Opinions please, broken filter

[convict360]

Looking for opinions please, tonight my Fluval U3 filter ended up breaking; on my river tank.

After extensively cleaning and removing the impeller etc, the thing is flat out dead; which is great.

My real concern though, is the stability of the tank. There was the Fluval U3 running, along with a small sponge filter; all of which has been running for months.

15 or so minnows, and 3 red belly newts.

I've already chucked in a small internal filter to supplement the sponge while I think about other options, and I'll test the water daily to get my bearings.

I'd hope that the existing bacteria on the sponge and substrate etc would hopefully be able to deal with the bioload, but I welcome thoughts on this.

Apologies if its a vague query.

 

[Ihsnshaik]

Breeders have been using sponge filters for decades just sponge filters. I use only sponge filters on tank less than 120 gallons. They all have been fine and since your sponges were already cycled you should be fine.

I breed only with sponges and fry tanks of dozens sometimes hundreds with sponges. If your worried slap on a cheap powerhead to the sponges for better agitation.

 

[convict360]

Breeders have been using sponge filters for decades just sponge filters. I use only sponge filters on tank less than 120 gallons. They all have been fine and since your sponges were already cycled you should be fine.

I breed only with sponges and fry tanks of dozens sometimes hundreds with sponges. If your worried slap on a cheap powerhead to the sponges for better agitation.

Cheers mate. I know its a simple question as well, but I like to try and post as much as I can on here; hopefully answer someone else's question if they ever experience same circumstance with stock etc!

 

[jsodwi]

Yea I hear great things about just running sponge filters

 

[convict360]

In this case, I was just worried more that the Fluval was handling more of the bioload, if that makes sense.

But yeah, discus breeders usually swear by sponges; or at least the ones ive talked to.

 

[Wailua Boy]

I have a fry tank with a HOB and sponge. The HOB's motor failed about a week or two ago, so I have just run sponge filter and a few plants with no spikes of any sort. Could increase water change schedule to be on safe side.