Want to learn more about sponge filters? Check out these videos! Beginners Guide to Sponge Filters: th-cam.com/video/yQSI-3rUsIs/w-d-xo.html The Science Behind Why Cleaning Sponge Filters in Tap Water is OK: th-cam.com/video/kN5F8q7aFGg/w-d-xo.html Sponge Filter vs HOB Filter: th-cam.com/video/TN_eagzIEyY/w-d-xo.html Sponge FIlter vs Matten Filter: th-cam.com/video/kN5F8q7aFGg/w-d-xo.html Should You Use a Powerhead on Your Sponge Filter: th-cam.com/video/1H1PDbCVaR4/w-d-xo.html Our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member! th-cam.com/channels/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTA.htmljoin If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! th-cam.com/channels/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg.html
i have 6 Aqua-top 250's in my 300 gallon rubbermaid stock tank, each one is rated for a 250 gallon tank, they're ran by a Vivosun air pump that's good for 1250 gallons an hour, i clean my sponge filters once every 3 months, i have never had any issues with reduced performance of my sponge filters over time, my water stays crystal clear all the time, I think the key factor with BIG sponge filters is having a powerful air pump
All my sumps and HOBs have been converted to sponges with some pot scrubbies. I have been in the hobby 60 years and my tanks range from 45 - 500 gallons. Now that I use essentially only sponges, my tanks have never been healthier and easier to maintain. Moral of the story? Let's think about sponge filters more broadly than just the bubbling corner filter.
All up to you. Personally I want to use a matten filter (Hamburg matten filter) in my first aquarium. Idk if I will. Depends what I can find out there for used aquariums that may come with a hob. The hob I would plan to "hot rod" it.
One great advantage of the sponge filter, for the fishkeeper with multiple tanks, is that you can keep spare sponges going in other mature tanks so you always have cycled filters ready to go when you (inevitably) add another tank or ten. I also like how I can run multiple filters from one pump. This means I'm only using one power outlet and I'm always struggling for outlets anyway. Another advantage of this is that keeping one spare air pump is the same as keeping many spare filters, in terms of the moving, breakable parts.
Pros of Sponge filter: -Sponge filters are a great place to house air stones, and equip in a pinch. -They inherently have less flow for more flow-sensitive/long-finned/slow moving/small fish. And help avoid disrupting planted aquascapes from displaced sediment. -They’re generally better on electricity over time -There are also quieter options for airpumps. (for example i bought a pretty affordable air pump off of Aquarium Co op and the bubbles are louder than the pump. And the bubbles themselves are quieter than my old hang on back filter that I had which was considered a quieter model. And it doesnt get louder than that as tank water evaporates compared to hang on back filters) -Hang on back filters dont need any further maintenance after a power outage and even offer options to keep running during an outage whereas hang on backs need you to pour water back inside to help the motor get back and running. -since they use air, they also provide consistent water agitation to oxygenate the tank (which i have seen noticeable improvements on keeping my neon tetras alive since i made the switch) -Sponge filters might not last forever per se, BUT they certainly last long enough and replacement options are so modular and affordable that it’s seldom a large problem -if you plan on having multiple tanks in the same room, it is the single most affordable option to have multiple filters running quickly. Pros of Hang on back filters: -Replacing cartridges on hang on backs is far less messy and very quick -filter media is far more customizable and offers varying types depending on your needs which could be great for removing sediment, as well as options for sponges to block fry and small fish from entering the intake -Hang on backs are generally easy to hide and less visually distracting to your aquascapes/fish -Hang on backs also last pretty long if taken care of regardless of moving parts -hang on backs can come with options for quieter functions, and can be used in tandem with sponges cut back on the flow/noise of the hang on back filter -Hang on backs dont typically make constant bubble sounds which for the most part have a cap on decibel output (but can be adjusted with airstones). The only noise coming from hang on backs is typically noticeable when water evaporates which might be a good reminder to add/change water and inspect the filter for general maintenance during seasons where you might get lazy to check aquariums. -most hang on backs come bundled in beginner aquarium kits ---------- Both are really good for their own reasons, and most have generally interchangeable value for most fish. But if you consider fish/plants/hardscapes that you plan on stocking, be mindful of the flow of the tank, the needs for filtration media, and oxygenation. Me personally, i stick with sponge filters and bust out the hang on back whenever i move sediment around and cloud up the water. Once its clear, I remove my hang on back because my fish are sensitive to heavy flow and shoving sponges into my filter that fall out every so often to remove heavy flow and pouring water after power outages is a HUGE PAIN.
@@unnie7834 I don't replace them, I modified them with sponges and bio media, so I basically have the same as a Sponge Filter (and even more) just outside the tank
What about if you lose power? Some hob filters have been known to leak or burn out once power comes back on because they didn’t get primed….. that alone could be a sponge filter
Them's fightin words! I love sponge filters and run them in all my tanks in addition to HOBs in the larger ones. I don't count on them for filtration as much as for aeration. I think every tank needs air, and running that air through a sponge filter gives me bonus bio filtration. They're also great to have around for quarantine, hospital, or new tanks to jump start the cycle.
I don't run air on any of my tanks, the 90, the 125 or the 300 gallon. The plants and running the water through the sump system more than provides enough air in the tanks. It's just a matter of different strokes for different folks. I would agree though that they are great for quarantine and hospital tanks.
Same here. I run sponge filters as an addition to my HOB filters on all my tanks for air. Then when I need to set up a hospital or quarantine tank, I can pull one out and I’m off and running.
I keep sponges in my tanks even the one that has a canister because if something happens with that canister I always want there to be a backup on the ready
I respect your knowledgeable opinion, but I must say. After I modified mine with a Air stone, and using it in a much smaller tank.. The thing is absolutely godsent. But I don’t think I’d use one in a larger tank. I think these sponge filters have a special place in our realm, for sure.
I used two on opposite ends in a 75 with two large tiger oscars and an even larger pleco. Bare tank with a middle piece of drift. All sides panted black expect the front. They didnt stand out as bad in a dark tank designed to look like it was in deep water. I also did the air stone trick with mine. Those Oscars can be monster sized and intelligent for a fish.
I use sponge filters in all my tanks, breeding tanks especially. I find that if you clean them regularly they are a great choice and I would not use HOBs. They are also amazing for smaller tanks in which many other types of filtration take up too much space or just wouldn’t work. I think they are great for low maintenance aquariums because of their small size and how inexpensive they are compared to HOBs. Great video though, the multifasciatus tank is looking amazing!
I use the relatively clear old water at water changes to rinse my sponge in the bucket. A few minutes of squeezes and most debris is out. Of course with 80 tanks you probably aren't using buckets for water changes. I drill out the center so I can pass the air hose into the tube and place an air stone at the bottom to make it quieter. I hide mine behind a planting and learn to ignore it. Good video again.
I use double, super fine sponge filters in my breeding tanks and i can go for a couple of months between cleans which isn't bad. They start spluttering when clogged and I squeeze them out during the next water change. The super fine ones keep the water really polished and crystal clear. All are powered by a single blower type pump. This set up is super quiet and economical. I've tried a few different hang on backs and just never really liked them tbh. Whatever works for you I suppose : )
Do I detect a little sarcasm? Lol.The hardest thing for me is is to take all the info that is out there and decide what is best. I think I finally have my tank set up and established to the point that it I requires very little maintenance. I narrowed it down to only watching a few fish keepers. You and Joanne are my top. Appreciate all the info you share. Im in for the relaxation and enjoyment. Thank you.
