ALEGI Aquarium Sponge Filter Pad (20 PPI)

The ALEGI Aquarium Sponge Filter Pad is a 20 by 20 inch sheet of filter foam, one inch thick. You cut it to the shape your filter needs and use it as mechanical media. It catches suspended particles and waste, and like any foam it also gives beneficial bacteria a place to settle.

What 20 PPI means

PPI stands for pores per inch. Lower numbers mean bigger, more open pores, and higher numbers mean finer foam. At 20 PPI, this pad is on the coarse side. It catches larger debris without clogging fast, which makes it a good first layer. For a crystal-clear finish, add a finer pad or floss after it.

Cutting it to size

• Trace your old pad or the filter tray onto the foam with a marker.
• Cut slightly oversize with sharp scissors or a bread knife, so water can’t slip around the edges.
• Rinse the cut pieces in dechlorinated water before use.

One sheet makes many replacement pads, which is why keepers with canisters, sumps or several tanks buy it in bulk sheets.

Cleaning and reuse

ALEGI says the foam resists deformation and breakdown and can be washed many times. Squeeze it out in a bucket of old tank water when flow slows. Avoid hot tap water and soap, which harm the bacteria and can leave residue.

Where it fits

It works in most filters with a tray or basket, including hang-ons like the AquaClear 110 and canisters like the Fluval 307. Stack it ahead of biomedia so the bio layer stays clean.

Who should look elsewhere

If you don’t want to cut foam, buy the branded pads made for your filter. And if you need fine polishing on its own, a dense floss roll does that job better.