-
Top 10
June 2025
Best Sponge Filters For Small Aquariums
We made a list of the top 10 Sponge Filters For Small Aquariums based on verified reviews, popularity and other factors which we summarized for you in this list.
Best Choice
1
AQUANEAT 3 Pack Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Nano Fish Tank (Small up to 10Gal)
AQUANEAT
9.4
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Sponge filter provide both mechanical and bio filtration, also, the air infusion chamber produces minute bubbles which increase the oxygen solubility
✓
Safe for fish: soft sponge material, traps floating debris and won't suck up your fish
✓
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 10 gallon, excellent for small size fish like betta, dwarf cichlid, guppy, killifish etc., or for hatcheries, maternity tanks, nano tanks and fry tanks, as the filter produces minimal current and has almost no way to suck the fish through the filter
✓
Includes: 3 pcs of sponge filter. Dimension: 2.0"D X 4.75"H
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
2
AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Nano Fish Tank (Small up to 10Gal)
AQUANEAT
9.3
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Sponge filter provide both mechanical and bio filtration, also, the air infusion chamber produces minute bubbles which increase the oxygen solubility
✓
Safe for fish: soft sponge material, traps floating debris and won't suck up your fish
✓
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 10 gallon, excellent for small size fish like betta, dwarf cichlid, guppy, killifish etc., or for hatcheries, maternity tanks, nano tanks and fry tanks, as the filter produces minimal current and has almost no way to suck the fish through the filter
✓
Includes: 1 PC of sponge filter; Dimension: 2.0"D X 4.75"H
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
14% Discount
3
Pawfly 4 Pack Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad, Filter Foam Sponge Pads Cut-to-Size Foam for Fish Tank Filters Sumps Ponds Hydroponics, 6.3" x 5.5" x 0.78"
Pawfly
9.2
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Mechanical Filtration: The aquarium bio sponge filter pads can effectively trap debris, food residue, wastes or other impurities in water. Prevent them from entering the aquarium to keep water clean
✓
Fine Sponge Filtration: With larger contact area with water, the filter sponge pads are helpful for the accumulation of beneficial elements. Provide biological filtration to fully remove excess damaging substances
✓
Versatile Use: Size: 6.3" x 5.5" x 0.78"; PPI: 30. The filter pad can be cut to fit and used as a pre-filter for any aquarium, such as wet or dry filters, canister filters, power filters, etc. Also work great for sumps, ponds or HMF DIY project
✓
Reliable Material: The aquarium filter pads are made of soft and foldable foam with reticulated structure and fine air and water permeability, which can provide better flow rate of water and less chance of clog
✓
Easy to Use: Before use, rinse the sponge pad with cool water to remove the outside dust, then cut it to the proper size and fully put it into the filter chamber. Replace it every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain a healthy water
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
4
Pawfly 3 Pack Aquarium Sponge Filter Quiet Betta Fry Shrimp and Small Fish Foam Filter for Tiny Fish Tank up to 10 Gallon
Pawfly
9.1
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Fine Sponge Filtration: The sponge filters provide mechanical and bio filtration and traps debris or waste without sucking up your fish, keeping a crystal clear water tank.
✓
Mini Sponge Filter: They measure 2" D x 4.8" H. Fit for 5 - 10 gallon small tank. Suitable for the breeding and feeding of various ornamental fish, shrimp or fish fry.
✓
Easy to Clean: Each sponge filter can be easily detached for cleaning the dirt. Rinse it every 2 - 4 weeks with aquarium water ONLY. Avoid washing it in tap water!
✓
Quiet Aeration: Air powered and causing no disturbance to your daily life. Press the aquarium sponge filter into the tank to fully absorb tank water to make it sink to the bottom.
✓
Air Pump Not Included: You need an extra air pump to run each filter, which processes external air to promote oxygen circulation, providing a healthier tank environment.