I have a very expensive sump system for my 150 gallon tank. In operation mode it runs 55 gallons and holds 75 gallons total. I still run 2 large sponge filters in the tank. These are there for if/when the power goes out and I need to keep filtration going with the small battery operated (USB) air pumps. They will have the beneficial bacteria already built up and should help keep the tank going. Do I need them during normal operation, nope. But they are back up plus they provide the surface breaking needed to help the air circulate into the water allowing gas exchanges.
I agree with you. I have a regular filter but I use it when I’m changing my water to keep some oxygen in the plastic container. Also this guy talks about pet who don’t clean the sponge for a long time.
Am I crazy?! This was a satirical review right? Hence the flashbacks at the end where jason points out that they’re literally the best. Idk. I have course sponges in most of my tanks and seriously considering changing over to finer sponges because like Jason said, they don’t hold the funk in when you try to take them out and clean them.
I use both a hob and a sponge filter. The hob does a great job of cleaning the water and the sponge helps me know the bacteria population will be maintained. The sponge doesn't need to be very big this way, and I have an immediate filter for a good quarantine tank when needed. This is an idea I got from Irene at Girl Talks Fish.
@@High_Octane I just changed out the hob on my 20 gal. from a cartridge filter to an Aquaclear. I'm impressed at how quiet it is, and I like the flow adjustment. I am a little intimidated on how to maintain it though. I put in very coarse filter material first, then less coarse, then a thin sheet of fine, and a small pack of bio-rings. What do you think? How often do you clean and/or replace the materials?
@@High_Octane Thanks so much for the information. I have an aquaclear for my 55 gal. I'll get set up today. Following your advice I made a coarse filter for the intake on my small aquarium . I have some tiny rasboras in there, having that intake filter will also help keep them safe.
I have come to enjoy your sense of humor more and more over time. I use sponge filters, HOB sometimes, and cannister filters. The fact I can easily run three small tanks on one air pump (Eheim is pretty quiet btw) is important when you consider energy costs. The cost of a sponge filter is lower than other filters so they lose on that front as well :).
I still prefer them to HOB filters, especially in tanks with fry/shrimp. They're also really not that hard to maintain, just pull them up by the air hose, disconnect hose, rinse in sink, reattach hose and drop back down (2 minute job)
I agree! I have shrimp and don’t like the HOB filters. Saying they’re the worst filters to use is a bit dramatic 🤣 I have no issues with mine and you can hide it well with your plants and wood!
A couple of decades ago, I got some sick fish from a breeder/importer friend of mine. These fish brought in some very virulent new diseases, mostly from Africa. There was literally no way to save the fish, most went fast, but they left behind aquariums that remained deadly to anything I put into them, plus the risk of spreading the diseases around my fish room were simply too high to play with these infected aquariums. Chemically steralizing the tanks and gravel was pretty easy, but my sponge filters tended to dissolve in harsh disinfectant chamicals. At the time most of my sponge filters were new or almost new... What a waste! I had some old box filters laying around from back when I was a kid in the 1960's, I upgraded the charcoal to lava rock, for their anerobic benefits breaking down nitrates and substituted polyfill for the glass wool... and they worked a treat! Lava rock was dirt cheap at the garden center and polyfill is also dirt cheap and is as easy to replace as a cartridge in a hang on back filter. Moar of the most advanced hobbiests also use box filters with gravel in them. For special circumstances I can add charcoal or any other special media to a box/corner filter as needed... and box filters are easy to steralize in bleach. peroxide or alcohol. Box filters also don't eat fry. Box/corner filters are cheap, easier to clean, don't eat fry, easy to steralize, also run on air and are light years more flexible than sponge filters. And best of all, you can see exactly when they need to be cleaned by just looking into your tank. As a seriious 50+ year hobbiest, breeder and published fish author, I intend no disrespect to folks that use sponge filters, (they do work) but if you are serious about keeping and breeding tropical fish and you are dealing with nitrates by changing water anyway... ditch the sponges and upgrade to box filters when you replace your sponge filters. You will never go back.
@@qalpitor3458 Mostly because all of the "influencers" are sponsored or have their own gigs selling something new and improved to hobbyists that don't know better. "If you want to keep fish all you need to do is buy something expensive from me or my sponsor."
For commercial guys, I see the application being used, but for my house it's cannister filters!! Cleaner, clear water! Also first video I've seen with a both sides review. I appreciate the honesty.
I feel like the negatives you brought up are pretty subjective, I noticed most of the points are regarding the higher degree maintenance than other filters, but many people including myself really don’t mind having to do all that. I have carpet in my room and can’t necessarily just pull filter floss out of my HOBs without getting fish doodies all over the place, I usually have to rip the entire filter off the back and take that into the bathroom. I feel like a good point to have made at the end along with having a proper set up would be theres a smaller margin for error when you start to get lazy lol (which happens to the best of us)
For me, my absolute biggest plus with sponge filters is that they can’t possibly cause a leak. Ive had leaks from an Aquaclear and a Fluval 207. Stinky bedroom for quite some time.
@@linjasonlin Don't really see how it's clickbait. He brought up a lot of positives and negatives and made the conclusion they are technically the worst kind of filter but there are still reasons to use them. What do you expect?
@@bullythebooks It's clickbait because he knows it's not true. Anyone with any real experience knows its not true. It's a manipulative, intentionally inflamatory statement. He even admits that he couldn't have his fishroom or youtube channel without them. He made this video because he KNEW that people would disagree with what was so very clearly not true, and that would provoke people to click on the video. He didn't make this video because he actually believes what he is saying. In this instance, he is not trying to convey truthful information. He is trying to get clicks, and hey, it worked on me, but at the cost of his credibility, to anyone paying attention anyway.
I really loved the presentation of this one, your videos keep improving in overall quality and always provide me new info and ideas. Thank you guys for all your efforts.
Jason you are right. I am big believer of canister filter and using one for more than 10 years. But recently I start buying a sponge filters as back up and main filter for smaller Betta tank. They are so versatile that no body beat it.
I got 2 Aquaclear 70 HOB filters on my 55 gallon tank, I also have 1 up to 60 gallon sponge filter, do I even need the sponge filter with the 2 Aquaclears?
Quite the love-hate relationship you have going with sponge filters, LOL! I agree, they are an eyesore, and if you hide them too well they can't do their job. But when you're running a zillion tanks, it's the only way to go (and you can always run an HOB or a can on your 2 or 3 show tanks). BTW, those albino heckelii are NUTS! Thanks Jason.
Maybe I'm just different but I've never had an issue with seeing a filter in the Aquarium. I made my own filters from pvc that work ok and I'm currently working on another filter that will hopefully work better
Nicely played Sir 😉 I love sponge filters. I would need a little more for an Oscar but for general fish and especially breeding and nano fish they really are the best
I hate hobs, but use sponge filters attached as pre-filters to my canister filters, on my discus breeding tank I have two. It takes me 10 minutes to clean a canister and the sponge filter attached to it. I have a heavy duty air pump, but only use it for aeration on my tanks. But with any filters it all comes down to not over feeding and water changes. On my planted tanks I skip over the sponge for a fine stainless steel mesh filter guard as they look so much better. BTW I only clean my canisters on my planted tanks 4 times a year. On my discus once a month. How many times a year would you have to clean a HOB? I have used them and had to clean them weekly or at least every 2 weeks. Sponges are alright on pre-filters or a supplement filter, but not as main filtration, except if it is a large hamburg matten hooked up to a small pump rather than using air. I find air just does not pull the water through enough for my liking.
