Product Name: Nano Sponge Filter – Ideal for 1-10 Gallon Tanks Difficulty Level: Very Easy Airflow Requirement: Low (Single Airline) Biological Filtration: Excellent Placement: Back or Corner of Tank Power Required: Just an Air Pump Why Choose a Small Sponge Filter? ✔ Fry & Shrimp Safe – Zero risk of tiny inhabitants being sucked into the filter ✔ Gentle Water Flow – Perfect for delicate fish, bettas, and breeding tanks ✔ Instant Cycle Boost – Pre-seeded sponge transfers beneficial bacteria instantly ✔ Dual-Purpose – Filters water while creating oxygen-rich surface agitation ✔ Unbeatable Value – The most affordable, reliable filtration system available Ideal For: Nano tanks (1-10 gallons) Betta fish, shrimp, and snail tanks Fry and breeding hatcheries Hospital/quarantine tanks Supplemental biological filtration Filter Description: This compact sponge filter provides powerful biological and mechanical filtration through a simple, elegant design. Driven by a small air pump, it draws water through a dense, porous sponge, trapping debris and housing vast colonies of beneficial bacteria to keep your mini-ecosystem crystal clear and healthy. Key Features: Sponge Pore Size: Fine (20-30 PPI) – ideal for trapping fine particles and protecting fry. Connection: Standard airline tubing (fits 3/16" or 4mm ID tubing). Base: Weighted or suction cups for stable placement in bare-bottom tanks. Output: Adjustable uplift tube for fine-tuning bubble flow and surface agitation. Setup & Maintenance Guide 🔧 Installation & Use Connect: Attach airline tubing from the air pump to the filter's inlet. Place: Submerge filter in tank, ensuring the uplift tube is above the sponge. Power: Start the air pump; bubbles will rise up the tube, drawing water through the sponge. Adjust: Bend or adjust the airline to control bubble rate and water flow. 💡 Optimal Performance Factor Recommendation Tank Size 1 - 10 Gallons Air Pump 1-5 Watts (Check pump's GPH/LPH rating) Spare Sponges Keep a pre-cycled spare for instant swaps Cleaning Rinse in removed tank water only (never tap) ⚠️ Important Notes Pre-Cycle: For new tanks, allow 2-4 weeks for bacteria to colonize, or use a pre-seeded sponge. Cleaning: Gently squeeze the sponge in a bucket of old tank water every 2-4 weeks to clear debris. Noise Tip: Ensure a check valve is installed to prevent back-siphoning and reduce pump noise. Flow Control: A gang valve on the airline lets you perfectly tune the bubble rate. Benefits for Your Aquarium ✅ Biological Powerhouse: Massive surface area for nitrifying bacteria, stabilizing your cycle. ✅ Aerates & Filters: Simultaneously cleans water and oxygenates it through surface agitation. ✅ Protects Life: The gentle sponge intake is 100% safe for fry, shrimp, and slow-moving fish. ✅ Reliable & Silent: No moving parts in the water means near-silent operation and no risk of failure. Tank Mates & Compatibility ✔ Perfect With: Bettas, guppies, endlers, and other nano fish All dwarf shrimp (Cherry, Crystal, Amano) and snail species Frog and tadpole tanks Quarantine and medication tanks ❌ Considerations For: Very large tanks (>10 gal) as a sole filter (may need multiple or a larger size) Extremely heavy waste producers (e.g., large goldfish) Tanks requiring very high flow (e.g., some river biotopes)