Sponge filters are a great choice no matter if you're 30 minutes or 30 years in the hobby. I've got plenty canisters and hang on back filters too but I've always got a need for my sponge filters. Breeding tanks, low flow tanks, quarantine tanks... The amount of bioload they can actually handle would probably shock most people...
I had a hob for my first tank ages ago. I had all kinds of problems with it. For some reason my area seems to lose power a couple times year. When I decided I wanted to set up a tank again I went for a sponge filter/airstone combo. It's so much quieter than I had expected. Certainly quieter than the hob I had more years ago than I care to think about. The tank is still cycling so I will see how happy I am long term with it. So far it's a winner.
I love your videos. I can't stress how helpful they've been to me as a beginner. I genuinely appreciate the time and effort you've put into these. It's tons of useful information in one easy to find place.
I started with a aquael nano kit all the stuff was amazing even though it was a budget setup. The pat mini is great. But I switched to a double sponge filter with airpump and it's really has totally changed my tanks quality.
Great advice for us beginners ..However in the UK we have the Seachem Tidal hob filter which has an internal motor right in the aquarium so power cuts are no problem if your not at home , the motor starts pumping water as soon as the power is restored..I’m certain that filter is easily available in the US ..I tried the sponge filter , excellent things , but so noisy especially if your tank is in the bedroom..Aquaclears are as rare to find in the UK as hens teeth ..Pity that .we seldom have power cuts .
Ah, I'll have to check it out! For my sponge filter, I use an air stone inside that greatly minimizes the bubbling sound. The air pump still makes some vibration noises, but the USB nano air pump that I got from Aquarium Co-Op is very quiet.
Started with the the hang-on-back filter! But I was worried when I started to see snails and fish inside.. I’m looking forward to use a sponge filter. Very informative!
Snails can crawl in as babies or maybe their eggs get sucked up into it and hatch there.. Or maybe the parents crawled in since they can be out of water for a time. But if it's sucking up baby fish, definitely gotta protect the fish from the filter!
really looking forward to using sponge filters when i move into my dorm with my 2 bettas, theyre so much easier to clean and maintain and they look the best
I appreciate your input for this hobby. From what I’ve been able to glean from your videos, you have experience on a smaller scale with fish and small animals that you have carefully researched. A little less foreboding for some of us that don’t plan on setting up a basement or garage lined with thousands of gallons of tankage. Something I don’t think you mentioned is the setup Greg Sage uses for filtering his tanks. (BTW, thank you and Cory for introducing Greg to those of us that are relatively new to the hobby)! I’ve become an accidental aquarist. In retirement, I live in Florida for the winter, so I couldn’t maintain an aquarium because I was traveling so much. What I did for a teacher I used to work with was supply her with Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) that I would collect before I came back to my northern home. This year I went all out. I collected Least killifish, Florida flag fish, and some attractive melanistic mosquito fish. Then they closed the schools, so I had no where to take the fish I collected. What I’m in the process of doing now is setting up breeding pools outside and 10 gallon display tanks inside. It’s been a fun learning experience. I bought two 10 gallon tank setups that came with cheap led lighting and a hang-on-the-back filter that provided way too much flow for the tiny least killifish in one tank, and in the other tank, the filter rapidly clogged and started pouring out on my bamboo floor! I’ve since ordered and set up those cheap box filters that Greg uses. Don’t mean to anthropomorphize the fish too much, but they seem really “happy” right now.
I just replaced my aqua clear hob filter on my 10 gallon tank with a nano sponge filter from aquarium co-op. I was so tired of power outages, that it wouldn't restart even when I did water changes. Also the hob flow was too much for the floating plants and female bettas that I had to make a defuser using a diy video. The sponge filters are so much faster to clean and using a ziss control valve I can adjust the bubbles, much quieter since this 10 gallon is on our dresser in the bedroom and I have the usb air pumps ( you guessed it, from aquarium co-op ) that are excellent. When the power goes out I can use a battery power unit. Thanks for all your videos.
