Do you want to buy the best filter for your aquarium? Or are you looking for a filter that perfectly works for your small fish breeding? What you need is a sponge filter.
The gentle flow nature of the sponge filter is perfect for breeding, quarantine, or fry tanks. Although the filter is compactly designed and affordable, they support both biological and mechanical filtration.
Let’s get started with the best sponge filter in the market today. I’m also going to help you choose the right sponge filter and answer your questions.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Sponge Filter
- 1.1 XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-Gallon
- 1.2 Uxcell XINYOU XY-380 Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Sponge Filter
- 1.3 XINYOU XY-2822 Air Pump Double Sponge Water Filter for Aquarium
- 1.4 Huijukon Aquarium Fish Tank Sponge Filter Bio Filter
- 1.5 Aquaneat Small Bio Sponge Filter Betta Fry Aquarium Fish Tank Double Sponge
- 1.6 Powkoo Air Pump Sponge Filter Bio Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank
- 1.7 Uxcell Aquarium Biological Sponge Filter
- 1.8 Aquaneat Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter 20 Gal Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Fish Tank
- 1.9 Como XinYou- 2830 Air Pump Sponge Filter For Aquarium
- 1.10 Aquanaut Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Nano
- 2 How to Choose the Best Sponge Filter
- 3 What exactly is a sponge filters ?
- 4 How does a sponge filter work?
- 5 FAQs
- 6 Conclusion
Top 10 Best Sponge Filter
XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-Gallon
Do you want a powerful sponge filter? Check out the XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-Gallon. Carefully designed to prevent fish trapping, this sponge filter also provides biological and mechanical filtration. Try out the XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter if you want to breed and spawn species like Dwarf cichlids and killifish. The sponge also accommodates tanks of up to 10 gallons capacity.
As you know, bacterial colonization is crucial for fish growth and healthy living. The filter ensures a healthy growth of bacteria. XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter keeps your tank friendly and does not suck dry the useful bacteria. I’ve been using the sponge for over a year and never changed or cleaned it for once.
Pros
- Combines mechanical and biological process for effective filtration
- Provide a good condition for bacteria survival
- They do not trap fish inside.
- Perfectly suitable sponge filter to breed and spawnil Discus, guppies, Dwarf cichlids, and killifish.
Cons
- Weak suction power
- Not the best filter for large fish tanks.
Uxcell XINYOU XY-380 Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Sponge Filter
Do you want a nice, big, and premium quality sponge filter? Go for uxcell XINYOU XY-380 Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Sponge Filter, 4-1/2-Inch. XY-380 features large, finely created surface area where bacteria can grow. Seed your filter with water in an established tank for few days and watch your water turns sparklingly clean. XY-380 uses the biological and chemical filtration method.
Not forgetting, the filter is on the large end of the size spectrum. You’ll need a bigger aquarium to conveniently use this sponge filter. You don’t want your XY-380 to occupy all the spaces in your 10-gallon tank.
If you own a shrimp aquarium and would love a safe filter for your baby shrimp and with a gentle current, XY-380 is your ideal option.
XY-380 is also a good choice for those who find the other filters a bit cumbersome.
Pros
- Good option for large aquarium
- They don’t trap fish inside
Cons
- Not ideal for a small aquarium
XINYOU XY-2822 Air Pump Double Sponge Water Filter for Aquarium
Do you want a simple filter for your 20 gallon tank? Check out the XINYOU XY-2822 Air Pump Double Sponge Water Filter for Aquarium.
This sponge filter performs both biological and mechanical filtration. Just install an airline and have your tank begin the filtration operation.
Additionally, I love how this filter mechanically traps larger waste to clean the tank water. And lucky enough, your baby fish will never get trapped.
You can use the XINYOU XY-2822 as a breeding filter. If not, you can use it as a pre-filtration unit. Just fit the sponge filter into an external filter.
Pros
- Biological and Mechanical filtration process for effective filtration
- Fish will never get trapped
- Perfect for breeding small fishes
- Works well for tanks up to 20 gallons
- An affordable sponge filter
Cons
- User may find it difficult to connect the air tube
Huijukon Aquarium Fish Tank Sponge Filter Bio Filter
Huijukon Aquarium Fish Tank Sponge Filter provides mechanical and biological filtration. You can use this sponge filter as an addition to another filter like a canister filter, or as the only source of aquarium filtration.
Huijukon is a double biochemical-powered filter that works for tanks of up to 35 gallons. You can easily use and maintain this sponge filter. I literarily bought them for my shrimp and baby tanks. It helped me avoid dangers for my tank specimens.
You can easily slide off the sponge for easy cleaning. Also, the adjustable clear pipe is convenient.
