The Aquatop Forza is a quiet, well-equipped hang-on-back power filter that delivers all three kinds of filtration in one compact unit — mechanical (trapping debris), chemical (its activated-carbon cartridge), and biological (a bio-grid insert with plenty of surface area for the beneficial bacteria that process ammonia). It hangs on the back of the tank, draws water up an intake tube, runs it through the media chamber, and returns it clean, with a top-mounted valve so you can fine-tune the flow.
Great for Shrimp: The Forza comes with a sponge pre-filter on the intake, and that one detail makes it a standout for shrimp keepers. The sponge stops baby shrimp, fry, and tiny fish from being pulled into the filter, while doubling as extra biological surface area and a grazing spot covered in the biofilm shrimp love to pick at. It's a genuinely shrimp-safe HOB right out of the box, with no aftermarket guard needed.
A Note for Planted Tanks: Like all hang-on-back filters, this one returns water as a small waterfall, and that surface agitation off-gasses CO₂. In a low-tech or nano planted tank that's a plus — it keeps oxygen levels healthy. But if you inject pressurized CO₂ in a high-tech aquascape, that same agitation drives your CO₂ back out of the water, making it harder and costlier to hold a stable level. For serious injected scapes a canister with a spray bar or lily pipe is usually preferred; a HOB like this shines in low- and medium-tech planted tanks, nano setups, and fish- or shrimp-focused aquariums.
Choosing Your Size: The PFE-1 moves about 45 GPH and suits roughly 5–15 gallon tanks — ideal for nano aquascapes and shrimp tanks. The PFE-3 moves about 80 GPH for roughly 15–25 gallon tanks. As a rule of thumb, aim for a filter rated at or above your tank size, and dial the flow down with the valve if your nano fish or shrimp prefer calmer water.
Setup & Maintenance: Fill the chamber and prime it to start the siphon, then let it run. Rinse the sponge pre-filter in old tank water during water changes (never tap water, which kills the bacteria), and replace or swap the carbon cartridge about monthly — though many aquascapers replace the disposable cartridge with their own reusable media (sponge, bio-media, Purigen) for better long-term filtration and less waste.
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If this item is at low stock, or you are ordering all or almost all of our current inventory, there may be an inventory discrepency. We will contact you about any issues as soon as possible.
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Pipersville, PA 18947
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