Box filter+supermarket sponges = sponge filter?

[Freezekougra]

I have some sponges from the supermarket that I stuffed into my HOB, they look surprisingly like sponge filter material although I can't tell for sure since I've never had a sponge filter. Anyways, if I just took out the sponges and stuffed em into a box filter, would I be able to put fish into a 10g within a few days? Poured a bunch of established sand into the tank too

Thanks

 

[BadOleRoss]

I would assume that one sponge would act much like any other spong. The issues you might run into are how long the spong holds up and how fast it clogs. You could give the fish a try but I would keep stocking levels low and monitor ammonia levels.

 

[Freezekougra]

haha a few weeks ago i figured out how to check the expiration date on my ammonia kit(came free with used tank), apparently it expired in 2004
but i think it still shows up ammonia readings as long as i shake it

 

[Toby_H]

I would assume that one sponge would act much like any other spong. The issues you might run into are how long the spong holds up and how fast it clogs. You could give the fish a try but I would keep stocking levels low and monitor ammonia levels.

I agree with Ross

haha a few weeks ago i figured out how to check the expiration date on my ammonia kit(came free with used tank), apparently it expired in 2004
but i think it still shows up ammonia readings as long as i shake it

When they are outdated they will still show zero amonia when there is zero ammonia... and they will still show positive for ammonia when there is ammonia... but you cannot trust the quantities of ammonia they suggest when ammonia is detected...

But for a few bucks you can make all that guess work go away and just buy a new kit...

I have some sponges from the supermarket that I stuffed into my HOB, they look surprisingly like sponge filter material although I can't tell for sure since I've never had a sponge filter. Anyways, if I just took out the sponges and stuffed em into a box filter, would I be able to put fish into a 10g within a few days? Poured a bunch of established sand into the tank too

Thanks

This method will make a filter... In addition to the concerns Ross suggested you will also want to make sure the sponges are placed in a way that forces water to flow through the sponges and not aroudn them (bypass).

But (and this is a big but)...

This new filter will not be "fish ready' as there is no established bacteria in it. The established sand may or may not contain bacteria and may or may not contain enough bacteria. It's definitely a good start, but I highly suggest monitoring ammonia & nitrite readings with a reliable test kit...

 

[Oddball]

Store sponges aren't as porous or rigid as true sponge filter material. But, that shouldn't matter in a box filter. Check the package the sponge came in. If it says 'resists mold/mildew' then, the chemical incorporated in the sponge may be harmful to fish and/or inverts.