So a question for the professor and the man the filter floss beard. I have chloramine in my tap water. My tanks is all of a sudden having an ammonia spike, probably because I moved the sponge filter I had in it for months to a new tank. I have a hob with a coarse intake sponge, bio rings in the back and the media that comes with the filter and a smaller 5 gal sponge filter in there already for the surface agitation and biological filtration, figured I would be ok but it turns out removing that sponge filter must have removed my bacteria I believe for the load I have in the ten gallon tank. So now I battle ammonia nitrite and nitrates. When removing chloramine from tap water it leaves behind ammonia right? I change 50 percent water and add dechlorinator (API tap water conditioner). My ammonia keeps rising I haven't fed in 3 days gravel vacuumed spotless. Daily water changes for a week now still battling rising levels. Combating with API ammo lock API tap water conditioner, seachem stabilizer and 30-50 percent water changes daily. It is a planted tank with slow growing ants like Java winalov barcopia fern anubia and undalata red. Could any of that be creating an excess of ammonia? Should I cut the API tap water conditioner and just use apo ammo lock? Stock is 5 neon tetra 1 Betta two mystery snails 3 shrimp and 2 corydora. Thinking about moving the tetra and one snail to my other tank but right now it's not established just yet but I think treating with stabilizer I can keep them alive.
Most water conditioners neutralize chloramine to a form that is non-toxic to fish, so I don't think the ammonia is coming from that. That being said, ammonia could be in your tap water? Frtiz Turbo Start may help?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics my tap tests for zero ammonia. I read that chloramine will turn to ammonia once neutralized with a conditioner. I fed frozen blood worms prior to the spikes as well so I just have a rotten worm in a plant or something. Nothing dead yet so I'll keep changing and conditioning daily until it's under control
As a thirty-five year aquarium enthusiast and sponge filter advocate, reading the title got my cackles up for sure. But I have to say, you ain't lying! Also, I guess beauty is subjective as I kinda like the look, especially the sound of the bubbles. Brings me back to the old days when mom and pop petshops were everywhere and you'd walk in and hear that beautiful sound of all those tanks running UGF's. And they certainly do go bad, especially when you have plecos knawing on them. I guess it all comes down to what makes you happy. I for one love the maintenance aspect of keeping fish so I'm not too bothered by the trouble. I also run power heads on my sponges in my big tanks, they do very well cleaning the debris, but need cleaning that more often. Take care and thanks for what you do!
Have a sponge filter in every tank even though they all have hang on back or canister filters. Great to have a back up filter running incase one breaks which happened once when on holiday ofcourse!
I originally thought they were bad but found my 29 gallon had problems with hob filter sucking up my guppies and neon tetras into the vacuum cones and ever since I switched to the sponge I got nothing to worry about
New to hobby, but I recently got a sponge filter ... it's got 2 smaller sponges and you can pull them right off the top, so easier to clean than the type you show in the video. I have a HOB as well, leaving it on until the sponge has had time to get up and going. Pretty full tank (fish and snails) and debating if I should keep both now ...
great vid. they are a must for me, i go away for 3 weeks at a time, i clean them before leaving etc. they are good for several months before getting clogged, so that covers me when i am away. HOB may or may not clog up, and if they do, they may leak if not properly set on an angle. thanks.
25 tanks from 5 to 175, every one uses sponge filters. Most experienced aquarists I know, don't just pull floss out of their hob, they also rinse and return it to the filter after rinsing, which also gets yiur hands wet and waste time. If you can't hide a sponge with aquascaping, you're doing it wrong. 👎
I am so appreciative of this video! I've been using HOB on my three small tanks (5, 10, 20), but I've been seeing so many people like yourselves use sponge filters. This provided some really valuable context for me! Cheers!
I was thinking of getting one but I thought why would I get one when my current filter agitates the water surface and provide flow... I can't see how they can suck up water without producing a good flow... I think ill keep my internal filter!
Out of the 26 tanks that we have, what's not running either under gravel, or hang on backs, we run sponge filters, some we run a combo of hob and sponge, every tank from our 5s to our 240s , no canisters here, ugf, hob or sponge, with the exception of one running a diatamatious earth filter.
The best fish keeping video ever - love the way you give the manufacturers a run for their money - you are right! It is the most ugliest thing in a tank. Looks like a floor mop or enema device. Cant understand that they can't design a more modern version. Lots of people are going to hate you for this - but I AM SUBSCRIBING!
How about if I have a hang on back as my primary filter, in my 36 gallon tank, but I use the sponge filter as a secondary in the opposite corner? Also for the aeration. The decoration I bought seems to blast out bubbles forcefully, which knocks my Cardinal Tetras around if they get too close to it.
lol I actually use panty hose instead of a plastic bag to keep the gunk from dumping back into the tank. Works awesome! I use knee highs for my HOB pre filters, just pull the knee high over it while it’s still in place on the filter intake tube ❤️❤️
3 week old 10 gallon tank, gravel, filters, heater etc.. Cycled with fish food. Yesterday I added clear ammonia (too much - went up to > 3ppm). This morning I removed & replaced 1.5 gallons to lower ammonia. Three different tests are showing zero ammonia, 0 - .05 nitrites and 10 ppm nitrates. UGF AND HOB filters, some juice from the old filter (fish had Myco). Why is this happening?
Great video 😆 for me, sponge filters (that you got me into) are the best, I have lots of inverts that love hanging out on them eating all the little bits, and they're completely internal with air stones so they're quiet in the house, I use the coarse ones from Aquarium Co-op and they are great, they are weighted so they don't float and they haven't clogged yet, I used to use internal submerged filters and I had a filter failure one day that we think had happened days earlier, thankfully all of my fishies and inverts were ok but now I really like being able to look across the room and see that my filters are running. I'm about to set up more tanks and I'm definitely sold on sponge filters 🙂
Praise the lord!!!! Somebody finally said it!!! I have NEVER liked sponge filters. EVER. I keep one in my 125 just to have it in case I need BB for a hospital/quarantine tank, but it isn't worth a crap for cleaning! THANK YOU!!!!!!
I use canister filters, ok the technology is for a small pool but really is the only way to house enough bacteria to get a well cycled tank, now if I was breeding then the spong filter is the only option. Or a fry incubator maybe.
LOL Fantastic Video!!! They serve there purpose!! Needed for Fish Stores, wouldn't but it in my home Aquarium though! Love seeing them in fish stores instead of one giant sump pump filter running all there tanks due to disease. They serve there purpose for Fish stores. Love you Channel, just subscribed.
Sponge filters are great, but they are not a miracle tool. They’re just a tool and every job needs the right tool. If you need water polishing or higher flow rates, get a hang on back or better. If you need aeration and biological filtration, a sponge is a great first step.
I used to use hob filters and sponge filters, but now I just use my guppy grass as my bio filtration and my tanks are just as clear as when I used hob filters.
From one Jason to another. Can you tell me what the quietest filter for 30g freshwater tank? I picked up an aqua tech and the motor is kinda loud. It’s not even the water that bothers me. Just that motor
@@PrimeTimeAquatics I used to have marine land it was alright. I’ll definitely check these out! Would you choose these over a sponge filter? I’ve really been considering the sponge filter although I’ve never used one before.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics after thinking about it some more: I think I’m going to try going filterless. Not only would it eliminate sound. I think I would have more fun with it. After 10 years of being out of the hobby. I went to the store yesterday and found out moss balls were illegal now😭. I used to have a planted aquarium, but always had a filter. tough decision.
@@bobduffy7744 you should always start a filterless tank with a filter and then over time of adding more and more plants and doin more water changes you will cycle the tank being able to remove the filter slowly. I wouldn’t recommend a filterless tank for any tank bigger than 20 gallons. You also have to be very careful of what fish you are choosing. Some fish NEED a lot of filtration. While others can tolerate a little less filtration.
