Filtering question

[Tahn]

So I've been using exclusively HOB filters since I got into the hobby, cannisters/sumps were too expensive for me.

I've been doing some googling about filtration and wondering what the difference between an HOB and sponge filter is? Is it just the mechanical filtration? Technically a large, high density sponge filter inside the aquarium should provide the same about of biological filtration as any HOB filter right?

So if I "mechanically" gravel vac the poop and debris, etc, can I just get rid of the HOB filter and run sponges?

 

[Tahn]

Thinking of getting rid of my HOB's and running two of these instead with a tetra whisper 100
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=28052

 

[tlindsey]

So I've been using exclusively HOB filters since I got into the hobby, cannisters/sumps were too expensive for me.

I've been doing some googling about filtration and wondering what the difference between an HOB and sponge filter is? Is it just the mechanical filtration? Technically a large, high density sponge filter inside the aquarium should provide the same about of biological filtration as any HOB filter right?

So if I "mechanically" gravel vac the poop and debris, etc, can I just get rid of the HOB filter and run sponges?

Yes sponge filters are good but tbh you will have to make sure sponge filter don't get clogged up with debri and other downside is that you will be buying air pumps.

 

[Tahn]

Yes sponge filters are good but tbh you will have to make sure sponge filter don't get clogged up with debri and other downside is that you will be buying air pumps.

I already have an airpump (tetra whisper 100), and yes I saw the aquarium co-op video on sponge filter maintenance, and it shouldn't be a problem.

I heard some people say that sponge filters can be pretty noisy, would they be anymore noisy than a regular airstone?

 

[skjl47]

hello; A tank can be run on sponge filters only. I have done so many times. The thing that limits a sponge filter include relatively low flow rates and that the sponge gets loaded up after a time.

I find the HOB to be more useful and generally consider one a primary. I do sometimes run both because I like a bubbler in most all tanks.

If you did not already have the HOB's and were on a tight budget then sponges are a good option. That you have the HOB's my suggestion is to continue to use them. I run both in some tanks and do the siphon vac as well.

But yes a tank can be run on only a sponge filter and an air pump.

 

[tlindsey]

I already have an airpump (tetra whisper 100), and yes I saw the aquarium co-op video on sponge filter maintenance, and it shouldn't be a problem.

I heard some people say that sponge filters can be pretty noisy, would they be anymore noisy than a regular airstone?

Its the air pump that will be humming or vibrating a easy solution is place air pump on floss pad to soften noise.

 

[skjl47]

Its the air pump that will be humming or vibrating a easy solution is place air pump on floss pad to soften noise.

Hello; I have done this as well. I also hang the air pump in some cases.
I got tired of the air pump in my fish tank area a couple of years ago. I hung it in the basement and ran a long airline to the upstairs room. Now I don't hear it at all.

 

[tlindsey]

Hello; I have done this as well. I also hang the air pump in some cases.
I got tired of the air pump in my fish tank area a couple of years ago. I hung it in the basement and ran a long airline to the upstairs room. Now I don't hear it at all.

Great I may do that lol. If pumps or filters get loud I have to hear from my wife.

 

[skjl47]

Great I may do that lol. If pumps or filters get loud I have to hear from my wife.

Hello; Not sure how far the flexible air line can be run without big loss, but 20 -30 feet anyway.

Might be a good idea to put a check valve in the line or as I do run a loop of air line about two feet above the top of my tanks. That way I hope to avoid having a siphon start if the power goes off or a line comes loose in the basement. I have had air lines siphon out a tank in the distant past. Lesson learned.

 

[tlindsey]

Hello; Not sure how far the flexible air line can be run without big loss, but 20 -30 feet anyway.

Might be a good idea to put a check valve in the line or as I do run a loop of air line about two feet above the top of my tanks. That way I hope to avoid having a siphon start if the power goes off or a line comes loose in the basement. I have had air lines siphon out a tank in the distant past. Lesson learned.

Great advice!