DVHEY Aquarium Sponge Filter with Air Stone and Ceramic Media

The DVHEY Aquarium Sponge Filter is an air-driven sponge filter sold as a 2 pack. An air pump pushes air to an air stone inside each unit, and the rising bubbles pull water through the sponge. It filters and aerates at the same time with no motor in the tank.

Two sizes

• Large, about 4.7 x 4.7 x 10.4 inches, listed for 100-120 gallon tanks.
• Medium, a shorter version of the same filter sold as its own 2 pack for mid-size tanks.

Running both units of a pack in one tank spreads the filtration and gives fish two spots of gentle flow.

Sponge plus ceramic

Each filter holds bio ceramic media balls under the sponge. The sponge traps debris, and both surfaces host the bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrite. That makes these filters a good fit for shrimp tanks, breeding tanks and fry, since there’s no intake to suck up small animals.

What’s in the box

You get 2 sponge filters, ceramic balls, 8 ft airline tubing, 4 suction cups and check valves. The air pump is not included. Pair it with a pump like the Fluval A402.

Cleaning

Wash once every 2-4 weeks by squeezing the sponge in a bucket of tank water. Avoid tap water, since chlorine can kill the bacteria living in the sponge.

Fit

For a heavily stocked large tank, use these alongside a power filter rather than as the only filter. In lightly stocked tanks they can handle the job on their own.

Place each sponge in a corner or behind decor so it is out of sight. Use the check valves on the airline so water can’t siphon back into the pump if the power goes out. A small gang valve lets you balance air between the two filters.

Alternatives

For smaller tanks, the AQUANEAT bio sponge filter comes in compact sizes.