Are you a proud owner of a beautiful shrimp tank? If so, you know that maintaining a healthy and clean environment for your shrimp is crucial for their well-being.
A sponge filter is an excellent choice for a shrimp tank due to its gentle water flow and biological filtration capabilities.
But with so many sponge filters available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your tank.
In this article, we’ll explore the best sponge filters for shrimp tanks, so you can provide the best possible care for your aquatic pets.
So, whether you’re a seasoned shrimp enthusiast or a newbie to the hobby, get ready to discover the top sponge filter options for your shrimp tank!
Read More: Top 10 Best Filter for Shrimp Tank
Our Top Choice
What Is a Sponge Filter?
A sponge filter is a type of hydrodynamic filter. It uses organic matter such as sponges or live rock to trap fines, toxins, and bacteria inside them. Filtration occurs when the water passes through the pore spaces in the organic matter.
This is different from other filters, such as the mechanical filter where water passes through a rigid tube. A sponge filter is more similar to an organic biofilter, which changes the water by cycling it through different stages.
Types of Filters:
Sponge Filters:
A sponge filter is a type of filtration that is designed to remove particles from the water. It does this by using a porous material, usually made of sponges or synthetic material, to trap particles in its pores.
Sponge filters are most commonly used for aquariums with shrimp tanks because they are not as harsh as other types of filters like canister filters or hang-on back (HOB) filters which can harm shrimp by sucking them into the water flow.
Hanging Filters:
Hanging filters are a great way to provide filtration in a shrimp tank. They can be used to filter water or even provide aeration. They are easy to install and can be placed on the tank wall or hung from the back of the tank.
Hanging filters come in many different shapes, and sizes and with all types of filtration capabilities. We will go into detail about each type of filter and how they work so that you can decide which is best for your situation.
Canister Filters:
A canister filter is a type of external filter that provides all types of filtration. It may be overkill for a smaller shrimp tank. Canister filters are the most common type of external filter and they can handle anything from small tanks to large community tanks.
They work by drawing water from the tank and passing it through a series of filters that remove particles, debris, and other impurities to create clean water.
Undergravel Filters:
Undergravel filters are designed to trap debris and waste materials, which can then be removed from the tank. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the tank, under a layer of substrate.
Types of Sponge Filters:
There are many kinds of sponge filters, some better suited to specific types of tanks.
Clay or Live Sponge Filters:
These are the most common type of sponge filters. They typically use live sponges or clay rocks as the filter media. Live sponges should be replaced at least once a month, and typically grow back in about three to six months.
Rock Sponge Filters:
Rock sponges are removed from their habitat and grown in a controlled environment. This makes them much more consistent in their pore size and mass than live sponges.
Silica Gel Sponge Filters:
These are the most efficient sponge filters, removing more than 99% of all toxins and harmful compounds from water. They are the best choice for water with high mineral content.
What are the Best Sponge Filter for Shrimp Tank
Aquariums are a great hobby. It can keep you entertained for hours. But, as any fish owner knows, maintenance is an essential part of keeping the tank healthy. In order for your fish to live a long and happy life, you need to keep the water clean and filter it regularly.
Uxcell XINYOU XY-380 Biochemical Sponge Filter
With this high-quality aquarium sponge filter from Uxcell, you’ll never have to worry about water quality again. For the hobbyist who wishes to breed fish, or for the serious aquarist.
Who needs to keep their water crystal clear, this company offers the Uxcell XINYOU XY-380 Sponge Filter. The filter utilizes a special mesh. That is safe for small species of fish.
With a simple setup. Water flow is reduced and only larger particles are trapped in the sponge. This means your smaller fish will not get caught.
The result is a crystal clear tank that’s safe for all kinds of fish and baby fish. Uxcell’s Sponge filter offers a natural, affordable and reliable way to keep your aquarium clean.
Unlike many other filters on the market, it is designed to replicate the natural process of biological waste breakdown in a healthy aquarium environment- giving your fish a longer, healthier life.
Features
- High-quality foam
- This filter provides both mechanical and biological filtration
- The sponge filter traps waste particles mechanically.
