Sponge Filter
A sponge filter is a simple, effective way to filter and aerate an aquarium using air from an air pump—without relying on chemical filtration. It provides mechanical filtration (trapping debris) and biological filtration (supporting beneficial bacteria that help reduce ammonia and other waste). Because sponge filters create low flow, they’re a popular choice for delicate fish, fry, axolotls, and hospital tanks. Visit Waterlife Aquarium in Hoppers Crossing or Ferntree Gully to get the right size and setup advice—click ENQUIRY or call 1300 MY FISH.
A simple, effective aquarium filter option
Sponge filters are a small, simple, and very effective way of filtering your aquarium. At Waterlife Aquarium, we stock a range of excellent quality sponge filters suitable for fish tanks, and our team can help you choose the right fit for your setup.
How a sponge filter works
A sponge filter is composed of:
Porous foam sponge
Weighted bottom
Lift tube
Strainer
These components allow you to connect an airline and start filtering the water. Sponge filters use air from an air pump to pull surrounding water through the sponge and push it out through the lift tube. At the same time, the rising bubbles help aerate the aquarium.
Mechanical + biological filtration in one unit
This mechanism uses both:
Mechanical filtration: the foam traps debris as water is pulled through it.
Biological filtration: the foam becomes a strong biological media where beneficial bacteria can colonise. As water passes through, the bacteria help reduce ammonia and other harmful substances in the tank.
We recommend adding BioActive8 to your aquarium when you add your new sponge filter to help get things established.
Sponge filters for delicate fish and breeders
As well as providing filtration and aeration, the low-flow nature of a sponge filter creates the right environment for more delicate fish. It’s also the choice of many breeders because it can help protect fry from harsh currents and from being sucked into stronger filter intakes.
Smooth sailing for axolotls and hospital tanks
Axolotls love still water, which is why we include air pump, airline, sponge filter and check valve (to prevent water rushing back and damaging your pump) in our Axolotl packages.
In many hospital tanks, anything other than a sponge filter can put too much stress on recovering fish, reducing the likelihood of a smooth recovery. A sponge filter keeps filtration gentle while maintaining aeration.
Choosing the right sponge filter size
Sponge filter sizes range from: Small units capable of 30L up to larger units capable of 136L
If you need more filtration, you can simply use two sponge filters.
How to increase filtration performance
To increase filtration in any size sponge filter, use a larger air pump. The more air pulling water through the sponge, the more effectively it can filter.
Ask our team for recommendations when purchasing a sponge filter so you get the right fit for your aquarium.
Ready to buy a sponge filter?
If you’d like help selecting the right sponge filter size and setup, click ENQUIRY or call 1300 MY FISH. You can also visit us in-store at Hoppers Crossing or Ferntree Gully for advice.
Our Store Locations
Hoppers Crossing
2/2 Shaft Ct, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029, Australia
Opening Hours
Mon–Fri: 10:00–5:30
Sat: 9:30–5:00
Sun: 10:00–4:30
Ferntree Gully
Shop 58 Mountain Gate Shopping Centre Ferntree Gully Road 3156
Opening Hours
Mon–Fri: 10:00–5:30
Sat: 9:30–5:00
Sun: 10:00–4:30
Geelong
2-4 Holmes St, North Geelong Vic 3215
Opening Hours
Mon–Sat: 9:30–5:00
Sun: 10:00–4:00
What Our Happy Customers Have To Say
You can also watch testimonial videos from Waterlife Aquarium customers below.
Enquiry form
Use the form below and one of our staff will get in touch.
Select the store you’d like to message: Hoppers Crossing or Ferntree Gully.