hygger External Hang-On-Back Canister Filter

The hygger External Hang-On-Back Canister Filter, model HG108, is an 8W filter for 40 – 60 gallon tanks. The filter box sits outside the tank, and only the intake pipe goes inside. It can hang on the rim or sit next to the tank.

How water flows

The pump pulls dirty water from the bottom of the intake pipe, while a small amount comes in through the oil skimmer port at the surface. Water passes through three filter media, then returns through the outlet pipe.

Three outlets

• Rain shower pipe, which spreads flow across the surface and adds oxygen.
• Duckbill head, which you can aim to direct flow.
• Straight outlet, for a strong direct stream.

Quiet and protected

The pump sits on the cover, outside the water, so the motor doesn’t vibrate through the glass. The all-copper motor has an anti-dry burn design and shuts off if it overheats. The box is fully enclosed with fixed buckles to keep noise down.

Fit

The clamp suits glass up to 0.7inch (18mm) thick. The intake height adjusts, and a sponge cover on the bottom keeps small fish and shrimp from being pulled in.

Good for planted tanks

With only one pipe inside, there’s more room for plants and stones. It also suits fish that are skittish around motor noise.

Maintenance

Unplug the filter, lift the cover and rinse the media in tank water. Clean the intake sponge cover at the same time so flow stays strong.

Because the filter can sit beside the tank instead of hanging, it also works on tanks with a lid or rim that leaves no room for a hang-on box. Keep the box level and below the rim edge so water flows back cleanly through the outlet pipe.

Alternatives

For smaller tanks, hygger’s 5-30 gallon hang-on filter adds a waste collector. For more media volume, consider the Fluval 207.