We Tested the Best Hang On Back Filters: Here Is Our Recommendation for Your 60cm Aquarium
Back Water Aquatics, backed by Sandeep Subramonian, is an aquascaping and aquarium design store with more than 15 years of hands-on experience in Aquariums. We don’t just sell gear; we use it, break it in, and stress-test it so you don’t have to.
🏁 Our Final Recommendation
For a standard 60cm Aquascape:
🥇 Winner: Fluval C3
- Why? The C3 is the undisputed king of filtration. Its 5-stage system offers durability and massive filter media capacity that ensures pristine water quality for heavy biolads or sensitive livestock. It is simply the best-engineered HOB on the market.
🥈 Runner Up: Shiruba PF-800
- Why? If you need raw flow and reliability, the PF-800 is a beast. It combines legendary durability with excellent flow rates and generous media capacity, making it the perfect workhorse for 60cm tanks that need strong circulation.
📊 Feature Summary: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Fluval C2 | Fluval C3 | Shiruba PF-800 | Sunsun XBL-600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Nano/Small Tanks | High Bioload 60cm | High Flow Needs | Planted Tanks (Aesthetics) |
| Flow Rate | ~450 L/h | ~580 L/h | ~800 L/h | 500 L/h |
| Filtration Type | 5-Stage (Trickle) | 5-Stage (Trickle) | Standard Mechanical/Bio | Multi-stage + Skimmer |
| Surface Skimmer | No | No | No | Yes (Integrated) |
| Bio-Media | C-Nodes (Included) | C-Nodes (Included) | Basic | Basic (Customizable) |
| Key Strength | Durability, Filter Media Capacity | Durability, Filter Media Capacity | Durability, Flow & Media Capacity | Slim Profile & Skimmer |
1. The Premium Engineer: Fluval C-Series (C3)
The Fluval C-Series is the “Rolls Royce” of HOB filters. Unlike standard filters that just push water through a sponge, the C-Series uses a 5-stage filtration system typically found in high-end canisters.
- Best Feature: The “Trickle Chamber” filled with C-Nodes provides biological filtration that is unmatched in this category.
- For 60cm Tanks: We recommend the Fluval C3. While the C2 is good, the C3 provides that extra turnover rate (580 L/h) necessary to keep a 60cm tank pristine, especially if you are stocking it well. The flow control allows you to dial it back if needed.
- Verdict: If budget isn’t an issue and you want pristine water quality, this is it.
2. The Reliable Workhorse: Shiruba Hang On Back Filters (PF-800)
Shiruba (Made in Taiwan) has a cult following for a reason. They aren’t flashy, but they refuse to quit.
- Best Feature: Durability and transparency. You can easily see when the media needs cleaning without opening it up. The motor is legendary for lasting years without noise issues.
- For 60cm Tanks: The Shiruba PF-800 is our pick here. It offers a robust flow rate that ensures no dead spots in your 60cm tank, which is critical for preventing algae in aquascapes.
- Verdict: The “Buy It For Life” option. It’s quiet, efficient, and practically indestructible.
3. The Modern Aesthetic: Sunsun XBL Series (XBL-600)
Sunsun has stepped up their game with the XBL series. These are designed to look like miniature stainless-steel canisters but hang conveniently on the back.
- Best Feature: The Integrated Surface Skimmer. It automatically removes that annoying oily film from the water surface, keeping your gas exchange efficient and your view clear.
- For 60cm Tanks: The Sunsun XBL-600 is perfect. It has a slim profile that disappears behind your hardscape and provides a robust 500L/h flow.
- Verdict: Best value for money. You get a skimmer and a filter in one sleek package.