What size air pump do you run per sponge filter. Like i have a 65 i wanna set up but i I already have a 90 on a fx6 and a 55 on a fx4 so im trying to make it affordable.
Can you have a sponge filter and a HOB working together on a 20 gallon long? i was thinking Aqua Clear 20 or 30 not sure which 1 with an aquarium coop sponge filter medium size, is that too much? or get the nano size instead?
Having used sponges, hang on back, and canister filters I have to say that my #1 is the hang on back. For me it strikes the best compromise between filtering capacity and easy of upkeep. Now if I had a livebearer breeding tank I would almost certainly go with sponge filters. Same if I had a bunch of tanks. That way I could just plumb in an air system and tap in and run all of the filters off of a single air pump. another advantage to the sponge filters is that you don't have that filter hanging on the back meaning you can slide the tank back a few more inches to free up floor space.
Well I tried 8 hang on back filters and they all failed within the 1 and a half month I've been trying to get my tanks cycled sponge filter trying it out
I love them in my breeding tanks. The fry absolutely love to feed off them. Yes they are ugly but they really do have an important place in my fish room.
I have a fiddler crab tank that requires a low water filter. I have a lot of aquascape so I have no issue hiding it. My HOB for my other main fishtank is okay but I want to switch to a sponge filter.
I’ve always hated sponge filters. Pain is A to clean etc. but I really love the Heiger double sponge filter with the media in bottom. Very slick and easy to clean. I use them only tanks with HOBs that floss my water clean. Just using HOB for bacteria.
I'm about to set up a 25 gallon with 4 sponge filters for filtration. One has some media in the bottom of it. Would you forsee any problems I could have doing this?
My 55 corner only has room for 1 hob and I have a dead spot in the tank all the gunk builds up in tried air stones and bubble walls that moved the dead spot a bit but it’s still ugly. Just got the hyger sponge filter hoping that fixes it
I don’t use any hang on back filters all of mine break sooner or later and one way or another but I do like to build an in tank sump and it takes a little time and I have to cut up some plexiglass and every once in a while they’re a pain in the butt to clean but nothing beats all the surface area I get from the red rock inside them but I still power them with the under gravel filter technology. On my last few that I built I’ve been using the Japanese traditional filter that feeds the red rock and I’m so playing with it a little bit because I think if I do it right I should be able to just gravel vac the Japanese filter and that feeds the rest of my filter. I’ve also been using an over the tank planters box quite a bit lately but it ends up being quite the monster by the time it’s all said and done and sometimes it looks great but I don’t know how you can do that and have it in a tight area without a hanging light above it.
Would it be alright to use both the canister filter and the sponge filter in my fish tank? I have a rescued goldfish and grew up to my palm size in a 25 lt aquarium. I feel like the canister filter is not enough to clean the waste it produces. My goldie is a big eater and I almost clean the canister every 3 weeks. Thank you.
A sponge filter is one of the few products where it does such an outstanding job at what it does that i have come to not mind the look of them anymore. It's like the (Toyota)Camry, not pretty but works so well, you actually don't mind how it looks, as long as it does its function.
I was going to go this route with a big air pump, but now I've got a brick wall. The setup I'm trying to setup is 5 (75 gallon) stock tanks for breeding. Would like to avoid purchasing individual filters, inwoule like to keep things as streamlined and centralized as possible. What would you recommend in this case?
I have been running 2 of the medium Aqqa sponge filters in my 40 for over a year and they work great, my goal with this tank is once the small fish have lived their life in there and only 2 to 3" fish remain I will be getting an African butterflyfish. So with the Aqqa sponge filters I didn't have to modify the plastic piece of the Versa top, which leave no gaps for the butterflyfish to jump out of the tank, and therefore sponge filters work really well for me.
So what in your opinion is the best filter? I'm looking for something for a cory breeding tank. I use these guys cause the safety part (had my favorite animal injured by a tetra filter). So what has the safety of a sponge filter with more efficiency? Or really are they fine as long as you regularly clean them (I use them for my blackwater breeding tanks and betta tank)
Want to learn more about sponge filters? Check out these videos!
Beginners Guide to Sponge Filters: th-cam.com/video/yQSI-3rUsIs/w-d-xo.html
The Science Behind Why Cleaning Sponge Filters in Tap Water is OK: th-cam.com/video/kN5F8q7aFGg/w-d-xo.html
Sponge Filter vs HOB Filter: th-cam.com/video/TN_eagzIEyY/w-d-xo.html
Sponge FIlter vs Matten Filter: th-cam.com/video/kN5F8q7aFGg/w-d-xo.html
Should You Use a Powerhead on Your Sponge Filter: th-cam.com/video/1H1PDbCVaR4/w-d-xo.html
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th-cam.com/channels/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg.html
I hate them so much I have dozens to sneer.
i have 6 Aqua-top 250's in my 300 gallon rubbermaid stock tank, each one is rated for a 250 gallon tank, they're ran by a Vivosun air pump that's good for 1250 gallons an hour, i clean my sponge filters once every 3 months, i have never had any issues with reduced performance of my sponge filters over time, my water stays crystal clear all the time, I think the key factor with BIG sponge filters is having a powerful air pump
Nobody ever mentions how much water is wasted cleaning them compared to other type filters.
Watching this as I stare at my aquariums with sponge filters
Lol same scenarios
Same 2
Lmao,
Watching this before I proceed with order
Just an opinion. Try everything.
Um, yeah me too!
All my sumps and HOBs have been converted to sponges with some pot scrubbies. I have been in the hobby 60 years and my tanks range from 45 - 500 gallons. Now that I use essentially only sponges, my tanks have never been healthier and easier to maintain. Moral of the story? Let's think about sponge filters more broadly than just the bubbling corner filter.
Man I'm confused i have a 200 gallon tank , should i buy an air pump and few sponge filters or a build myself a diy filter using water pump ,
What kind of sponges do you use can you post a link
@@samanthamorris2207 do a Google search for Swiss tropicals in the US. THE FOAM IS CALLED poret
All up to you.
Personally I want to use a matten filter (Hamburg matten filter) in my first aquarium. Idk if I will. Depends what I can find out there for used aquariums that may come with a hob.
The hob I would plan to "hot rod" it.
@@ryuu6958one undergravel instead of few sponges
If they are bad I don’t want to be good.
One great advantage of the sponge filter, for the fishkeeper with multiple tanks, is that you can keep spare sponges going in other mature tanks so you always have cycled filters ready to go when you (inevitably) add another tank or ten. I also like how I can run multiple filters from one pump. This means I'm only using one power outlet and I'm always struggling for outlets anyway. Another advantage of this is that keeping one spare air pump is the same as keeping many spare filters, in terms of the moving, breakable parts.
Well, there you go planning ahead, and thinking of efficient redundancies.
Yes, great for impulse fish purchases.
That’s why I have one. I can just pull it out and have a quarantine tank setup in about 5 minutes
This is what we do. I alwayw have bioballs behind my HOB cartridges and always have extra sponges. I'm never waiting 6 weeks to cycle a tank again.
I have several extra sponge filters resting in other tanks. Instant cycle
Pros of Sponge filter:
-Sponge filters are a great place to house air stones, and equip in a pinch.
-They inherently have less flow for more flow-sensitive/long-finned/slow moving/small fish. And help avoid disrupting planted aquascapes from displaced sediment.
-They’re generally better on electricity over time
-There are also quieter options for airpumps. (for example i bought a pretty affordable air pump off of Aquarium Co op and the bubbles are louder than the pump. And the bubbles themselves are quieter than my old hang on back filter that I had which was considered a quieter model. And it doesnt get louder than that as tank water evaporates compared to hang on back filters)
-Hang on back filters dont need any further maintenance after a power outage and even offer options to keep running during an outage whereas hang on backs need you to pour water back inside to help the motor get back and running.
