Bioscape Super Bio-Foam Filter

• Air-driven sponge filter combining mechanical and biological filtration in one foam unit
• Five sizes (Baby, BF-1, BF-2, BF-4, Jumbo) covering tanks from about 40 L up to 680 L
• Multi-layered foam gives bacteria more surface area to colonise while trapping debris
• Gentle, low-turbulence flow suited to fry, shrimp and breeding tanks
• Foam is removable, rinsable and reusable rather than a throwaway cartridge

These tank-size figures are the supplier's general guide for a lightly to moderately stocked freshwater tank. Actual turnover depends on the air pump driving the filter, not on a fixed spec of the foam itself.

Match the tank-size guide above to your tank's volume, then check the body-plus-riser height against your water depth so it clears the substrate and sits under any hood or light. If your tank carries a heavier-than-typical bioload for its size, choose one size up rather than the minimum rating.

The five sizes step up together in foam volume and tank rating, so choosing between them is mostly about matching your tank's litres to the table above.

Small tanks, fry and breeding setups

Baby and BF-1 suit nano tanks, fry-rearing containers and breeder boxes up to 100 L, where gentle flow that won't pull in fry or shrimp matters more than turnover.

Community and planted tanks

BF-2 and BF-4 cover the 100 L to 380 L range typical of standard community, planted and quarantine tanks.

Large tanks

Jumbo is rated to 680 L and suits large freshwater displays, or as a supplementary biological filter alongside a canister or hang-on unit.

Suitable for: freshwater fry, breeding and quarantine tanks; shrimp tanks where a fine, gentle intake matters; planted tanks needing extra biological capacity; and marine quarantine or hospital tanks, a common use for inert foam filters.

Not suitable for: the sole filter on a heavily stocked or high-bioload tank without extra filtration; setups needing a guaranteed, fixed flow rate, since output depends on the air pump connected; or as a full replacement for mechanical filtration on tanks with large, messy fish.

Each size comes as the bio-foam filter unit only: the foam body and riser tube. An air pump and airline tubing are not included in any size in this range and need to be bought separately, sized to the tank you're fitting it to.

Rinse the foam in tank water, not tap water, whenever it visibly clogs or flow noticeably slows, so you don't kill off the bacteria colony living in the foam. It's designed to be removed, squeezed out and reused rather than replaced after every clean.

We haven't found a manufacturer-stated replacement interval. As a general trade rule, foam stays in service until it's compacted, torn or won't rinse clean, rather than on a fixed schedule.

This product is covered by the consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law. Contact us if it arrives faulty or not as described and we'll sort it out in line with those guarantees.

Delivery is available Australia-wide, or you're welcome to collect from our Brisbane/North Lakes store.

Does this filter come with an air pump?

No. Every size in this range is sold as the foam filter unit only, so you'll need to add an air pump and airline tubing separately.

What size do I need for a 60 L tank?

Based on the supplier's tank-size guide, a BF-1 (rated up to 100 L) gives you margin without being oversized; a BF-2 (up to 200 L) is also an option if you want more capacity.

Can I use it in a marine tank?

Sponge filters like this are commonly used in marine quarantine and hospital tanks. Check the stocking and flow needs of your setup before relying on it as sole filtration.

How often do I need to clean the foam?

There's no fixed schedule. Rinse it in tank water whenever flow visibly slows or the foam looks clogged, which varies with bioload and stocking.

Can I run it with a powerhead instead of an air pump?

Some retailer listings for this range mention a powerhead or hang-on filter as an alternative to an air pump. We haven't independently confirmed this beyond what's listed, so check compatibility first.