Hikari Bacto-Surge Foam Filter | High-Density Sponge Filter

The Hikari Bacto-Surge Foam Filter is an air-driven sponge filter that delivers powerful biological and mechanical filtration without electricity in the tank. Its high-density foam holds an enormous surface area for beneficial nitrifying bacteria, making it an ideal primary filter for shrimp tanks, fry grow-outs, and quarantine setups, or as a dependable secondary filter on display tanks. Available in four sizes for aquariums from 10 to 125 gallons, in both freshwater and saltwater systems.

Why Choose Bacto-Surge

• Massive bio surface area — high-density foam with thousands of micro-pores cultures aerobic bacteria for stable, long-term biological filtration.
• Gentle, fish-safe flow — air-driven design produces zero suction risk, perfect for shrimp, fry, bettas, and recovering fish.
• Mechanical + biological in one — traps debris while continuously cycling water through living bacteria colonies.
• Tool-free maintenance — lift, rinse the sponge in old tank water, and reinstall. No cartridges to replace.
• Versatile — works in freshwater, saltwater, planted, breeder, hospital, and quarantine tanks.

Sizing Guide

Setup & Use

• Air pump required — sold separately. The filter connects to any standard aquarium air pump via airline tubing.
• Recommended airflow — match the pump output to tank size; a stronger pump increases turnover and surface agitation.
• Placement — set on the substrate in a low-flow area of the tank; the sponge will draw water through as bubbles rise.
• Cycling — allow 4–6 weeks for the sponge to fully colonize. Seed with media from an established tank to speed up the process.

Maintenance

Rinse the sponge every 2–4 weeks in a bucket of removed tank water — never tap water, which kills beneficial bacteria. Squeeze gently to release trapped debris, then reinstall. The foam is durable and can last for years before needing replacement.

Specifications

Recommended Pairings

• Air pumps, airline tubing & accessories — required to run the Bacto-Surge.
• Aquaforest AF Life Essence or Brightwell MicroBacter Start XLM — seed nitrifying bacteria to speed up cycling.
• Aquaforest AF Water Conditioner — detoxify tap water before adding to the tank.
• Filter media & cartridges — pair with HOB or canister filtration for full coverage.
• Shop more Hikari products

FAQ

Q: Do I need an air pump to use this filter?
A: Yes — the Bacto-Surge is air-driven and requires a standard aquarium air pump (sold separately) connected via airline tubing.

Q: Is it safe for shrimp and fry?
A: Absolutely. The sponge intake produces zero suction, making it the safest filter type for shrimp, fry, and small or recovering fish.

Q: Can I use it in saltwater?
A: Yes. The Bacto-Surge works in both freshwater and saltwater systems and is commonly used as a bio-filter in marine quarantine tanks.

Q: How often should I clean it?
A: Rinse the sponge every 2–4 weeks in removed tank water. Never use tap water — chlorine will kill the beneficial bacteria you've worked to build.