sponge filters

[loach43]

Sponge filters are probably the most effective means of filtration where simplicity is concerned. Best invention ever for those who breed fish. Worst invention ever for ornamental tanks. Unsightly wall-warts.

 

[BallzDeepInU]

We have at least one sponge filter in all of our tanks... A few of them run on them entirly. Yes they do a great job of biofiltration and with very minor modifications they can do it all. Add an air stone to the base to increase the water flow and the mechanical filtration goes up...you can even add carbon/zeolite to the core to use in transportation tanks.

Thats one point I don't think enough people concider about sponge filters. You will always have an easilly accessable...easilly transportable...cycled filter on hand to toss into a new tank....beer cooler....or shoebox in an emergancy...speaking of emergancies....technology is a wonderful thing but a sponge filter can be run off of a battery powered air pump for a LONG time when the power goes out...(and yes I said WHEN...not IF...I've been in the hobby almost 30 years...trust me...it's WHEN...not IF...)

some good points there. I like the part about using the air stone thanks, but just wondering how can u run a tank on a sopnge filter by itself?power head?

 

[ThePBM]

i like sponge filters because they are washable and will last for years and the whole system (minus air pump) costs less than a replacement cartridge for other filters.

and you can run sponge filters with a powerhead, just have to make sure you get the right kind of sponge to handle the flow rate.

 

[BlackKnife86]

This might be off topic.. maybe not, So you can rinse the sponge of debris and the bacteria that has grown in the sponge will still be there? ie sponge filter or sponge in a ac110

 

[Wolf3101]

Yes black however you don't normally do a lot of work on a sponge filter.

As far as using them as the only filter system in a fry tank...either use a power head for increased flow or do what we do and put one in each end of the tank.

They CAN be unsightly but then a few carefully placed tall plants or a rock group and you hardly notice them.

 

[BallzDeepInU]

Black beaware dont wash under tap water as the cloriene will kill the good stuff

 

[BallzDeepInU]

Yes black however you don't normally do a lot of work on a sponge filter.

As far as using them as the only filter system in a fry tank...either use a power head for increased flow or do what we do and put one in each end of the tank.

They CAN be unsightly but then a few carefully placed tall plants or a rock group and you hardly notice them.

if u use a power head in a fry tank woulnt they get sucked intoo sponge?

 

[loach43]

This might be off topic.. maybe not, So you can rinse the sponge of debris and the bacteria that has grown in the sponge will still be there? ie sponge filter or sponge in a ac110

Yes, you can rinse off the sponge and not lose the required amount of bacteria needed for your tank as long as you do not kill everything off by washing it in untreated water. Chloramine from straight tap water would be a bad idea. I like to rinse the sponge in the same water from the tank it came out of in a seperate container. Great to kill two birds with one stone during a water change.

 

[loach43]

if u use a power head in a fry tank woulnt they get sucked intoo sponge?

No, providing the sponge is large enough.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

some good points there. I like the part about using the air stone thanks, but just wondering how can u run a tank on a sopnge filter by itself?power head?

You hook it up to an air pump. The air line goes into the bottom of the chamber, and as the bubbles quickly rise through the chamber, it sucks water in through the sponge and into the chamber, as well as pushes the water above it out of the exit at the top of the chamber. Some of the sponge filters have excellent circulation as well, so no powerheads are needed. I just started up my 10G breeder tank again with a sponge filter. I also put in a powerhead for circulation over the eggs. Once they start hatching, I will remove the powerhead, and just keep the circulation provided by the sponge filter. Also, since the sponges are not cycled, I will be adding a bunch of floating plants to help with ammonia from excess food decay if I get any.