Sponge Filter ( I Think)

[JenCliBee]

hi all i have this sponge filter ... not sure wot it is really and no idea how 2 use it plz can some 1 explain wot i do with it lol

never had 1 before and never used 1 so at a complete loss

also... i have a 10 gallon fry tank now i wanna know would this type of filter be better as it looks like fry cant be sucked into it anywhere. i currently use a fluval 2 in there but im always concious that fish get stuck in it when first added so would prefer 2 use somethink that would be completely safe.


so any help is apprieciated


thanx jen

 

[Colin_T]

it is just an air operate sponge filter and is ideal for fry tanks. The sponges can be turned in different directions and the fry will often be seen grazing on the bacteria on the sponge.

 

[JenCliBee]

just what i wanted 2 hear would this be sufficient for a tank gallon tank and oh yes how do i use it lol me not got a clue lol



jen

 

[Colin_T]

It should be fine n a 10g tank.
You get an air pump (that sits outside the tank) and have some airline (clear plastic tube) that joins the pump to the filter. The filter normally has a rigid pipe that is about 3mm diameter that runs down the side of the filter next to the bigger diameter pipe. The filter in the picture is missing the thin tube. This means you will have to join the airline to the thin pipe sticking out the side (near the bottom of the filter).
2nd picture, between the left-hand sponge and the plastic uplift tube is a small thin pipe. The airline goes onto that.

The suction cups on the back are used to hold the filter to the glass. They often stop sucking onto anything after a while and I use a couple of fishing sinkers tied to the filter to hold it down in the water.

The air bubbles rise up the thicker pipe and draw water up with it. The water dirt and debris are drawn into the sponges and the clean water comes out the top of the uplift tube. The top part of the tube is usually adjustable so you can turn it to the left or right.

Clean the sponges in a bucket of tank water and then put them back in the tank. Don't wash the sponges under tap water once they are established.

 

[JenCliBee]

pretty much had a idea thats how it would be used but never used 1 so was really needing 2 make sure lol anyhows thanx colin m8 full explanation as usual just 2 prove that this 1 of the best and most informative forums around

ur help is very much apprieciated

just 1 more thing is there anyway of speeding up the bacteria build up on this filter other than doing a fishless cycle ... obviously this is wot i would do if there wasnt anyway but i was thinking could i put it in my main tank 2 cycle it if so how long would u expect this 2 take


than jen

 

[Colin_T]

If you put it in the main tank it will happen quicker than in a brand new tank because there is already bacteria in the tank. Unfortunately it will still take a couple of weeks to become established, most likely 3-4weeks because the sponges are new and dry, thus making it more difficult for the bacteria to hold onto it initially. Once the sponges have been in the water for a few days it is easier for the bacteria to hang onto it.
If you could put the sponges in contact with an established sponge (like in a power filter) then the bacteria will transfer straight across and the filter will be ready in a couple of weeks, maybe less.

 

[JenCliBee]

thanx again i have a side built in filter in my main tank running through a big black sponge where originally the protein skimmer was then a trickle like system that runs on to filter floss then under that water drips onto bioballs then backout through the pump but have a little space under first black sponge so could place them under that for a couple of weeks im in no rush 2 have the sponges mature anyways as the fry in there at the moment are 2 big 2 get sucked into the fluval anyways so pretty easy job


thanx 4 all ya help again anyways


jen