I’m still a fan of a good HOB filter with the pump inside the tank (My Aqueon QuietFlows which have been going strong for several years and my new Tidal 110). I like the extra space for media and it will auto-start after power outage since the pump/motor is in the tank for these two filters. I still want to try a sponge filter sometime, especially if I ever get that nano-wall that I’m dreaming of 😁 Thanks for a great video!
Have you tried the Seachem Tidal HOB filter? The motor for it is in the tank with the lift tube so it auto primes every time and doesn't suffer that issue that many HOB filters do. It also has an integrated surface skimmer.
Good the Irene brought up the fact that if the power goes out, there is no filtration even when the power comes back on. HOB's must be primed before they will start pumping again. The advantage of in water filters and sponge filters is when the power comes back on, they start immediately.
Hello Irene. Your video was very informative. I have two ten gallon tanks that have the filters that are on the back of the tanks. I like the filters but at times the white particles on the cartridges that are taken out to replace with new clean ones release them from the filter in my fish tank. I have to take some of these particles out of the water.
I was thinking about buying a sponge filter, but it causes a lot of visual pollution (the noise is kind of easy to fix) and I want to work more with aquascape... I'm going to use a hang on back filter, it seems like the best idea!
Totally agree with you. Plus, you can always make some custom housing to hide the sponge filter and surround it with additional biological media. I've done some videos about how I use sponge filters in Nano tanks without them looking unsightly. Great video, your channel is awesome! 👍
I've tried 2x different types of sponge filters in my 70-litre tank ~ removed them both (they sucked majorly) and am now using an internal filter. My personal preference for all tanks is canisters filters.
can you tell me what's a good heater to get my betta fish that wouldn't kill my betta or get stuck in the cord, right now I have a 3 gallon and will upgrade to a 5 gallon soon.
Another great video, I wish I had you and a handful of other content creators spreading the sponge filter advise when I first started out... oxygenate that water like a pro 👌👍
The Seachem Tidal Has the motor on the inside of the tank so you don't need to prime the filter. It solves the issue of power outages and the motor running while dry.
What brand of sponge filters come with the the green chimney? I want to get a colored one, instead of the clear white that mine came with. Green would be great, but blue is my favorite color.
What are some good brand specific filters for a betta in a 5 gallon? I have a hang on the back filter now but it's too powerful for my betta. I don't know what to do
With the cartridge i found it was decent filter floss. I just rinse mine out like the sponge. I also removed the carbon from it. Since i dont need chemical filtration. After that i shoved in some ceramic rings a sponge in it. So its probably over filtered since i only have a betta.
Thank you for the very nice informational video. It would have been nice to see the very inexpensive and reliable undergravel filter and also the deep bed "filter" included with these reviews.
I just wanted to cover beginner filters in this video, but maybe someday I'll do a follow-up video on filters that are less common nowadays or more advanced. :)
Thank u so much you inspired me to get another aquarium I have a 29 gallon with some angelfish and anamo shrimp you also give us good tips and tricks so thanks
The specific hang-on-back model had another issue for me, it has adjustable plastic tabs to remain straight. But with age these because loose and the filter starts to lean behind your tank, possibly leaking water while you're not watching. I replaced mine with a couple slices of cork, secured with hot glue.
I love the USB mini-air pump combined with the small sponge filter with the air stone inside. At first I was leary of it (low power) but it does a great job for applications < 15" (and can be powered off of portable USB battery packs).
Would you recommend a sponge filter for 20 gallon tank with 5 panda corys and 6 glofish tetra? I don't trust the aqueon filter that came with the tank so I'm looking for alternatives.
I personally find box filters are the best of all worlds. They can be driven by and air pump like a sponge filter, and also have the mixed media advantage of hand on back filters. Also don't get ruined in power outages and go for barely more than a sponge filter
Great video... love sponge filters but my go to filters have always been the internal bubble filters especially for crystal clear water. Penn plax and Lee's makes them and like sponge, are super reliable...but you can add carbon or other media along with floss.
Just an outstanding informative and well explained video. I was to buy more filter cartridges until I saw your video suggesting sponge instead. But I noted that the cartridge contains carbon particles. Not sure what the benefits are to using carbon. I use to use outside filter, but I find it noisy. The new inside filter is super quiet.
