Sponge filter question

[something_phishy]

I've got a sponge filter to use in my QT. I've never used one before. How does it work?!?! Thanks!

It's this kind

http://www.jehmco.com/PRODUCTS_/FILTRAT ... lters.html

 

[cdeakle]

Never seen these before..interested in there purpose and usefullness. will keep an eye on this thread.....

 

[Anonymous]

They work on the same principle as undergravel filters - creating water flow over a lot of surface area to grow the beneficial bacteria that break down nitrogen compounds. They also have one of the same drawbacks, in that they collect detritus etc. Might work just fine for a quarantine tank, I've considered them for that same application (but never have gotten around to using a quarantine).

 

[something_phishy]

I figured it out. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

That is the exact one I use. I have a 20 gallon model for my QT and a 40 gallon model sitting in my sump (just the sponge) incase I have to QT more fish.

They don't collect that much detritus while running, but they do need to be rinsed once a week. I rinse it when I change water and use the change water to clean it...they say to use freshwater, but that can't be good for the bacteria.

Make sure to clean it once a week though. I skipped two weeks because it LOOKED clean and then last night I rinsed it in a bucket...the water looked just like dirty mop water!