The best replacement for sponge filter is power filter.

The best alternatives to sponge filter are rated as following:
★★★★★  power filter
★★★★  box filter
★★★★  hob
★  internal filter
★  air stone

Your alternative for sponge filter is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about sponge filter, one probably shouldn't forget about powerhead.

Other search terms related to sponge filter and their ratings are:
★★★★★ powerhead
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sponge filter
power filter
box filter