Love your videos! I have been using small, hob filter,s AND sponge filter in my aquariums. I am afraid of using only a sponge, in case it isn't enuf filtration, but recently have tried no hob on one tank. I put 2 sponge filters on that, and using one usb pump, to run both. Works good! Thanks for the info!
Sponge filters are also rated for a particular size of tank, so that could be helpful. Eg, get a sponge filter rated for 20 gallons if you run a 10 gallon, as long as it isn't so huge in the tank. Also, if you have low bio trash, it may be sufficient as well. Eg, a shrimp tank does fine with sponge filter, and did not need HOB filter.
Currently i am having a 1feet betta tank i am planning to add some neon tetras is sponge filter is enough?? Also how about the water change using a sponge filter
I would love it if you would explore the Hamburgh Matten Filter. It's all the rage in Europe and now that I've made one myself, I'm a convert. I will never risk flooding and restarting issues with an HOB again.
HOB are the way to go, unfortunately the budget ones are loud, need replacement filters, and sometimes are unreliable. Otherwise they're the best balance and have superior tank flow/airation for the price.
I would add one negative to the sponge filter that always seems forgotten: air pumps suuuuuuck. I have never been able to find one that won't eventually vibrate itself into a position vibrating so loud it could wake the dead. The only one I've found that doesn't make my eye start twitching every time it starts shaking the house is the USB nano filter that I saw Corey talk about on Aquarium Co-op, but that one also isn't the most powerful, so maybe that's why. I've also found my Aquaclears are hit and miss to whether they restart automatically and whether or not they empty out their water. I've found that generally, not 100%, if it's just power going out, they will automatically restart and work fine when the power turns back out, generally. However, when I restart after a water change, they do need work because I have changed the water level in the tank the water level in the filter change also and occasionally at that point, the suction of the intake valve is lost and then the pump cannot work correctly. Unrelated, but every time I watch your videos I think that I absolutely have to try those loaches next time I have room in a tank. They're so delightful to watch.
Depends on what pump you use, tetra whisper and eheim air pumps are both quiet enough to use on the tank that's sitting less than 2 feet away from me in my living room while I'm watching TV... There's a lot of terrible pumps out there though.
goldfish keeper here! Great video and perfect beginner filter recommendations. Some suggestions for the “intermediate level” keepers: I have a Ziss bubble bio filter for additional surface agitation and biological filtration. If we have a power outage, I connect it to my USB nano air pup to a battery power bank and I know I will have plenty of happy bacteria and oxygenation for days without problems. I also use a canister filter filled with ultimate biohome media for a full complete cycle, aka, reduces my Nitrates and keeps them at 20ppm; an expensive bacteria hotel worth keeping lol.
the sponge filters I used were really loud and annoying. I set them up correctly, so I'm not sure why they sounded like a squeaky wheel. Any insight as to why? If not, I'll be using a back hanging filter next time.
Hi! I have a 2.5 gallon tank for my Betta and I am having hard time choosing the best filter to maintain the water quality, I bought some but they are too big and strong for my Betta. Is there anything you can suggest? Thanks! Watching from the Philippines 😍
For some reason I love the sponge filters. I have all different types cause I have 17 aquariums. The sponge filters seem to do the best of all. Go figure.
Great video! I also like sponge filters the most. Recently I am trying the suction cup type of sponge filter which allows for more horizontal water movement.
I'm using my aquaclear 30 as a glorified sponge filter. EDIT: Some filters like the Seachem hang on back have a motor inside the tank so that it will automatically restart when the power come back on. Check if your HOB has a motor in or outside your aquairum.
Sponge filters are a great choice no matter if you're 30 minutes or 30 years in the hobby. I've got plenty canisters and hang on back filters too but I've always got a need for my sponge filters. Breeding tanks, low flow tanks, quarantine tanks... The amount of bioload they can actually handle would probably shock most people...
Would you recommend a sponge filter for one single beta fish in a 5G
@@jaimeperalta3331 yes
I had a hob for my first tank ages ago. I had all kinds of problems with it. For some reason my area seems to lose power a couple times year. When I decided I wanted to set up a tank again I went for a sponge filter/airstone combo. It's so much quieter than I had expected. Certainly quieter than the hob I had more years ago than I care to think about. The tank is still cycling so I will see how happy I am long term with it. So far it's a winner.