Pros
- Can take up to 35 gallon
- Affordable
- Easily set up and maintain
Cons
- No chemical filtration
Aquaneat Small Bio Sponge Filter Betta Fry Aquarium Fish Tank Double Sponge
Looking for an efficient filter for your small aquarium? Look no further. Check out the Aquaneat Small Bio Sponge Filter.
The filter is designed to provide a biological and mechanical filtration.
Try out the Aquaneat Small Bio Sponge Filter if you want to breed and spawn species like Dwarf cichlids, and killifish.
The sponge also accommodates tanks of up to 20 gallons.
Aquaneat Small Bio Sponge Filter help keep your tank friendly and does not dry off useful bacteria.
Pros
- Up to 20-gallon capacity
- Uses mechanical and biological filtration method
- Beautiful Quater-cylinder form
- Easy to set up, clean, and maintain
Cons
- Not for large aquarium
Powkoo Air Pump Sponge Filter Bio Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank
Do you want a dual sponge filter that traps all your larger aquarium wastes without sucking off your baby fish?
Introducing the Powkoo Air Pump Sponge Filter Bio Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank. The filter can take up to 45-gallon tanks. I love the two filter sponge design which allows more bacteria to thrive and cycle faster. You can adjust the nozzle and change the direction of flow to any side of the tank.
Powkoo Air Pump Sponge Filter Bio Filter is ideal for tanks that accomodates shrimp or baby fry. Your small fish will not get sucked up during filtration. It is easy to use and clean. I also love the quiet operation of this filter.
You can easily hide them on your aquarium or any preferred location. The two suction cups allows you to position your filter higher or lower.
Pros
- Good filter for crayfish, fry fish, or shrimp tanks.
- Silent operation
- 2 suction cups for easy installation
Cons
- Not great for large aquarium
Uxcell Aquarium Biological Sponge Filter
Using high-quality sponge as the filter material, Uxcells Aquarium Biological Sponge Filter is a hanging filter which you can put on your fish tank wall.
Just like its counterpart, I love how this filter biologically traps larger waste to clean the tank water. Lucky enough, your baby fish won’t get trapped.
You can use the Uxcell Aquarium Biological as a breeding filter or as a pre-filtration unit. Just fit the sponge filter into an external filter.
Pros
- Easy to use and maintain
- Uses an effective mechanical and biological filtration method
- Beautifully designed
- Silent operation
Cons
- Not for large tank
Aquaneat Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter 20 Gal Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Fish Tank
Do you want a double filter for your small aquarium? Check out the Aquaneat Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter.
The Double bio sponge filter is designed for more effectiveness.
Do you want to breed and spawn species like Dwarf cichlids, and killifish? Check out this amazing filter. The sponge also accommodates tanks up to 20 gallons capacity.
Aquaneat Small Bio Sponge Filter help keep your tank friendly and does not suck dry any useful bacteria.
Pros
- Double bio sponge filter for more effectiveness
- Up to 20-gallon capacity
- The mechanical and biological filtration method
- Easy to set up, clean, and maintain
Cons
- Not suitable for large aquarium
Como XinYou- 2830 Air Pump Sponge Filter For Aquarium
This is a very powerful sponge for filtration. Como XinYou- 2830 Air Pump Sponge provides both biological and mechanical filtration for aquariums of up to 10 gallons. Manufacturer of this filter designed their pores not to trap fish fry.
This sponge system is very powerful in filtration efficiency. The sponge provides both mechanical and biological filtration. The pores are designed in a waay not to trap fish fry.
Like the Como XinYou- 2830 Air Pump Sponge which I reviewed up there, you can also use this filter to breed and spawn Discus, guppies, Dwarf cichlids, and killifish.
Pros
- Features both mechanical and biological filtration
- They don’t trap fish
- Suitable for breeding
- Create healthy bacteria in the aquarium
Cons
- Not the best for tanks with plenty of fish
Aquanaut Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Nano
Do you want 3 pieces of sponge packed together in one filter for your aquarium? Check out this Aquaneat Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter. The filter provides biological and mechanical filtration. The sponge also accommodates tanks of up to 10 gallons capacity.
Aquaneat Small Bio Sponge Filter help keep your tank friendly and does not dry off useful bacteria. It is simple and easy to maintain.
Pros
- Triple bio sponge filter for more effectiveness
- Up to 10-gallon capacity
- The mechanical and biological filtration method
- Easy to set up, clean, and maintain
Cons
- Not the best option for large aquarium
In this guide, we’re going to talk about what sponge filters really are, how it works and why you should buy one for your aquarium. Let’s get started with how to choose the best sponge filter.
