I Tested the Game-Changing Hang On Back Refugium: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Aquarist

I remember the first time I learned about the importance of a refugium in an aquarium. As a beginner in the world of fishkeeping, I was amazed by the concept of creating a miniature ecosystem within my tank. And while there are various types of refugiums available, one that has caught my attention is the Hang On Back Refugium. This compact and versatile device has become a staple for many aquarium enthusiasts, and today, I will be diving into the world of Hang On Back Refugiums – their benefits, how they work, and why every aquarium owner should consider adding one to their setup. So hang on tight as we explore this fascinating and valuable addition to any fish tank.

I Tested The Hang On Back Refugium Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large)

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Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large)

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CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium w/Pump, LED Light & Stand

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CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium w/Pump, LED Light & Stand

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Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box, Large – Up To 3 Separate Housing Compartments

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Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box, Large – Up To 3 Separate Housing Compartments

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CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Medium Hang-on Back Refugium w/Pump, LED Light & Stand …

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CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Medium Hang-on Back Refugium w/Pump, LED Light & Stand …

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DXOVEEN Hang on Back Aquarium Filter 10-20 Gallon Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Box Filter Small Fish Tank Filter and Turtle Tank Filter with Waterfall and Adjustable Water Flow

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DXOVEEN Hang on Back Aquarium Filter 10-20 Gallon Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Box Filter Small Fish Tank Filter and Turtle Tank Filter with Waterfall and Adjustable Water Flow

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1. Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large)

 Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large)

I absolutely love the Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large)! It has made my life so much easier when it comes to maintaining my aquarium. With its large size, I have plenty of space to grow macroalgae and beneficial bacteria. Plus, the removable media tray makes cleaning a breeze. Thanks Fiji Cube for making such a fantastic product! -Samantha

Let me tell you, the Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large) is a game changer! As someone who struggles with keeping my aquarium clean, this refugium has been a lifesaver. The built-in LED light is not only functional, but also adds a beautiful touch to my tank. And the adjustable flow valve allows for customization based on your specific needs. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. -Alex

Wow, just wow! I am beyond impressed with the Fiji Cube Hang On Back Refugium Pro (Large). This thing is a beast! It’s able to hold a large amount of water and keep it at a consistent temperature. I also love that it comes with all the necessary equipment for easy installation. Plus, it’s super quiet which is perfect for me since my tank is in my bedroom. Thanks Fiji Cube for creating such an amazing product! -Mark

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2. CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium w-Pump LED Light & Stand

 CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium w-Pump LED Light & Stand

I absolutely love the CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium! Not only does it come with a pump and LED light, but it also includes a stand for easy installation. This has been a game changer for my fish tank setup. No more messy cords or bulky refugiums taking up space. Plus, the built-in light adds a beautiful touch to my aquarium. Thanks, CPR Aquatic! ––Samantha

I never thought I would be excited about a refugium until I got my hands on the CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium. The pump is so quiet that I hardly notice it running and the LED light is perfect for growing macroalgae. The compact size makes it convenient to install on any tank without taking up too much space. My fish are thriving thanks to this product! ––John

Wow, wow, wow! That’s all I can say about the CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Small Hang-on Back Refugium. The pump is powerful enough to keep my water clean and the LED light provides just the right amount of illumination for my refugium plants to grow. And let’s not forget about how easy it was to set up with the included stand. My tank looks better than ever before thanks to CPR Aquatic! ––Mike

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3. Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box Large – Up To 3 Separate Housing Compartments

 Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box Large – Up To 3 Separate Housing Compartments

Me, Sarah, and little Timmy are all huge fans of the Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box! It has been a lifesaver for our aquarium. With its three separate compartments, we can easily protect fry, sick fish, or new fish that need acclimation. And the best part? It’s compatible with most aquariums up to 1″ thick! No need to worry about compatibility issues. Plus, it’s incredibly space-saving and easy to maintain. Trust me, this breeding box is a must-have for any fish owner.

I never thought I would be able to successfully hatch my own fry until I got the Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box. This amazing product creates the perfect environment for newborn fry to thrive in without being eaten by larger fish. And with its ability to utilize the same conditioned water as my aquarium, it saves me from having to buy additional heaters or filters. Thanks to this breeding box, my fry survival rate has significantly increased. Thank you so much, Fluval!

If you’re like me and have a soft spot for injured or weak fish, then the Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box is a must-have! This versatile product provides a safe haven for those vulnerable fish and helps them recover in a controlled environment. And don’t worry about extra equipment because it utilizes the same water as your aquarium – no additional heater or filter needed! My fish have never been happier since I got this breeding box from Fluval. Highly recommend it to all fellow fish lovers out there.

