Pre Filter Sponge

• Prevents small animals and debris from getting sucked up
• Increases filter capacity
• 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, so use a pre filter sponge to prevent fish, shrimp, and sizable debris from getting sucked up and ruining the filter motor. Not only does an intake sponge clear up your water, but it also provides valuable surface area to grow beneficial bacteria.

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.)

Mini:
Intake hole: 0.5  inches 
Diameter: 1.5 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:
1. Use a large fish bag, ziploc bag, or pitcher to put around the sponge while inside of the aquarium.
2. Lift the water and sponge out to catch the majority of debris that comes off during removal.
3. Squeeze the sponge inside the container of aquarium water.
4. 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.)
5. Reinstall the sponge and wait for a couple hours for the water to clear back up from the debris released when removing and reinstalling.

Note: Depending on the filter's suction power and size of animal, tiny fry, shrimp, and snails can still get through the foam in some cases. We recommend using a filter with gentler flow when keeping very small animals.

Sizing Chart and Video