Top 10 Best Sponge Filters To Buy in 2023

Want the best and most effective filter for your aquarium? Looking for a superb filter that works perfectly for fish breeding?

What you really need for your aquarium is an old-fashioned sponge filter.

In the world of fish keeping, sponge filters are not exactly new. For years, aquarists have deemed them as their go-to filters because they are so easy to use and dependable.

Surprisingly, though, a lot of aquarists, especially the newer generation, are not aware of their perks, purpose, and use.

And, I even have received tons of emails from newbies asking how they work and what is the best sponge filter to buy.

So, today, I am giving you and my other readers a favor by covering the best sponge filter kits and options in the market today.

Even better, I am going to share some shopping pointers that will help you select the best sponge filter for your aquarium.

Let us get things started!

What Are Sponge Filters?

Sponge filters are convenient and easy-to-use filtration systems that keep your fish healthy and happy. Also, it keeps your finned pets safe from being trapped in the aquarium filter.

With its gentle and safe flow rate, sponge makes an excellent option for fry, quarantine, or breeding tanks.

Moreover, sponge filters are super affordable, designed compactly, and perform both mechanical and biological filtration.

How Do Sponge Filters Work?

Sponge filters work in a rather straightforward fashion. Once you have one, you just have to install it in your aquarium and power it with an air pump.

Put your air tubing at the sponge’s center. The air tube, then, blows out the pump’s air, creating a mild pressure that pulls aquarium water through your sponge filter.

During this filtration process, the system’s pressure traps every floating debris in the tank water and sucks them into its sponge.

And, that is how a superb sponge filter cleans and makes your aquarium water look spotless.

Why Use A Sponge Filter?

Sponge filters offer a ton of incredible perks to aquarists. Here are some of the reasons why you should use a sponge filter.

The Easiest Biological Filtration Method

When it comes to biological filters, nothing is easier and more convenient than sponge filters.

With a sponge filter, you get to create the perfect breeding ground for natural bacteria that break down your aquarium’s waste, keeping your finned pets healthy and happy.

Since water is sucked through the filter’s sponge, the bacteria will help clean the water in the aquarium as it passes through.

And this process is called biological filtration and will help keep your aquarium in balance.

2-in-1 Design

Sponge filters handle both biological and mechanical filtration. A foam will, no doubt, do an excellent job at filtering your aquarium mechanically.

Of course, it is capable of biological filtration as well.

Gentle Current

Sponge filters are pretty gentle, meaning they are ideal for small creatures that are prone to getting sucked in.

A Cheap Alternative

Sponge filters are significantly cheaper than most canister and HOB filters.

Air-Powered Filter

Air pumps mainly provide power to sponge filters, meaning it does a couple of tasks at once. Not only does the air pump take out the aquarium water from its sponge, but it aerates the water as well.

Sponge Filter Comparison Chart 2023

Not all sponge filters are created equal. Let us face it. Some of them do suck (no pun intended), in terms of performance.

That is why I have handpicked the 10 best sponge filters for aquariums!

What Are The Best Sponge Filters?

Find the sponge filter that suits perfectly to your needs, preference, and even budget with these top picks!

• Best Overall – Huijukon Air Sponge Filter
  “With its superior ribbed 10-layer sponge design, this quiet, air-powered sponge filter keeps water perfectly oxygenated and provides exceptional biological and mechanical filtration.”
• Best Budget – Aquaneat Bio Sponge Filter
  “This 3-piece sponge filter is not just wallet-friendly, but it also boasts an air infusion chamber that creates bubbles to enhance the aquarium’s oxygen solubility.”
• Best for 5 Gallon Tank – Xy-2831 Air Sponge Filter
  “Powered by an air pump, this small yet dynamic filter completely removes the waste from your water, creating a safe and thriving environment for small and breeding fish.”
• Best for Goldfish – Hygger Double Sponge Filter
  “User-friendly and powerful, this high-quality sponge filter has a no-nonsense setup for a goldfish tank. Plus, it perfectly combines physical filtration, oxygenation, and biol-filtration into one.”
• Best for Pond – Aquarium Technology Hydro-Sponge Filter
  “Engineered for larger aquariums, this remarkable and versatile filter traps waste particles effectively without sucking your small finned pets.”
• Best for Shrimp – Uxcell Biochemical Sponge Filter
  “Keep your shrimp aquarium’s water spotlessly clean and crystal clear without spending a fortune by using this superb single-sponge filter.”
• Best for Guppies – Upettools Biochemical Sponge Filter
  “With its innovative ribbing 7-layer sponge design, this filter purifies water proficiently, keeping your aquarium crystal clear without producing any annoying sound.”
• Best for Betta – Aquaneat Small Betta Sponge Filter
  “This sponge filter is easy to set up and has incredible features tailored for bettas and other smaller fish.”
• Best for Axolotls – Huijukon Bio Sponge Filter
  “With its strong suction cups and ribbed sponges design, this sponge filter creates a safe and perfect aquatic environment for your axolotls.”
• Best with Airstone – Hikari Bacto Sponge Filter
  “Suitable for a wide array of aquarium applications, this sponge filter comes with an air stone, meaning setting it up will be a breeze.”

