Aquarium Sponge Filter Installation-2

[cstrohmeyer]

Likely, assuming a quality sponge filter; your sponge has too much air and needs to be squeezed multiple times to remove fine air bubbles from the sponge. Over time beneficial aerobic nitrifying bacteria will cling to the sponge and more naturally weight it down. However some low end sponge filters do not have proper weights and/or sponge material and this can cause issues.

This is answered in the websites in the video details, please read for further help.

[gXsite]

hey need help fast, why is my sponge filter not stick on the bottom, it's keep rising up idk what to do

[espirates2]

What is that diffuser thing, looked like you were saying to put it on top of the tank ?

[cstrohmeyer]

@espirates2

This is to "diffuse air into your aquarium.

Please see the details section of this video for a link to a VERY in Depth article that explains this in much more detail

[jmarfijak]

Hello, i am thinking about setting up a shrimp tank and am wondering if the sponge filters provide oxygen to the water like a power filter or a powerhead would. Thanks. 

[cstrohmeyer]

@jmarfijak

Yes, since they can either be powered by an air pump (my preferred method) or power head (with diffuser)

Please see the videos detail section for a link to an article that explains this in much more depth

[JAStewart]

I don't really understand how this cleans anything? If its using an air pump, won't that push the dirt away? :s

[cstrohmeyer]

@JAStewart

No, the vacuum caused from the rising air column in the lift tube pulls water through these highly porous and bio efficient filters.

PLEASE read the in depth article in the details section of this video with explains this subject in much more detail

[sidewaysntraffic]

Can I use the sponge filter as the only source of filtration?

[cstrohmeyer]

@sidewaysntraffic

Yes, please follow the links (in the video details) for more in depth/researched information about Sponge Filtration or aquarium filers in general

[sidewaysntraffic]

@cstrohmeyer Ok thanks. I did read them, but I didn't see anything about the sponge being a stand alone filter. Maybe I missed it. I have 8 tanks on a fish rack and I'm trying to save money on electricity. Thanks again for the quick reply.

[123codfan]

i would like to know what size air pump u use?

[cstrohmeyer]

@123codfan

Generally any small pump will work such as the Million air 80, or ReSun 9601

Look for at least 1600 cc (1.6 L) per minute or more.

Please read the details section of this video for links (Sponge Filtration) for much more information such as this question

[instormyskies]

Hi there! I have a 10 gallon tank with 3 small fish and I'm looking for a filter with minimal water movement. Would this be a good match for my tank?

[cstrohmeyer]

@instormyskies

Yes!

Please look over the much more detailed article links in the Video details section (such as the article about Sponge Filtration)

[Vash6the6Stampede]

I just got a Hydro II. It is too high for my 10 gallon to keep it underwater. So I had to remove the plastic lift tube. Then someone told me it is only half as efficient compare to use the tube. So I was thinking of cutting the tube shorter before I saw this video. Will a shorter tube also reduce performance? Or it doesn't matter as long as a tube is used above the bull's eye?

Oh, and what tool is recommended to cut the tube?

[cstrohmeyer]

@Vash6the6Stampede

As long as the tube is under water, performance will not be all that adversly affected.

You can cut it with a hack saw.

Please read the Sponge Filtration article in the details section as this will fully answer these questions

[quesadilla247]

whats the plastic tube piece for? I have two of the hydor 3's and I dont use the plastic tube I just got my airline hooked up to it and let the bubbles pump out and float to the top of the tank to keep the water on the top moving.

[cstrohmeyer]

@quesadilla247

This is to provide better circulation (it can also be cut to fit your tank better).

The first article in the videos details section provides diagrams to better explain this, I recommend reading this article.

[21purplemiles]

Would you recommend using two or more of these in a 75 gallon freshwater tank? If yes what models and accessories should I use? Thanks

[cstrohmeyer]

It partly depends upon your bio load (which includes fish numbers size, feeding habits, etc.)

As a generalization (& assuming no other filters), I would recommend two for redundancy and would use either the #3 or #5 (or one of each as well as the #5 Pro for larger fish)

Set up again depends upon preferences, fish kept. With smaller fish, the air stone method is the most simple.

Please see the Sponge Filtration Article in the video details for more.

[21purplemiles]

I recently moved all the fish from two 20-gallon and one 29-gallon tanks to this new 75G. I have six HOB filters running in this tank now, moved the filters from the old tanks to the new one along with the fish. Also had an AquaClear 110 going but it sucks in the baby frys so I removed it just yesterday. It's impossible to count the number of fish in this tank, I'd say between one and two hundred guppies, platies, swordtails, other livebearers, some of them adults, some still babies and growing

[cstrohmeyer]

Consider using the Filter Max Pre Sponge Filters on the intake of your HOB filters, this will protect fry and improve bio filtration

[21purplemiles]

Great idea!! Thank you

[21purplemiles]

I am interested in a filtration system that will be safe for the frys and still do the job of all these HOB filters, I would like to stop using the HOB's completely if that's possible. Should I get four sponge filters and run them for a couple of weeks with the HOB's before using them exclusively? Should I go for a canister filter instead? I have a Fluval 405 running in another 75G and I have no complaints about that. Just thought I might give something new a try. Thanks for your input

[cstrohmeyer]

I would leave some HOB filters running over a 6-8 week break in of your sponge filters (to allow time to seed biologically)

You could keep a couple of the HOBs (it is not a bad idea to mix filter types), adding the Pre Filters and then add 2 or more standard sponge filters.