I'll be honest, up till now i still keep expecting you to introduce yourself as "A gamer's wife".
I'm always afraid I'll accidentally say it and not notice! 😂
I love your videos. I can't stress how helpful they've been to me as a beginner. I genuinely appreciate the time and effort you've put into these. It's tons of useful information in one easy to find place.
I started with a aquael nano kit all the stuff was amazing even though it was a budget setup. The pat mini is great. But I switched to a double sponge filter with airpump and it's really has totally changed my tanks quality.
IRENE!! Great job! Love my sponge filter too!
Thank you, Michael!
Great advice for us beginners ..However in the UK we have the Seachem Tidal hob filter which has an internal motor right in the aquarium so power cuts are no problem if your not at home , the motor starts pumping water as soon as the power is restored..I’m certain that filter is easily available in the US ..I tried the sponge filter , excellent things , but so noisy especially if your tank is in the bedroom..Aquaclears are as rare to find in the UK as hens teeth ..Pity that .we seldom have power cuts .
Ah, I'll have to check it out! For my sponge filter, I use an air stone inside that greatly minimizes the bubbling sound. The air pump still makes some vibration noises, but the USB nano air pump that I got from Aquarium Co-Op is very quiet.
Started with the the hang-on-back filter! But I was worried when I started to see snails and fish inside.. I’m looking forward to use a sponge filter. Very informative!
An intake sponge on your HOB fixes that problem too
Ricky Chiz Bizkit Yep! Been thinking of doing that too.
Snails can crawl in as babies or maybe their eggs get sucked up into it and hatch there.. Or maybe the parents crawled in since they can be out of water for a time. But if it's sucking up baby fish, definitely gotta protect the fish from the filter!
I'm a beginner at Fishkeeping and I want this to become my new hobby Thank you always for your videos❤️❤️
I’ve watch so many videos and yours was the only one that showed me EXACTLY what I needed to do🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
really looking forward to using sponge filters when i move into my dorm with my 2 bettas, theyre so much easier to clean and maintain and they look the best
I appreciate your input for this hobby. From what I’ve been able to glean from your videos, you have experience on a smaller scale with fish and small animals that you have carefully researched. A little less foreboding for some of us that don’t plan on setting up a basement or garage lined with thousands of gallons of tankage.
Something I don’t think you mentioned is the setup Greg Sage uses for filtering his tanks. (BTW, thank you and Cory for introducing Greg to those of us that are relatively new to the hobby)!
I’ve become an accidental aquarist. In retirement, I live in Florida for the winter, so I couldn’t maintain an aquarium because I was traveling so much. What I did for a teacher I used to work with was supply her with Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) that I would collect before I came back to my northern home. This year I went all out. I collected Least killifish, Florida flag fish, and some attractive melanistic mosquito fish. Then they closed the schools, so I had no where to take the fish I collected.
What I’m in the process of doing now is setting up breeding pools outside and 10 gallon display tanks inside. It’s been a fun learning experience. I bought two 10 gallon tank setups that came with cheap led lighting and a hang-on-the-back filter that provided way too much flow for the tiny least killifish in one tank, and in the other tank, the filter rapidly clogged and started pouring out on my bamboo floor!
I’ve since ordered and set up those cheap box filters that Greg uses. Don’t mean to anthropomorphize the fish too much, but they seem really “happy” right now.
Thank You for this video❤️❤️❤️ This Really helped me a lot for deciding which filter should I use. Finally I Buy Them All😂
This is by far the best tutorial. Straight to the point and very informative. Thanks a lot!
Really good explanation of the different options Irene. 👍🏻
i learn more here than in school, your videos are so helpful, thank you.
I agree.
