Sponge Filters

[Drizzt]

Does anybody use sponge filters on larger tanks such as 180 gallons and up as the primary filter? If not, would it be worth it to use it in conjunction with a sump. Just curious as to how effective a sponge filter can be. I'm sure it also depends on the bio load as well.

 

[fishticuffs]

idk bump- got no experiance with sponge filters. good luck

 

[iloveoscars702]

i have two of them on my 130 gal, but my main filters are my canisters. they work well though.

 

[kevinfleming21]

I would not use them as a primary on a larger tank, but I use them quite often on my smaller tanks. work pretty well and super low maintenance.

 

[Pharaoh]

I think it would depend on stocking. I wouldn't expect a sponge filter to pick up the leftovers from a 24" jardini if you catch my drift.

 

[BigO6687]

amazing for bio but does little to nothing for mech unless attached to a ph or filter intake

 

[Dark Jester]

Yeah, good for bio but not mechanical. Great if you have shrimp or fish fry. My convict fry are constantly picking stuff off the sponge filters.

 

[JK47]

I use 2 Hydor V sponges in my 125g and another 2 in my 220g. I don't use them as primary filter but they are good to have in your tank so you can easily pull them out and have a cycled fry or hospital QT tank. Also, if the power goes out, there is a small but effective filter that can be powered by battery air pumps. I use them as insurance.

But yeah they suck (in a bad way) for mechanical..

 

[Racersk]

In addition to the sponge, I was able to clean up my 90 gallon with a Hydor V and a powerhead with a sponge on the intake. The Hydor was preloaded with bio before I moved it into this tank, and the powerhead came off my UGF that I discarded. Simple and a vac of the sponge is all the maintenance I really have done so far.

 

[Drizzt]

Are you running them off of 1 air pump or do they each have their own?

i have two of them on my 130 gal, but my main filters are my canisters. they work well though.