FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I see a lot of posts recommending sponge filters. What maintanence to they require? Do you ever have to rinse them out? Can they be used with gravel in the bottom?

Hi,
Sponge filters are a part of the Hang on Back (HOB) style
filters. They are used by themselves in tanks containing
fry to protect the babies. And, they are used as prefilters
to keep fish out of the intakes.

Their huge surface area, and tiny holes permit tremendous
bactrial colonies to grow and these help purify the water.

They will become clogged. The easiest way to clean them
is to remove them from the filter, and swish them around
in a bucket of old tank water squeezing several times as
you swish it around. Some folk use old tank water while
doing a normal water change, and others rinse it out under
running water from the tap. The agrument against the latter
is that the tap water contains chlorine and chloramine,
chemicals that are designed to kill the bacteria. They
maintain that by doing that you can kill or maim the
bacteria colonies.

Hope this helped...
Frank


Last edited by FRANK at 27-Dec-2004 17:32

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks, I have seen them in stores...fry tanks, got that ...will remember.

As usual Frank's infomation is clear and fully explained.

I suggest you wash/rinse them in the tank water every time you do the water change. Rinse them several times until they are all clean.

I also add a measured amount of Sera Bio Starter at every water change.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Sponge filters are not only great for fry tanks, they are perfect for Betta tanks. I had trouble with male Bettas getting their fins shreaded by power filters. So I switched over to a sponge filter and my problems were solved.