I just replaced my aqua clear hob filter on my 10 gallon tank with a nano sponge filter from aquarium co-op. I was so tired of power outages, that it wouldn't restart even when I did water changes. Also the hob flow was too much for the floating plants and female bettas that I had to make a defuser using a diy video. The sponge filters are so much faster to clean and using a ziss control valve I can adjust the bubbles, much quieter since this 10 gallon is on our dresser in the bedroom and I have the usb air pumps ( you guessed it, from aquarium co-op ) that are excellent. When the power goes out I can use a battery power unit. Thanks for all your videos.
Haha, those are some of the exact same reasons why I switched over. Great minds think alike. 😉
By far the single best video on TH-cam about aquarium filtration! Seriously, thank you for this video!
I’m still a fan of a good HOB filter with the pump inside the tank (My Aqueon QuietFlows which have been going strong for several years and my new Tidal 110). I like the extra space for media and it will auto-start after power outage since the pump/motor is in the tank for these two filters. I still want to try a sponge filter sometime, especially if I ever get that nano-wall that I’m dreaming of 😁 Thanks for a great video!
Have you tried the Seachem Tidal HOB filter? The motor for it is in the tank with the lift tube so it auto primes every time and doesn't suffer that issue that many HOB filters do. It also has an integrated surface skimmer.
Hi do you have a Link for the Aquarium sponge? I would like to buy one of those instead of a disposable Cartridge for my filter
Make sure that HOB isn't touching the wall either. Learned that the hard way...
Great video!
Oh man, I didn't think of the wicking effect! Good call.
Good the Irene brought up the fact that if the power goes out, there is no filtration even when the power comes back on. HOB's must be primed before they will start pumping again. The advantage of in water filters and sponge filters is when the power comes back on, they start immediately.
Hello Irene. Your video was very informative. I have two ten gallon tanks that have the filters that are on the back of the tanks. I like the filters but at times the white particles on the cartridges that are taken out to replace with new clean ones release them from the filter in my fish tank. I have to take some of these particles out of the water.
I just got a sponge filter so far I'm loving it and just watching the bubbles are so relaxing too
I was thinking about buying a sponge filter, but it causes a lot of visual pollution (the noise is kind of easy to fix) and I want to work more with aquascape...
I'm going to use a hang on back filter, it seems like the best idea!
Totally agree with you. Plus, you can always make some custom housing to hide the sponge filter and surround it with additional biological media. I've done some videos about how I use sponge filters in Nano tanks without them looking unsightly. Great video, your channel is awesome! 👍
Add a corse sponge filter to the intake tube of your HOB and it will work even better. 🙂
your videos are so helpful, im excited for my first tank!!
I've tried 2x different types of sponge filters in my 70-litre tank ~ removed them both (they sucked majorly) and am now using an internal filter. My personal preference for all tanks is canisters filters.
can you tell me what's a good heater to get my betta fish that wouldn't kill my betta or get stuck in the cord, right now I have a 3 gallon and will upgrade to a 5 gallon soon.
Thank you so much! I just started getting fish and I have been trying to look for a good filter for weeks! Love this vid so much!
Great video! Very helpful and informative! Thanks for sharing!
Another great video, I wish I had you and a handful of other content creators spreading the sponge filter advise when I first started out... oxygenate that water like a pro 👌👍
Can't go wrong with a good ol' sponge filter. Thanks Irene!
Nice job of explaining Irene! 👍
The Seachem Tidal Has the motor on the inside of the tank so you don't need to prime the filter. It solves the issue of power outages and the motor running while dry.
What brand of sponge filters come with the the green chimney? I want to get a colored one, instead of the clear white that mine came with. Green would be great, but blue is my favorite color.
What are some good brand specific filters for a betta in a 5 gallon? I have a hang on the back filter now but it's too powerful for my betta. I don't know what to do
With the cartridge i found it was decent filter floss. I just rinse mine out like the sponge. I also removed the carbon from it. Since i dont need chemical filtration. After that i shoved in some ceramic rings a sponge in it. So its probably over filtered since i only have a betta.
There are hob filters now with the motor in the tank and they are self priming. Thanks for the video.
Great video! Where did you get that grate cover thing that covers the space in front of your filter at 3:53??
Thank you for the very nice informational video. It would have been nice to see the very inexpensive and reliable undergravel filter and also the deep bed "filter" included with these reviews.