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
6% Discount
5
AQUANEAT 4 Pack Double Bio Sponge Filter, for Fry, Betta, Shrimp, Nano, Aquarium Fish Tank (Small up to 20 Gal)
AQUANEAT
9.0
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Sponge filter provide both mechanical and bio 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 20 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: 4”L x 1.8”W x 6.25”H
✓
Includes: sponge filter 4 pcs
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
6
AQUANEAT Aquarium Air Driven Corner Sponge Filter, for Fry Shrimp Nano Fish Tank, with Multi Kinds of Filter Media (Small)
AQUANEAT
8.9
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Corner filter provide both mechanical and bio filtration, and supplying the water with much needed oxygen; Reduces noise from air pump and consumes lowest wattage
✓
Easy to set up & clean: simply install an airline into the unit and just turn on the air pump; Open the box and simply rinse and squeeze in tank water
✓
Safe for fish: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:4"L x 3.125"W x 3.25" to 6"H; Recommend tank size: up to 20 gallon
✓
Includes: one box filter included media as shown in picture
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
40% Discount
7
AQUANEAT 6-Pack Pre-Filter Sponge for Aquarium Shrimp Fry Fish Tank Filter 0.8” Intake, Replacement Foam Cover
AQUANEAT
8.8
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Dimension: 8x4.5cm/3.2” x1.8”, the inside hole diameter is 2cm/0.8”; for a snug fit, check the size you need carefully before placing an order. The sponge's inner diameter accommodates filter intake within 0.69-1.15 inches (17.7–29.2 mm) due to its elastic properties.
✓
Lifesaver: Keeps baby fish, shrimp, and snails from getting sucked into hob filters, power heads or canister filters by simply putting a pc of this pre-filter sponge over the intake.
✓
Improve Filtration: Does a good job in catching flake fish foods, plants and any other large particles floating in the water keeping the tank cleaner and last longer between cleanings.
✓
Maintenance: Rinse the sponge roll periodically based on the bio load of your aquarium tank. The material holds up well to being rinsed and reused and allows great water flow.
✓
Includes: 6 pcs of pre-filter sponge (Note: The hole doesn't go all the way through the sponge. They come flattened in a vacuum bag; just unpack and rinse them and these sponge filters will puff up to normal shape and size.)
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
8
HITOP 2 Pack Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter: Diameter 2.5in Mini Air-Powered Fish Tank Filter, Quiet Small Sponge Filter for up to 15gallon Fish Tank, Betta Tank, Shrimp Tank, Fry Tank, Breeding
HITOP
8.6
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
🐟 [HITOP 2 Pack 2.5in Mini Sponge Filter for 1-15Gal] This Aquarium sponge filter should be used together with an air pump and cannot be used alone. (The air pump isn't included and should be bought separately.) And it adopts round sponge to increase the surface of filtration that is good to filtering efficiency. The dense sponge can effectively absorb impurities, bacteria, feces and debris in the aquarium, keeping the fish tank crystal clear.
✓
🐟 [Easy to use] Come with 2 pack Diameter 2.5in round sponge filter and 3.2ft air tube, very mini in size, can be well hidden behind the decorations. Put the sponge in the tank and press it several times to fully absorb tank water to make it sink to the bottom. With a weighted base, the filter will not float on the water surface.
✓
🐟 [Filtration and oxygenation] When the air pump provides air to the fish tank, the air passes through the filter, causing a difference in air pressure, and the water flows from the side with high pressure to the side with low pressure to achieve the filtering and oxygenation effect. Air pump is not included.
✓
🐟 [Ultra-Quiet & Energy-saving] Powered by air, this aquarium filter works silently and have no impact with your lovely fish and human life, safer for young fish. Air pump and this sponge filter share the same power source, more power saving.
✓
🐟 [Application] With simple but unique design, this internal submersible filter can be used in both salt water and freshwater. Suitable for tank up to 15gallon. Excellent for small size fish like betta, dwarf cichlid, guppy, killifish etc., shrimp, breeding.
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
9
AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter Submersible Fish Tank Filter Ultra Quiet Aeration Bio Sponge Corner Filter for Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Fish Tank (Small for 5-20 Gallon)
AQQA
8.4
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Ultra Quiet Submersible Filter: AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter is air-powered and ultra-quiet, providing efficient filtration without disturbing your fish; (NEED TO CONNECT AN AIR PUMP to Work, Air pump and air hose are NOT INCLUDED in the package) Please prepare a suitable air pump for this filter according to your tank size.
