Kitchen Sponge As Filter Media?

[Neal]

I'm making a diy 5 minute filter, and was wondering if I could use a normal kitchen sponge as filter media? Would I need to take the scourer off? Or would this also provide good filter media as it's quite thick with very fine holes.

RSVP (I'm making it now)
Neal

 

[CFC]

Sponges not intended for aquarium use will normally be treated with a fire retardent chemical which is toxic too fish and aquatic life so i wouldnt advise taking the risk. Filter sponges can be purchased quite cheaply from your lfs in various sizes and densities.

 

[Neal]

It does smell quite funny, I guess that's the chemical, thanks for that CFC!

Neal

 

[fishdawg]

i used a Kitchen Sponge for my 5- minute filter from the pinned section. and it worked fine for my fry tank. mine was never used and i just ripped the scourer off and shoved it in. its been up for ooooh about 3 months and its fine.

 

[Torrean]

you need to be sure the sponge is not made from cellulose as this will rot in your tank. I do not know about the fire retardant treatmant but I do know lot's of sponges say not for use in aquariums. I'm not sure if that's because of this treatment or because they are made from cellulose. best of luck

 

[Lateral Line]

Not all sponges are "open cell" either. Open cell means that water can freely pass through the entire structure. Closed cell or partial cell sponge will restrict the total amount of water you can draw through the sponge, thus limiting it usefulness.

 

[KathyM]

I know some people who have used scourers (not the sponge ones, just scourer) for filter media, and it's worked brilliantly.