Suggestions on how to make sponges look good in a display

[Hybridfish7]

I like using sponges. All my tanks have sponges. However, as of recently, I have been transitioning most of my tanks to display type setups, and as you know, sponges aren't really the most discrete or aesthetically pleasing forms of filtration. Only thing I can think of is hiding them against a black background or just plain behind something. Any other suggestions? ("not using them" is not a valid answer ?)

 

[celebrist]

Hide them, I like the black tubing too

 

[Hybridfish7]

On that note I wonder if painting the actual airway tube thing black is also a viable option.

 

[PhishMon84]

i used to put them in strawberry pots, lots holes and i smash the bottoms out. just what I've done.

 

[PhishMon84]

On that note I wonder if painting the actual airway tube thing black is also a viable option.

i use black tubing on my black background tanks. i don't know that i'd paint them rather buy them that color.

 

[Hybridfish7]

Oh I should've worded that better, I meant the tube the bubbles run through. I'm sure some black pvc would be a good substitute though.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

There are other options in terms of foam filters. With a black background you can use black foam and do corner filters or Hamburg Mattenfilters and make them disappear. I would suggest the 20 ppi for this.
http://www.swisstropicals.com/library/cornerfilter/
http://www.swisstropicals.com/library/mattenfilter/

 

[Crazylegs78]

I used corner mattenfilters in my 210g. I think they would blend in well if you do more with your tanks. I keep my tanks pretty sparse...

 

[PhishMon84]

I used corner mattenfilters in my 210g. I think they would blend in well if you do more with your tanks. I keep my tanks pretty sparse...


View attachment 1481236

What’s with the milk crates? See through caves?

 

[Crazylegs78]

More or less. Plus they're cheap and easy territories for the festae.