AQUANEAT Bio Sponge Filter

The AQUANEAT Bio Sponge Filter is an air-driven sponge filter for tanks where gentle flow matters. An air pump sends bubbles up through the unit, and the rising water pulls tank water through the sponge. Debris gets trapped, bacteria grow in the foam, and fry and shrimp can’t get pulled in.

Two sizes

• Small, 3-pack. Three sponge filters for tanks up to 10 gallons. Good for running several nano, fry or betta tanks, or for keeping spares seeding in a main tank.
• Large. A single bigger unit for tanks up to 60 gallons.

Who it suits

AQUANEAT points to bettas, dwarf cichlids, guppies and killifish, plus hatchery, maternity, nano and fry tanks. The current is minimal, and the sponge surface means there’s almost no way for a small fish to be sucked through. The air chamber also releases fine bubbles, which helps oxygen dissolve into the water.

Setup

Push airline tubing onto the top of the unit, connect it to an air pump and switch on. Add a check valve to the line so water can’t flow back into the pump during a power cut. A small pump such as the hygger quiet mini pump runs a small unit easily, and the Penn-Plax airline tubing fits the connector.

Cleaning

When bubbling slows or the sponge looks brown and packed, pull it out and squeeze it a few times in a bucket of tank water. Never rinse it under the tap, since chlorine kills the bacteria you want to keep.

A seeded spare

Keep one sponge running in an established tank. If you need to set up a hospital or fry tank in a hurry, move it over and the new tank starts with working bacteria.

Who should look elsewhere

A sponge filter doesn’t hold carbon or fine polishing media. In a busy community tank, pair it with a hang-on or canister.