- Increases Filter Capacity
- Prevents Small Fish and Debris from Getting Sucked Up
- Uses Coarse Foam to Extend Time Between Cleaning
The pre-filter or intake sponge is a simple foam cylinder that is designed to slip over the intake tube of hang-on-back (HOB) and canister filters. The filter intake tube often has large openings that allow sizable objects to get sucked up by the filter, potentially ruining the motor, so use a pre-filter sponge to help prevent baby fish, dwarf shrimp, little snails, plant leaves, fish food, and other debris from entering the filter. (depending on filters suction, and size of animal, tiny fry/shrimp/snails can still get through in some cases)
An intake sponge also provides valuable surface area to grow beneficial bacteria, which purify waste chemicals in the water and make it safe for your fish to live in. Finally, it adds mechanical filtration that extends the life and efficiency of your filter media.
Find out which sponge size to get and how to properly fit it to your hang-on-back or canister filter intake by viewing the sizing chart and video below. (Click the "Show More" button to expand the Directions/Specifications section.)
Customer Reviews
Love the sponges an the stickers. Thank you.
I’ve used them for years. Keeps shrimp and small fish out of filters, helps keep debris out of filters (easier maintenance), medium size fits Aquarium Coop’s powerheads - turning them into filters too.
Years ago, I cut a big filter sponge down to fit my 16 gallon filter. It had accumulated some blackbeard algae, so I was thrilled to find these. The size was perfect, and now I can rotate pre-filter sponges and protect my little organisms!
Convenient, and works well with my Eheim 2262s plumbed into the aquariums. Depending how easy it is to grab the pre-filter in your aquarium, I recommend having a 2nd sponge on hand for a quick swap.
I tried these on H0B filters, but I don't like HOBs--too loud, too prone to issues. I like Oase cannister filters, particularly the Biomaster 250 and 350 which come with an internal pre-filter. Coincidentally, or maybe not, the COOP pre-filter sponges fit perfectly as replacement sponges in those pre-filters. A little snip with scissors to make the sponge a cylinder, and it slides right onto the Oase pre-filter perfectly--2 sponges for the 250, 3 for the 350. These are easier to clean than the ones that come with the Oase, but just as effective in my experience.
