CBG-800 5W UV Sterilizer Hang-On Back Filter, 20-50 gallon/211 GPH, Black

Filter works great and the different media chambers makes it easy to customize with your own media and the built in UV is an awesome option for UV on smaller tanks. Price was comparable to lesser filters of the same size. Runs quiet, easy to clean and keeps the water crystal clear.

I've had an odd 37gal square-ish tank for 5 years now, and it's always been a struggle with algae and clean water without breaking the bank on expensive disposable filter cartridges. A complicating factor for mine is that there is an aquaponics bed on top and it's in a corner making room above and around the tank very limited.I've had this for about 6 weeks now, I've done cleaning on it 3 times in that time (there was a LOT of algae initially), but now that it's under control it's going longer between cleanings with no problems.What I absolutely love about it:-Minimal consumables. Occasionally you can change the filter floss on top, and every so often toss out the carbon and dump some more in. But the boxes make it so you don't even need bags for the carbon, and it's a tiny rectangle of filter: perfect for buying bulk material to save money.-Easy to clean: The first time it took me 20 or 30 minutes, but now that I'm practiced it's a 5-10 min chore at most.-UV Sterilizer: the UV sterilizer is a nice touch, and I don't know if it's intentional or not, but when the filter is clean, and the tank is not generating a lot of solid waste, it only flows a small amount of water through it. If the filter plugs up, more water gets sterilized. Almost like it's self-adjusting.-Noise: it's very quiet, as long as the water level is above the skimmer. When the water level falls below the skimmer, it starts skimming air (go figure) and it makes a quite annoying sound. I wish it didn't, but it motivates me to add water.-Pickup tube: it comes with an extension tube that makes it able to reach deeper in the tank than any other filter I've ever had.

The UV bulb worked about 18 months, which is fine, but I could not find a replacement. I found three that fit the fixture but would not light up. Lack of a timer or replacement bulb make this less desirable than a discrete unit. The flow control O-rings lasted about two years. Replacements are cheap: 1/16" x 5/8" ID. Better not to have flow controls at all than have a part that wears out.I absolutely would buy again. For its main task it runs smooth and quiet and consistent.

after two weeks did not clean green algae in tank. the UV light does work as advertised.notice there are no filters for this other than the that comes with it. web-site shoes aqua clear brand as replacement, this filter is a little smaller than want came with it.

I was a bit skeptical when I ordered this but I have a problem 40g tank and needed either more or better filtration. As much as I'd like to, I can't put a canister on this setup unless I want to tear it apart and move it. not gonna happen anytime soon. I liked that this hob has both the protein skimmer and uv sterilizer. And that the input flow for both the skimmer and the intake are adjustable individually.Seems like all stock media with any filter is low quality, no surprise. I did keep the sponge, loaded both trays with the media of my choice, fitted it all together, dropped it in and fired it up. ... Its been on the tank about two weeks now and I'm impressed so far.Its not the quietest, but quieter than others. The uv light is working great. Ive been running the light off and on for about 12 hours at a time over the last 2 weeks, and the bright green algae spots have almost all disappeared. The water is the clearest its ever been in this tank. The protein skimmer can be a bit noisey, but once you find the right flow adjustment it doesn't seem to be a problem.But, the true test is yet to come. I do still have the previous hob running , its the one that didn't seem to be doing its job well. I figured a month with both running to get the bacteria in the new filter, then I will remove the original hob and see how this one does by itself. I'll try to remember to come back and update my review, too.

Very nice for the price, It's not as well built as my Fluval 304, but the added UV sterilizer is a great addition. It's hooked up and working well right now. I have a small Clown breeder tank i use this with. Water crystal clear and I'll keep ya posted. Time will tell.I took off a star because it feels kinda cheap;;;; But works right now.IN two days it started to make all kinds of noise and the UV light would no longer go on ... sent it backOh well I had high hopes

I was looking for a UV sterilizer and found this. I really like that it has the UV sterilizer built into an HOB. I like the filter because it is designed a lot like the AquaClear, as far as the media compartment. Only I like that even better, it has a foam block on the bottom, and then 2 plastic compartments to put the media in and stack on top. What is also really cool is the water intake is telescope, AND has an extension! So that puppy can extend way down! AND there is a skimmer on the top too! So it will skim off all the crud floating on the top! I really noticed a difference in the clarity of my tank in just a couple days. So the downside? It is not the quietest HOB I have seen. Noise is not bad, if they made this thing run super quiet though, I think it would be the best out there! I am really impressed! I took some pictures but they turned out a little dark and the video is so you can hear how loud it is. I also took pictures of the manual- when I am researching something, I always look for the manual.