SOBO AQ‑16H Top-Mounted Bio-Top Aquarium Filter

Compact Design | Quiet Operation | Ideal for Aquariums up to 2.5 ft

The SOBO AQ‑16H is a compact, overflow-style top-mounted filter built for small to medium aquariums. It efficiently combines mechanical and biological filtration in a space-saving design that hangs neatly over your tank’s rim. Perfect for aquariums up to 2.5 feet (around 60–80 cm) in length, this filter is energy-efficient, quiet, and easy to maintain.

🔍 Key Specifications

• Power Consumption: ~5 Watts

• Flow Rate: ~350–400 Litres/hour

• Filter Box Dimensions: Approx. 29 cm × 8.5 cm × 10 cm

• Recommended Tank Size: Up to ~2.5 ft (60–80 cm), typically 40–70 litres

• Noise Level: ~25–40 dB (Quiet operation)

• Mounting Fit: For tank glass up to ~10 mm thick

🧰 Included Filtration Media

• 2–3 Sponge Filter Pads (for mechanical filtration)

• 1 Pack of Bio-Rings

• 1–2 Packs of Ceramic Bio-Balls (biological filtration)

Together, these elements provide multi-stage filtration, improving water clarity and supporting beneficial bacterial colonies for healthy water chemistry.

🌟 Core Features

• Multi-Layer Filtration System
  Combines sponge pads and bio-media to deliver effective mechanical and biological filtration.

• Waterfall Oxygenation Design
  Cascading water enhances gas exchange at the surface, improving oxygen levels in the tank.

• Transparent Acrylic Filter Box with Splash Guard
  Lets you monitor the filter media easily while keeping water from splashing outside the tank.

• Tool-Free Installation
  Clips securely onto the tank rim; no drilling or complex setup required.

• Low Noise, Low Wattage
  Efficient and whisper-quiet pump makes it ideal for bedrooms or desktops.

✅ Benefits

• Great for Small Tanks: Perfectly suited for nano, planted, shrimp, or small community tanks

• Energy-Efficient: Uses very little power while running continuously

• Space-Saving: Hangs on the back of the tank—no clutter inside the aquarium

• Clean & Quiet: Operates silently with clear housing for quick inspections

• Improves Water Quality: Keeps the tank clean and stable with biological and mechanical stages

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

• Not for Large Aquariums: Best for tanks 2.5 ft and under

• Manual Priming Needed: Doesn’t auto-start after drying or power outage

• Needs Routine Maintenance: Filter media and waterwheel should be cleaned regularly

🧼 Maintenance Tips

• Clean sponge pads every 1–2 weeks using tank water

• Rinse bio-rings and ceramic balls if flow slows down

• Check waterwheel and overflow box for blockages

• Secure the splash guard properly after cleaning to avoid leaks

📋 Quick Summary Table

🧭 Final Thoughts

The SOBO AQ‑16H Bio-Top Filter is a smart choice for small aquarium setups that need efficient filtration without bulky equipment. It’s compact, energy-efficient, easy to use, and quiet—ideal for beginners or hobbyists with nano or planted tanks.

If you're deciding between SOBO’s AQ-16H, 17H, and 18H models, the AQ‑16H is best for smaller tanks, delivering solid performance while keeping your setup clean and minimal.