- Sku: 29034
Aquarium Co-Op Pre-Filter Sponge
Sold in-store only. Visit us at 1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville, GA.
A pre-filter sponge is a coarse foam cylinder that slips over the intake tube of a hang-on-back or canister filter. It stops fish, shrimp and larger debris from being pulled in and chewed up by the impeller, and because coarse foam is excellent bacterial real estate it adds biological capacity at the same time. Four sizes, matched to your filter's intake. Browse our other filter media and cartridges.
What It Does
- Protects livestock. Intake slots are wide enough to swallow fry, shrimp and small fish. The sponge closes that gap.
- Protects the filter. Debris that would otherwise reach the impeller gets caught where you can rinse it off.
- Adds biological capacity. Coarse foam carries a large surface area for nitrifying bacteria, so it works as a bio stage as well as a mechanical one.
- Stretches your maintenance interval. Coarse pores load up more slowly than fine floss, so you clean less often.
Choose Your Size
| Size | Fits intake up to | Diameter | Length | Pore size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 0.5 in | 1.5 in | 2.75 in | approx. 25 ppi |
| Medium | 0.5 in | 2.5 in | 3 in | approx. 25 ppi |
| Medium-Tall | 0.5 in | 2.5 in | 4.5 in | approx. 25 ppi |
| Large | 1.25 in | 3.5 in | 5.5 in | approx. 20 to 25 ppi |
Filter Fitment
Mini: Aqueon QuietFlow LED 10; Fluval AquaClear 20; Marina Slim S10, S15 and S20; Marineland Penguin 75.
Medium and Medium-Tall: Aqueon QuietFlow LED 10, 20 and 30; Fluval AquaClear 30 and 50, and C2 and C3; Marineland Penguin 75, 100 and 150; Penn-Plax Cascade hang-on-back filters; Tetra Whisper EX 20, 30 and 45.
Large: Aquatop CF 300 and 400 UV, FZ13, FZ27; Fluval 107, 207, 307 and 407; Fluval AquaClear 70 and 100; Fluval C4; Fluval FX4 and FX6; Aqueon QuietFlow LED 50 and 75; Marineland Canister 160, 220, 360 and 530, Penguin 200 and 350, Emperor 400; Penn-Plax Cascade Canister 500 to 1500 and Cascade Max Flow; Seachem Tidal 55, 75 and 110; Sicce Whale 120, 200, 350 and 500; SunSun canister filters; Tetra Whisper IQ 20, 30 and 45 and Whisper EX 70; Oase canister and hang-on-back filters.
Some Large fitments need an O-ring or zip tie to hold the sponge in place. Bring your filter model in and we will check it with you.
How to Clean It
- Put a large fish bag, ziploc or pitcher around the sponge while it is still in the aquarium.
- Lift the water and the sponge out together, so the debris comes with it instead of clouding the tank.
- Squeeze the sponge inside that container of aquarium water.
- Tip the dirty water out, refill from the tank, and repeat until the sponge runs mostly clean.
- Reinstall it and give the tank a couple of hours to clear.
Rinse in tank water, not tap water, if you are counting on the sponge for biological filtration. If you are only using it mechanically, the sink is fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which size do I need?
Match it to your filter from the fitment list above, or measure the intake tube. Mini, Medium and Medium-Tall all fit a 0.5 inch intake and differ in how much foam they carry, with Medium-Tall being the same 2.5 inch diameter as Medium but half again as long for more surface area. Large is for a 1.25 inch intake.
Will it slow my filter down?
Slightly, and more so as it loads with debris, which is the signal to rinse it. Coarse 20 to 25 ppi foam is chosen to keep that effect small.
Can I leave it on permanently?
Yes, that is the intent. Rinse it on your normal maintenance schedule.
Does it replace my filter media?
No. It is a pre-filter, so it protects and supplements what is inside the filter rather than replacing it.
Can I buy this online?
No. Aquarium Co-Op products are sold in store only, so come and see us.
Have a question?