Top 10 Best Sponge Filter Reviews in 2023

Need some help selecting the best sponge filter? Check out my personal reviews of these products and find the best sponge filter for your aquarium.

1. Huijukon Air Sponge Filter

(Best Overall)

Huijukon Air sponge filter offers a lot of enormous upsides for any aquatic environment. For one, it has a couple of sponges, meaning cycling is faster, and there is more area on the surface for bacteria colonization.

This, in turn, helps create an immaculately clean and crystal fish tank. And, it has double sponge filters, meaning it performs quite well in biological filtration.

Newbies will also love it because it is easy to prepare. You just have to set up the unit’s airline and air pump, and you are set to go.

On top of it all, its aeration is just second to none.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Huijukon
Height	Adjustable
Weight	3.2 ounces
Tank size suitability	20 to 55 gallons

2. Aquaneat Bio Sponge Filter

(Best Budget)

The Aquaneat Bio, with its fantastic classic design, is a top all-around sponge filter that provides an exceptional equilibrium between performance and price.

Furthermore, this sponge filter provides outstanding biological and mechanical filtration while producing a steady supply of bubbles from the unit’s air infusion chamber.

And, since its current is low, I recommended this filter for smaller fish, such as killifish, guppies, and dwarf cichlids.

As for its installation, aquarists, even newbies, will have no problem setting up this 3-piece sponge filter.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Aquaneat
Height	2 x 4.75 inches
Weight	9.6 ounces
Tank size suitability	Up to 10 gallons

3. XY-2831 Air Sponge Filter

(Best for 5 Gallon Tank)

I adore this air sponge filter, especially since it is pretty affordable. It is, in general, safe and suitable for all my small fish.

Although it thoroughly deals with all the wastes in my aquarium, it does not suck my small fish.

I usually use it either as a filter for breeding aquariums or a secondary filter for tanks equipped with other filters.

Also, using it is so simple, even for those who just ventured into keeping aquariums.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Xinyou
Height	8 x 2 x 7 inches
Weight	8 ounces
Tank size suitability	Up to 10 gallons

4. Hygger Double Sponge Filter

(Best for Goldfish)

Hygger is, by far, one of the premier companies in aquarium equipment. Ever since I started using their heater, the company has grown on me. They put in a ton of work to create the best products for their customers.

And, this sponge filter is no exception. It has a no-nonsense setup and has a complete set to make things a breeze.

Plus, the double sponge filter has plenty of handy and impressive features, such as its media chamber with an exceptional ceramic media. And guess what? You can replace this ceramic media with carbon to create a 3-stage filter.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Hygger
Height	6.3 x 2.1 x 9 inches
Weight	10.4 ounces
Tank size suitability	15 to 55 gallons

5. Aquarium Technology Hydro-Sponge Filter

(Best for Pond)

Got a massive fish tank? You might want to seriously consider this product, as you look for the best sponge filter.

Unlike the other filters mentioned in this guide, this product can handle large aquariums with a capacity of up to 125 gallons.

And, though it does not take a great deal of space, it does a terrific job of cleansing your aquarium, through mechanical and biological filtration.

Not to mention, it provides excellent water and air flow.

On the low side, it is more expensive than the other options.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Aquarium Technology, Inc.
Height	7 x 6 x 6 inches
Weight	11.2 ounces
Tank size suitability	Up to 125 gallons

6. Uxcell Biochemical Sponge Filter

(Best for Shrimp)

Do not let its low price deceive you! Even though it is very affordable, this Uxcell product has stellar quality.

Even better, you can use this sponge filter in a variety of ways. In fact, you can use this sponge filter for Hang-on Back or a pre-filter.

Another thing I love about this filter is that it has a finely created and large surface area where beneficial bacteria will grow.

And did I mention that this sponge filter is easy to use? You just have to seed it with water in any established aquarium for a couple of days and watch your tank water turn spotlessly and sparklingly clean.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Uxcell
Height	5.5 x 4.3 x 5.5 inches
Weight	10.4 ounces
Tank size suitability	Up to 125 gallons

7. UPETTOOLs Biochemical Sponge Filter

(Best for Guppies)

No sponge filter is as silent as UPETTOOLs Biochemical. It has a sophisticated ribbing 7-layer sponge design, meaning it is more silent than its 10-layer counterparts.