I just wanted to cover beginner filters in this video, but maybe someday I'll do a follow-up video on filters that are less common nowadays or more advanced. :)
if you get a HOB filter get one with the motor inside the water. like the aqueon ones, tetra has one, and marineland
Aquarium sponge thanks! About to buy one right now.
One my favorite videos. Thanks alot.
Thank u so much you inspired me to get another aquarium I have a 29 gallon with some angelfish and anamo shrimp you also give us good tips and tricks so thanks
My pleasure! Angelfish are gorgeous. 😍
Thanks so much for your review! You did such a good job in explaining everything!
Thank you, Irene. I really needed this right now. My HOB filter that came with the tanks seems to be giving up the ghost. lol
Love you’re videos soooo much. Reason why I’m obsessed with fish now 🤣
Oh my goodness, thank you!
Thanks Irene, I learn lots from your videos!
Thank you! This was so helpful!
The specific hang-on-back model had another issue for me, it has adjustable plastic tabs to remain straight. But with age these because loose and the filter starts to lean behind your tank, possibly leaking water while you're not watching. I replaced mine with a couple slices of cork, secured with hot glue.
I love the USB mini-air pump combined with the small sponge filter with the air stone inside. At first I was leary of it (low power) but it does a great job for applications < 15" (and can be powered off of portable USB battery packs).
Thoughts on undergravel filters?
Would you recommend a sponge filter for 20 gallon tank with 5 panda corys and 6 glofish tetra? I don't trust the aqueon filter that came with the tank so I'm looking for alternatives.
I personally find box filters are the best of all worlds. They can be driven by and air pump like a sponge filter, and also have the mixed media advantage of hand on back filters. Also don't get ruined in power outages and go for barely more than a sponge filter
8:11 Can I use this kind of filter with a betta? I have a small maybe 5 or little more gallons tank
Thanks you for making videos like this I bet they help a lot of people out
My pleasure! 😊
how many watts for air pump should I buy for my 15 gallon tank? thanks
What tank do you recommend for a betta I’d like a 3-8 gallon tank
Great video. I think the aquaclear was bought by fluval. But that is my favorite filter for my smaller tanks.
Great video... love sponge filters but my go to filters have always been the internal bubble filters especially for crystal clear water. Penn plax and Lee's makes them and like sponge, are super reliable...but you can add carbon or other media along with floss.
Where do I buy the stuff for the hang in the back filters
Just an outstanding informative and well explained video. I was to buy more filter cartridges until I saw your video suggesting sponge instead. But I noted that the cartridge contains carbon particles. Not sure what the benefits are to using carbon. I use to use outside filter, but I find it noisy. The new inside filter is super quiet.
What should be the filtration flowrate for a 38cm cube tank having embers and lambchop rasboras?
How long do it take for the filter to warm up the 10 gallon tank
You have a great presentation style!
Very very informative video. I was about to buy a HOB filter.
Hi , which air pump do you recommend for a 5 gallon fish tank?
Love your videos! I have been using small, hob filter,s AND sponge filter in my aquariums. I am afraid of using only a sponge, in case it isn't enuf filtration, but recently have tried no hob on one tank. I put 2 sponge filters on that, and using one usb pump, to run both. Works good! Thanks for the info!
Sponge filters are also rated for a particular size of tank, so that could be helpful. Eg, get a sponge filter rated for 20 gallons if you run a 10 gallon, as long as it isn't so huge in the tank.
Also, if you have low bio trash, it may be sufficient as well. Eg, a shrimp tank does fine with sponge filter, and did not need HOB filter.
Currently i am having a 1feet betta tank i am planning to add some neon tetras is sponge filter is enough??
Also how about the water change using a sponge filter
I would love it if you would explore the Hamburgh Matten Filter. It's all the rage in Europe and now that I've made one myself, I'm a convert. I will never risk flooding and restarting issues with an HOB again.
So helpful thanks so much!
Any recommendations for what filter type is best for planted tanks?
what about sump filters ?
Do you recommend a fluval u3 filter doubled with a sponge filter and fluval q.5 air pump for an axolotl tank
You could, fluval air pumps are pretty noisy though, I'd go with a tetra whisper, they're much cheaper and way quieter.