How to Choose the Best Sponge Filter
You need to consider a few important factors before you buy your sponge filter. From the size of the aquarium to the brand of filter, let’s dive into 5 crucial things to consider before you buy a sponge filter.
Size of aquarium
Knowing what fits into your aquarium is a very crucial factor to consider because they determine what you buy.
For instance, your large tank may require a larger sponge filter for effective water flow.
If you own a larger sponge filter, consider models like Huijukon Aquarium Fish Tank Sponge Filter Bio Filter with 1 Air Pump/2M Airline Tubing/1 Air Valve. And if it’s the small aquarium, kindly reach out for brands like XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium.
Price
Sponge filter comes at different prices, depending on model, features, and manufacturers.
You may prefer sponge filters with extra features to those with standard features.
While sponge filters are generally affordable, always choose within your budget.
Advanced features
To remain relevant in the industry, some brands added advanced features for better performance. For example, brands like XINYOU XY-2822 Air Pump
Double Sponge Water Filter for Aquarium comes with two sponge filters for better cleaning or the Aquanaut Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter that comes with 3 sponge filters. You can go for these brands if you’re looking for more than a norm in a sponge filter.
What exactly is a sponge filters ?
A simple to use aquarium filter that keeps your small fish health, happy, and safe from being trapped in the filter
The gentle flow rate of the sponge filter makes it a good aquarium filter option for breeding, quarantine, or fry tanks.
What’s more, sponge filters are compactly designed, dirt cheap, and perform both biological and mechanical filtration.
How does a sponge filter work?
Sponge filter works in a very simple way. Just buy and power them with an aquarium air pump. Place your air tubing at the center of the sponge. The air tube blows out the air from the pump creating a pressure which pulls water through the sponge filter.
During this process, the pressure trapped all floating debris in the aquarium water and such them into the sponge. That’s how a sponge filter gets you good looking water.
The sponge traps solid waste which can be manually removed or converted into a food source for bacteria. The waste produces a toxin which these friendly bacteria processes into safe nitrates. You can remove these nitrates whenever you perform weekly water changes.
Advantage of the Aquarium sponge filter
Air powered
Air pumps powers sponge filters which means it does two jobs at once. The air pump does not only take out water from the sponge but also aerates your water.
Works effectively
Most sponge filter brands follow the same operational principle. Your tank is cleaned biologically and mechanically.
An ideal small fish tank filter
Large filters with huge flow rate can harm your small fish or even suck them into the propellers. A sponge Filter Will never harm you because they are air-powered.
Apart from not harming your fish, it is also a good feeding location for them. Bacteria that grow on the sponge promote the growth of microorganism which is the best newborn fish food.
Dirt Cheap
Yes, you heard that right! A sponge filter is really affordable and highly durable. Depending on your aquarium size, you can go for brands like XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium if you own a 10-gallon tank or Aquaneat Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter if you own a 20-gallon aquarium.
Simple to clean
A sponge filter is simple to clean. Take off the sponge, place on a bucket of aquarium water and squeeze. Remember, the idea is to remove the large debris not destroy the beneficial bacteria.
Fixes overfeeding
Have you ever overfed your fish and would love to clear your tank water? Simply pop in a sponge filter and within 24 hours, your water becomes purified and crystal clear.
Different shapes and sizes
You can find sponges in various sizes and shapes and they fit in just about any tank size. For example, the uxcell XIN YOU XY-380 Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Sponge Filter comes in a 4-1/inchch dimension.
Also, the Powkoo Air Pump Sponge Filter Bio Filter is perfect for Aquarium Fish Tank of Up to 45 Gallons.
Fact is, “bigger surface area means a better capacity”.
FAQs
Who needs a sponge filter?
If you own a fry aquarium or you’re into breeding, sponge filter is definitely for you.
Baby fish needs nice filtration and aeration, and that’s what you’ll get with the sponge filter.
How do I use a sponge filter?
Using a sponge filter is very easy. Most brands are pre-assembled. Simply connect a pump, an airline, or powerhead.
How frequent should I clean my sponges?
Every two weeks, Deep-rinse your sponge in old tank water to eliminate debris trapped in the sponge.
A sponge filter containing large debris trapped inside may result in a slow-running filter. If you notice that your sponge filter requires more frequent cleaning, upgrading might be a cool option.
Is it ideal to rinse my sponge under the tap?
No, it’s not ideal! Chlorine in tap water will destroy friendly bacteria in the sponge.
Conclusion
The sponge filter is an amazing solution for small aquariums and small fish breeders.
They are affordable, simple to install and don’t need much effort on maintenance. Sponge filter works for everyone.
I hope I’ve been able to provide you with enough information to help you choose the best sponge filter.
With our detailed information, feel free to pick the best sponge filter for your aquarium. Good luck!
