Upgrade Your Filter Intake

Increases Filter Capacity
Prevents Small Fish and Debris from Getting Sucked Up
Uses Coarse Foam to Extend Time Between Cleanings

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.

Directions/Specifications

Mini:

Intake hole: 0.5 inches
Diameter: 1.25 inches
Length: 2.75 inches
Pore Size: approximately 25 ppi

Medium:

Intake hole: 0.5 inches
Diameter: 2.5 inches
Length: 3 inches
Pore Size: approximately 25 ppi

Large:

Intake hole: 1.25 inches
Diameter: 3.5 inches
Length: 5.5 inches
Pore Size: approximately 20–25 ppi

Cleaning Instructions: Use a large fish bag, ziplock bag, or pitcher to put around the sponge while inside of the aquarium. Lift the water and sponge out to catch the majority of debris that comes off during removal. Next, squeeze the sponge inside the container of aquarium water. Discard the dirty water, get more water from the aquarium, and repeat until sponge filter is mostly free of debris. (If you're only using the pre filter sponge as a mechanical filter, you can also rinse it at the sink.) Reinstall the sponge and wait for a couple hours for the water to clear back up from the debris released when removing and reinstalling.

Sizing Chart:

Filter Brand	Filter Model	Pre-Filter Size	Fitment
Aqueon	QuietFlow LED 10	Mini or Medium
Aqueon	QuietFlow LED 20	Medium
Aqueon	QuietFlow LED 30	Medium
Aqueon	QuietFlow LED 50	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Aqueon	QuietFlow LED 75	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Fluval	AquaClear 20	Mini
Fluval	AquaClear 30	Medium
Fluval	AquaClear 50	Medium
Fluval	AquaClear 70	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Fluval	AquaClear 100	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Fluval	C2	Medium
Fluval	C3	Medium
Fluval	C4	Large	Needs zip tie (see video)
Fluval	107	Large
Fluval	207	Large
Fluval	307	Large
Fluval	407	Large
Fluval	FX4	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Fluval	FX6	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Marina	Slim S10	Mini
Marina	Slim S15	Mini
Marina	Slim S20	Mini
Marineland	Emperor 400	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Marineland	Penguin 75	Mini or Medium
Marineland	Penguin 100	Medium
Marineland	Penguin 150	Medium
Marineland	Penguin 200	Large
Marineland	Penguin 350	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Seachem	Tidal 55	Large
Seachem	Tidal 75	Large
Seachem	Tidal 110	Large
Tetra	Whisper IQ 20 / 30 / 45	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)
Tetra	Whisper EX 20	Medium
Tetra	Whisper EX 30	Medium
Tetra	Whisper EX 45	Medium
Tetra	Whisper EX 70	Large	Needs O-ring or zip tie (see video)

Aquariums & Supplies