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Hikari Bacto-Surge Small Foam Filter

The Hikari Bacto-Surge Small Foam Filter is a compact air-driven sponge filter designed to provide reliable mechanical and biological filtration for small freshwater aquariums. Its porous foam structure offers a large surface area for beneficial bacteria, helping support the aquarium nitrogen cycle by converting harmful ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate.

Powered by a standard aquarium air pump, the Bacto-Surge Small Foam Filter creates gentle water circulation that is safe for shrimp tanks, fry grow-out tanks, betta aquariums, nano aquariums, and other delicate freshwater setups. As water flows through the sponge, debris is trapped while beneficial bacteria help maintain stable water quality.

This easy-to-maintain sponge filter is ideal for aquarists who want dependable filtration without strong water currents that can stress small fish, baby fish, bettas, or shrimp.

Key Features

  • Air-Driven Sponge Filter: Provides gentle filtration for small freshwater aquariums.
  • Mechanical & Biological Filtration: Traps debris while supporting beneficial bacteria growth.
  • Shrimp & Fry Safe: Sponge design helps protect baby fish and shrimp from strong filter intakes.
  • Gentle Water Movement: Ideal for bettas, shrimp, fry, and sensitive freshwater fish.
  • Easy to Maintain: Sponge can be cleaned during routine aquarium water changes.
  • Great for Small Tanks: Perfect for nano aquariums, breeding tanks, and quarantine setups.

Product Details

  • Brand: Hikari
  • Product Name: Bacto-Surge Foam Filter
  • Size: Small
  • Filter Type: Air-driven sponge filter
  • Filtration Type: Mechanical and biological filtration
  • Aquarium Type: Freshwater aquariums
  • Best For: Shrimp tanks, betta tanks, fry tanks, nano aquariums, and small freshwater setups

Ideal For

  • Shrimp tanks
  • Betta aquariums
  • Fry grow-out tanks
  • Breeding aquariums
  • Nano aquariums
  • Quarantine tanks
  • Supplemental biological filtration
  • Small freshwater community tanks

Why Use a Sponge Filter?

Sponge filters are widely used by aquarists, breeders, and shrimp keepers because they provide gentle, dependable filtration while remaining safe for delicate aquatic life. Unlike stronger power filters, sponge filters do not have a powerful intake that can pull in shrimp, fry, or small fish.

The Hikari Bacto-Surge Small Foam Filter helps support beneficial bacteria growth, improves water movement, and provides simple, long-lasting filtration for small aquariums. It is also a great backup or supplemental filter for quarantine tanks and breeding setups.

Benefits of Sponge Filtration

  • Safe for baby fish, shrimp, and small aquarium inhabitants
  • Provides surface area for beneficial bacteria
  • Creates gentle flow for sensitive species
  • Simple to clean and maintain
  • Reliable for breeding tanks and fry grow-out tanks
  • Useful as supplemental biological filtration

Maintenance Tips

Clean the sponge by gently rinsing 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Hikari Bacto-Surge Small Foam Filter require an air pump?

Yes. This sponge filter operates using a standard aquarium air pump and airline tubing.

Is the Bacto-Surge Small Foam Filter safe for shrimp tanks?

Yes. Sponge filters are commonly used in shrimp aquariums because they provide gentle filtration and help prevent shrimp from being pulled into a filter intake.

Can this filter be used for betta fish?

Yes. The gentle water movement makes this sponge filter a good option for betta aquariums, especially tanks where strong current should be avoided.

How often should the sponge be cleaned?

Rinse the sponge in aquarium water every few weeks or as needed, depending on the aquarium’s bio-load and debris level.

Can this be used in nano aquariums?

Yes. The small size makes the Hikari Bacto-Surge Small Foam Filter ideal for nano aquariums and small freshwater tanks.

Does a sponge filter help with beneficial bacteria?

Yes. The porous sponge provides surface area where beneficial bacteria can grow, helping support biological filtration and a stable aquarium cycle.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Shop the Hikari Bacto-Surge Small Foam Filter online or in-store at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This compact sponge filter is a great choice for shrimp tanks, betta aquariums, fry tanks, breeding setups, nano aquariums, and small freshwater tanks.


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