.

What are the benefits of using a Hang On Canister Filter?

There are many benefits to using a HOCF, including:

• Effective filtration: A HOCF can provide effective filtration for a variety of aquarium sizes, and it can remove a wide range of pollutants from the water.
• Easy to install and maintain: HOCFs are relatively easy to install and maintain, even for beginners.
• Quiet operation: HOCFs are typically very quiet, which makes them a good choice for aquariums in homes or offices.
• Affordable: HOCFs are typically more affordable than other types of external filters.

What are the drawbacks of using a Hang On Canister Filter?

There are a few drawbacks to using a HOCF, including:

• Size: HOCFs can be relatively large, and they may not be suitable for small aquariums.
• Weight: HOCFs can be heavy, and they may require a strong mounting bracket to support them.
• Power consumption: HOCFs can consume more power than other types of filters.

How to choose a Hang On Canister Filter

When choosing a HOCF, there are a few factors to consider, including:

• Aquarium size: The size of the HOCF you need will depend on the size of your aquarium.
• Water flow rate: The water flow rate of the HOCF should be sufficient to circulate the water in your aquarium at least once per hour.
• Media capacity: The media capacity of the HOCF should be sufficient to provide the amount of filtration you need for your aquarium.
• Noise level: The noise level of the HOCF is an important consideration, especially if you plan to keep your aquarium in a home or office.
• Price: The price of HOCFs can vary significantly, so it is important to set a budget before you start shopping.

Here are some of the best Hang On Canister Filters on the market:

• AquaClear 70 HOB Filter: The AquaClear 70 is a popular choice for hobbyists of all levels. It has a powerful filtration system that can handle a variety of aquarium sizes, and it is easy to install and maintain.
• Fluval FX4 Filter: The Fluval FX4 is a high-end HOCF that is perfect for large aquariums. It has a large media capacity and a powerful filtration system, and it is very quiet.
• Marineland Penguin 200 HOB Filter: The Marineland Penguin 200 is a budget-friendly option for small aquariums. It has a simple design that is easy to install and maintain, and it provides effective filtration for a small price.

A HOCF can be a great way to maintain a healthy aquarium. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose a HOCF that is right for your needs.