The video details section has a link to a Sponge Filtration article, which is also linked to multiple articles for even more in depth articles. These may be VERY helpful

[TheAquaSpecialist]

Are they better then a normal sponge filter?

I have one in my 5 Gallon tank and thinking of getting one in my 10 gallon tank but not sure to get one of theses are a normal one

thx

[cstrohmeyer]

The Hydro Sponge filters hold a patent for their design. They are more porous and have a better flow than others.

The Hydro Sponge #1 or #2 would be good for your 10 gallon.

I would reference the article about sponge filtration in the details or search the web site: "Aquarium Answers" for an article about bio wheels where these filters were tested along side Bio Wheel filters.

[ATISponge]

Very Nice Carl!

--The makers of the Hydro-Sponge

----Aquarium Technology, Inc.

[cstrohmeyer]

Thank you

[heatherxheather]

thanks ^_^ your video really helped me to build 1 and have 1 lol thx again

[heatherxheather]

Whered you buy it i really need 1 for my fry's

[cstrohmeyer]

I would recommend American Aquarium Products, there is a link in the details section of this video.

There is a vast aquarium information resource library there as well.

[Jcrexxor]

I watched this on yahoo just am in ago but I no have a yahoo account so I came here thanks for the help I'm glad I know I installed mine right

[darkplakat]

when you buy a sponge filter does it come with the electronic stuff?

[cstrohmeyer]

Are you referring to the air or water pumps?

If so, there are kits or you can purchase these separately. I STRONGLY recommend reading the links in the details section of this video for further information about sponge filters and much more.

[whiteoutyoface]

whats to cost for that set up?

[cstrohmeyer]

See the second and third link in the video details section.

[Suidakkra]

I run the Hydro 3 in combination with my AC 70 HOB on a 40 gallon long cichlid tank. That combination makes my tank crystal clear, and keeps all my parameters in check. Great video :)

[dirtyathrun]

thanks for the demonstration this is verry helpfull

[riptor3086]

Thanks, i was wonder how do i go about setting one up.

[nike4231]

oh and also do u think getting a 30 gal. overhang filter and comboing it with my 10 gal. overhang filter would be good??

what type of filteration do overhangs do

( mechanical, biological, chemical) i thought they did mechanical n biological but im not sure?

thanx =)

[cstrohmeyer]

HOB (overhang filters) are generally all three types of filtration, but generally not as good depending of coarse on the brand/style for bio filtration (which is where controlled studies haves shown sponge filters to be better). Let me clarify, I would combine a Sponge Filter such as the Hydro Sponge #3 with a HOB filter such as the high performance Via Aqua M200 HOB filter.

You can read more by reading the filtration article contained in the Aquarium Information link in the video description.

[nike4231]

so could i combine my old 10 gal. tanks overhang filter with a sponge filter or should i get a 30 gal. overhang filter??

[cstrohmeyer]

The Sponge Filter would be seperate, OR you could purchase a Sponge Pre filter which improves the bio capacity of most overhang (HOB) filters.

Personally I like redundancy of filtration for my clients in my aquarium maintenance business, so I would use both filters

[nike4231]

so mechanical filter remove ammonia like sponge filters do,

also is having a sponge filter and overhang mechanical filter good to do

[cstrohmeyer]

A mechanical filter is for removing debris which a sponge filter can do as well. A sponge filter is an excellent addition to overhang (HOB) filter as it will add considerably to bio filter capacity.

I recommend looking at he links in this video description as the are links from "Aquarium Information" and "Aquarium Answers" that give good scientic answers to these questions

Hope this helps!

[samthepimp17]

Would a sponge be good for a 40 gallon planted tank? cuz their good for biological filtration and cheap

[cstrohmeyer]

Yes, a sponge filter is an excellent filter for a planted FW aquarium. The Hydro Sponge #3 or #5 would be best (probably the #5).

I would recommend reading the article in the video description for more information and other link resources with yet more information.

[xbrndnx]

Um yeah if you dont know how to set up a sponge filter thats just sad

[rumvodkaf1]

I still don't get it...

[cstrohmeyer]

I would recommend going to the the first website listed in the "about this video" section (Sponge Filtration). This will hopefully fill in information that cannot be shown in a 90 second video.

[rumvodkaf1]

Thanks for the quick reply. I was actually reading the main article from the site, good stuff... Anway, do you recommend this for a 2.5 or 5 gallon brackish tank? I know someone with a 5gallon housing a sponge filter and a lone green spotted puffer, i was thinking of doing the same..

[cstrohmeyer]

Yes, the #2 or #3 Hydro sponge filter are excellent for just such usages (actually the #1 would work as well).

I would suggest the Aquatic Forum "Everything Aquatic" as well for further information and some friendly, knowledgeable people

[rumvodkaf1]

Thanks dude..

[cpabrego]

Nice website too, I was having a hard time finding information about how a sponge filter works, and how one would be set up.

[cstrohmeyer]

Yes, the air pump simply pulls water through the filter via the column of rising bubbles.

[xrace666]

thank you! this is very helpful and well organised! id liek to see more

[babygeige]

Very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to do this!