Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter, Comes with 2 Spare Sponges, 1 Bag of Bio Ceramic Media Balls, Quiet Submersible Foam Filter for Fresh Water and Salt-Water Fish Tank (S)

I was originally using the filter that came with my 5 gallon aquarium but I hated how the flow of it whipped my betta around when he swam near it and having to replace the filters regularly since they fell apart easily. I tried using a sponge filter in that to reduce waste and the flow rate but a biofilm formed at the water surface from lack of flow from the filter. I read online how these type of sponge filters are ideal specially for bettas so I bought this filter along with the Hygger air pump. It was easy to set up and while it takes up some room in the tank it works SO much better than the original tank filter. It's fairly quiet, the flow is gentle and doesn't whip my betta around, the water is crystal clear and no biofilm on the surface. I just rinse the sponge in old aquarium water after siphoning every month or so after 6 months it's still in great shape. I like that it came with a replacement sponge but I have a feeling it'll be a while before I have to replace it.

Just what i needed to replace my hob filter. Love that its easy to install and does a great job. These replacement filters are great!!

I was very skeptical about using a sponge filter after exclusively using hang-on-back filters for years, but I needed something that would not stress my betta. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well this filter does at keeping my 5 gallon tank clean. The water is clear, the parameters are good and the betta is happy. Hygger support was very helpful when I did have a problem. Highly recommended.

The media could not be loaded. This one is right size but has a tiny hole… my bad (it was in the description), but be sure it will fit your filter. I got mediums and even they were taller then i nedded the hole was tight and it all works perfectly

This review includes tips for the extra sponges!!!I have had 3 of these for over a year and highly recommend them. I have all size smalls and use them on 5 gal, 8gal, 10gal tanks filled with mostly shrimp and snails and a few fish. They work great and they require little to no maintenance. They easily come apart if you do need to clean or maintain and there are no moving pieces to worry about breaking with wear and tear. They come with the bio balls and an extra set of sponges.They don't require a lot of air, so I'm able to use a splitter on each air pump to also power bubblers. They are completely quiet depending on what level you place the output spout compared to water level. Shrimp and snails love them because they are safe havens to rest on full of yummy things to eat. They cause little to no motion of the water if you have inhabitants that like things calm. And they there is zero risk of having a filter accidentally suck up a baby of any species.The black sponge blends in well with the background and the only part that actually sticks up and shows out of the tank is the tiny clear airline hose.In over a year. I've yet to come anywhere close to needing to replace the sponges, however they have come in handy:1. When cycling a new aquarium, I bought another of these and swapped out one of the towers (balls and foam) from an existing aquarium with a new one. I did this with two different tanks. This had little to no impact on the established tanks since I only took half of the filter media. It got the new tank to cycle almost immediately.2. To keep from vacuuming up tiny fish fry during water changes, I use one of the spare sponges on the end of the siphon hose (1/2"). It won't suction up debris with it on, but it works great for water changes in a heavily planted tank where I let the plants handle the debris.3. (Sort of a spin off of 1 and 2). If you have multiple tanks and are worried about cross contamination, store one of the extra sponges in the back of the tank. Use this if you need to spin off an emergency bin for any reason, and/or when changing water on that specific tank.