hygger USB Single Sponge Filter, Small Aquarium Filter with Adjustable Hanging Clip and Suction Cup, Duckbill Outlet, Rain Pipe Outlet, Extra Spare Sponge

Perfect for a 5-gallon! I really like that there is not a separate compressor. It's very quiet; the water splashing from the "rain" tube is the loudest part. It aerates the water well. I clean out the sponge every 3-4 weeks and I can tell when it needs cleaning because the rain turns into a sprinkle. Easy to set up and use, and bonus, the frogs like to sit on it (or under it). I chose this brand because Hygger is well known, and I'm not disappointed.

Update: it was user error. I realized after re-reading everything several times that I needed to squish the living daylights out of the sponge when I cleaned it. It's a beginner's error, as I thought I needed to be gentle with it. Once everything was clean, everything started flowing so nicely! However, still not full stars because the sponge does seem to be getting clogged/full rather quickly, after 2-3 days the water flow is starting to diminish already. Otherwise, it's great price point for a sponge that has its own pump included, plus the biomedia and flexibility to add to the container (I added a small amount of charcoal, for example, and previously seeded with old media). The flexibility and price point is really great for someone beginning the hobby! This was the original review: I'm so sad and frustrated. At just 4 days past the return period, I cannot get this filter to flow normally again. I cleaned the sponge at least 1x a week inside and outside, and scrubbed the intake. 2x within this month, I disassembled the pipes and scrubbed with a toothbrush and straw cleaning brush, and made sure to clean the little individual outlet holes of the "rain" attachment. Last night was the 2nd time I cleaned it this way, and for good measure I also opened the media recepticle and made sure it wasn't clogged with anything, plus scrubbed the intake from within that area. This filter has been steadily declining to now only outputting a dribble of water, and now I'm afraid my nitrogen cycle is crashing and my fish look stressed. There is no way to contact the seller after the 30 day period to try to troubleshoot, I cannot take the filter apart any further or I would void the warranty, so now I'm left to writing this review.

Works well. Would be nice to have a bit more water movement/output but it does the job. Nice small size with good filtration. VERY QUIET which is a huge plus. I’m not a fan of air pump sponge filters (even though they work well) due to the air pump noise. This one makes zero noise!

It’s really quiet, but very large. Barely fit in my 5.5 gallon tank, but I wanted to make it work. Before inserting the new pump and filter, I did a 50% water change and cleaned the gravel. Parameters were good. After 5 days of use, I noticed the water looking a bit off, so I tested the water and the ammonia and nitrites were elevated. The only thing different, was the new pump/filter. So I agitated the gravel a bit, finding more than usual bits floating around. After, I watched near the filter, 90% of debris floated right by, not being sucked in at all. The water flow seemed fine, pretty slow but that’s what my betta needs. I guess it’s too slow. I took it apart, cleaned it and put it back in, hoping it would be better. But still, most particles still just floated right by. My betta looks rough, I’m really hoping he’ll make it through this.

Easy set up and works great!

Updated on 11/3/25: After using for a month or so, I noticed the water outlet (I’m using the wand) has decreased to one little stream. So I took the system out. Removed the sponge and rinsed in a bucket of tank water. Then used a small bottle brush to clean the outlet pipe and every hole in the rainfall wand. Reassembled and installed. Great, works again. A few days later it’s back to using one hole again. Took the system out again and repeated the cleaning. Now it’s in a tiny 6 gallon tank with the single outlet. Still puny water flow coming out. Such a disappointment from Hygger. (Second crappy item, the other is a mini bubbler that’s trash. No output there either.) love this sponge filter! This is perfect for my 20 gallon long aquarium. My Singapore Flower Shrimp sits on it to filter feed. The rain flow arm creates a nice gentle water flow. I’ll buy another one. (If you want heavy water agitation, select a different model.)

Works well for small 10 gal betta tank. Would buy again

This is a great filter for the performance and price other than the suction cups. I like the sponge filter for the intake, as well as the media balls in the plastic chamber - both help with keeping good bacteria for biological filtration. The water flow is good, but one suction cup never wants to stay suctioned to the glass. I know that I could buy more suction cups, but I'm lazy and haven't gotten around to it!

Items seems to work ok . Time will tell . Pieces missing but was able to rig up tube plug