Jardin Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Sponge Filter, 4-1/2-Inch

These sponge filters are functional, but they are not as good as other sponge filters I have used in the past. They leave more residue than previous filters I have used, I find I have to turn up the pumps with these and to clean them about twice as frequently as others I have used. However, that being said, they do work: my water is tolerably clean, I have no algae and my animals are healthy.

Likes:

Functional

-clean water

-healthy pets

Dislikes:

Not as efficient as other sponge filters

Bottom Line:

For top efficiency in a sponge filter (if this is, of course, the type of filer you want; other filter options are always on the table) I would probably choose a different brand.

For the price, it is hard to complain. It is solidly built. It has enough weight to stay in place. yes it is large, but I like that about it. I bought a couple of these. I have used them in 10-55 gal tanks. In the smaller tank they are used with my fry so they have a place to hid and so they don't get sucked into the filter. I would have given 5 stars if the was a way to add an airstone to better aerate the bubbles. If you have a small tank and no top you may get some water mist splashing out. If you have a lid no problems. I'll buy again. Don't clean under tap water though. Nothing that will harm the filter, but the chlorinated water will kill the helpful bacteria that form in the sponge media. Clean the filter out in a bucket of tank water when you do a water change.

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I had one of these running in my sump for a couple months. When it was time to set up a nursery tank for the fry, I just moved the sponge to the new tank, and the tank was instantly cycled. They're also great with battery operated air pumps during power outages.

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The price was right and still working great, it is easy to clean and I would buy again. The only issue is not sure how you would put an airstone on this product to make smaller bubbles for less agitation, but I can work with it.

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I'm using one of these in a 55 gallon tank as a prefilter on a canister filter. Like another review has said, it does not seem to be quite as well-built as the Filter-Max pre-filters, but it's good enough.

There is a large round weight on the bottom that helps to keep it in place in the tank.

Pay attention to the size: This is big enough to completely fill one corner of a 20 gallon tank. If your fish are already a little cramped, get a smaller filter.