Pros
- High-quality aquarium sponge filter
- Side channels provide many surface area
- The powerheads can attach easily
- Pours are very large
- Supports large bacterial populations
- Safe for small size fish
Cons
- Sometimes the weight on the bottom of the filter is not heavy enough.
#2. AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter
AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter is the perfect filter for anyone who wants to keep their aquarium clean and healthy. It provides both mechanical and biofiltration.
Also, the air infusion chamber produces minute bubbles which increase the oxygen solubility. Your aquarium is a beautiful part of your home and we want to make sure that it stays clean and healthy.
That’s why AQUANEAT created the AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter. It’s safe for fish, easy to set up and clean, and will keep your tank looking fresh.
AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter is a revolutionary new aquarium filter that removes debris from the water while being safe for fish. The soft sponge material traps floating debris and won’t suck up your fish, and it’s easy to set up and clean.
AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter is compact, easy to maintain, and can be installed in any tank for up to 60 gallons. This filter has been designed to produce minimal current and has almost no way to suck the fry into the intake.
With a sponge filter, you don’t have to worry about your fry getting sucked into the intake and being killed.
NOTE: AQUANEAT’s recommended tank size is up to 60 gallons.
Features:
- Sponge filters provide both mechanical and biofiltration
- soft sponge material
- won’t suck up your fish
- Easy to set up & clean
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Very affordable
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- The bubbles produced are much too large.
#3. Powkoo Aquarium Double Sponge Filter
Powkoo Sponge Filter is a revolutionary new product that will change the way you care for your aquarium. With its powerful air-powered sponge, this filter will provide both mechanical and biological filtration, increase oxygen, aeration, and filtration 3 in 1.
It’s super quiet and suitable for freshwater or saltwater tanks. The Powkoo Sponge Filter is a revolutionary and simple solution to your aquarium’s filtration needs.
It is made with a high-density porous sponge that helps to trap floating debris and fine particles while also providing more surface area for beneficial tiny creatures to grow on.
The filter is designed with a 10-layer sponge that can be easily removed and cleaned. Powkoo Sponge Filter Aquarium Filter Sponge Fish Tank Sponge Filter.
With over 4 million sold, the Powkoo Sponge Filter is the best affordable and easy-to-use filter for your fish tank. The Powkoo Sponge Filter is the best solution for a healthier aquarium.
It’s easy to setup and use, no air stone needed, and it keeps water well oxygenated. It’s also safe for your fish!
NOTE: Fits fish tank size: 20 to 45 gallon
Features:
- Filtration 3 in 1
- Suitable for freshwater and saltwater
- Protect baby fish from being sucked into the filter system
- 10-layer sponge
- No air stone needed
Pros:
- Extra source of air helps with aeration
- It is super quiet
- It provides both mechanical and biological filtration
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- It takes a lot of space for the sponge.
#4. Powkoo Sponge Filter Aquarium Bio Filter Sponge
Get the best water quality for your shrimp tank with Powkoo Sponge Filter. This high-density porous 60ppi fine sponge provides mechanical filtration, biological filtration, oxygenation, and aeration in one.
So you’ll be sure to get the excellence of the water quality. Whether you’re looking to add a new fish to your tank or just keep the ones you have, this option will help keep your water clean and clear.
Our Powkoo Sponge Filter is the perfect choice for your shrimp tank. It provides a lot of surface area for growth and breeding of beneficial tiny creatures.
It enhances bio filtration, increases the level of dissolved oxygen in the water. It also improves purifying water quality, and also traps smaller particles of debris floating around in the water.
You can keep your fish tank crystal clear and clean with this great sponge filter. This is a simple Aquarium Bio Filter Sponge that is easy to set up and doesn’t require any air stone.
When your shrimp tank is full, just remove the filter and it will start providing its unique watery goodness. It uses a simple air stone which is included, and can be easily set up with no air inlet.
It comes with great customer reviews. It is very easy to use. It’s also washable and reusable, so you can keep it on hand to suck down into water. With tips from their expert developers, this Aquarium Bio Filter Sponge is perfect for keeping your shrimp tanks clean and healthy.
