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Benefits of Using Aquarium Sponge Filters

05/01/2021
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Most people believe that sponge filters are not effective and prefer using the other more expensive options like canister filters. However, this is not true sponge filters are a great tool and can work for any aquarium and do a great job.

They work to filter out debris and all the unwanted junk from the aquarium. This leaves your water clean and gives the fish a great environment to be nurtured and grow.

In most situations, you’ll find that people shy away from using sponge filters simply because they are not equipped with the right knowledge.

If they knew the benefits that this filter option presents while also getting the job done, they would be more inclined to invest in one. Some of the benefits that come with using aquarium sponge filters include:

Table of Contents

Cost-Effectiveness

Cost-Effectiveness

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When you go to most stores that sell the tools required for successful fish keeping, you’ll find different filters and a variety of complementary tools.

When it comes to the filters, you’ll find that there are different brands on the hang on back and canister filters compared to the sponge filter. This is mainly because the canister and hang-on-back filters are pushed more seeing as they translate into a good income.

However, when it comes to sponge filters, you find that once you buy it at a relatively cheap price it takes a while before you need another.

Also, the other filtration systems require additional things like frames, bags, media, and electric pumps while sponge filters work great without any extra additions.

This makes sponge filters a very cost-effective option and a great choice seeing as it gets the job done right. Always remember that the price of something doesn’t dictate its accuracy which is why you shouldn’t neglect sponge filters.

Simplicity

Simplicity

Source: buildyouraquarium.com

The aquarium sponge filters feature a simple sponge with a plastic casing and may be made in varying designs. From its look to how it gets the work done everything is just simple and shows how efficient the filter is.

This sponge filter comes with a strainer, a lift tube, and a silicone line from a pump. When the pump is turned on, air bubbles form within the strainer and lift tube, they create a current that thrusts the water gently into the sponge.

When working with a new sponge, you’ll have to purely rely on the mechanical filtration system. However, as the sponge keeps on filtering out everything the good bacteria will form in colonies around the sponge facilitating the use of a biological filtration system.

The only difference between the sponge filters and hang on back or canister filters is the use of chemical filtration. This filtration is done with the help of charcoal included in these filters.

If your goal is to keep your water clean, working with the mechanical and biological filtration featured in sponge filters will get the job done. The fact that this sponge filter is simple in both design and function is great. 

Silence

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Most aquarium filters when in use produce some noise that may be quite distracting especially when sleeping. For sponge filters, the noise is relatively muted but is also a bit of a concern. This can however be reduced by using air stones.

These are weighted tools used to diffuse the air bubbles in the water and make them smaller. With smaller sized bubbles, the noise is significantly reduced.

This also adds to the efficiency of the filtration process when using sponge filters. This is something to think about especially if you’d prefer a silent system.

Feature a Gentle Current

Feature a Gentle Current

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If you’re raring small fish like fish fry, shrimp, and other small fish species, having a gentle current is very important. It becomes the difference between whether you’ll have animals that you’re cleaning the water for or just killing them in the process.

To avoid this, sponge filters can be customized and tweaked to help facilitate a gentle current. This can be done by using regulators on the filter of the air pump being used.

You could also consider having your air pump replaced with a smaller one that doesn’t come with too much force when in use.

Taking care of the flow rate ensures that both mechanical and biological filtrations take place without compromising the well being of your fish.

If you have an aquarium where you believe there’ll be some babies produced in the process, ensure that the current is very gentle.

Can Work as a Pre Filter

Source: aqualabaquaria.com

If you’ll be using the hang on back or canister filters, having a sponge filter in the mix is also a good idea. Using a sponge filter and placing it at the intake of a canister filter will help it filter out the large particles which help avoid blockage in the canister filter.

Also, it helps prevent small fish and shrimp from being sucked by the strong suction from such filters. This allows you to take care of the mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration processes with ease.

The more you use the sponge at the inlet, the more it will accumulate the good bacteria and perform better with biological filtration.

Applies to All Aquarium Types

Applies to All Aquarium Types

Source: en.wikipedia.org

When it comes to sponge filters, you can use them on any kind of aquarium you have. Whether it’s fresh water, salty, or another kind, the sponge filter will work well to remove all that is not needed.

The only thing that you need to pay attention to is the fact that the larger your aquarium is the larger the area and size of the sponge filter you use.

Filtration Continues After a Power Outage

Source: finest-filters.co.uk

When the power goes out, the constant flow of water in and out of the filtration systems comes to a standstill. This can be very risky to both the bacteria in the canister and hang on back filters and also the fish found there.

If there is no current and the filtration isn’t working, you find that bacteria die due to a lack of enough oxygen supply. The fish in the water also suffers and could die due to the destabilized cycle of your aquarium.

However, if your aquarium is using a sponge filter when this happens, you can rest easy. Sponge filters continue running even after the loss of power. The sponge filter is revitalized and continues to break down the waste found in the water all through.

The bacteria may be affected by the lack of current but they will not die off. However, you need to note that the only filtration left active when the power goes out is the biological filtration.

Cleaning is Easy and Fast

Cleaning is Easy and Fast

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When it comes to cleaning a sponge filter, the most important thing is to enable the free flow of water. This means that you don’t have to do much to the sponge other than running some water through it and squeezing it to get the dirt out.

Remember that as you do this you should pay attention to the bacteria in the sponge filter. You should avoid cleaning too much that you end up losing these bacteria. With a sponge filter, cleaning is easy and fast making it a great option to invest in.

Conclusion

Using aquarium sponge filters comes with amazing benefits that ensure you have an easy time with your fish tank. With a sponge filter, you are assured of an inexpensive option that works great.

You also get continuous service even when the power is out which is something other filters cannot fulfill. With a sponge filter, you can be sure that the small fish and other aquatic life are safe. This is thanks to the gentle current featured in this filtration media.

Take your time to get to know more about sponge filters and embrace how wonderful and effective they are.

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