Uploaded February 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Find out how I rank my 2 favorite filters for a nano tank that holds 20 gallons or less.
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🛒 MATERIALS I USED
(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from the links below. Also, I work for Aquarium Co-Op but do not receive commissions from their links.)
▶ Hang-on-back (HOB) filter: amzn.to/3qQwcXN
▶ Pre-filter sponge (to prevent fry from entering filter): aquariumcoop.com/collections/sponge-filters
▶ Foam filter media (for mechanical filtration): amzn.to/37IK7HR
▶ Bio rings (for biological filtration): amzn.to/2NAmRF5
▶ Purigen (for chemical filtration): amzn.to/37DTiJG
▶ Filter floss (for fine mechanical filtration): aquariumcoop.com/products/fine-poly-pad
▶ Sponge filter: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-coarse-sponge-filter
▶ Air stone: aquariumcoop.com/products/never-clog-air-stone
▶ Airline tubing: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-black-airline-tubing
▶ Check valve: aquariumcoop.com/products/check-valve
▶ USB nano air pump: aquariumcoop.com/products/usb-nano-air-pump
▶ Aquatop AP-50 air pump: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquatop-air-pump
▶ USB battery supply (for power outages): amzn.to/37JrFPp
📚 RESOURCES
▶ The BEST Aquarium Filter for BEGINNERS? youtu.be/InbCavlRaGs
▶ How to Install a Sponge Filter + 3 Bonus Tips: youtu.be/BS7gIHUkhuo
▶ How to Clean a Sponge Filter + 3 Bonus Tips: youtu.be/AxX3Byy7cAg
▶ How My HOB Filter Flooded My Hardwood Floors: youtu.be/rhQTGdiWuRs
▶ Noisy Aquarium Air Pump FIX That Actually Works! youtu.be/3JNcwZC-1To
🦐 EXTRAS
▶ Instagram: instagram.com/girltalksfish
▶ Merch store: teespring.com/stores/girltalksfish
ATTRIBUTION
Music from Epidemic Sound: epidemicsound.com/referral/2earpi (if you use my referral link, I get 1 month free 😀)
0:00 Comparison of hang-on-back vs. sponge filters for nano tanks
0:32 Cost comparison
1:44 Appearance and noise level
4:09 Ease of filter installation
4:46 Filtration effectiveness and customization
7:08 Ease of filter maintenance
7:45 Lack of problems with sponge vs. HOB filters
10:23 Robustness and lifespan of filters
11:22 Final results of HOB and sponge filter comparison
#girltalksfish #nanofish #plantedaquarium
Find out how I rank my 2 favorite filters for a nano tank that holds 20 gallons or less.
🐟 SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss my latest video: youtube.com/channel/UCNoNEF64ijgxK6OSTwdHOFA?sub_confirmation=1
🌿 BECOME A MEMBER for bonus content: youtube.com/channel/UCNoNEF64ijgxK6OSTwdHOFA/join
🛒 MATERIALS I USED
(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from the links below. Also, I work for Aquarium Co-Op but do not receive commissions from their links.)
▶ Hang-on-back (HOB) filter: amzn.to/3qQwcXN
▶ Pre-filter sponge (to prevent fry from entering filter): aquariumcoop.com/collections/sponge-filters
▶ Foam filter media (for mechanical filtration): amzn.to/37IK7HR
▶ Bio rings (for biological filtration): amzn.to/2NAmRF5
▶ Purigen (for chemical filtration): amzn.to/37DTiJG
▶ Filter floss (for fine mechanical filtration): aquariumcoop.com/products/fine-poly-pad
▶ Sponge filter: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-coarse-sponge-filter
▶ Air stone: aquariumcoop.com/products/never-clog-air-stone
▶ Airline tubing: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-black-airline-tubing
▶ Check valve: aquariumcoop.com/products/check-valve
▶ USB nano air pump: aquariumcoop.com/products/usb-nano-air-pump
▶ Aquatop AP-50 air pump: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquatop-air-pump
▶ USB battery supply (for power outages): amzn.to/37JrFPp
📚 RESOURCES
▶ The BEST Aquarium Filter for BEGINNERS? youtu.be/InbCavlRaGs
▶ How to Install a Sponge Filter + 3 Bonus Tips: youtu.be/BS7gIHUkhuo
▶ How to Clean a Sponge Filter + 3 Bonus Tips: youtu.be/AxX3Byy7cAg
▶ How My HOB Filter Flooded My Hardwood Floors: youtu.be/rhQTGdiWuRs
▶ Noisy Aquarium Air Pump FIX That Actually Works! youtu.be/3JNcwZC-1To
🦐 EXTRAS
▶ Instagram: instagram.com/girltalksfish
▶ Merch store: teespring.com/stores/girltalksfish
ATTRIBUTION
Music from Epidemic Sound: epidemicsound.com/referral/2earpi (if you use my referral link, I get 1 month free 😀)
0:00 Comparison of hang-on-back vs. sponge filters for nano tanks
0:32 Cost comparison
1:44 Appearance and noise level
4:09 Ease of filter installation
4:46 Filtration effectiveness and customization
7:08 Ease of filter maintenance
7:45 Lack of problems with sponge vs. HOB filters
10:23 Robustness and lifespan of filters
11:22 Final results of HOB and sponge filter comparison
#girltalksfish #nanofish #plantedaquarium