Features:
- Suitable for freshwater and saltwater
- Provides a lot of surface area
- Improve purifying water quality
Pros:
- Keep the tank crystal clear and clean
- Easy to use
- Easy to set up
- No air stone needed
Cons:
- The holes are too small
#5. Aquarium Technology, Inc. Hydro-Sponge Filter
The Aquarium Technology, Inc. Hydro-Sponge Filter is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience crystal clear water. It is a radiantly healthy freshwater or saltwater fish.
This filter is also easy to use. Just fill it with water and add your fish, and you’re ready to go! It features a patented water-jet technology that ensures even distribution of the water’s nutrients and dissolved minerals.
This filter is quiet and easy to clean simply rinse and squeeze in used tank water to maintain nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Inner canister of the filter can be filled with activated charcoal, carbon, or other media to help keep your aquarium healthy and clean!
The Aquarium Technology, Inc. Hydro-Sponge Filter is perfect for use with a powerhead or pump to help clean and maintain your aquarium. The filter can also be used to replace air stones in your aquarium, making it the perfect solution for keeping your fish healthy and happy.
This Hydro-Sponge Filter is ideal for low-current breeding, betta, discus, and turtle tanks. Its soft foam filters across a wide surface area create bubbles to reduce protein buildup and increase oxygen.
Aquarium Technology, Inc.’s Hydro-Sponge Filter is a fast-cycle filter that helps you keep your aquarium clean and pristine. The filter sponge is easy to transfer from old to new tanks, and it’s perfect for even more pristine water and longer filter life.
Features:
- Filter and can be used with a powerhead or airstone
- High flow filtration without constant cartridge replacements
- Very easy to set up
Pros:
- Perfect freshwater or saltwater fish
- This whisper-quiet
- Quiet and easy to clean
Cons:
- Many people sats “This is the old version of the Hydro-Sponge filter, not the PRO version”
#6. UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter
The Upettools aquarium biochemical sponge filter is the perfect way to improve your fish tank’s purifying water quality. Featuring a single scientific 7-layer ribbed shape sponge design.
This filter can quickly establish a bio-filter, improve purifying water quality, and the oxygen port can rotate 360 degrees without dead ends. Keep your fish tank clear and clean with this innovative filter!
Keep your aquarium healthy with our UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter. This filter is compatible with one container of ceramic biofilter media inside and helps to remove the harmful substances and increase the oxygen levels in your tank.
This Filter is perfect for taking down the sponge from the filter easily. With its easy-to-use design, it provides both mechanical and biological filtration, trapping floating debris and protecting your baby fish from being sucked up into the filter.
The Upettools Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter is good for keeping your aquarium clean and healthy. It features a 1 double sponge filter with 2 containers, 2 suctions, 4 bags of ceramic media balls and 4 pare sponges.
Making it easy to use and provide great water quality. The UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter is the perfect accessory for your fish breeding, breeding and fish formation aquarium.
It’s compatible with 2 suction cups, can be installed anywhere and can be easily hidden on the back wall of the aquarium. With its simple design and easy-to-use operation, this filter will quickly become a favorite among aquarists.
hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter,
Features:
- Multi-filtration Functions
- Special Ceramic Bio Filter Media
- Removable Sponges
- Max Suit for 55GAL Fish Tank
- 7-layer ribbing shape sponge design
Pros:
- The oxygen port can rotate 360 degrees
- Remove harmful substance
- Can be taken down the sponge from the filter easily
- Compatible with 2 suction cups
- Can be easily hidden
Cons:
- This filter comes with no instructions.
#7. hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter
The Aquarium Double Sponge Filter helps your small fish or shrimp to live a happy, healthy life. It combines bio-filtration, oxygenation, and physical filtration in one filter, making it the perfect choice for any aquarium.
The small water flow ensures the excellence of the water quality. This Filter is the perfect way to reduce your fish tank’s water waste. The sponge filter with media balls takes up no more room.
