Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Sponge Aquarium Filters

1. AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine 9 Watt | Internal UV Sterilizer System with Power Head | Kills Alg...

User Ratings: 76 7

AA Aquarium AAUV9W First Impressions

"All around great product."

I also like the fact that it is relatively low profile and discreet looking. The Aqua Clear is on the left and the Aqueon is on the right. Get it and take heed to what I wrote. They can be very noisy at the impeller, which sometimes quiets in time, but may not. I have contacted customer service to see if I can get a replacement unit. With the 350's inexpensive price point, you can’t go wrong with this powerful filter. I will pick 3-4 of these at one time over a single system any day.

• AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine 9 Watt | Internal UV Sterilizer System with Power Head | Kills Algae, Bacteria, and Waterborne Pathogens | Easy, Submersible Installation
• Say GOODBYE to GREEN and HELLO to CLEAN. AA Aquarium’s Green Killing Machine eliminates cloudiness, algae & bacteria to give your fish the crystal clear water they need for perfect health!
• The #1 UV in the US – over ½ Million sold. Patented technology that no one else has and the ONLY UL Safety Tested internal UV kit – Be safe with your tank and fish!
• Patented Sealed UV BULB - you never touch glass! Chambered bulb assembly for high water dwell time and outstanding efficacy! No gloves-No mess-EZ bulb changes!
• NO TOOLS REQUIRED! 10 minute installation - Follow simple steps to get clear water in days. No Guessing – Control Box LED tells you when to change bulbs!
• 3 Year Warranty on Pump; 4 pcs sponge pre-filter; Pump rated 220L/Hour. Perfect for aquariums up to 50 Gallons (210 L). UL/cUL Listed
• Manufacture: AA AQUARIUM
• Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.7 x 11 inches; 2 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The AA Aquarium AAUV9W
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.2']
• Quality [star rating='4.8']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
• Affordability [star rating='4.8']

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Sponge Aquarium Filters

2. Penn-Plax Small World Aquarium Filter, Filter Kit, and Replacement Media Cartridges (Bio Sponge, Car...

User Ratings: 61 8

Penn-Plax SWF1 First Impressions

"The product itself."

I have had no issues with it being to loud. The Aqua Clear is on the left and the Aqueon is on the right. There must be a huge batch of these units at Amazon right now that are bad. With the 350's inexpensive price point, you can’t go wrong with this powerful filter. Never ever ever use it past a year. I contacted Marineland about my issue and they promptly sent me a new one right away! There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank!

• Penn-Plax Small World Aquarium Filter, Filter Kit, and Replacement Media Cartridges (Bio Sponge, Carbon, and Zeolite Crystals) – Safe for Freshwater and Saltwater Setups
• age range description: All Life Stages
• Helps keep your small aquarium healthy and looking beautiful
• Specifically designed for small aquariums up to 5 gallons
• Fits almost any small aquarium shape or size and is compatible with any air pump
• Helps keep your small aquarium healthy and looking beautiful
• Specifically designed for small aquariums up to 5 gallons
• Supercharged with scientifically formulated Carbon and Zeolite Crystals, the media cartridge absorbs ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates in a fast and timely manner, along with removing harmful chemicals and toxins, clearing up discolorations, and reducing foul odors from your aquarium, tank, or habitat.
• In addition to the Carbon and Zeolite Crystals, the included media cartridge also contains a Bio Sponge for physical filtration of larger particulate matter, and biological filtration that optimizes the colonization of anaerobic bacteria.
• Manufacture: Monster Pets
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 6 inches; 2.88 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax SWF1
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.6']
• Quality [star rating='4.7']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.6']
• Affordability [star rating='4.3']

3. hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter, Comes with 2 Spare Sponges, 1 Bag of Bio Ceramic Media Balls, ...

User Ratings: 74 3

hygger First Impressions

"Great product."

Overall I would recommend this item. I liked the clean lined look and the pull out basket. This new AQ50 filter has loose bio-media, i. I want to answer some of the complaints I've read. Months later, this filter is still working great on my 29 gal set up. My tank was a mess when I got this pump. I stopped the pump and I pulled it apart.

• hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter, Comes with 2 Spare Sponges, 1 Bag of Bio Ceramic Media Balls, Quiet Submersible Foam Filter for Fresh Water and Salt-Water Fish Tank
• 【Multi-filtration functions】this sponge aquarium filter combines bio-filtration, oxygenation and physical filtration in one and also makes small water flow, which can ensure the excellence of the water quality. Helps your small fish or shrimp to live a happy, healthy life
• 【Filter Demension】plus the sponge filter with media balls takes up no more room. Small filter is 6" in width and 9" to 13." in height, the sponge inside circle diameter is 0.39 inch, suggest for 10 to 40 gallon fish tank. Medium filter is 6.3" in width and 9' to 13 in height, the sponge inside circle diameter is 0.59 inch, suggest for 15 to 55 gallon fish tank. For larger tank you may need 2 of this filter
• 【Package Includes】1 double sponge filter with 2 containers +1 bag of ceramic media balls + 2 pare sponges (packed in the 2 containers). This aquarium filter must be used with an air pupm and a standard size 4mm air hose, please note pump and air hose are not included. Please choose a powerful enough air pump according to your fish tank size for this filter
• 【Removable Fine Sponges 】you can easy to take down the 2 sponges from the filter to clean or replace it, the 2 sponges are fine 60ppi not coarse, which means more surface area for beneficial bacteri to live on. Don't use tap water to clean it, just rinse or squeeze the sponges by using the aquarium water
• 【Easy to use】all the parts of this filter are detachable, you can easily to assemble them together, with 2 strong suction cups you can stick the filter firmly to any tank position under water, withouting floating. The water oulet tube can be extended and rotated, you can adjust the outlet to above or below the waterline
• With 2 strong suction cups to keep the filter stay in place.
• Filter parts are detachable, easy to install (image 5 show the steps).
• Comes with a bag of ceramic media balls.
• Manufacture: hygger
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.1 x 9 inches; 13.62 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The hygger
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
• Quality [star rating='4.8']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.5']
• Affordability [star rating='4.8']

4. UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter, Ultra Quite Aquarium Air Pump Single Head Bio Sponge F...

User Ratings: 70 5

UPETTOOLS First Impressions

"It just starts right up."

LOW and BEHOLD, LMAO, I missed where you had to put water in the back of the filter. There is a sound from the water shooting into the tank! Early on it seems to be working as advertised. Replace activated carbon every 6-8 months ish. The ability to regulate the flow solves the loud waterfall problem. BUT after some YouTube research I was able to fix the noise issue. A canister or in tank filter is ten times more work and messy.

• UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter, Ultra Quite Aquarium Air Pump Single Head Bio Sponge Fish Tank Foam Filter
• 【Multi-filtration Functions】Upettools sponge filter combines single scientific 7-layer ribbing shape sponge design, which can quickly established a bio-filter, improve purifying water quality, and the oxygen port can rotate 360 degrees without dead ends, keep your fish tank crystal clear and clean.
• 【Special Ceramic Bio Filter Media】Upettools aquarium sponge filters compatible with one container with ceramic bio filter media inside, which help to remove harmful substance and increase oxygen level in your tank, you can replace the filter media to enhance water quality.
• 【Removable Sponges 】 You can take down the sponge from the filter easily to clean or replace it. Sponge filters provide both mechanical and biological filtration, traps floating debris and protect your baby fish from being sucked up into the filter.
• 【Easy to Set Up】Simply install an airline into the unit and turn on the air pump, great way to clean and oxygenate your tanks. Don't use tap water to clean it, simply squeeze the sponges in tank water.
• 【Max Suit for 55GAL Fish Tank】Compatible with 2 suction cups, can be installed anywhere and can be easily hidden on the back wall of the aquarium. Suitable for freshwater & saltwater and all kinds of ornamental fish breeding, breeding and fish formation, especially for colorful fairy, small fish,shrimp tank, betta tank etc.
• Manufacture: UPETTOOLS
• Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 6.3 x 9.06 inches; 1.1 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The UPETTOOLS
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.9']
• Quality [star rating='4.8']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
• Affordability [star rating='4.9']

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling Sponge Aquarium Filters

5. Penn-Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter with Quad Filtration System

User Ratings: 73 7

Penn-Plax CPF5 First Impressions

"SAME THING!"

Also the maker should review the pump design. I was using a Tetra in-tank filter previously. I've been researching so many things on how to take care of them. I liked the clean lined look and the pull out basket. I also like the fact that it is relatively low profile and discreet looking. Your fish and you will be much happier and stun everyone else. The filter arrived within 2 days and was the exact same as Petsmart's.

• Penn-Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter with Quad Filtration System
• Hang on aquarium filter quietly delivers 300 gallons per hour of crystal clear water for your fresh or marine aquariums from 55 to 100 gallons in size.
• Revolutionary Bio-Falls Quad-Filtration system provides efficient filtration with anaerobic bacteria for additional ammonia and nitrite removal providing maximum oxygenation.
• Activated carbon cartridge removes harmful chemicals, toxins, odors, discoloration, and other contaminants for your aquarium.
• Internal sponge optimizes colonization of beneficial anaerobic bacteria and polyfiber floss cartridge traps floating particulate matter.
• Adjustable flow knob allows you to reduce filtration during feeding times or as needed. Aquarium filter is recommended for both freshwater and saltwater applications.
• Manufacture: Monster Pets
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 11 inches; 4 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax CPF5
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.3']
• Quality [star rating='4.7']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
• Affordability [star rating='5']

6. Aquarium Turtle Filter Waterfall Flow Water Clean Pump Bio-Filtration for Reptiles Tank Low Level Wa...

User Ratings: 55 13

JackSuper First Impressions

"MINE IS VERY QUIET."