-since they use air, they also provide consistent water agitation to oxygenate the tank (which i have seen noticeable improvements on keeping my neon tetras alive since i made the switch)
-Sponge filters might not last forever per se, BUT they certainly last long enough and replacement options are so modular and affordable that it’s seldom a large problem
-if you plan on having multiple tanks in the same room, it is the single most affordable option to have multiple filters running quickly.
Pros of Hang on back filters:
-Replacing cartridges on hang on backs is far less messy and very quick
-filter media is far more customizable and offers varying types depending on your needs which could be great for removing sediment, as well as options for sponges to block fry and small fish from entering the intake
-Hang on backs are generally easy to hide and less visually distracting to your aquascapes/fish
-Hang on backs also last pretty long if taken care of regardless of moving parts
-hang on backs can come with options for quieter functions, and can be used in tandem with sponges cut back on the flow/noise of the hang on back filter
-Hang on backs dont typically make constant bubble sounds which for the most part have a cap on decibel output (but can be adjusted with airstones). The only noise coming from hang on backs is typically noticeable when water evaporates which might be a good reminder to add/change water and inspect the filter for general maintenance during seasons where you might get lazy to check aquariums.
-most hang on backs come bundled in beginner aquarium kits
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Both are really good for their own reasons, and most have generally interchangeable value for most fish. But if you consider fish/plants/hardscapes that you plan on stocking, be mindful of the flow of the tank, the needs for filtration media, and oxygenation.
Me personally, i stick with sponge filters and bust out the hang on back whenever i move sediment around and cloud up the water. Once its clear, I remove my hang on back because my fish are sensitive to heavy flow and shoving sponges into my filter that fall out every so often to remove heavy flow and pouring water after power outages is a HUGE PAIN.
Ive been doing this professionally for abour 12 years now, i would VERY MUCH prefer maintaining sponges vs sumps and HOBs.
Why is it better (or easier) to maintain a sponge filter over a HOB?
@@mayerkatz2836 cost. U pay every time u replace filters
@@unnie7834 I don't replace them, I modified them with sponges and bio media, so I basically have the same as a Sponge Filter (and even more) just outside the tank
Not if you use the tidal HOB.
What about if you lose power? Some hob filters have been known to leak or burn out once power comes back on because they didn’t get primed….. that alone could be a sponge filter
Them's fightin words! I love sponge filters and run them in all my tanks in addition to HOBs in the larger ones. I don't count on them for filtration as much as for aeration. I think every tank needs air, and running that air through a sponge filter gives me bonus bio filtration. They're also great to have around for quarantine, hospital, or new tanks to jump start the cycle.
I have the same setup in my 40 breeder. Aquaclear 50 and a medium sponge for extra filtration, movement, and my only source of air.
I'm sure your setups are great :-)
I don't run air on any of my tanks, the 90, the 125 or the 300 gallon. The plants and running the water through the sump system more than provides enough air in the tanks. It's just a matter of different strokes for different folks. I would agree though that they are great for quarantine and hospital tanks.
Same here. I run sponge filters as an addition to my HOB filters on all my tanks for air. Then when I need to set up a hospital or quarantine tank, I can pull one out and I’m off and running.
@@brendalemay8384 same
I keep sponges in my tanks even the one that has a canister because if something happens with that canister I always want there to be a backup on the ready
Also, good if you need to move the sponge to a quarentine tank to cycle it quickly.
Exactly
⬅️⬅️⬅️ nervously clicks as I just got a sponge filter in the mail yesterday.
It will work just ifne :-)
You’ll like it! I use a HOB and Sponge on all my tanks. I like them both.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics I have a hob, and a sponge filter with 2 sponges. This one suctions to the glass and I really like it so far
Me too
I just got 2 sponge filters today. Ugggg.
I respect your knowledgeable opinion, but I must say. After I modified mine with a Air stone, and using it in a much smaller tank.. The thing is absolutely godsent. But I don’t think I’d use one in a larger tank.
I think these sponge filters have a special place in our realm, for sure.
I used two on opposite ends in a 75 with two large tiger oscars and an even larger pleco. Bare tank with a middle piece of drift. All sides panted black expect the front. They didnt stand out as bad in a dark tank designed to look like it was in deep water. I also did the air stone trick with mine. Those Oscars can be monster sized and intelligent for a fish.
I use sponge filters in all my tanks, breeding tanks especially. I find that if you clean them regularly they are a great choice and I would not use HOBs. They are also amazing for smaller tanks in which many other types of filtration take up too much space or just wouldn’t work. I think they are great for low maintenance aquariums because of their small size and how inexpensive they are compared to HOBs. Great video though, the multifasciatus tank is looking amazing!
Great point made, wholeheartedly agree
Thank you!! I also think a better pump would be a good idea to get better suction.
just to be cantankerous I published a vid after yours praising sponge filters. Keeping it lively.
Awesome! :-)
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Mind if I link?
Will return the favor.
I use the relatively clear old water at water changes to rinse my sponge in the bucket. A few minutes of squeezes and most debris is out. Of course with 80 tanks you probably aren't using buckets for water changes. I drill out the center so I can pass the air hose into the tube and place an air stone at the bottom to make it quieter. I hide mine behind a planting and learn to ignore it. Good video again.
I use double, super fine sponge filters in my breeding tanks and i can go for a couple of months between cleans which isn't bad. They start spluttering when clogged and I squeeze them out during the next water change. The super fine ones keep the water really polished and crystal clear. All are powered by a single blower type pump. This set up is super quiet and economical. I've tried a few different hang on backs and just never really liked them tbh. Whatever works for you I suppose : )
Do I detect a little sarcasm? Lol.The hardest thing for me is is to take all the info that is out there and decide what is best. I think I finally have my tank set up and established to the point that it I requires very little maintenance. I narrowed it down to only watching a few fish keepers. You and Joanne are my top. Appreciate all the info you share. Im in for the relaxation and enjoyment. Thank you.
I have a very expensive sump system for my 150 gallon tank. In operation mode it runs 55 gallons and holds 75 gallons total. I still run 2 large sponge filters in the tank. These are there for if/when the power goes out and I need to keep filtration going with the small battery operated (USB) air pumps. They will have the beneficial bacteria already built up and should help keep the tank going. Do I need them during normal operation, nope. But they are back up plus they provide the surface breaking needed to help the air circulate into the water allowing gas exchanges.
I agree with you. I have a regular filter but I use it when I’m changing my water to keep some oxygen in the plastic container. Also this guy talks about pet who don’t clean the sponge for a long time.
OMG. Title made scared coz I use these. You and your channel are the reason I bought sponge filter 😅
Am I crazy?! This was a satirical review right? Hence the flashbacks at the end where jason points out that they’re literally the best. Idk. I have course sponges in most of my tanks and seriously considering changing over to finer sponges because like Jason said, they don’t hold the funk in when you try to take them out and clean them.
They represent the duality of man. Haha - sometimes good and sometimes bad!
I use both a hob and a sponge filter. The hob does a great job of cleaning the water and the sponge helps me know the bacteria population will be maintained. The sponge doesn't need to be very big this way, and I have an immediate filter for a good quarantine tank when needed. This is an idea I got from Irene at Girl Talks Fish.