And it is small enough to fit in a 6″ x 9″ fish tank, or the medium size filter for a 15-55 gallon fish tank. The sponge inside circle diameter is 0.39 inches and it can be used for 10 to 40-gallon fish tanks.
The hygger Aquarium Double Sponge is perfect for those who love to keep their aquarium clean and healthy. This filter has a 1 double sponge filter with 2 containers and 1 bag of ceramic media balls.
It also has 2 pare sponges(packed in the 2 containers). The Aquarium Double Sponge Filter is perfect for use with an air pump and a standard size 4mm air hose.
It must be used with an air pump to create the desired water flow, please note the pump and air hose are not included. This amazing filter has a special surface area that is perfect for beneficial little creatures to live on.
It’s easy to take down the filters so you can clean them or replace them whenever you need to. It features two strong suction cups that can stick it firmly to any tank position, without floating.
The water oulet tube can be extended and rotated, so you can adjust the outlet to above or below the waterline.
Note: Please choose a powerful enough air pump according to your fish tank size for this filter. And Don’t use tap water to clean it, just rinse or squeeze the sponges by using the aquarium water.
Features:
- Multi-filtration functions
- Combines bio-filtration, oxygenation and physical filtration
- Detachable great sponges
- The water outlet tube can be extended and rotated
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Very use to setup and clean
- Easy to take down the sponges
- All the parts of this filter are detachable
Cons:
- For a “small” 10 gallon tank this filter might be big.
#8. SOUTH SHORE RETAIL Aquarium Sponge Filter
SOUTH SHORE RETAIL Aquarium Sponge Filter Sponge Filter is a great choice for those looking for an increased level of aquarium cleanliness and a healthy environment for their fish.
It is made from high-quality, durable materials that provide a vast area on which beneficial organisms can grow, meaning that they help to keep your aquarium water extra clean and healthy once they are established.
It has been noted in some studies that a sponge is actually one of the best materials to use as bio-media, as it provides so much surface area for beneficial organisms to grow on. Professional grade sponge filters are the easiest aquarium filter to use and set up!
Simply plug the sponge filter into an outlet and you’re ready to go. With an air pump, this filter uses less energy than other types of sponge filters.
And it is also easy to clean just remove the dirty water and replace it with fresh water. SOUTH SHORE RETAIL Aquarium Sponge Filter is designed to protect small fish and fry from being pulled into the filter, and to keep the water in your aquarium clean and healthy.
Biological filtration works even with the loss of power. The nitrogen cycle continues as aquarium sponge filters keep good beneficial organisms, drawing water from lower parts of the tank to increase water surface area and gas exchange of CO₂ for O₂.
Additionally, using an existing aquarium sponge filter will speed up the cycling of a new tank by adding beneficial organisms.
Note: Air Tubing, air pump, and optional air stone not included.
Features:
- Improved design Over Other Sponge Filters
- best materials to use as bio-media
- These sponge filters are powered by air
Pros:
- Easiest Aquarium Filter To Use And Setup
- The sponge protects small fish
Cons:
- Sometimes it makes big bubbles. But it is very rare.
#9. Lefunpets Sponge Filter
The Lefunpets Sponge Filter is perfect for use with your water bottle. It provides filtration, works great, and for longer life. Lefunpets Sponge Filter is the perfect way to keep your fish clean and safe.
The unique cylindrical shape traps floating debris and won’t suck up your fish, while the soft sponge material makes it easy to clean. This Filter is a great way to clean your fish tanks.
It is equipped with a check valve on the air hose to avoid water back-flow and damage from power outages. Simply connect one end of the filter to the air pump and the other end to your fish tank, and use the air hose to clean your fish tanks quickly and easily.
The sponge filter is easy to set up. All parts are detachable for easy cleaning. The sponge filter is perfect for adding life to your swimming pool, rivers, lakes, or other water surfaces.
Our Lefunpets Sponge Filter is the perfect size for up to 80 gallons of fresh water or saltwater fish tank. It’s made with a durable, plastic material that will last, and it fits into any fish tank.
Note: For a better experience, you need an air stone.
