11+ Best Sponge Filters for your Aquariums

Sponge filter was one of the earliest aquarium filters.

In today’s high-tech world of smart filters, wireless aquarium lighting, and specialty filter media, the sponge filter seems to be outdated. The sponge filter might be useless at first glance, compared to a high-powered canister filter.

However, sponge filters are still being used in hundreds of aquariums. So what is the reason?

Let’s dig deeper into sponge filters in this article and choose a proper sponge filter for your fish tank.

What is The Job of Sponge Filters?

As you know, there are three basic types of aquarium filtration, including:

Mechanical filtration captures solid particles of debris such as solid fish waste, uneaten fish food, and dead algae cells.

Chemical filtration utilizes adsorbent media like activated carbon to get rid of dissolved organics that can discolor the water and affect the water quality.

Biological filtration depends on nitrifying bacteria and other microbes to convert detrimental byproducts, such as nitrite and ammonia, to nitrate.

A sponge filter involves mechanical and biological filtration, not including chemical filtration properties.

How Do Sponge Filter Work?

A sponge filter will contain a weighted base to keep the filter secure at the bottom of the fish tank.

Some designs don’t include a heavy base and utilize suction cups to connect the filter to the side of the tank.

Regardless of the brand, all sponge filters have an uplift tube to pull water via the sponge. This tube is a vertical hollow pipe with perforations at the bottom. A porous sponge is encased around the perforated part of the uplift tube.

This is the way how an uplift tube transfers water via the sponge:

• An air pump injects compressed air at the uplift tube’s bottom.
• The air bubbles increase and combine with the tank water inside the uplift tube.
• The air and water mixture in the tube will be less dense, causing the water to rise within the tube. That leads to suction at the base of the tube.
• The suction at the filter’s base draws water through the sponge and out of the uplift tube.

Sponge Filters and Mechanical Filtration

When water is pulled through the sponge, it brings solid particles with it.

A sponge filter will capture uneaten food particles, solid fish waste, and dead plant leaves. These organic compounds accumulate inside the pores of the sponge.

Gradually, the sponge will get clogged with decomposing organic matter if not cleaned regularly. Water flows via the sponge will be decreased as many of the pores within the sponge will be filled with sludge and organic debris.

Sponge Filters and Biological Filtration

Nitrifying bacteria feed on ammonia fish waste, turning it into nitrite and then to relatively harmless nitrate. The bacteria can inhabit the water but might probably settle on solid surfaces and build colonies.

They will attach to the tank gravel, ornaments, glass, or the porous surface of a sponge filter. When water runs through the sponge, it carries to the nitrifying bacteria where it is absorbed and detoxified.

11 Best Sponge Filters: Cheap Yet Effective Items

1. Huijukon Air Driven Sponge Filter

The sponge filter from Huijukon has a twin design. The idea behind double sponges is a larger surface area and less depth for the water to run through. This ensures more flow through the thinner sponges.

It’s possible for you to alternate cleanings between the two sponges. This will make sure one sponge is completely colonized with bacteria even if you need to replace the other. The Huijukon design connects to the side of the tank glass with suction cups. That helps the filter become less intrusive in the aquascape and decreases the footprint in your fish tank.

In addition, you can hide the sponge filter behind plants, driftwood, or rocks. The filter contains an adjustable height uplift tube that enables you to place the filter lower in the tank and raise the uplift tube to the surface. The angled outlet, when positioned at the water surface will generate water movement and aeration at the aquarium’s surface.

This sponge filter is recommended for up to 55-gallon fish tank. The filter kit comes with replacement sponges and an air pump.

2. Hikari Bacto Surge

The Hikari Bacto Surge sponge filter is designed in a weighted base.

The sponge filter is positioned on the bottom of the fish tank and attached to your air pump. The highly porous sponge includes a high surface area with tons of microscopic pores. Waste-disposing bacteria will collect on the sponge and break down nitrite and ammonia.

Moreover, the sponge will trap suspended debris floating on the water. The polyether foam is soft, making it simple to clean and squeeze out debris.

This sponge filter comes available in small and large versions, suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

3. Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter 

The Hygger Aquarium Double-Sponge filter is a great choice for big tanks. The dual-sponge design creates a beautiful current for a sponge filter, and the bioreactor in the bottom section of the filter contributes to its value.

These are comparatively large filters, much more proper for aquariums in the 20 gallons to 40 gallons range than smaller ones.

Notably, you can position this sponge filter to prevent the problems with bubbles. The output of the unit stays at the top and can be positioned above the water level in the aquarium. Then, it will deliver a small, quiet stream of water without too much disruption throughout the aquarium.

4. AQUANEAT Sponge Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank 

If you’re searching for an incredible sponge filter to help your guppies and betta respire, the AQUANEAT filter is the choice to go.

This high-grade biochemical filter ensures efficient filtration and oxygen circulation for your fish. It generates a minimum amount of current so that even small fish can live happily in your tank. Besides, the filter will not suck in fry or harm them. This product is ideal for killifish, dwarf cichlid, betta fish, guppy, and shrimp keepers.

The sponge filter comes with a 4-foot airline tubing, 4 suction cups, a control valve, and a check valve.

5. Bacto-Surge High-Density Foam Filter

This high-density sponge filter is great for your betta fins and your troops. You can also use it as a dedicated tank to keep fry.

