Questions Regarding Sponge Filtration

[RainboWBacoN420]

So here's the scoop, I have a 10 gallon quarantine tank with a dual sponge filter, running on an air pump that's meant for 20 gallons, I believe.
I'm not too pleased with the power of filtration, I would like to increase the circulation, would installing an air pump that's meant for say, 30 or 40 gallons increase filtration speed? 

 

[StevenF]

Increasing air flow with your current filter can help.  However other factors may start to affect water flow through filter.  The improvement may be small or large.  Another option is to replace your air pump with with an electric motor water pump. An electric motor  water pump is probably more efficient at moving water.  In my tank an electric water pump lifts water up through a sponge filter to a spray bar about 1/2" above the water surface.   Water from the spray bar breaks through the water surface dragging air down with it.  So an electric motor can move sizable amount of water through a sponge filter and then aerate the water at the same time.

 

[RainboWBacoN420]

Thank you, I'll be looking into that!

 

[Byron]

Increasing the air flow will not likely improve filtration (there is such a thing as water flow through the filter that is too fast for good filtration), though it would increase water movement a bit.  The other thing I would be concerned with is the water movement...this is a quarantine tank, so presumably for sick fish (or new arrivals?) and you do not want to be stressing either with excessive water currents.

 

[RainboWBacoN420]

Increasing the air flow will not likely improve filtration (there is such a thing as water flow through the filter that is too fast for good filtration), though it would increase water movement a bit.  The other thing I would be concerned with is the water movement...this is a quarantine tank, so presumably for sick fish (or new arrivals?) and you do not want to be stressing either with excessive water currents.

This quarantine is for new arrivals. And I don't think that'll be a problem, the output is near the surface line, and doesn't make much of a current. In fact, most of the fish I've cared for like a current. I always see my fish swim against the current, they seem to enjoy it. It appears to be a game or an exercise for them.
 
I just want better filtration in the quarantine, because I'm planning on getting a few Pearl Gouramis, in the future. But I'm going to quarantine one at a time, they're decently sized fish, so I would assume they give off a decently large bio-load. I've cared for a dwarf gourami and he was always- y'know- doing his business. Like always!
 
So I just want to make sure the filtration is good while he's in there. Of course I'll be doing weekly water changes.
 
I'm debating if it's a good idea to quarantine one at a time though, I suspect he might be stressed if he's alone. Would having two in the quarantine be pushing it?
Say if they were both female, would they be fine for a few weeks in a 10 gallon?

 

[Byron]

My suggestion would be to acquire the pearls together, and keep them together in QT and then into the main tank at the same time.  This is basic for most fish that come in groups.  For one thing, the more there are, the less stressed (as you rightly picked up) and thus a stronger immune system.  They adjust to your parameters/conditions better.  And there is less risk of a "bully" emerging.
 
Assuming you will be acquiring the pearls at smaller than mature sizes, I would not worry about the small QT.  Of course, there are some things you can do to really lessen the risk, such as plants; floating plants are ideal, as they grab a lot of ammonia (certainly more than these fish will generate) plus the shade.  And gourami need surface plants, so another way to settle them better.
 
Having said all that, I would not use more than a dual sponge.  You won't lose any benefits.  My QT for new acquisitions is a 20g with an Elite dual sponge, shallow sand substrate, and planted.  I have had 50 fish in this tank for several weeks...small fish mind you, but the plants make quite a difference.
 
Byron.

 

[RainboWBacoN420]

Well, I usually keep the lights off in the quarantine, keeps the fish nice and calm.  I only turn them on for feeding and observations, but leave them on for a few hours after. I might pick up more decorations for these guys. Mine is just a bare bottom, with a few decorations clumped together that can provide shelter.