Collection: Sponge Filters

Aquarium sponges are an excellent method of filtration for fish tanks. Because of the porous surface, sponges and foams are used for both mechanical filtration (to physically strain out any waste particles from the aquarium water) and biological filtration (to grow beneficial bacteria that consumes toxic nitrogen waste compounds).

If you are using a hang-on-back filter, canister filter, or other customizable aquarium filter, sponge pads are often used as aquarium filter media. The sponge or foam pads can be easily cut to size to fit the dimensions of the filter media compartment. We also recommend using aquarium sponge pads to replace the fish tank filter’s cartridges. Aquarium filter cartridges are meant to be disposable and should be replaced every few weeks or months since they eventually become too clogged with waste and are no longer capable of cleaning the water. However, fish tank sponges can be cleaned and reused over and over again simply by wringing out the collected waste in a bucket of old aquarium water.

 Another way to optimize the effectiveness of your fish filter is to use an aquarium pre filter sponge. A prefilter sponge looks like sponge in the shape of a cylinder with a hole in the middle. Put the pre-filter sponge over the intake tube of your fish tank filter, much like slipping a sock on a foot. The pre filter intake sponge prevents fish fry or large pieces of debris from getting sucked into and burning out the motor of the aquarium filter. The fish tank pre filter sponge also has increased surface area that is perfect for growing more beneficial bacteria, thus boosting the biological filtration of your aquarium.

Next, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use tank filter, check out our line of aquarium sponge filters. Our sponge filter (as well as our aquarium sponge and pre filter sponges) is made of coarse foam so that it’s easier to clean and won’t get clogged up with debris as quickly. The green weighted base and plastic uplift tube blend well in a planted tank and help hide any green algae growth that may occur. Finally, this fish tank sponge filter allows you to install an air stone inside to create smaller, quieter bubbles that have more efficient suction power. When it comes to sponge for aquariums, we’ve got you covered.