Bioscape Smart Internal Filter

• Three-stage filtration – a bio-foam compartment for mechanical and biological filtration, paired with a chemical filtration shaft loaded with refillable activated carbon and zeolite.
• Five sizes, one family – 400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1500 L/h models so the filter is sized to the tank rather than a single unit stretched across every tank size.
• Adjustable flow and direction – both output rate and outlet direction can be adjusted at the unit, useful for flow-sensitive stock like bettas and fry.
• Refillable chemical media – the carbon and zeolite shaft is topped up rather than replaced as a sealed cartridge.
• Quiet, self-contained operation – no external hoses, priming or separate pump housing to install.

Bioscape's own sizing is by tank length rather than volume – 400 L/h for tanks up to 45 cm, stepping up through 600 (60 cm), 800 (75 cm), 1000 (90 cm) to 1500 L/h for tanks up to 120 cm. Stock heavily or keep messy eaters and it's worth sizing up a step from that guide, since a stocked tank needs more turnover than an empty one; a lightly stocked or heavily planted tank can often run comfortably on the size below.

The flow rates above are Bioscape's rated output measured clean, with the media chambers empty of any resistance. Loaded with bio-foam and a full chemical media charge, actual throughput will sit below the rated figure – Bioscape doesn't publish a with-media flow curve for this range, so treat the table as a sizing guide rather than a guaranteed in-tank number. The adjustable flow control lets you tune output down from the rated maximum if a model is running stronger than you need.

Suitable for freshwater aquariums only – Bioscape doesn't rate this range for marine or reef use. Suitable as a sole filter on smaller tanks or as supplementary filtration alongside a canister on larger ones. Not suitable where you need to run activated carbon continuously for medication removal between doses – the shaft holds media rather than being designed for frequent hot-swapping.

Run continuously, indicative annual running cost at 30c/kWh: Smart 400 (6 W) is about $15.80 a year, Smart 600 (7.5 W) about $19.70, Smart 800 (10 W) about $26.30, Smart 1000 (15 W) about $39.40, and Smart 1500 (27 W) about $71.00. All five are described by Bioscape as quiet in normal operation; no dB figure is published.

Rinse the bio-foam in removed tank water rather than tap water to protect the biological colony, and top up or replace the carbon and zeolite in the chemical shaft on a regular cycle rather than waiting for a visible drop in flow. Because the media sits inside the unit rather than in a separate canister, servicing means lifting the whole filter out of the tank.

Covered against manufacturing defects under Bioscape's warranty, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Can I use this on a marine or reef tank?

No – Bioscape rates the Smart Internal Filter range for freshwater use only.

Will the rated flow match what I actually get in the tank?

Not exactly – the rated L/h figures are measured clean. Once the bio-foam and chemical media are loaded, expect somewhat less than the rated number, which is normal for any internal filter.

Do I need to buy replacement media separately?

The chemical shaft uses refillable activated carbon and zeolite, so you're topping up loose or bagged media rather than buying a proprietary cartridge.

Can I point the outlet where I want it?

Yes – both the flow rate and the outlet direction are adjustable on the unit, which helps with flow-sensitive tankmates like bettas or fry.

Is a pre-filter included?

No – the units don't ship with a separate pre-filter sponge; the bio-foam compartment is the first stage of filtration.