Filter Sponges

[tez2k007]

Hi,

I have the fluval 125 tank with internal filter and just wondering about the different sponges you can buy. I am currently using the 2 plain sponges that were equipped with it when it came and it has been going for 2 and a half weeks now. I also got a white and black sponge also. One of them is a carbon one i imaging. Just wondering is their much difference and should I swap them over.

 

[smegforbrains]

Is it a Fluval 3+ internal filter?


If so, keep the carbon sponge in a drawer. You won't need it unless you have finished a course of medication on the tank.

You have 2 coarse foam sponges that fit into the cage - one either side.


You also have the white floss pad (polyester). This is slightly smaller in length and should be fitted in the middle of the cage, sandwiched in between the foam pads.


I clean my pads each week in a bowl of tank water. I only replace them when they are stained brown all over (about every 2-3 months for the foam and each month for the polyester).


I only ever replace 1 pad at a time, otherwise I would lose too much bacteria.

 

[tez2k007]

Hi,

I have the fluval 125 tank with internal filter and just wondering about the different sponges you can buy. I am currently using the 2 plain sponges that were equipped with it when it came and it has been going for 2 and a half weeks now. I also got a white and black sponge also. One of them is a carbon one i imaging. Just wondering is their much difference and should I swap them over.

Yeah its the fluval 3+.

I am only currently using the 2 larger sponges that were already fitted. So should I slot the white one in also now?

 

[smegforbrains]

Yes, it would be a good idea as it aids finer filtration.

Remember: You can never have too much media surface area

 

[waterdrop]

Interesting smeg, what makes you feel the urge to replace a sponge every 2-3 months when it stains brown? I can understand replacing poly pads, as they do break down, but many report using their sponges (both coarse and fine) for many years until they begin to break down physically and have torn places. The brown stains are a perfect description of a healthy beneficial bacterial colony living in its biofilm.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[smegforbrains]

I have several dirty fish, and there is only so much fish poo you can remove. They do get clogged up after a while


I also go through quite a few seeding other tanks (up to 12 now )

 

[petertr]

The 2 coarse sponges will last for years.

Give 1 a good squeeze out in a bucket of water from the tank every 2 weeks or so and it will be fine (essentially if the flow rate is fine, no need to clean). Remember to do a different sponge each time though!! hahaha


As for the middle bit, you can ignore the black sponge. The floss makes a good addition to give the water an extra polish though. You can buy the stuff in bulk and just "form" your own if the price is a concern (you need to throw these out every 2-4 weeks, as they can't really be cleaned)