Fluval AC20/30/50 Intake Strainer Sponge

The Fluval AquaClear Intake Strainer Sponge slips over the intake of your AquaClear (AC) power filter and does two jobs at once. It stops small fish, shrimp, and fry from being pulled into the filter, and it acts as a pre-filter that traps waste and debris before they reach the main media. The porous foam also grows beneficial bacteria, adding extra biological filtration. It fits the AC20, AC30, and AC50 filters and works in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

It is a must-have for shrimp tanks, fry-rearing, and nano setups. Pair it with fresh BioFoam inside the filter, and find more media in our Filter Media & Cartridges collection.

Features

• Protects small fish, shrimp, and fry from being drawn into the filter
• Pre-filters waste and debris before it reaches the main media
• Porous foam adds biological surface area for beneficial bacteria
• Slips right over the AquaClear intake strainer, no tools needed
• Fits AquaClear 20, 30, and 50 power filters
• Reusable: rinse in tank water and reinstall; works in fresh and saltwater

How to Use

Slide the sponge over the intake strainer at the bottom of the AquaClear filter tube until it seats snugly. Because it is the first thing the water passes through, it collects debris quickly, so give it a squeeze in used aquarium water whenever flow starts to slow. Rinse it in tank water rather than tap water so you keep the beneficial bacteria alive, and replace it only when the foam wears out.

Specifications

Recommended Pairings

• AquaClear / Fluval AC20-AC50 power filters, the filters this sponge fits
• AquaClear AC50 BioFoam and other replacement media for inside the filter
• Freshwater invertebrates, the shrimp and snails this sponge helps protect
• Filter Media & Cartridges, all replacement media in one place

FAQ

Which filters does this fit? The AquaClear 20, 30, and 50 (also sold as the Fluval AC20, AC30, and AC50).

Do I need this for a shrimp tank? It is highly recommended. The sponge keeps shrimp and shrimplets from being sucked into the filter while still letting it run at full flow.

Does it reduce my filter's flow? Only slightly, and only if it clogs. Rinse it regularly and the filter keeps its normal flow.

Can I use it in saltwater? Yes. The foam works as a pre-filter and biological surface in freshwater and marine tanks.