Sponge Filter Questions

[minkymink]

I'm relatively new to fish keeping, so forgive my ignorance. I've been interested in sponge filters, and read that you need an airpump&stone or a powerhead to use it. What exactly are they? And is one better than the other?

[babystarz]

Sponge filters come in a few different versions, the most common are these two types:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bio-Sponge-F...20969143494%26

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-Bio-Spong...item2a220a8809

There isn't much difference between these two types, they both work the same way. The air pump forces air through the filter's tubing, which in turn also pulls tank water through the sponge due to the pressure created by the air. The water is then also filtered by the bacteria living on the sponge. This is the safest type of filter you can use for bettas and betta fry because there is no way for them to be sucked into any sort of intake. Sponge filters are also very easy to clean, just squeeze them out in old tank water once a month and they will work indefinitely :)

I recommend an air pump over a powerhead; powerheads have so many different parts to keep straight it's silly. Also, you can easily buy an adjustable air pump with 2-4 outlets, meaning one pump can power 4 tanks, and even more if you get T splitters for your air tubing. I use this type: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Four-Outlet-...item43ac5c7553

Really any kind will work as long as it takes standard width aquarium airline tubing (3/16").

You'll also want to pick up a check valve to put into the tubing if your air pump will be located below your aquarium, to ensure you never get water into the air tube and mess up the pump. Check valves look like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Non-Retur...item2c6a95732d

Please let me know if you need further clarification on any of this stuff. I know it seems like a lot of stuff compared to a simple intake filter, but it's not too complicated once you understand how it all works, and sponge filters are truly superior and safer.

[minkymink]

Alright so basically: get a basic sponge filter, air pump, check valve to prevent messing up the pump. So one end of the tube would connect to the inside of the sponge, and the other to the air pump?

[babystarz]

Originally Posted by minkymink

Alright so basically: get a basic sponge filter, air pump, check valve to prevent messing up the pump. So one end of the tube would connect to the inside of the sponge, and the other to the air pump?

Correct. Then you would snip the tubing and attach it to either end of the check valve.

[minkymink]

Thank you so much, that cleared everything up for me!