A filter sponge is a source for mechanical filtration – this is where the filter separates and removes solids and waste. And after developing grown bacteria colonies, it also offers biological filtration – the good bacteria to remove contamination and purify water. Although they have often been seen as the best filter for using at the beginner level, it isn’t the case as many pros are there to use them.
The filter process begins with a powered sponge filter air pump to make suction to enforce water through the sponge to get the solid waste and ammonia from the tank. As the fish waste also releases ammonia, it is harmful even in small amounts for plants and fish. With its good ammonia, the filter sponge eats bacteria and breaks down ammonia into nitrites, breaking down nitrite into nitrates.
Ammonia is harmful to the fishes, but nitrites aren’t very harmful. Since Ammonia is harmful to fish, but nitrates are less, the process is a healthy and safe environment for fish families.
How Does A Filter Sponge Work?
The main purpose of sponge filters is to clean the fish tank. It does this by trapping the water debris and filtering the clean water back into the tank.
Air gets pumped through airline tubing and in the filter while filling hollow space in the sponge middle resulting in bubbles. The bubbles also assist the sponge in drawing water, pulling it into the tube and out of the filter top. Small air bubbles also help in increasing the solubility of oxygen.
As the sponge pulls water from the porous surface, it traps debris while leaving clean water as it passes out of the filter at the top. As debris is trapped in the sponge, it also leaves water clean. A filter sponge is a simple way to keep the aquarium water free from bad elements.
With the help of the bacteria, ammonia changes to nitrite and then to nitrate. It further cleans aquarium water. Read this post further to know more about the Aquarium filter sponges.
Benefits Of Aquarium Filter sponges
A sponge filter aquarium has many benefits, some of which are:
Available in bulk – You can easily purchase such filters in multipacks to have a better deal.
Friendly for beginners – You can easily use filter sponges. They are great to people beginners in the fish-keeping world.
Efficient – Due to the working process of filter sponges, you collect debris from water through a sponge while making a place for good bacteria to convert ammonia into nitrates.
They are adaptable – and have simple, controlled airflow for suiting different tank sizes and bioload situations. You can add air stones to minimize noise and bubble size.
Simple to get – You can easily get many filter sponges online and in pet stores. Also, it’s easy to get extra pairs.
Robust – These are hard filters and can’t easily break as they need fewer parts.
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Setting Up Filter Sponges
Before buying a sponge filter aquarium, you should know how to set it up. Here we’ve got the setup process in five steps:
- Before beginning, you should ensure you’ve got the right filter items like the air pump, sponge, and tubing.
- An air stone is also handy, an aquarium bubbler, typically made of limewood and porous stones that efficiently mix in the air inside water and stop any noise.
- Mixing larger bubbles into smaller ones helps in better oxygenation of the water. Also, it makes the fish tank look better.
- You must attach the airline to the nipple at the lift tube top.
- While using an airstone, attach the airline to the second nipple at the bottom part of the lift tube top. Also, you can plug air stones into the airline.
- Also, install a check valve with an air pump on the side from where the air goes. You can place an air valve on the tank’s rim.
Finally, you can plug the filter into the air pump – you should be sure that the air pump is pumping enough air through the filter sponge with the tank water.
Some FAQs
How Often Should You Clean The Aquarium Filter Sponge?
You should ensure that the filter sponges work fine for deep cleaning once a month. If you notice it appears clogged with detritus or fewer bubbles are there, you should clean it frequently.
Some fishes make more waste, so once a month would be too long. It would be good to clean in 2 weeks.
How Often Should You Change A Filter sponge?
You should change sponge filters in 6 months, but when you carefully clean them, you can reuse them till they work properly.
How Long Is Enough To Cycle A New Aquarium With A Filter Sponge?
New aquariums take around 4 to 6 weeks to cycle and grow beneficial bacteria for breaking ammonia. For an aquarium with more than a single filter sponge, you should take one from the old tank and keep it inside the new tank. It makes the setup fast.
Conclusion
It is very simple to learn how to use an aquarium filter sponge. It is an efficient process that doesn’t cost much. The tool is a great buy. These are perfect for fish tank owners, whether they just started or are seasoned pros!
Filter sponges use a vacuum to draw water from the tank and take out waste and debris. It leaves the tank looking clear and makes a perfect environment to change ammonia into nitrates.
You can easily obtain these as they are cheap. Setup filters can be what you want for your fish tank. Sponge Center is the perfect place to buy premium quality filter sponges. We’ve also got other filters and sponges for home or bulk buy at Sponge Center.
Clean the tank easily with these filters!