Aqua One Sponge - Self Cut Black

Aqua One Black 15PPI Sponge - Mechanical & Biological Filter Media

The Aqua One Black 15PPI (pores per inch) Sponge is a versatile and essential filter media designed for both mechanical and biological filtration in your aquarium. Its carefully chosen pore density makes it an excellent choice for trapping particulate matter while simultaneously providing an expansive surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize.

How it Works:

As water passes through the sponge, its open-cell structure effectively traps suspended debris, uneaten food, and fish waste, providing crucial mechanical filtration. Simultaneously, the numerous pores within the sponge become home to colonies of nitrifying bacteria. These vital bacteria convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate, maintaining a stable and healthy aquatic environment.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Excellent Mechanical Filtration: Effectively traps particulate waste, leading to clearer aquarium water.
• Superior Biological Filtration: The 15PPI density creates an ideal environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive, breaking down harmful ammonia and nitrite.
• Low Maintenance: Durable and long-lasting, requiring only periodic rinsing during filter maintenance.
• Cut-to-Size Filter Media: Easily trimmed with standard scissors to fit virtually any filter compartment, making it highly adaptable for canister filters, internal filters, hang-on-back filters, sumps, and more.
• Lightweight: Easy to handle and position within your filter system.
• Durable and Reusable: Can be rinsed and reused many times, offering excellent value.
• Suitable for: Coldwater, Tropical Freshwater, and Marine (Saltwater) aquariums.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 32 x 20 x 3cm

Usage & Maintenance:

• Rinse Before Use: Always rinse the sponge in aquarium water (never tap water, as chlorine can kill beneficial bacteria) before placing it into your filter.
• Placement: Typically used as the first or second stage in a multi-stage filter to remove larger particles before water passes through finer mechanical or chemical media.
• Regular Cleaning: During routine filter maintenance (e.g., every 2-4 weeks or when flow reduces), gently rinse the sponge in old tank water to remove accumulated sludge. Avoid harsh squeezing or scrubbing that could damage the bacterial colonies.
• Replacement: Replace the sponge when it starts to break down, lose its shape, or becomes too difficult to clean effectively (typically every 6-12 months, depending on tank conditions).

The Aqua One Black 15PPI Sponge is an indispensable component for maintaining a clean, healthy, and biologically balanced aquarium.