Aquarium sponge filter in a very simple device used for small to large tanks. They are used with a air pump. The pump forms air bubbles which draw water through a small tube. This movement provides oxygen to the bacteria which live in the sponge. These bacteria breaks down the ammonia waste that fish produce. They can be used for any sized tank.

Many breeders use them because the baby fish will not be pulled into the device. Also micro-organism will live on the outside of the filter.  The debris is the tank is pulled to the surface of the sponge. The very small babies can feed on these organisms until they grow big enough to brine shrimp or regular flake food.   They are very durable and will last for years. It is possible that large cichlid might damage them. I have not seen this but have heard of it. You can buy replacement sponges. Ones that I bought ten years are working fine. They do need to be cleaned. You carefully remove the sponge then sneeze and rinse in a bucket of aquarium water. If you use tap water the chlorine will kill the useful bacteria. I use these all the time. They are very reasonably priced depending on the size new are usually less than ten dollars. It is hard to find these in the stores. You usually must buy them online.

I have used sponge filters to raise corydoras catfish, bettas, Endler's livebearers, guppies, angelfish, and various other cichlids.


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