Filter Media

[Shelby]

I would like to start another filter in my tank. Can I use regular kitchen sponges if I boil them to make sure there is nothing in them?

I already have one fully cycled filter but my tank is a little over stocked so I'd like to start another filter. I don't have any filter media (and a tad broke at the moment) but I have tons of cheap kitchen filters without soap but figured I'd boil them anyway. Would that work?

Shelby

 

[fatheadminnow]

Make sure they are clean, via boiling, and I see no problem as to why it would not work.

Good luck!

-FHM

 

[AdamM]

if your using it as bio media, break it up into chunks about 1/2" square, gives you more area and better flow.

 

[fatheadminnow]

if your using it as bio media, break it up into chunks about 1/2" square, gives you more area and better flow.

That's a good idea.

The smaller pieces would provide more surface area.

-FHM

 

[Shelby]

That is a good idea but I think the way that these filters are built it would flow out with the water and be floating in the tank?

I have aquaclear 200 filters.

 

[llamalord305]

Wait, if they are closed cell cellulose wouldnt thay rot?

 

[fatheadminnow]

That is a good idea but I think the way that these filters are built it would flow out with the water and be floating in the tank?

I have aquaclear 200 filters.

Those are great filters.

So then I would just put the sponge near the bottom, cut up or not.

-FHM

Wait, if they are closed cell cellulose wouldnt thay rot?

Not sure?

But it would be a good idea to get it started right now, and when finances pick up, go out and get some sponges made for those filters and then just transfer some of the obtained bacteria over.

-FHM

 

[Shelby]

My idea was to put about 4 maybe 5 sponges (loosely stacked) in there. Eventually all sponges go bad or start to rot don't they? I could always just replace one at a time right? I will be running two filters so I will always have a mature one I think.

Basically one would be correct filter material and one with kitchen sponges. This would also make setting up an emergency 10g iso tank if needed wouldn't it?

 

[fatheadminnow]

I say go for it.

There is nothing to loose.

-FHM

 

[ellena]

I agree with fhm, it will only be an improvement on your current setup. The reason kitchen sponges won't work so well is what llamalord said, they may be closed cell. This means each bubble is self contained with no access to adjacent bubbles. So bacteria won't be able to spread and colonise the whole sponge. 'Proper' filter sponge is sopen celled, so bacteria can spread throughout the whole thing.
As a temp. measure until you can get some sponge media though, in addition to your current filter, it should be fine