Sponge Fllter Help

[FawnN]

Hello everyone,
 
Could use some help picking out a sponge filter for my 10 & 25 gallon breeding tanks.  I'm not new to breeding, but new to using the sponge filters.  I've bred GBR, Kribensis and Albino BN Pleco's before and I've never used a sponge filter before.  I'm considering it now and I've done some research, but would love to see some pictures of how everyone is setting this up. 
 
I'm a total visual person and could really use some pictures to better understand the set up.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!
 
Fawn

 

[LyraGuppi]

This site is where I get mine, very trustworthy:
http/www.americanaquariumproducts.com/SpongeFilter.html
 
Here is my 20 gallon setup:

 
I have the 2 "Sponge Filter 3" filters in there. Sorry about the algae and such, old photo.

They are connected to airlines, which, behind the tank, are powered by air pumps. Pretty much the same as running as airstone.

There is a bunch of sponge filter info on that site if you wanted to learn the sciences.

 

[Ch4rlie]

A sponge filter is an extremely simple set up.
 
All you need is an air pump, airline, non return valve, possibly control valve to adjust how much air to go into filter and the simple sponge filter itself.
 
Air pump > air control valve > non return valve > sponge filter
 
Really is simple as that, the air control valve helps but not essential especially if air pump itself has a valve that controls the air output to the sponge filter.
 
Non return valve helps to stop water from going through the airless to go into the air pump, that could cause likely damage to the air pump.
 
There are several simple examples of simple sponge filters , but the two most commonly used are like these examples- 
 
    
 
Hope that helps a little bit 
 

 

[Mamashack]

If you're like me and don't want to use air pumps because of the noise, but still want the benefits of sponge filters, these are available on eBay UK so may be available in the US too;
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aquael-TURBO-FILTER-Internal-Aquarium-FILTER-For-500-litre-Tropical-Fish-Tank-/171357000384?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&var=&hash=item27e5ac52c0
and this one too:
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AquaEl-PAT-Mini-Internal-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Filter-Pump-Nano-or-Turtle-Tank-/360563043375?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item53f33b6c2f

 

[attibones]

I build my own sponge filters. To me, they are far more cost effective than ordering a sponge filter off the internet. (My LFS doesn't stock any.)
 
I get a 20 oz water bottle (you will need the cap) which has been cleaned thoroughly, stripped of the label and the glue (I use vinegar), whatever media I have lying around, sponge (obviously), and some tubing and a pump. I prefer to have the pumps with two outlets on them so I can run multiple filters off one pump. 
 
I drill a couple of holes in the cap, the neck of the bottle, and the bottom of the bottle, as well as one larger hole for the back of a suction cup to fit snugly. I thread the airline through the bottom of the bottle, attach the airstone at the end of the tubing so that it is right in the neck of the bottle, pour in the media, cap the bottle, fit the sponge over the cap and set the bottle cap-side/sponge-side down in the tank. Then simply hook the airline to the pump. This project usually runs me 2 dollars if I have everything on hand. About 9 if I'm out of sponge (I usually never run out of media). 
 
You can also do something similar out of PVC pipes.

 

[FawnN]

Super helpful information everyone!!  I greatly appreciate all the pictures, DIY and tips!! 

 

[FawnN]

Here is my final GBR breeding tank with a sponge filter.  Super easy and fairly quiet.  Thanks everyone for the help!! 
 

 

[Jofish]

I am having real problems at moment with new tank I set up for babies. The filter is so nosy ,buzzzzzzing ,that I have to turn it off. Is a sponge filter quiet?

 

[Mamashack]

They run off air pumps which in my opinion are anything but quiet! lol

 

[FawnN]

My 10 gallon breeding tank is running off a sponge filter with a 20 gallon air pump and in my opinion is a lot quieter than my 45 gallon that is right next to it.  My 45 gallon is running with a Penquin bio-wheel filtration system.  The system itself is quiet, but the water noise is pretty loud even when I have the water to the top of the tank. 
 

I am having real problems at moment with new tank I set up for babies. The filter is so nosy ,buzzzzzzing ,that I have to turn it off. Is a sponge filter quiet?

Make sure the system is not close to the wall.  My tank upstairs was right up at the wall and was super loud until I moved it.  Hope that helps!!