I want to answer some of the complaints I've read. In the afternoon the noises started again. I bought a top fin 55 gallon aquarium on sale. I've think I've had had six of them. You do have to unplug it for those two jobs. The Marineland penguin 350 is a great filter. I have contacted customer service to see if I can get a replacement unit.

• Aquarium Turtle Filter Waterfall Flow Water Clean Pump Bio-Filtration for Reptiles Tank Low Level Waterfall Filter for Small Fish Tank Turtle Tank Shrimp Tank Amphibian Frog Crab
• We have the 90 days replacement and the refund service. All the emails will be replied within 24 hours. We have lifetime technique support, please feel free to contact us for any quality problem. We will do our best to help you.
• Perfect Aquarium filter for aquatic turtle tanks, Reptiles, Amphibians, Frog, Cichlids, Newt or Fish tank in any aquarium up to 40 gallons
• Easy to install,Water filter pump can be hung on the aquarium or fixed with sucker. Low water level capability(Lowest water level 1.6inch/4cm)
• Water circulation and cleaning:this turtle filter helps water cycling,the Activated carbon cartridges and bio ball help clean water,absorbs odors and discoloration,provide a healthy water for your aquarium
• High performance, the motor set under the water,more quiet than external filter,you can creat a waterfall with rock inside the fish tank
• Filter waste and stop the waste go into power head
• Protect your filter power head and prevent small fish or animal suck in the filter.
• absorbs odors and discoloration
• Manufacture: JackSupermall
• Product Dimensions: 8.27 x 3.66 x 2.76 inches; 14.39 Ounces

• Editor's Impressions Of The JackSuper
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.9']
• Quality [star rating='3.5']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.2']
• Affordability [star rating='3.1']

7. AQUANEAT 4 Pack Double Bio Sponge Filter, for Fry, Betta, Shrimp, Nano, Aquarium Fish Tank

User Ratings: 78 3

AQUANEAT SF-A010x4^^ First Impressions

"Great product."

Worst case is that the motor could burn out. Also price was very reasonable and shipping was fast. I'm a mechanical engineer and understand design. It wasn't producing much surface agitation. Oscars are very messy fish, especially during feeding. Works like a dream and can't even hear it! Following morning it was running quietly.

• AQUANEAT 4 Pack Double Bio Sponge Filter, for Fry, Betta, Shrimp, Nano, Aquarium Fish Tank
• Biochemical Filtration：Sponge filter provide both mechanical and biological filtration, also, the air infusion chamber produces minute bubbles which increase the oxygen solubility
• Easy to Set up & Clean: Simply install an airline into the unit and turn on the air pump; simply rinse and squeeze sponge in tank water
• Recommend Tank Size: Up to 55 gallon, excellent for small size fish like dwarf cichlid, guppy, killifish etc ; or for hatcheries, maternity tanks, and fry tanks, as the filter produces minimal current and has almost no way to suck the fish through the filter
• Dimension: 6.5”L x 2.4”W x 9.5”H
• Includes: sponge filter 4 pcs
• Manufacture: AQUANEAT

• Editor's Impressions Of The AQUANEAT SF-A010x4^^
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='5']
• Quality [star rating='4.8']
• Value For Money [star rating='5']
• Affordability [star rating='4.5']

8. EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter with Media

User Ratings: 65 8

Eheim 2213371 First Impressions

"Thanks, AquaTech."

I'm currently in the process of receiving another replacement on that model. I used to work as a marine biologist for a major state aquarium. That water got so dirty we had to keep changing it every 2 or 3 days. Months later, this filter is still working great on my 29 gal set up. Never ever ever use it past a year. One thing I think is worth mentioning is the need to prime the filter. That water got so dirty we had to keep changing it every 2 or 3 days.

• EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter with Media
• Permo-elastic silicon sealing ring fixed on the pump head for easy and safe closing after cleaning
• Equipped with filter sponges and/or loose filter media
• Accessories included: spray bar, inlet pipe, hose and installation accessories
• Comes complete with filter media (EHEIM Mech & Substrat Pro) and valves
• Permo-elastic silicon sealing ring fixed on the pump head for easy and safe closing after cleaning
• Equipped with filter sponges and/or loose filter media
• Accessories included: spray bar, inlet pipe, hose and installation accessories
• Manufacture: Eheim
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.3 x 13.98 inches; 4.49 Pounds

• Editor's Impressions Of The Eheim 2213371
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='3.2']
• Quality [star rating='3.3']
• Value For Money [star rating='5']
• Affordability [star rating='3.3']

9. hygger Super Mini Aquarium Single Sponge Filter, Comes with 1 Spare Sponge, Quiet Submersible Foam F...