Features:
- 6 vertical stripe sponge design
- traps floating debris
- Soft Sponge Material
Pros:
- Works for longer life
- Won’t suck up your fish
- Perfect for freshwater or saltwater fish tank
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with any air stone so you have to buy it.
Buying Guide for Sponge Filters
There are a few factors to keep in mind when purchasing a sponge filter. The first is the type of filter you need.
Internal or External
Internal filters can be placed inside the tank, under the tank, or in a separate room. They are the best choice for aquariums with low flow rates and small aquariums.
External filters are placed over or next to the aquarium, and can be used with larger aquariums and higher flow rates.
Porosity
The porosity of a sponge filter is the most important factor. High-porosity sponges have large pores, while low-porosity sponges have smaller pores. A good starting point is purchasing low-porosity sponges with a pore size of 0.2-0.3.
Capacity
The capacity of a sponge filter is the volume of water it can hold at once. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a filter with at least twice the capacity of your tank.
What are the benefits of a sponge filter?
Sponge filters have a lot of benefits. Here are some of the benefits mentioned below:
- These are easy To Use
- A high-quality sponge filter also can filter large tanks. So many people use high-quality sponge filters in their large tanks.
- It saves costs!
- A sponge filter can be used in both mechanical and biological filtration.
- Sponge filters are very easy to adjust with an air pump.
- It is very safe for baby fish, small fish, and Cherry shrimp.
- Very Quick to Cycle
- They are cheap!
Frequently Asked Questions for Best Sponge Filter for Shrimp Tank:
How does a sponge filter work?
A sponge filter works by trapping and holding water in its curved walls. When water flows through a sponge, it is forced through tiny holes in the sides. The water is trapped inside, where it can stay until it is needed. These curved walls also act as pipes, enabling water to flow easily through the filter.
How Does a Sponge Filter Work?
Using organic matter as a filter medium, a sponge filter works much like a biological filter. However, in this case, the medium is not seaweed or aquatic plants, but sponge sponges or live rock.
The filter medium in a sponge filter is porous, and water passes through it. The pores in the sponge filter medium are quite large, allowing a lot of water through at once. This high flow rate helps to quickly remove toxins and other harmful substances in your water.
In addition, the pores in a sponge filter medium serve as tiny little mini-bioreactors. They feed off of toxins in your water, generating bacteria which are then trapped inside the sponge filter.
How do sponge filters work?
Sponge filters are a simple and effective way to remove bacteria and other small particles from water. These filters work by trapping these objects and retaining them within the filter. Sponge filters also work by trapping debris, which can further reduce the volume of the filter.
Are sponge filters good?
sponge filters are an effective way to clean water. They can help remove pollutants and harmful bacteria, which can improve the balance of an aquatic ecosystem. Sponge filters are also simple to use and can be cost-effective.
How often to clean aquarium sponge filter?
Clean your sponge filter every month. And Every time you see a decrease in bubbles, it means your sponge filter is being cleaned. To clean your sponge filter, remove all the dirty water, and then dry it off.
Do shrimp need a filter?
Yes, shrimp need a filter.
A filter is important because it separates the water used for swimming and the presence of harmful gases. Shrimp need a filter to prevent them from getting water inside their skin. A filter helps to reduce the amount of water that is drawn up to the shrimp and helps them to grow healthy and productive.
Is sponge filter good for shrimp?
The answer is Yes.
Sponge filters are generally better for shrimp than traditional filters. sponge filters are made of natural materials that other filter materials cannot be. They are also less likely to build up underway water hardness. Sponge filters are also easy to use and can be applied directly to the water.
Conclusion
The best sponge filter for your shrimp tank is going to depend on a few factors, such as the type of shrimp you have, the amount of flow your system can support, and the types of impurities you’re hoping to remove from your water.
A general rule of thumb is to purchase a sponge filter with at least twice the capacity of your aquarium. This will allow you to cycle the filter effectively, while also having enough room for weekly cleanings.
Sponge filters are one of the most affordable and effective ways to keep your freshwater aquarium healthy. They can remove toxins and harmful impurities from your water, while also providing a safe and hospitable environment for your fish and shrimp.