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Pre Filter Sponge

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$3.99
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$3.99
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  • 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 of hang-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.)

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Increased Filter Efficiency

Prevent Fish, Snails, and Food From Being Sucked Up

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Easy To Clean and Reusable

Proper Fitment

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Fits Most Filters

Customer Reviews

Based on 2626 reviews
95%
(2494)
3%
(77)
1%
(23)
0%
(13)
1%
(19)
D
Dan N. (Grand Rapids, MI, US)
Modified Medium Pre Filter

I modified a medium to work with my Aquaclear 20. Just what I was after. Now it fits between the intake tube and the glass in my 15 gallon tank.

G
Gary T. (Renton, WA, US)
Great sponge filters on HB down tube

Have used Aquarium Co-op sponges on HB for years. Works well

W
William W. (Union City, NJ, US)
Nice sponges

I have a canister filter with 3/8” glass intake and outflow tubes. The large sponge was way too big for the intake, but using two medium sponges works very well. One sponge wasn’t long enough to cover all the slits on the intake tube so I used two by stacking one over the other. I cut a hole through the bottom of one of the sponges to make this work. I’m very happy with the results.

E
Eve (Rexburg, ID, US)

These are amazing! I would give it 5 stars but wish they had different types of filters because these tear my bettas fins :/ Other than that they are top tier and worth it!

R
Raymond S. (Oklahoma City, OK, US)
Pre filter sponge

Works great my water is a lot clearer and my canisters are lasting longer in between changes

L
Laura H. (Carbondale, IL, US)
Works great and easy to clean

I use these on all my tanks that have HOB filters. They're really easy to clean, just capture it once a week with a plastic bag so muck doesn't escape back into the water, close the bag up around it as you slip it off the intake tube, rinse and squeeze it gently under the faucet for a few seconds, then put it back onto the intake. It's that easy. Also great to seed new tanks.

D
Donald B. (Boise, ID, US)
Great upgrade with American co-op pre filter

Upgrade of intake performance an aquarium ascetics for FX6 intake which will remove more particles and provide cleaner flow going into the filter.

K
Kevin R. (Boise, ID, US)
great sponge

works as intended

T
Thomas N. (Everett, WA, US)
Great little sponge

I was having an issue with duckweed clogging the siphon vents on my filter and I used this sponge to encase and protect it. This has out worked great. In addition it has become a great substrate for things to grow on and my shrimp love it.

K
Kelsey (Yorkville, WI, US)
Great quality

Very happy with this product. I bought 2 mediums so I could have the option to swap them out for a deep cleaning. I have a Fluval AC50 and fits perfect. It is bigger and coarser than the one that came with the filter. Great upgrade and very appreciative of the chart to help choose what size to buy.