{"product_id":"ista-bio-sponge-filter","title":"Ista Bio-Sponge Filter","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-83\"\u003eProvide your aquarium inhabitants with optimal water quality and gentle filtration using the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"93\"\u003eIsta Bio-Sponge Filter\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"citation-285 citation-end-285\"\u003eExpertly engineered for both mechanical and biological performance, this air-driven filter is an indispensable tool for hobbyists.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"1\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e It traps floating debris within its micro-porous foam while cultivating vast colonies of beneficial nitrifying bacteria. Its secure, shrimp-safe intake structure makes it ideal for community setups, delicate fry breeding tanks, and planted aquariums. \u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-84\"\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNote for Beginner Aquarists:\u003c\/i\u003e The Ista Sponge Filter is one of the most user-friendly filtration systems available. \u003cspan class=\"citation-284 citation-end-284\"\u003eIt requires minimal setup, operates quietly when connected to a standard air pump, and ensures your sensitive livestock—such as dwarf shrimp and baby fish—will not get sucked into the motor.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"2\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eShort Description \u0026amp; Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-85\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-283 citation-end-283\"\u003eThe Ista Bio-Sponge Filter combines dual-chamber performance with a reliable weighted base to deliver steady, oxygen-rich water circulation.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"3\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Its modular configuration simplifies routine maintenance, allowing beginners to manage water health with complete confidence. \u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eKey Product Highlights:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,0\"\u003eIsta Bio-Sponge Filter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFiltration Type\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,1,0\"\u003eDual Mechanical \u0026amp; Biological\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePower Source\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,1,0\"\u003eAir-Driven (Requires separate air pump)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSafety Features\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,4,1,0\"\u003eFry-safe and shrimp-safe gentle intake\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSkill Level\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,5,1,0\"\u003eBeginner to Advanced Aquarist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,6,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdeal Applications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,6,1,0\"\u003eBreeding tanks, quarantine setups, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,7,1,0\"\u003eLow-effort; rinse in old aquarium water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eDetailed Beginner Operation \u0026amp; Maintenance Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-86\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e1. Initial Setup\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-86\"\u003eRinse the sponge thoroughly in lukewarm tap water before use. \u003cspan class=\"citation-282 citation-end-282\"\u003eAttach the unit to a standard aquarium air pump using airline tubing (and a check valve if the pump sits below water level).\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"4\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Place the weighted base securely onto the bottom substrate of your tank. \u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-87\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e2. Biological Function\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-87\"\u003eAs air rises through the central lift tube, it draws water evenly through the porous sponge exterior. \u003cspan class=\"citation-281 citation-end-281\"\u003eThis process removes suspended waste particles while maximizing dissolved oxygen levels, creating a thriving environment for essential beneficial bacteria.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"5\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-88\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e3. Routine Maintenance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\" id=\"p-rc_411a3a016c929a96-88\"\u003eTo preserve beneficial bacteria, never clean your sponge filter under untreated tap water. \u003cspan class=\"citation-280 citation-end-280\"\u003eDuring routine water changes, gently squeeze the sponge portions inside a bucket containing extracted tank water to clear out accumulated organic sludge before reassembling.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"6\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ista","offers":[{"title":"Sponge filter with base 21×8.5cm L","offer_id":57307716485460,"sku":"IST-I-148","price":4.15,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sponge filter with base 21x12cm XL","offer_id":57307716518228,"sku":"IST-I-149","price":6.57,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/5828\/7444\/files\/Istamedium.jpg?v=1790526773","url":"https:\/\/www.tropicalmarineaquatic.com\/products\/ista-bio-sponge-filter","provider":"Tropical Marine Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}