Confused about sponge filters

[bettabeauty]

Alright, so it has been determined that the "whisperer" filter I am using is still waay too strong and pushing around one of my bettas.

So, I've done a bit of research, and it seems like I should get a sponge filter.

I am so confused. What is the setup for a sponge filter? What is this about an air pump?? All I want is something that I can stick in the aquarium and BOOM its being filtered!

Sponge filters sound so complicated. Are they? Do they need plugged in?

Right now, my set up is a 6 gallon, divider and two bettas. There are holes in the divider. Should I get one sponge filter or two? What brand is the best?

...or should I not get a sponge filter?

[Blizzardqueen]

i DO NOT understand sponge filters either
i have one, and a tube
it doesnt plug in
now what?
heeeelp

[Lupin]

Get an airpump, connect the tubing and connect the other end of the tubing to the sponge filter. Hydor sponge filters are what I use. The concept is simple. The movements by airpump allow the particles to be pushed into the sponge thus the sponge absorbs the particles. It is sufficient for tanks no bigger than 15g.

[bettabeauty]

Thank you! But wait, what part is the "air pump?" Does that need plugged in? I keep seeing some gigantic tube coming out of the aquariums when I try to google it... but i never see where the tube ends! Where is it supposed to go?

[okijapan]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...8&pcatid=12738
http://www.petsolutions.com/Rena-Air...10702+C10.aspx
http://www.petsolutions.com/Hagen-Ai...10800+C10.aspx

Something like any of these, yes they plug in.

[okijapan]

Also...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2_QKq3_YsI

[Kim]

The tube is connected to the air pump, then the air pump has a separate power cord that you plug in the wall. Personally, I'd just build a filter baffle out of a water bottle. It's quite simple to make and it's a lot cheaper than buying a new filter.

[bettabeauty]

I have no idea what a filter baffle is! PLease explain.

I just went and got this whole sponge filter set up and now everything is incredibly noisy! Bubbling, bubbling! Too bad its not champagne! Please help! What now? Is this because of the air filter??

[Kim]

Yes, sponge filters are noisy which is why I don't use them in my tanks which are all in my bedroom. Here's a link to a thread that I made a while ago on how to make a filter baffle:

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/b...-baffle-30139/