Description:
Sponge filters are one of the most trusted and widely used filtration methods in the aquarium hobby, and for good reason. They're simple, reliable, gentle on water flow, and provide both mechanical and biological filtration in one compact unit. The Petworx Bio Sponge Filter uses an airlift system powered by a standard air pump to draw water through high-quality foam, trapping debris while simultaneously providing the surface area and oxygenation that beneficial bacteria need to colonise and thrive.
Those bacteria are what drive your biological filtration, breaking down harmful ammonia and nitrite produced by fish waste into less harmful compounds. A well-seeded sponge filter is one of the most effective biological filtration tools available, and because the foam retains its bacterial colony even through cleaning, it stays effective long term.
The gentle, low-flow output makes sponge filters particularly well suited to breeding tanks, fry rearing setups, and shrimp tanks where strong flow from a standard filter would stress or injure small inhabitants. They're also a staple in fish rooms and quarantine setups where reliable, low-maintenance filtration is needed across multiple tanks simultaneously.
Available in five sizes to suit tanks from nano setups through to large breeding and cichlid systems. Select the size that matches your tank volume for optimal filtration performance.
Air pump sold separately.
Manufactured by Petworx, an Australian company established in 1980.
Suitable for freshwater aquariums including breeding tanks, fry setups, shrimp tanks and general community aquariums.
Available Sizes:
- Mini: 3.5 × 2cm – Suitable for aquariums up to 20L
- Small: 8.5 × 5cm – Suitable for aquariums up to 40L
- Medium: 8.5 × 10cm – Suitable for aquariums up to 60L
- Large: 11.5 × 10cm – Suitable for aquariums up to 100L
- Extra Large: 16 × 15cm – Suitable for aquariums up to 200L
Product Features:
- Provides mechanical and biological filtration in one compact, easy-to-maintain unit
- High-density sponge traps debris while providing excellent surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonise
- Air-driven operation delivers gentle water circulation and efficient oxygenation throughout the aquarium
- Ideal for breeding tanks, fry, shrimp, and betta aquariums thanks to its gentle, livestock-safe water flow
- Supports a healthy nitrogen cycle by providing a home for beneficial bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrite
- No moving parts for reliable, low-maintenance operation
- The sponge can be rinsed and reused, helping preserve beneficial bacteria for long-term filtration
- Perfect for fish rooms, quarantine tanks, breeding setups, grow-out tanks, and community aquariums
- Compatible with all standard aquarium air pumps and 3/16" (4.8mm) airline tubing (air pump sold separately)
Product Specifications:
- Type: Air-Driven Bio Sponge Filter
- Material: High-Density Biological Filter Sponge
- Operation: Airlift System (Air Pump Required)
- Compatibility: Standard 3/16" (4.8mm) Airline Tubing
- Suitable For: Freshwater Aquariums
Items Included:
- 1 x Pet Worx Bio Sponge Filter (Selected Size)
Note: Air pump and airline tubing are sold separately.
Pet Worx - Aquarium Sponge Filter
Pet Worx - Aquarium Sponge Filter
Low stock: 1 left
Everything about shipping, specifications and warranties is just below.
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
✅ Quality Products - Reliable aquarium supplies for your setup.
🚚 Standard Shipping ($11.95 - $19.95) - Safe & reliable delivery, arrives within 3-10 business days. Shipping cost: $11.95 small orders, $14.95 medium orders, $16.95 large orders, $19.95 bulk orders.
🛡️ Warranty Support - Most eligible equipment and accessories are backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty, with claims handled through us.
🔄 Easy Returns - Most unopened dry goods can be returned within 14 days for change of mind, subject to our return conditions.
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Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
💡 Unsure which product is right for your tank? Visit our Education section or Blogs for help choosing the best equipment.
🐟 Beginners can start with: How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenance & Care for ongoing tank tips!
🌿 Not all products are suitable for every tank size - Double-check dimensions and specifications before purchasing.
✍️ If you’re stuck: Reach out through our chat, we’re always happy to help!
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How This Sponge Filter Compares
🧽 Pet Worx Bio Sponge Filter
- 🦠Excellent Biological Filtration: The high-density sponge provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonise and support the aquarium's nitrogen cycle.
- 🐣Gentle on Small Livestock: Low-flow airlift filtration is particularly well suited to fry, shrimp, bettas and breeding tanks where strong water flow can be problematic.
- 💨Highly Oxygenated Water: Air-driven operation provides continuous water movement while also helping to increase oxygen exchange at the surface.
- 🔧Simple & Reliable: With no moving parts in the filter itself, sponge filters are straightforward to operate and require minimal maintenance.
- ♻️Reusable Sponge: The sponge can be rinsed and returned to the aquarium, allowing the established biological media to continue being used long term.
⚙️ Typical Internal or HOB Filter
- 🦠Biological Filtration Varies: Internal and hang-on-back filters can provide biological filtration, but their media capacity depends on the particular filter design.
- 🌊Stronger Water Movement: Power-driven filters generally create more directed water flow, which may not be ideal for very small fry or delicate breeding setups without additional protection.
- 🔌Requires Electrical Power: Most power filters use an electric motor to circulate water, rather than relying on an existing air pump.
- ⚙️More Mechanical Components: Motorised filters contain moving parts that can require additional maintenance over time.
- 🧹Media Maintenance: Filter cartridges and other media may need regular cleaning or replacement depending on the filter design and media used.
Sponge filters are one of those products that experienced fishkeepers always have on hand. They're inexpensive to run, easy to maintain, and provide excellent biological filtration for the price. We stock the Pet Worx range because the foam quality is consistent and the range of sizes covers everything from small fry tanks through to 200L breeding systems. For anyone running a breeding setup, shrimp tank, quarantine tank, or hospital tank, a sponge filter is close to essential.
Rinse the sponge in old tank water removed during a water change, never under tap water, as chlorine and chloramines will kill the beneficial bacteria living within the foam. Gently squeeze and rinse the sponge until the water runs reasonably clear, then return it to the aquarium. Avoid over-cleaning; the goal is to restore water flow, not to make the sponge look new.
Check the airline tubing and connections periodically for air leaks, kinks, or blockages that could reduce airflow. If bubble output drops noticeably, inspect the air pump, tubing, and any valves before assuming the sponge itself needs cleaning.
Replace the sponge only when the foam begins to physically break down or no longer holds its shape. A dark, well-seasoned sponge is a sign of a healthy, established biological filter and should not be replaced simply because it has become discoloured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an air pump to use this?
Yes. Sponge filters are air driven and require a separate air pump and airline tubing to operate. The air pump is sold separately.
Which size do I need?
Mini for up to 20L, Small for up to 40L, Medium for up to 60L, Large for up to 100L, and Extra Large for up to 200L. For breeding tanks or heavily stocked setups, consider sizing up.
Why is my sponge dark or brown? Does it need replacing?
No. A dark, well seasoned sponge is a sign of a healthy, established biological filter. Do not replace it just because it is discoloured. Only replace it when the foam physically breaks down or loses its shape.
Is this safe for fry and shrimp?
Yes. The gentle, low flow output makes sponge filters one of the safest filtration options for fry, shrimp, and other small or delicate inhabitants that would be stressed or injured by stronger filter flow.
Can I use this in a marine tank?
Sponge filters are best suited to freshwater aquariums. For marine setups, an internal or external filter is more appropriate.
Read our beginner's guide to aquarium filtration to find the right fit.
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