@@High_Octane I just changed out the hob on my 20 gal. from a cartridge filter to an Aquaclear. I'm impressed at how quiet it is, and I like the flow adjustment. I am a little intimidated on how to maintain it though. I put in very coarse filter material first, then less coarse, then a thin sheet of fine, and a small pack of bio-rings. What do you think? How often do you clean and/or replace the materials?
@@High_Octane Thanks so much for the information. I have an aquaclear for my 55 gal. I'll get set up today. Following your advice I made a coarse filter for the intake on my small aquarium . I have some tiny rasboras in there, having that intake filter will also help keep them safe.
I have come to enjoy your sense of humor more and more over time. I use sponge filters, HOB sometimes, and cannister filters. The fact I can easily run three small tanks on one air pump (Eheim is pretty quiet btw) is important when you consider energy costs. The cost of a sponge filter is lower than other filters so they lose on that front as well :).
Appreciate you being here!
Nope. Sponge filters ruined my first ever experience with keeping tropical fish.
I still prefer them to HOB filters, especially in tanks with fry/shrimp.
They're also really not that hard to maintain, just pull them up by the air hose, disconnect hose, rinse in sink, reattach hose and drop back down (2 minute job)
I agree! I have shrimp and don’t like the HOB filters. Saying they’re the worst filters to use is a bit dramatic 🤣 I have no issues with mine and you can hide it well with your plants and wood!
won't rinsing in sink kill off the bacteria??
@@craftwanderer8802we swish/squish ours in water change water.
A couple of decades ago, I got some sick fish from a breeder/importer friend of mine. These fish brought in some very virulent new diseases, mostly from Africa. There was literally no way to save the fish, most went fast, but they left behind aquariums that remained deadly to anything I put into them, plus the risk of spreading the diseases around my fish room were simply too high to play with these infected aquariums.
Chemically steralizing the tanks and gravel was pretty easy, but my sponge filters tended to dissolve in harsh disinfectant chamicals. At the time most of my sponge filters were new or almost new... What a waste!
I had some old box filters laying around from back when I was a kid in the 1960's, I upgraded the charcoal to lava rock, for their anerobic benefits breaking down nitrates and substituted polyfill for the glass wool... and they worked a treat! Lava rock was dirt cheap at the garden center and polyfill is also dirt cheap and is as easy to replace as a cartridge in a hang on back filter. Moar of the most advanced hobbiests also use box filters with gravel in them. For special circumstances I can add charcoal or any other special media to a box/corner filter as needed... and box filters are easy to steralize in bleach. peroxide or alcohol. Box filters also don't eat fry.
Box/corner filters are cheap, easier to clean, don't eat fry, easy to steralize, also run on air and are light years more flexible than sponge filters. And best of all, you can see exactly when they need to be cleaned by just looking into your tank.
As a seriious 50+ year hobbiest, breeder and published fish author, I intend no disrespect to folks that use sponge filters, (they do work) but if you are serious about keeping and breeding tropical fish and you are dealing with nitrates by changing water anyway... ditch the sponges and upgrade to box filters when you replace your sponge filters. You will never go back.
Yes idk why box filters r less popular.
@@qalpitor3458 Mostly because all of the "influencers" are sponsored or have their own gigs selling something new and improved to hobbyists that don't know better. "If you want to keep fish all you need to do is buy something expensive from me or my sponsor."
Box filters are very versatile, I'm hlad someone mentioned them.
I can't find box filters for love nor money.
Very well said: they're the worst and the best.....lol. IMO, they only belong in fish rooms and quarantine tanks. Always love the content!
I have a HOB and Sponge in every tank. This way if one fails, or needs replaced, I'm not losing my cycle.
My rule for sponge filters is hook them up to a 60 or a 100 gallon air pump min and you’ll be fine
For commercial guys, I see the application being used, but for my house it's cannister filters!! Cleaner, clear water! Also first video I've seen with a both sides review. I appreciate the honesty.
Finally! Someone that is not pro sponge filters! I HATE sponge filters for all the reasons you listed!
I love the concept of this video 😁
Another great video. This one in particular had great editing that really helped tell the story. Thanks!!
I like how Jason looks so proud in the thumbnail saying sponge filters are the worst type of Filtration 😂
I feel like the negatives you brought up are pretty subjective, I noticed most of the points are regarding the higher degree maintenance than other filters, but many people including myself really don’t mind having to do all that. I have carpet in my room and can’t necessarily just pull filter floss out of my HOBs without getting fish doodies all over the place, I usually have to rip the entire filter off the back and take that into the bathroom. I feel like a good point to have made at the end along with having a proper set up would be theres a smaller margin for error when you start to get lazy lol (which happens to the best of us)
For me, my absolute biggest plus with sponge filters is that they can’t possibly cause a leak. Ive had leaks from an Aquaclear and a Fluval 207. Stinky bedroom for quite some time.
and made the title like click bait...really disappointed in this video
Jason Lin Thats just how the algorithm works and the way the game is played when you’re a youtuber. Honestly no big deal.
@@linjasonlin Don't really see how it's clickbait. He brought up a lot of positives and negatives and made the conclusion they are technically the worst kind of filter but there are still reasons to use them. What do you expect?
@@bullythebooks It's clickbait because he knows it's not true. Anyone with any real experience knows its not true. It's a manipulative, intentionally inflamatory statement. He even admits that he couldn't have his fishroom or youtube channel without them. He made this video because he KNEW that people would disagree with what was so very clearly not true, and that would provoke people to click on the video. He didn't make this video because he actually believes what he is saying. In this instance, he is not trying to convey truthful information. He is trying to get clicks, and hey, it worked on me, but at the cost of his credibility, to anyone paying attention anyway.
Love the spin at the end!
I really loved the presentation of this one, your videos keep improving in overall quality and always provide me new info and ideas. Thank you guys for all your efforts.
Thank you!
Jason you are right. I am big believer of canister filter and using one for more than 10 years. But recently I start buying a sponge filters as back up and main filter for smaller Betta tank. They are so versatile that no body beat it.
I got 2 Aquaclear 70 HOB filters on my 55 gallon tank, I also have 1 up to 60 gallon sponge filter, do I even need the sponge filter with the 2 Aquaclears?
I'm a newbie here and this is one of my favorite sponge filter videos 😂😂😂
Thanks for your advice 👍🏼
Quite the love-hate relationship you have going with sponge filters, LOL! I agree, they are an eyesore, and if you hide them too well they can't do their job. But when you're running a zillion tanks, it's the only way to go (and you can always run an HOB or a can on your 2 or 3 show tanks). BTW, those albino heckelii are NUTS! Thanks Jason.
Thank you! :-)
Maybe I'm just different but I've never had an issue with seeing a filter in the Aquarium. I made my own filters from pvc that work ok and I'm currently working on another filter that will hopefully work better
Nicely played Sir 😉 I love sponge filters. I would need a little more for an Oscar but for general fish and especially breeding and nano fish they really are the best
I hate hobs, but use sponge filters attached as pre-filters to my canister filters, on my discus breeding tank I have two. It takes me 10 minutes to clean a canister and the sponge filter attached to it. I have a heavy duty air pump, but only use it for aeration on my tanks. But with any filters it all comes down to not over feeding and water changes. On my planted tanks I skip over the sponge for a fine stainless steel mesh filter guard as they look so much better. BTW I only clean my canisters on my planted tanks 4 times a year. On my discus once a month. How many times a year would you have to clean a HOB? I have used them and had to clean them weekly or at least every 2 weeks. Sponges are alright on pre-filters or a supplement filter, but not as main filtration, except if it is a large hamburg matten hooked up to a small pump rather than using air. I find air just does not pull the water through enough for my liking.
Great video! Funny yet informative!
Thank you :-)
So a question for the professor and the man the filter floss beard.