It is a suitable option for hospital tanks and quarantine aquariums thanks to its gentle yet efficient output. It helps get rid of floating debris and detrimental nitrates from your fish.

Building an ecosystem in your aquarium is not complicated as you think. From oxygenating the tank water to removing detrimental waste, the Bacto-Surge sponge filter provides you with everything needed.

Moreover, you don’t need an airline extension for this one. Its airflow performance is outstanding, compared to other popular sponge filters in the market.

6. Luster – Hydro Sponge III Filter 

The Luster Hydro Sponge filter is a patented sponge foam with excellent debris-capturing ability.

This sponge filter catches floating waste and debris so that your fish can stay healthily in the aquarium. It mechanically purifies the tank water without harming the fry in the process.

You can use this filter horizontally or vertically, depending on your liking. As it consists of a heavy base, it comfortably submerges into the aquarium water. Plus, its roomy lift tube allows the filter to transfer a high amount of water.

7. Uxcell Biochemical Sponge Filter 

If your playful betta fish are swimming to the top to breathe, it’s about time to get them a sponge filter. The Uxcell sponge filter guarantees all-around mechanical and biological filtration for your fish tank.

It does a good job of eliminating all the visible and microscopic waste from your aquarium. The filter also breaks down ammonia and keep your aquarium well oxygenated.

8. AquaCity Corner Filter 

If you’re looking for a sponge filter with a stunning look, you can consider this AquaCity Corner Filter unit.

The sponge filter comprises an air-driven filter and multi-layered bio media. The top layer is constructed from high-grade filter pads to discharge everyday aquarium waste and keep the water visibly clear.

In addition, the black bio-sponge is to supports beneficial bacteria inside the aquarium. The filter keeps the natural nitrogen cycle in shape by converting harmful ammonia into useful nitrates.

What’s more, the ceramic rings and gravel contribute to completing the biological filtration process.

It’s important to note that the sponge needs rinsing when it gets dirty, about once every 2 to 4 weeks. It’s good to reserve the beneficial bacteria by washing the sponge gently with the water tank.

9. Lefunpets Biological Sponge Filter 

This grooved sponge filter from Lefunpets has a convenient corner design for aquariums limited in space. All parts can be easily disassembled, helping you clean with ease.

The unit comes in a vertical stripe sponge design, capturing floating debris and not sucking up your fish. Besides, the foam sponge is quite dense, providing much space for beneficial bacteria to thrive.

However, the sponge filter might likely be underpowered for aquariums of 1 to 10 gallons, so you can add an air stone to boost the tank water processing rate.

10. XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter 

This sponge filter offers both mechanical and biological filtration. Its pores are sophisticatedly designed not to capture fish fry.

It is an ideal filter if you’re breeding and spawning Discus, guppies, Dwarf cichlids, and killifish. The sponge filter also generates a good surface area for small shrimp to graze off and increases their survival chances.

This filter can handle up to 10-gallon fish tanks and last for nearly one year without cleaning or replacing.

11. QANVEE Fluidized Moving Bed Filter

You want something that stands out from the majority of sponge filters? This might be the perfect selection, with the capability to handle up to 40 gallons of water.

The notable feature here is it includes an exceptionally large bio-reactor. The sponge is a thin disk that stays at the bottom of the tube, while the reactor makes the ceramic media move around.

Moreover, you can simply hook up this sponge filter to an air pump and receive all the benefits of oxygen in the water and a super-charged biofilter.

How to Clean a Sponge Filter?

The internal pores of the sponge will get clogged with organic debris over time. This can decrease the flow rate via the sponge, lowering effectiveness. Some aquarists clean the sponge filter by using their aquarium water.

• Fill a bucket with your aquarium’s water.
• Submerge the sponge under the water and squeeze it a few times to remove debris in the pores.
• Bring the sponge filter back to the fish tank

Another method is to clean the sponge with tap water.

• Set a gentle water stream at the faucet.
• Change the faucet water temperature to a cool temperature of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
• Squeeze the sponge sometimes under the running water
• Bring the filter back to the aquarium

Our Suggested Picks for Best Sponge Filters

#	Product Name	Image	Price	Action
1	Huijukon Air Driven Sponge Filter		$	Buy on Amazon!
2	Hikari Bacto Surge		$	Buy on Amazon!
3	Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter		$	Buy on Amazon!
4	AQUANEAT Sponge Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank		$	Buy on Amazon!
5	Bacto-Surge High-Density Foam Filter		$	Buy on Amazon!
6	Luster – Hydro Sponge III Filter		$$	Buy on Amazon!
7	Uxcell Biochemical Sponge Filter		$	Buy on Amazon!
8	AquaCity Corner Filter		$	Buy on Amazon!
9	Lefunpets Biological Sponge Filter		$	Buy on Amazon!
10	XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter		$	Buy on Amazon!
11	QANVEE Fluidized Moving Bed Filter		$$	Buy on Amazon!

Sponge filters are regarded as a vital piece of equipment in both saltwater and freshwater tanks.

For display aquariums, you can go for the Huijukon sponge filter as it’s easy to hide behind driftwood, rocks, and plants.

Meanwhile, the Luster Hydro Sponge filter is the go-to option for breeding or quarantine tanks. You just need to put it in the tank and forget about it. The unit is quite bulky but great for feeder goldfish aquariums, indoor ponds, fish shops, and other applications where performance is secondary to application.