HOB are the way to go, unfortunately the budget ones are loud, need replacement filters, and sometimes are unreliable. Otherwise they're the best balance and have superior tank flow/airation for the price.
I used to have a cannister filter but I went back to a HOB. I like the HOBs a lot.
Hey i have 47 gallon aquarium, I am struggling to choose filter. Which one i should go for you think?
My sponge filter came with a air stone (topfin sf20) my question is do i still add an extra airstone into the middle?
I would add one negative to the sponge filter that always seems forgotten: air pumps suuuuuuck. I have never been able to find one that won't eventually vibrate itself into a position vibrating so loud it could wake the dead. The only one I've found that doesn't make my eye start twitching every time it starts shaking the house is the USB nano filter that I saw Corey talk about on Aquarium Co-op, but that one also isn't the most powerful, so maybe that's why.
I've also found my Aquaclears are hit and miss to whether they restart automatically and whether or not they empty out their water. I've found that generally, not 100%, if it's just power going out, they will automatically restart and work fine when the power turns back out, generally. However, when I restart after a water change, they do need work because I have changed the water level in the tank the water level in the filter change also and occasionally at that point, the suction of the intake valve is lost and then the pump cannot work correctly.
Unrelated, but every time I watch your videos I think that I absolutely have to try those loaches next time I have room in a tank. They're so delightful to watch.
Depends on what pump you use, tetra whisper and eheim air pumps are both quiet enough to use on the tank that's sitting less than 2 feet away from me in my living room while I'm watching TV... There's a lot of terrible pumps out there though.
Hi
I have a 16 gallon tank with 6 guppys, 5 mollys and one male betta.
Do you think it is overstock?
goldfish keeper here! Great video and perfect beginner filter recommendations. Some suggestions for the “intermediate level” keepers: I have a Ziss bubble bio filter for additional surface agitation and biological filtration. If we have a power outage, I connect it to my USB nano air pup to a battery power bank and I know I will have plenty of happy bacteria and oxygenation for days without problems. I also use a canister filter filled with ultimate biohome media for a full complete cycle, aka, reduces my Nitrates and keeps them at 20ppm; an expensive bacteria hotel worth keeping lol.
A very good video. Thanks it helped a lot :)
I prefer the Aqua Clear 20 Filter that comes with the carbon and stuff. It's good for bettas and keeps the tank very clean
Thanks a lot, that was so helpful 😊👍🏻
the sponge filters I used were really loud and annoying. I set them up correctly, so I'm not sure why they sounded like a squeaky wheel. Any insight as to why? If not, I'll be using a back hanging filter next time.
I like my sponge filter. Thanks for helping me set it up! I am brand new to aquariums.
Hi! I have a 2.5 gallon tank for my Betta and I am having hard time choosing the best filter to maintain the water quality, I bought some but they are too big and strong for my Betta. Is there anything you can suggest? Thanks! Watching from the Philippines 😍
What fish is that in the back that’s sucking on the wall? It looks like a pleco but not at the same time.
For some reason I love the sponge filters. I have all different types cause I have 17 aquariums. The sponge filters seem to do the best of all. Go figure.
Yes, they're my favorite too! That'd be cool if some aquarium kits were sold with them.
Great video! I also like sponge filters the most. Recently I am trying the suction cup type of sponge filter which allows for more horizontal water movement.
I'm going to get into this so I'm just doing my research before I get started! Thanks you for the video!
I want a filter that doesn’t make so much commotion( strong flow) in the small tank. Do the upper filter and sponge filter make so much noise or not?
What's the best for a 3 gallon tank for betta
I'm using my aquaclear 30 as a glorified sponge filter. EDIT: Some filters like the Seachem hang on back have a motor inside the tank so that it will automatically restart when the power come back on. Check if your HOB has a motor in or outside your aquairum.
Anyone know what type of mesh that is at 7:58 and how I can get one?
Diy Box filter, especially for small tanks...or sponge
Great video, I have internal and external canister filters, not to keen on sponge filters, thanks for sharing