Prevents small animals and debris from getting sucked up
Increases filter capacity
Uses coarse foam to extend time between cleaning
The pre-filter or intake sponge is a simple foam cylinder that is designed to slip over the intake tube ofhang-on-back (HOB) and canister filters. The filter intake tube often has large openings, so use a pre filter sponge to prevent fish, shrimp, and sizable debris from getting sucked up and ruining the filter motor. Not only does an intake sponge clear up your water, but it also provides valuable surface area to grow beneficial bacteria.
Find out which sponge size to get and how to properly fit it to your hang-on-back or canister filter intake by viewing the Sizing Chart and Video below. (Click the "Show More" button to expand the Directions/Specifications section.)
Increased Filter Efficiency
Increase the capacity of your filtration. A pre filter sponge provides valuable surface area to grow beneficial bacteria, which purify waste chemicals in the water and make it safe for your fish to live in. It also adds mechanical filtration that keeps bulk debris from clogging your finer filter pads and extends the life and efficiency of your filter media.
Prevent Fish, Snails, and Food From Being Sucked Up
The filter intake tube often has large openings that allow sizable objects to get sucked up by the filter, potentially ruining the motor, so use a pre-filter sponge to help prevent baby fish, long-finned fish, dwarf shrimp, snails, plant leaves, fish food, and other debris from entering the filter.
Easy To Clean and Reusable
Put a ziploc bag around your pre filter sponge when you remove it from the aquarium. Squeeze it until the water turns brown. Dump the dirty water on your favorite houseplant. Then get another bag of water and repeat until clean. Afterwards, place it back on your filter's intake. This reusable, re-washable prefilter will last you many years.
Proper Fitment
In general, a larger pre-filter sponge is always better because it gives you more time between cleanings and increases your filtration capacity. Use a zip tie or O-ring on the filter intake tube when you need a snug friction fit to keep the sponge from falling off, as shown in the picture. A rubber o-ring can be found at hardware stores or Amazon.
Fits Most Filters
Most hang-on-back and canister filters can be fitted with a pre filter sponge. With some filters like the Fluval 409 series, it slides right over the intake and is a direct fit. With other filters like the Fluval FX series, you must remove the intake screen or basket and use an o-ring or zip tie. See the Sizing Chart in this page's Directions/Specifications section to pick the right pre-filter sponge for your filter.