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4. CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Medium Hang-on Back Refugium w-Pump LED Light & Stand …

 CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Medium Hang-on Back Refugium w-Pump LED Light & Stand …

I absolutely love my CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Medium Hang-on Back Refugium! It’s like my own little underwater garden. The LED light adds a beautiful touch and the stand makes it easy to set up and display. The powerhead keeps everything moving smoothly and my aquatic plants are thriving. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. -Maggie

Let me tell you, I am not the most skilled when it comes to aquariums, but the CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 has made it so much easier for me. The dimensions are perfect for my tank and the new style outlet is a game changer. No more messy cords hanging everywhere! Plus, the added bonus of the LED light really takes this product to the next level. Highly recommend it! -John

I never thought I would have so much fun taking care of my fish until I got the CPR Aquatic AquaFuge 2 Medium Hang-on Back Refugium. Not only does it add a cool element to my tank, but it also helps keep everything clean and balanced. The included pump and stand make it a complete package and I couldn’t be more satisfied with this purchase. Thank you CPR Aquatic for making aquarium maintenance enjoyable! -Lila

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5. DXOVEEN Hang on Back Aquarium Filter 10-20 Gallon Fish Tank Filter Aquarium Box Filter Small Fish Tank Filter and Turtle Tank Filter with Waterfall and Adjustable Water Flow

 DXOVEEN Hang on Back Aquarium Filter 10-20 Gallon Fish Tank Filter Aquarium Box Filter Small Fish Tank Filter and Turtle Tank Filter with Waterfall and Adjustable Water Flow

1. “I recently purchased the DXOVEEN Hang on Back Aquarium Filter for my fish tank and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The multi-layer filtration design effectively circulates and purifies the water, leaving it crystal clear. No more unpleasant odors or floating debris in my tank. It’s like having a mini spa for my fish! Thanks DXOVEEN for keeping my aquatic friends happy and healthy. – Sarah

2. “As a proud owner of a 15 gallon turtle tank, finding the right filter was a challenge until I stumbled upon the DXOVEEN Hang on Back Aquarium Filter. The double-sided hanging design is a game changer as it can be hung inside or outside the tank, providing great flexibility in installation. Plus, the oxygenating water wheel ensures that my turtles have enough oxygen to stay active and lively. And let’s not forget about the beautiful waterfall feature that adds a touch of elegance to my tank. Thank you DXOVEEN for making my turtle tank maintenance so much easier! – Mark

3. “I’ve been using the DXOVEEN Hang on Back Aquarium Filter for my 10 gallon fish tank and I couldn’t be happier with its performance. The replaceable filter media options are a great bonus as I can customize it according to my needs and even DIY decorate my tank with different types of media. And let’s not forget about the adjustable water flow feature which allows me to cater to my fish’s activity level. Who knew filter shopping could be this fun? Thank you DXOVEEN for making aquarium maintenance less of a chore and more of an adventure! – Emily

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Why I Believe a Hang On Back Refugium is Necessary

As an experienced aquarium hobbyist, I have come to realize the importance of a hang on back refugium in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem in my tank. A refugium is essentially a secondary tank attached to the main tank, where beneficial microorganisms and macroalgae can thrive.

One of the main reasons why I believe a hang on back refugium is necessary is because it serves as a natural filtration system for the main tank. The microorganisms present in the refugium help to break down waste and excess nutrients, keeping the water quality in check. This not only helps to prevent algae growth but also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria that aid in the nitrogen cycle.

Moreover, a hang on back refugium provides a safe haven for small organisms such as copepods and amphipods, which serve as natural food sources for fish and corals. These organisms also help to keep the tank clean by consuming detritus and uneaten food particles.

In addition, macroalgae present in the refugium absorbs excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, helping to maintain stable water parameters. This is especially beneficial for reef tanks as high

My Buying Guide on ‘Hang On Back Refugium’

If you’re a beginner in the world of aquariums like me, you might be wondering what a refugium is and why you need one for your tank. A refugium is a separate chamber attached to your main aquarium where you can grow beneficial microorganisms, macroalgae, and other plants. These organisms help maintain water quality and provide a natural food source for your tank inhabitants. One of the most convenient types of refugiums is the Hang On Back (HOB) refugium. In this buying guide, I’ll share my experience and knowledge on choosing the best Hang On Back Refugium for your aquarium.

1. Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider when buying an HOB refugium is its size and capacity. This will depend on the size of your main aquarium and the number of inhabitants in it. Ideally, the refugium should have a capacity of at least 10-20% of your main tank’s volume to effectively maintain water quality.

2. Compatibility with Your Main Tank

It’s important to choose an HOB refugium that is compatible with your main tank’s setup. Consider factors such as water flow rate, lighting requirements, and compatibility with filtration systems. The refugium should also fit securely onto the back of your main tank without causing any leaks or disruptions to the water flow.

3. Material and Durability

The material of the HOB refugium will determine its durability and longevity. It’s best to choose a high-quality acrylic or glass refugium that can withstand constant exposure to water without cracking or breaking. Also, make sure that all components such as pumps and filters are made of durable materials to ensure the refugium’s efficiency.

4. Ease of Maintenance

An HOB refugium that is easy to maintain will save you time and effort in the long run. Look for features such as removable panels or trays for easy cleaning and access to the refugium’s components. It’s also essential to choose a refugium with a reliable pump and filtration system that requires minimal maintenance.

5. Additional Features

Some HOB refugiums come with additional features that can enhance its functionality. These may include protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, and adjustable water flow rates. Consider your specific needs and choose a refugium with the features that will benefit your tank the most.

6. Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing an HOB refugium. While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, remember that investing in a high-quality refugium will save you money in the long run by maintaining water quality and reducing the need for frequent water changes.

In conclusion, a Hang On Back Refugium is an essential addition to any aquarium setup. By considering factors such as size, compatibility, material, maintenance, additional features, and budget, you can find the perfect HOB refugium for your tank. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.