I have chloramine in my tap water. My tanks is all of a sudden having an ammonia spike, probably because I moved the sponge filter I had in it for months to a new tank. I have a hob with a coarse intake sponge, bio rings in the back and the media that comes with the filter and a smaller 5 gal sponge filter in there already for the surface agitation and biological filtration, figured I would be ok but it turns out removing that sponge filter must have removed my bacteria I believe for the load I have in the ten gallon tank. So now I battle ammonia nitrite and nitrates.
When removing chloramine from tap water it leaves behind ammonia right?
I change 50 percent water and add dechlorinator (API tap water conditioner). My ammonia keeps rising I haven't fed in 3 days gravel vacuumed spotless. Daily water changes for a week now still battling rising levels. Combating with API ammo lock API tap water conditioner, seachem stabilizer and 30-50 percent water changes daily. It is a planted tank with slow growing ants like Java winalov barcopia fern anubia and undalata red. Could any of that be creating an excess of ammonia? Should I cut the API tap water conditioner and just use apo ammo lock?
Stock is 5 neon tetra 1 Betta two mystery snails 3 shrimp and 2 corydora. Thinking about moving the tetra and one snail to my other tank but right now it's not established just yet but I think treating with stabilizer I can keep them alive.
Most water conditioners neutralize chloramine to a form that is non-toxic to fish, so I don't think the ammonia is coming from that. That being said, ammonia could be in your tap water? Frtiz Turbo Start may help?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics my tap tests for zero ammonia. I read that chloramine will turn to ammonia once neutralized with a conditioner. I fed frozen blood worms prior to the spikes as well so I just have a rotten worm in a plant or something. Nothing dead yet so I'll keep changing and conditioning daily until it's under control
I use both hang on back filter and sponge filter in the same tank. Is this good to do? I'm new in the hobby
Sure - we do that in a number of tanks.
There is no such thing as too much filtration.
As a thirty-five year aquarium enthusiast and sponge filter advocate, reading the title got my cackles up for sure. But I have to say, you ain't lying! Also, I guess beauty is subjective as I kinda like the look, especially the sound of the bubbles. Brings me back to the old days when mom and pop petshops were everywhere and you'd walk in and hear that beautiful sound of all those tanks running UGF's. And they certainly do go bad, especially when you have plecos knawing on them. I guess it all comes down to what makes you happy. I for one love the maintenance aspect of keeping fish so I'm not too bothered by the trouble. I also run power heads on my sponges in my big tanks, they do very well cleaning the debris, but need cleaning that more often. Take care and thanks for what you do!
Thanks for being here!
I've got an HOB over 30 years old lol... Still running!
Have a sponge filter in every tank even though they all have hang on back or canister filters. Great to have a back up filter running incase one breaks which happened once when on holiday ofcourse!
GREAT JOB...LOVE THE RECAP..TURNING IT INTO A "YEA..WE KINDA NEED EM" 👍🏽👍🏽
I originally thought they were bad but found my 29 gallon had problems with hob filter sucking up my guppies and neon tetras into the vacuum cones and ever since I switched to the sponge I got nothing to worry about
You could just add a prefilter.
@@kpNov23 tried that it always get snugged and eventually caused clogging to the suction and damaged the prefilter
Prof. as always your honesty is awesome!!!!!! tell Madame Smallscape hello also! GSB
We’ll do!
The walking monolog! Taking this 90s boy back!
Love the video! Very well done!
Too funny !
New to hobby, but I recently got a sponge filter ... it's got 2 smaller sponges and you can pull them right off the top, so easier to clean than the type you show in the video. I have a HOB as well, leaving it on until the sponge has had time to get up and going. Pretty full tank (fish and snails) and debating if I should keep both now ...
great vid. they are a must for me, i go away for 3 weeks at a time, i clean them before leaving etc. they are good for several months before getting clogged, so that covers me when i am away. HOB may or may not clog up, and if they do, they may leak if not properly set on an angle. thanks.
25 tanks from 5 to 175, every one uses sponge filters.
Most experienced aquarists I know, don't just pull floss out of their hob, they also rinse and return it to the filter after rinsing, which also gets yiur hands wet and waste time.
If you can't hide a sponge with aquascaping, you're doing it wrong.
👎
I think I might remove a HOB filter from the back of a tank once every couple years? :-)
I am so appreciative of this video! I've been using HOB on my three small tanks (5, 10, 20), but I've been seeing so many people like yourselves use sponge filters. This provided some really valuable context for me! Cheers!
Great video as always!
I've never used one, and probably never will.
Got ya self a new sub bro
Glad you are here!
I was thinking of getting one but I thought why would I get one when my current filter agitates the water surface and provide flow... I can't see how they can suck up water without producing a good flow... I think ill keep my internal filter!
sponge filters .... i use them in my 10 gallon and my 29 long. I love em 😊 👍👍
Out of the 26 tanks that we have, what's not running either under gravel, or hang on backs, we run sponge filters, some we run a combo of hob and sponge, every tank from our 5s to our 240s , no canisters here, ugf, hob or sponge, with the exception of one running a diatamatious earth filter.
The best fish keeping video ever - love the way you give the manufacturers a run for their money - you are right! It is the most ugliest thing in a tank. Looks like a floor mop or enema device. Cant understand that they can't design a more modern version. Lots of people are going to hate you for this - but I AM SUBSCRIBING!
Appreciate you being here!
I've only ever used sponge filters when I was growing small fry in a seperate tank
I and my houseplants don't mind the cleaning aspect of the sponge filter. All of the "gunk" makes my plants happy and grow nicely ❤️
Sponge filters are amazing but don't expect them to do it all. A HOB and a sponge is an amazing combo
How about if I have a hang on back as my primary filter, in my 36 gallon tank, but I use the sponge filter as a secondary in the opposite corner? Also for the aeration. The decoration I bought seems to blast out bubbles forcefully, which knocks my Cardinal Tetras around if they get too close to it.
You can certainly do that. If you want you can always eliminate the bubbles that are blowing the fish around
You can just gravel vacuum a sponge filter while it’s in the tank to clean it, plus they’re perfect for cycling a new tank set up
That will remove some detritus from the surface of the filter but usually doesn’t remove the stuff inside the filter (which clogs it).
lol I actually use panty hose instead of a plastic bag to keep the gunk from dumping back into the tank. Works awesome! I use knee highs for my HOB pre filters, just pull the knee high over it while it’s still in place on the filter intake tube ❤️❤️
3 week old 10 gallon tank, gravel, filters, heater etc.. Cycled with fish food. Yesterday I added clear ammonia (too much - went up to > 3ppm). This morning I removed & replaced 1.5 gallons to lower ammonia. Three different tests are showing zero ammonia, 0 - .05 nitrites and 10 ppm nitrates. UGF AND HOB filters, some juice from the old filter (fish had Myco). Why is this happening?
Sounds like the tank isn’t cycled yet. Either used filter media or Fritzyme 7 should help!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you! I just bought some Fritzyme 7. I'll just add patience, thanks again.
Great video 😆 for me, sponge filters (that you got me into) are the best, I have lots of inverts that love hanging out on them eating all the little bits, and they're completely internal with air stones so they're quiet in the house, I use the coarse ones from Aquarium Co-op and they are great, they are weighted so they don't float and they haven't clogged yet, I used to use internal submerged filters and I had a filter failure one day that we think had happened days earlier, thankfully all of my fishies and inverts were ok but now I really like being able to look across the room and see that my filters are running. I'm about to set up more tanks and I'm definitely sold on sponge filters 🙂
Praise the lord!!!! Somebody finally said it!!! I have NEVER liked sponge filters. EVER. I keep one in my 125 just to have it in case I need BB for a hospital/quarantine tank, but it isn't worth a crap for cleaning! THANK YOU!!!!!!
