08 Sponge filters
Description
This article is from the Aquaria: Filters FAQ, by Bruce Hallman.
08 Sponge filters
Sponge filters provide an efficient and cheap form of biological
filtration. Water is forced through a porous foam, either by a
powerhead, or air bubbling through an airlift tube. Water flowing
though the sponge allows the growth of a colony of beneficial bacteria
which neutralizes toxic ammonia.
One style of sponge filter uses two sponges attached to one lift tube.
These have the advantage that the sponges can be cleaned one at a
time, reducing bacterial loss. Also, one of the sponges can be removed
and transferred to a new tank, bringing with it a colony of beneficial
bacteria, and thereby "jump starting" the cycling of a new tank. Some
enlightened fish stores sell these double sponge filters to beginner
customers when they sell a tank kit. They take one of the new sponges
out of the "box" and swap it for a old established sponge in one of
their tanks in their store which is carried home in a plastic bag.
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