And, it is rather effective at improving the water quality of your fish tank, ensuring your pet’s environment remains crystal clear.

I also love the oxygen port of this kit since it rotates 360 degrees without any dead end. As a bonus, the sponge filter kit includes a couple of suction cups, so that it can be installed wherever you want.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	UPETTOOLs
Height	Adjustable
Weight	10.4 ounces
Tank size suitability	Up to 55 gallons

8. Aquaneat Small Betta Sponge Filter

(Best for Betta)

Searching for the best sponge filter for a small aquarium? Why not buy an Aquaneat Small betta sponge filter?

For the most part, I use this sponge filter for my bettas as well as killifish and guppies because the current it produces is minimal. Likewise, some aquarists I know use it in their fry tanks, maternity aquariums, and hatcheries.

Another upside to this filter is that it has an air infusion chamber that increases the oxygen’s solubility.

It, however, is only practical for small tanks. And, it needs a stronger air pump if you want a better water flow.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Aquaneat
Height	4 x 1.8 x 6.25 inches
Weight	6.4 ounces
Tank size suitability	Up to 10 gallons

9. Huijukon Bio Sponge Filter

(Best for Axolotls)

Sponge filters are, in general, cheap. But, often, you need to make a few purchases to get the best out of your sponge filter.

Thankfully, this sponge filter has a premium package that simplifies things on your end.

This sponge filter combo features an air stone, an airline hose, and an air pump to get you started. Even better, it comes with a media chamber that lets you convert this sponge filter into a superb 3-stage unit.

And I also like its unique green color.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Huijukon
Height	Adjustable
Weight	4.8 ounces
Tank size suitability	Up tp 60 gallons

10. Hikari Bacto Sponge Filter

(Best with Airstone)

The Hikari Bacto is one of your best bets if you own a larger aquarium. After all, it has the surface area that an aquarist needs to grow the perfect size of a beneficial bacteria colony.

And, even with its classic design, this sponge filter can handle large aquariums with a capacity of up to 125 gallons.

I used an eco-plus 396 submersible pump for this sponge filter, and so far, it has been a wicked combination.

My aquarium water is extremely clear after 60 minutes of operation.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Hikari
Height	8 x 6.7 x 6.1 inches
Weight	1.6 pounds
Tank size suitability	Up to 125 gallons

Buying Guides

You just cannot go and buy the first sponge filter that stumbled upon. You have to think twice or even a few more times before deciding to buy one.

Here is what you, as an aquarist, should look for when buying a sponge filter.

Size

Aquariums have different dimensions, capacities, and sizes, and you cannot use the same sponge for all these tanks.

So, size indeed matters, when looking for the best sponge filter. Before you buy a sponge filter, take note of its length and diameter.

Afterward, check if it fits perfectly to your aquarium.

Trust me, you do not want the water to enter the wrong spots just because the sponge does not fit. And, you do not wish to the sponge to float in the tank with the fish.

Design And Quality

Always go for a premium quality sponge filter. Also, your sponge should be dense, so that it will not float in the tank quickly.

As for the design, make sure that it has several layers to offer plenty of filtering stages.

The Sponge Capacity

The sponge filter must have enough capacity to handle the dirt produced by the fish. The bigger the filter’s capacity, the more dirt it can handle.

Advanced Features

Sponge filters, while seemingly simple, come with a variety of features. Some sponge filters have basic features, while there are others with more sophisticated features.

For one, you may get a double sponge filter for water. As the title suggests, this sponge filter has a couple of filters to help create a cleaner environment for your fish.

Also, you may opt for the 3-sponge models if you need something more than just a typical sponge filter.

Budget

How much money are you exactly willing to spend on your sponge filter? Usually, this varies from one person to another.

It is crucial to set a budget and search for a sponge filter that fits within your ideal price range.

Thankfully, sponge filters are more affordable compared to other filter types. Its price varies depending on the brand and features.

Try to find the right filter model with all the features that you need while meeting your budget requirements.

FAQs

Check out these insightful frequently asked questions to learn more about sponge filters and fish keeping.

My Top Pick

In my option, nothing beats Huijukon Air in the world of sponge filters. It is an extremely safe option for the fish and provides both aeration and filtration in one solution. And, with its double sponge filtration, this filter will definitely help you keep an immaculately clean and stunning fish tank.

Create a healthy and thriving environment for your fish by installing your aquarium with any of these top-rated sponge filters! Whether you are keeping bettas or goldfish, these sponge filters will make your aquarium spotless and crystal clear.