Sponge Filter Questions

Debi · Post by **Debi** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:55 am

Hi YuccaPatrol,

I've seen that one too, there are so many to choose from! Question, are all sponge filters also bio control? Or no?

I'm also trying to figure out how the sponge filters work, with just a air hose attached, I guess I'm having a hard time imagining the water being sucked into the sponge with a normal air hose, or am I missing something?

Told you I'm confused... Oh, dear, I hope I can figure this all out!!

YuccaPatrol · Post by **YuccaPatrol** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:02 am

Here is how they work:

When air bubbles are introduced into the vertical tube, the water in the tube flows upward along with the bubbles. More water flows through the sponge and into the tube to replace the water that flowed upwards.

The air bubbles rising inside the tube create a pump with no moving parts.

All sponge filters work just about the same. make your choice based on the appropriate size first and then choose based upon the design that pleases your eye if that is important.

All sponges will harbor the beneficial bacteria that break down nitrogen wastes as well as trap particles.

Hope that helps. The good news is that no matter what style you choose, it will almost certainly be perfect for your small tank.

ToddnBecka · Post by **ToddnBecka** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:08 am

Once you have a filter in the tank, the quickest way to establish the necessary bacteria is to squeeze some muck from a dirty filter from another tank.

Debi · Post by **Debi** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:16 am

Thank you ToddnBecka and YuccaPatrol,

Ok, now I feel more confident about making a purchase, thank again for all your help!!

Debi

heather_rose2001 · Post by **heather_rose2001** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:26 am

I do have 3 of these sponge filters and I really like them. As stated before you can clean one sponge while leaving the other alone til the next cleaning. I also like that it shoots water sideways instead of straight up. Also the shrimp munch out and rest inside the grooves on the sponge.

Debi · Post by **Debi** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:37 am

Hi All,

Ok, I started out simple - I purchased 2 of the following filters:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/360289/bd_2.jpg

They were cheap enough!! So I can always go bigger and better later once I become comfortable with them.

Thanks again for all your help and advice, you made me feel welcomed and didn't scorn me for all the dumb questions

You can be sure that you'll see other posts from me, have no clue what they will be about, but I'm hanging out more often!!

Thanks again everyone!!

Debi

badflash · Post by **badflash** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:54 pm

Clean your sponges at water change time using ONLY water from your aquarium. Don't clean too well as this is where your good bacteria lives. You just want to clear out the clogs.

If you rinse it in tap water you can kill the bacteria and upset your tank.

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:21 pm

Thanks again for all your help and advice, you made me feel welcomed and didn't scorn me for all the dumb questions

You can be sure that you'll see other posts from me, have no clue what they will be about, but I'm hanging out more often!!

Thanks again everyone!!

Debi

Hope to hear from you soon

RCSGuy · Post by **RCSGuy** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:46 pm

My local PetSupermarket uses the double sponge filter in every single one of their tanks but they don't sell ANY sponge filters

It sucks ... I have to get it online. I'm going to buy a pump+filter+shipping for like $16 online

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:33 pm

I agree it is weird

But I have found a couple of LFS that sell some nice sponge filters, they have served my shrimp well

!

YuccaPatrol · Post by **YuccaPatrol** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:37 pm

RESGuy wrote:My local PetSupermarket uses the double sponge filter in every single one of their tanks but they don't sell ANY sponge filters

They don't like selling inexpensive filters that lasts years and years without the need of purchasing expensive replacement cartridges.

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:40 pm

They don't like selling inexpensive filters that lasts years and years without the need of purchasing expensive replacement cartridges.

Wow Yucca, you seem to know what they are thinking. Were you a LFS owner in a past life

?

RCSGuy · Post by **RCSGuy** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:30 pm

YuccaPatrol wrote:
RESGuy wrote:My local PetSupermarket uses the double sponge filter in every single one of their tanks but they don't sell ANY sponge filters
They don't like selling inexpensive filters that lasts years and years without the need of purchasing expensive replacement cartridges.

Yeah, sounds reasonable

Argh, I guess I'm thinking like an economical shrimp bargain hunter

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:43 pm

Yeah, sounds reasonable Argh, I guess I'm thinking like an economical shrimp bargain hunter

Most of us think that way

TurtleBoyPW5 · Post by **TurtleBoyPW5** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 5:10 pm

I live in Michigan in the metro Detroit area and most pet store do not sell sponge filters, lucky for me I found one that did. I go to college at Northern Michigan University up in the UP of Michigan and its hard to find anything up here and if you do its for a premium price.

Any who, has anyone had experience with the so called "Ultimate Sponge Filter"? Google that and you will find a website claiming to sell the best sponge filters, they also have them available on aquabid. Seems like they maybe a good choice.

Peace

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