I use canister filters, ok the technology is for a small pool but really is the only way to house enough bacteria to get a well cycled tank, now if I was breeding then the spong filter is the only option. Or a fry incubator maybe.
LOL Fantastic Video!!! They serve there purpose!! Needed for Fish Stores, wouldn't but it in my home Aquarium though! Love seeing them in fish stores instead of one giant sump pump filter running all there tanks due to disease. They serve there purpose for Fish stores. Love you Channel, just subscribed.
Thanks for being here!
I like your counterpoint coming in the form of a flashback. New sub here.
Thank you for being here!
I knew there had to be a catch to this! Good take!!!
Sponge filters are great, but they are not a miracle tool. They’re just a tool and every job needs the right tool. If you need water polishing or higher flow rates, get a hang on back or better. If you need aeration and biological filtration, a sponge is a great first step.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED this video 📹 😄😄😄🥰🥰🥰 Thanks so much Jason😊
I used to use hob filters and sponge filters, but now I just use my guppy grass as my bio filtration and my tanks are just as clear as when I used hob filters.
So if the sponge filter is bad, what would u recommend for a 5 gallon betta tank.
I really like the Aquatop Forza 5-15 HOB
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you for the recommendation 😊 love your channel
From one Jason to another. Can you tell me what the quietest filter for 30g freshwater tank? I picked up an aqua tech and the motor is kinda loud. It’s not even the water that bothers me. Just that motor
The two quietest I have used are the Marineland PRO and Seachem Tidal. For that tank either the 275 or Tidal 55.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics I used to have marine land it was alright. I’ll definitely check these out! Would you choose these over a sponge filter? I’ve really been considering the sponge filter although I’ve never used one before.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics after thinking about it some more: I think I’m going to try going filterless. Not only would it eliminate sound. I think I would have more fun with it.
After 10 years of being out of the hobby. I went to the store yesterday and found out moss balls were illegal now😭. I used to have a planted aquarium, but always had a filter. tough decision.
@@bobduffy7744 you should always start a filterless tank with a filter and then over time of adding more and more plants and doin more water changes you will cycle the tank being able to remove the filter slowly. I wouldn’t recommend a filterless tank for any tank bigger than 20 gallons. You also have to be very careful of what fish you are choosing. Some fish NEED a lot of filtration. While others can tolerate a little less filtration.
I use a sponge/HOB combination in every tank. That's been the winning combo for me for years.
What size air pump do you run per sponge filter. Like i have a 65 i wanna set up but i I already have a 90 on a fx6 and a 55 on a fx4 so im trying to make it affordable.
We have one central air pump, but anything rated for your size tank should work.
The vital question is.....is it "sponge worthy" ?
Elaine says yes.
Can you have a sponge filter and a HOB working together on a 20 gallon long? i was thinking Aqua Clear 20 or 30 not sure which 1 with an aquarium coop sponge filter medium size, is that too much? or get the nano size instead?
Sure!
Really appreciate your quality well thought through videos
Just got some guppies ordered online. Amazing tiny fish so colorful. Awesome 👍 sure are tiny 😉
Great tongue in cheek Jason.
Having used sponges, hang on back, and canister filters I have to say that my #1 is the hang on back. For me it strikes the best compromise between filtering capacity and easy of upkeep. Now if I had a livebearer breeding tank I would almost certainly go with sponge filters. Same if I had a bunch of tanks. That way I could just plumb in an air system and tap in and run all of the filters off of a single air pump. another advantage to the sponge filters is that you don't have that filter hanging on the back meaning you can slide the tank back a few more inches to free up floor space.
If I only had a few tanks HOB for me too!
Well I tried 8 hang on back filters and they all failed within the 1 and a half month I've been trying to get my tanks cycled sponge filter trying it out
I love them in my breeding tanks. The fry absolutely love to feed off them. Yes they are ugly but they really do have an important place in my fish room.
I have a fiddler crab tank that requires a low water filter. I have a lot of aquascape so I have no issue hiding it. My HOB for my other main fishtank is okay but I want to switch to a sponge filter.
I’ve always hated sponge filters. Pain is A to clean etc. but I really love the Heiger double sponge filter with the media in bottom. Very slick and easy to clean. I use them only tanks with HOBs that floss my water clean. Just using HOB for bacteria.
I'm about to set up a 25 gallon with 4 sponge filters for filtration. One has some media in the bottom of it. Would you forsee any problems I could have doing this?
I don't think you will have any problems. Depending on the size of the sponge filters, you may only need one or two.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics it's 2 large an one of them box filters.
My 55 corner only has room for 1 hob and I have a dead spot in the tank all the gunk builds up in tried air stones and bubble walls that moved the dead spot a bit but it’s still ugly. Just got the hyger sponge filter hoping that fixes it
I don’t use any hang on back filters all of mine break sooner or later and one way or another but I do like to build an in tank sump and it takes a little time and I have to cut up some plexiglass and every once in a while they’re a pain in the butt to clean but nothing beats all the surface area I get from the red rock inside them but I still power them with the under gravel filter technology. On my last few that I built I’ve been using the Japanese traditional filter that feeds the red rock and I’m so playing with it a little bit because I think if I do it right I should be able to just gravel vac the Japanese filter and that feeds the rest of my filter. I’ve also been using an over the tank planters box quite a bit lately but it ends up being quite the monster by the time it’s all said and done and sometimes it looks great but I don’t know how you can do that and have it in a tight area without a hanging light above it.
Would it be alright to use both the canister filter and the sponge filter in my fish tank? I have a rescued goldfish and grew up to my palm size in a 25 lt aquarium. I feel like the canister filter is not enough to clean the waste it produces. My goldie is a big eater and I almost clean the canister every 3 weeks. Thank you.
Sure!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you^^
A sponge filter is one of the few products where it does such an outstanding job at what it does that i have come to not mind the look of them anymore. It's like the (Toyota)Camry, not pretty but works so well, you actually don't mind how it looks, as long as it does its function.
Yeah I'm all for function over looks. I don't use substrate in my tanks either because it's just easier to clean that way.
I run on sponge filters but you can rinse it in tap water??? I was always told that I can only use aquarium water in a bucket.
Yep - we clean all of ours in tap water every week for many years.
I was going to go this route with a big air pump, but now I've got a brick wall. The setup I'm trying to setup is 5 (75 gallon) stock tanks for breeding. Would like to avoid purchasing individual filters, inwoule like to keep things as streamlined and centralized as possible. What would you recommend in this case?
If I only had five tanks I’d run each with a Tidal 110 HOB.
I have been running 2 of the medium Aqqa sponge filters in my 40 for over a year and they work great, my goal with this tank is once the small fish have lived their life in there and only 2 to 3" fish remain I will be getting an African butterflyfish. So with the Aqqa sponge filters I didn't have to modify the plastic piece of the Versa top, which leave no gaps for the butterflyfish to jump out of the tank, and therefore sponge filters work really well for me.
So what in your opinion is the best filter? I'm looking for something for a cory breeding tank. I use these guys cause the safety part (had my favorite animal injured by a tetra filter). So what has the safety of a sponge filter with more efficiency? Or really are they fine as long as you regularly clean them (I use them for my blackwater breeding tanks and betta tank)
If I only had a few tanks I would use HOB filters. I like the Seachem filters and don't mind the Marineland PRO series either.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you!!
Hey J "Same sucking capacity as a 5 year old Walmart vac" Love it and so true...Tidal 110s for me..