Convert Undergravel Filter Into A Sponge Filter

[snazy]

I want to change the setup in my fry tank which currently has a very functional undergravel filter.
I have decided I want to breed some corys and I need to change the substrate to sand.

My question is, is it possible to convert the undergravel filter into a sponge filter by replacing the undergravel plate with one of those bio sponge filters instead?

The undergravel filter, from bottom to top is: undergravel plate connected to a power head that extends to a spray bar which can be replaced with a normal output pipe.
The tank is about 7G.

The bio sponge filter I have is:

 

[OldMan47]

The sponge is far too tall to go under in the space where your filter plate is. Instead, why not just place the sponge filter in service on the tank? After a while, maybe a month or two, you should be able to switch off the undergravel filter and let the sponge take over completely. I hope I have correctly interpreted what you want to do.

 

[snazy]

Thanks Oldman. I thought no one would reply to this
I want to be able to put the sponge in place of the undergravel plate, so the powerhead is sucking water through the sponge and not through the plate/substrate.
I can put the sponge in the tank connected to an air pump or another powerhead I presume, but I was wondering if I can use the undergravel filter powerhead instead. Would it work?

 

[Lochrin]

The power head on my UG just slots into the actual plastic that sits under the gravel, so if yours is the same, could you just find pipe that slots into it and hopefully it also slots onto your filter. Maybe even some basic plumbing if you need to match pipe sizes
(No experience in doing it, but been looking for ideas as I want rid of the UG in my small tank.. Doesn't look as efficient as a sponge filter)

 

[snazy]

Mine is the same as yours so it seems possible to replace the undergravel plate with a sponge filter I would think. I can't experiment now as I still have fish in it. But as far as efficiency goes I have had no problems with the undergravel even though I overcrowded the tank several times all at once and I never got water quality issues. But it is a 400LPH filter on a 28L tank so it is way overfiltered.

The only problem is I can't raise cory fry in it or plant it properly.
Once my other fry are big enough to go to the other tanks I'll rescape the tank and try this. I am just dreading the cycling period as all the gravel will be gone and I have to start from scratch I guess unless someone has a better idea?

 

[fluttermoth]

It won't look nice, but if you pile the gravel over the sponge filter, the bacteria will have a change to spread onto the sponge.

I've known a few fish breeders who actually filter fry tanks like that; using an upturned kitchen funnel with holes drilled in it in place of the sponge filter.

 

[snazy]

It won't look nice, but if you pile the gravel over the sponge filter, the bacteria will have a change to spread onto the sponge.

I've known a few fish breeders who actually filter fry tanks like that; using an upturned kitchen funnel with holes drilled in it in place of the sponge filter.

That's a good idea. I have to see if it will fit. I think I won't ask the fish this time whether they find it nice or not