✓
Mechanical and Biological Filtration: The sponge filter provides mechanical filtration, the vertical pattern design increases the filtering area and helps to filter efficiently; Bio ceramic media balls provide biological filtration, it helps with decomposing harmful substances and cultivating beneficial nitrifying bacterial at the same time.
✓
Replaceable Filter Media: The filter sponge and bio ceramic media balls are both replaceable. You can easily remove the sponge from the filter for cleaning or replacement. (2 sponges in the package in total) The bio cermaic balls are also washable and reusable, or you can change them with other filter media as you demand.
✓
Multi-functional Aquarium Filter: The fish tank sponge filter combines filtration, aeration and water circulation in one, helping to keep your fish tank crystal clean and provide an excellent living environment for your aquarium inhabitants.
✓
Wide Application: AQQA sponge filter can work great in breeding fry tank, shrimp and betta fish tank, freshwater and marine tank. Small filter is suitable for 5-20 gallon tank, medium filter is suitable for 20-110 gallon tank. Please squeeze the sponge repeatedly until the sponge is full of water, so that the filter can sink on the bottom of the aquarium.
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
10
UNEAK Small Aquarium Sponge Filter Fish Tank Silent Filteration Breeding Fry Betta Shrimp Nano Tank Accessories Air Stone 4-inch Airline Tubing up to 10 Gallon
UNEAK
8.0
VIEW DEAL
Buy on Amazon
✓
Sponge filter includes 4-inch airline tubing and an air stone for easy installation. The air stone improves oxygenation, while the tubing ensures efficient airflow. This setup enhances water circulation, supports gas exchange, and creates a healthier environment for fish and shrimp. A plug-and-play solution for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
✓
Engineered foam density maximizes filtration while reducing maintenance. Unlike high-density foams that clog quickly, this sponge ensures steady water flow and provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria. Ideal for breeding tanks, shrimp setups, and planted aquariums, it effectively traps debris while keeping baby shrimp and fry safe.
✓
Designed to blend seamlessly into the aquarium environment. The clear exhaust tubing, black foam, and housing ensure it remains visually unobtrusive. Unlike bulky filters, it complements natural aquascapes while disguising algae buildup. Perfect for planted tanks, shrimp habitats, and breeding setups, keeping the focus on fish and plants, not equipment.
✓
Features a weighted bottom to prevent floating or shifting. This ensures the filter stays in place, even in tanks with strong currents or active fish. The stable base prevents tipping, maintaining consistent filtration efficiency without frequent adjustments. Provides uninterrupted biological and mechanical filtration, ensuring a cleaner and healthier aquarium environment.
✓
Designed with your aquatic pets' safety in mind, this filter is made from soft, fish-friendly sponge material that gently traps floating debris without harming delicate fins. Its carefully engineered design prevents suction injuries, ensuring your fish remain entirely safe while the filter maintains excellent water quality and optimal overall performance.
✓
Ideal for aquariums up to 40 gallons, this sponge filter is perfect for small fish like Betta, Guppies, Dwarf Cichlids, and Killifish. Its gentle flow makes it excellent for hatcheries, maternity tanks, nano tanks, and fry tanks, ensuring baby fish are safe as the filter won’t create strong currents or suck them in.
✓
This package contains 1 sponge filter, designed for efficient biological and mechanical filtration. With dimensions of 4.5" diameter x 8" height, it is ideal for medium to large aquariums. Its compact yet powerful design ensures effective filtration while taking up minimal space, making it a perfect addition to any tank setup.
Learn more
on Amazon
More Info
How we create our
“
Top 10
“ lists?
Our algorithms collect and evaluate information on millions of products and rank them based on customer reviews, popularity, price and more.
LEARN MORE
Popular Lists
Headphones
Tablets
Women's Jewelry
Dog Food
Bath Towels
Men's Boxer
Guitars
Robotic Vacuums
Pool Inflatable
TV Streamers
Best Reviews Guide Newsletter
Get exclusive articles, recommendations, shopping tips and sales alerts
SUBSCRIBE