User Ratings: 55 9

hygger First Impressions

"I bought this filter."

I had originally got one for my 75 Gallon tank housing an Oscar. SO I decided to order this for my 29 gallon tank. Works like a dream and can't even hear it! It wasn't producing much surface agitation. This is not my first experience with a marineland filter. You'll want to pull that water from the bottom. This filter has is a very simple and efficient design.

• hygger Super Mini Aquarium Single Sponge Filter, Comes with 1 Spare Sponge, Quiet Submersible Foam Filter for Small Fish Tank 0.5-5 Gallon
• 【Multi-filtration functions】this mini sponge aquarium filter combines bio-filtration, oxygenation and physical filtration in one and also makes small water flow, which can ensure the excellence of the water quality. Helps your small fish or shrimp to live a happy, healthy life
• 【Super Mini Filter Demension 】this single sponge filter is super mini size, takes up a little room, perfect for use in 0.5-5 gallon fish tank bowls. This mini sponge filter is 3.5" in width and 3" in height, the sponge inside circle diameter is 0.59 inch
• 【Package Includes】1 single mini sponge filter + 1 spare sponge+ 1 suction cup are included in a pack. This aquarium filter must be used with an mini air pupm and a standard size 4mm air hose, please note pump and air hose, media balls are not included. Please choose an air pump according to your fish tank size for this filter
• 【Removable Fine Sponges 】you can easy to take down the sponge from the filter to clean or replace it, the sponge is fine not coarse, which means more surface area for beneficial bacteri to live on. Don't use tap water to clean it, just rinse or squeeze the sponges by using the aquarium water
• 【Easy to use】all the parts of this filter are detachable, you can easily to assemble them together, with 1 strong suction cup you can stick the filter firmly to any tank position under water, withouting floating.
• Manufacture: hygger

• Editor's Impressions Of The hygger
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.5']
• Quality [star rating='3.7']
• Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
• Affordability [star rating='4.2']

10. hygger Sponge Filter, Aquarium Filter Double Sponge Replaceable Media with 4 Biochemical Sponges and...

User Ratings: 65 6

hygger First Impressions

"- Plug it into power."

I've looked at so many filters and reviews. Firstly, I'd recommend taking the motor apart and putting it back together. I've looked at so many filters and reviews. DO NOT CLEAN OR WASH the paper wheel itself. I used to work as a marine biologist for a major state aquarium. I was new to the hobby and didn't realize that Tetras were inferior filters. Firstly, I'd recommend taking the motor apart and putting it back together.

• hygger Sponge Filter, Aquarium Filter Double Sponge Replaceable Media with 4 Biochemical Sponges and 1 Bag of Filtered Ceramic Balls Ultra Quiet Filter Fish Tank (S/M)
• 【Biochemical Filtration】 With air pump as the power source, combined with mechanical filtration, the principle of biological filtration utilizes multi-level filtration to culture beneficial nitrifying bacteria, and the sponge can absorb fine particles to achieve the effect of purifying water. The water flow is controlled by the airflow, which is small and slow and does not impact the fish.
• 【Changeable filter material】Two kinds of replaceable filter materials: sponge + filter box. You can easily remove 2 sponges from the filter for cleaning or replacement, with a total of 4 sponges. It also has a media container with a ceramic filter inside to help eliminate harmful substances and provide additional cleaning power. Other filters can be replaced.
• 【Easy to use】 Use a 4mm air hose to connect one end to the air pump and the other end to this tank filter. The outlet pipe in the sponge filter can be adjusted so that you can change the direction and height of the water flow (not including the pump and air hose, please choose a powerful pump for this filter according to your tank size).
• 【Upgrade filter】Aquarium filter can increase the amount of water dissolved, ultra-quiet, not easy to block, can be installed with filter material. Multi-layer design of filter cotton, with a large surface area, full filtration without dead ends. The suction cup is strong and secure. The bottom direction is 360 degrees rotatable.
• 【Suitable Size】 The medium sponge filter is 6.3 inch width and 9 inch to 13 inch height, the sponge inside circle diameter is 0.59 inch, suggest for 15 to 55 gallon fish tank. For larger tank you may need 2 of this filter. Suitable for shrimp tanks, betta fish tanks, breeding ponds, goldfish, juvenile fish or other fish.
• Manufacture: hygger

• Editor's Impressions Of The hygger
• Filter Effectiveness [star rating='4.4']
• Quality [star rating='4.7']
• Value For Money [star rating='4.6']
• Affordability [star rating='4']