{"product_id":"intake-strainer-sponge-ac20-ac30-ac50","title":"Intake Strainer Sponge for AC20, AC30 \u0026 AC50 Power Filters","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Intake Strainer Sponge for AC20, AC30, and AC50 Power Filters is a pre-filter sponge designed to fit compatible AquaClear-style intake tubes. It slides over the filter intake to help reduce the risk of small fish, fry, shrimp, or debris being pulled directly into the filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sponge also adds a layer of pre-mechanical filtration by trapping larger debris before it enters the filter. It can be useful for shrimp tanks, betta aquariums, nano setups, breeding tanks, and community aquariums with small fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-Filter Intake Sponge:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fits over compatible filter intake tubes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor AC20, AC30 \u0026amp; AC50 Filters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made for compatible AquaClear-style power filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHelpful for Small Livestock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Useful for tanks with fry, shrimp, small fish, or delicate species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdds Mechanical Filtration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Helps trap larger debris before it reaches the filter media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvides Surface Area:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foam surface can support beneficial bacteria in the aquarium system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReusable Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be rinsed and reused during regular aquarium maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pre-filter intake sponge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible Filters:\u003c\/strong\u003e AquaClear 20, AquaClear 30, and AquaClear 50 power filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Porous filter foam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater and saltwater aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shrimp tanks, fry tanks, betta aquariums, nano tanks, and small community setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreshwater shrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFry and breeding aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBetta tanks with hang-on-back filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNano aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall community fish tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre-filter support for compatible power filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Use an Intake Sponge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn intake sponge can help make a filter intake less risky for small livestock while also catching debris before it enters the filter. This may reduce buildup inside the filter and make routine maintenance easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the sponge sits on the intake, it should be checked and rinsed regularly. A clogged intake sponge can reduce filter flow if it is not maintained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSetup \u0026amp; Maintenance Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlide the sponge securely over the compatible intake tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck fit before turning the filter back on\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse the sponge before first use if recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse during regular maintenance using removed aquarium water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean more often in heavily stocked or heavily planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplace the sponge when it becomes worn, misshapen, or clogged beyond cleaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor filter flow after installation and cleaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat filters does this intake sponge fit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis intake sponge is designed for compatible AquaClear 20, AquaClear 30, and AquaClear 50 power filters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill an intake sponge reduce filter flow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt may slightly reduce flow, especially if the sponge becomes clogged. Rinse it regularly during aquarium maintenance to help maintain proper water movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this useful for shrimp tanks?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, intake sponges are commonly used on shrimp tanks to help reduce the risk of shrimp or shrimplets being pulled into the filter intake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this good for fry tanks?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it can be useful in fry tanks and breeding setups where very small fish need extra protection around the filter intake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I clean the intake sponge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCleaning frequency depends on stocking level, feeding, plants, and debris. Many aquariums benefit from rinsing the sponge during regular water changes or whenever filter flow slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the sponge be reused?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Rinse it in removed aquarium water and reuse it until it becomes worn, damaged, or difficult to clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this be used in saltwater aquariums?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it can be used in compatible freshwater, marine, and FOWLR aquariums when cleaned and maintained properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Intake Strainer Sponge for AC20, AC30, and AC50 Power Filters is a reusable pre-filter sponge for compatible AquaClear-style filters. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop filter intake sponges, Fluval AquaClear filters, filter media, shrimp supplies, betta supplies, sponge filters, water conditioners, and aquarium care essentials.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53318280249557,"sku":null,"price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/19684_packaging-1024x1024.webp?v=1772114700","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/intake-strainer-sponge-ac20-ac30-ac50","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}