Hydro-Sponge Filter I--HS910 - Aquarium Technology, Inc.

I am very pleased with my filter. It has the fine filter sponge, which I was looking for. I did not want to get into a canister filter again. I enjoy the ease of use of the sponge filters and never having an accident where I get water all over the floor. The noise level is pretty nonexistent. It depends on your air pump, of course. With a prior sponge filter I had it had course sponge. There was constant small debris floating around. Not with this it cleans it up and my water is clear again.. I would absolutely buy this product again.

These filter are super to use over the intake to aquarium pumps and other filters. Besides adding additional area for biological filtration, they provide a super mechanical pre-filter to prevent algae and debris from clogging the bio media in sump and canister filters. They also make sure than smaller fish are not injured and killed by the intake from strong pumps. They will greatly extend the life of the impellers on "hang-on-the-back" power filters, by preventing debris from getting sucked in and damaging the impellers.I use the large 125 gallon version for my 55 gallon freshwater tank. Even though it might seem large and ugly, against the black background of my tank, it is barely noticeable. Like many people, I tend towards overstocking my tank, so it adds some additional bio-filter capacity to the canister filters that I have under the tank, as well as the primary purpose I got it which was protecting small fry from the pump's intake and preventing algae and debris from clogging the canisters' bio media.It disperses the power of the intake so well, that between feedings, even my smallest tetras and barbs are able to swim around it in searching for any missed flakes of food that have been filtered from the water.For a beginner looking for cheap and easy filtration, I think one of these with a strong power head is better than most other filter solutions. It is far easier and better than an under gravel filter system. No filtration system could be easier to install or maintain for a beginner or someone with a limited budget. When I do my weekly water change, I simply turn off my pump, remove this filter from the intake, and rinse it well in the bucket of water I siphon off. Then I simply replace the foam filter, fill up the tank with water, and turn the pump back on.Even with my setup with 2 canister filters under the tank, my weekly maintenance remains this simple. The Hydro-Sponge filters out everything so well that I don't have to worry about cleaning the bio media in the canisters. Before I got the Hydro-Sponge filter, I was using a AquaClear Quick Filter Powerhead Attachment with its replaceable media, which served the same function. The AquaClear Quick Filter did not do nearly as good a job filtering out extremely small particles. My tank's water always had a slight green cast from the small algae particles suspended in the water. Since changing to the Hydro-Sponge, the water in the tank stays as crystal clear an fresh tap water.

The Hydro IV Sponge Pro filter is an excellent product for any fresh water aquarium owner. It provides an affordable and efficient way to maintain your tank’s cleanliness without an annoying hum of a motor. I bought this filter two years ago for my 20 gallon tank that houses six glow tetra and a bristlenose plecos. This review is being based on three criteria: the efficiency, the cost, and the environmental effect of the filter. What really sets this filter apart from the rest is how it works. Unlike traditional filters, the hydro sponge is designed to pull water through the sponge by using rising air to create suction. In addition, it is also unique in that it uses a biological means to clean the water.EfficiencyThe hydro sponge has demonstrated an exceptional cleaning ability. My aquarium has only needed to be cleaned three times in the two years that I have used this filter. Unlike all the other filters I’ve had, the glass doesn’t get the sludge/algae build up on it. The filter also keeps the water clearer by not discharging the cleansed water into the gravel, which stirs up any particulates that have settled on the bottom. Also, the fact that the hydro sponge creates suction by air, instead of through mechanical means, means it doesn’t need to be primed. This is beneficial because if the power to the filter is ever disrupted, it will automatically resume working when the power is resupplied.AffordabilityThe sponge filter eliminates the need for monthly cartridge filter changes, which traditional cleaners require. Not only does it last longer than a month, but it can be rinsed out when it gets dirty. The sponge filter also eliminates the need for air stones, allowing you to buy more fish.Environmental EffectThis type of filter has to be completely submerged in the tank, which takes up space and isn’t aesthetically pleasing. These are minimal downfalls of the product, though, because you can hide it behind decorations. This filter is by far the least annoying one to listen to as well. This is due to the fact that it only requires an air compressor to be functional.In conclusion, this is a good buy and I feel comfortable recommending it. It is more affordable than traditional filters, cleans better, and is quieter. Thank you for taking the time to read my review and good luck with your decision.