{"product_id":"hikari-bacto-surge-mini-foam-filter","title":"Hikari Bacto-Surge Mini Foam Filter","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHikari Bacto-Surge Mini Foam Filter\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact air-driven sponge filter designed to provide gentle mechanical and biological filtration for nano aquariums, shrimp tanks, betta aquariums, breeding tanks, and small freshwater setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts porous sponge structure provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria, helping support the natural aquarium cycle by converting harmful ammonia and nitrite into safer nitrate. At the same time, the sponge captures small debris and helps improve overall water clarity without creating strong current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowered by a standard aquarium air pump, the Bacto-Surge Mini creates gentle water movement that is safe for shrimp, baby fish, fry, bettas, and other delicate aquarium inhabitants. This makes it an excellent choice for tanks where soft, reliable filtration is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact Sponge Filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for nano aquariums and small freshwater tanks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical \u0026amp; Biological Filtration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traps debris while supporting beneficial bacteria growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShrimp \u0026amp; Fry Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle sponge design helps prevent tiny livestock from being pulled into the filter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGentle Water Movement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for bettas, shrimp, fry, and delicate aquarium fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy Maintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sponge can be rinsed in aquarium water during routine tank care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAir Pump Powered:\u003c\/strong\u003e Runs with a standard aquarium air pump and airline tubing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hikari\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bacto-Surge Mini Foam Filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilter Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air-driven sponge filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mechanical and biological filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nano tanks, shrimp tanks, betta tanks, fry tanks, breeding tanks, and quarantine aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNano aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBetta aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFry grow-out tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreeding aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuarantine tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall freshwater community tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose a Sponge Filter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSponge filters are popular among aquarists because they provide dependable biological filtration while remaining safe for delicate aquatic life. Unlike some power filters, sponge filters create a gentle flow and do not have a strong intake that can pull in shrimp, fry, or small fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hikari Bacto-Surge Mini Foam Filter is especially useful in smaller aquariums where stable water quality and gentle circulation are important. It helps encourage beneficial bacteria growth, supports the nitrogen cycle, and provides a simple, long-lasting filtration option for freshwater tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBenefits of Sponge Filtration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps prevent shrimp and fry from being sucked into the filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports beneficial bacteria growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides gentle water flow for sensitive species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to clean and maintain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat backup filter for quarantine or hospital tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReliable option for breeding and grow-out aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaintenance Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo clean the sponge, gently rinse it in removed aquarium water during a water change. Avoid rinsing the sponge under untreated tap water, as chlorine or chloramine can harm beneficial bacteria. Cleaning frequency depends on tank size, stocking level, and debris buildup, but many aquariums benefit from sponge maintenance every few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes the Hikari Bacto-Surge Mini Foam Filter require an air pump?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. This sponge filter operates using a standard aquarium air pump, airline tubing, and air flow to create gentle filtration and water movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs the Bacto-Surge Mini safe for shrimp tanks?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Sponge filters are widely used in shrimp aquariums because they provide gentle filtration and help prevent shrimp from being pulled into a filter intake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan this filter be used for betta fish?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The gentle water movement makes the Hikari Bacto-Surge Mini Foam Filter a good option for betta aquariums, especially smaller setups where strong current should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow often should the sponge be cleaned?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse the sponge in aquarium water every few weeks or as needed, depending on the aquarium’s bio-load and debris level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan it be used in very small tanks?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The mini size is designed for nano aquariums, breeding tanks, fry grow-out tanks, and other small freshwater setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes a sponge filter help with beneficial bacteria?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The porous sponge provides surface area where beneficial bacteria can grow, helping support biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShop the \u003cstrong\u003eHikari Bacto-Surge Mini Foam Filter\u003c\/strong\u003e online or in-store at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This compact sponge filter is a great choice for nano aquariums, shrimp tanks, betta tanks, fry tanks, breeding setups, and quarantine aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53365334409429,"sku":null,"price":2.51,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/42055960441.jpg?v=1773001964","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/hikari-bacto-surge-mini-foam-filter","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}