| The main problem with sponge filter media of any | | | | Additional sponges in your aquarium can also be |
| type is clogging due to mechanical filtration. The | | | | used to "seed" the bacterial colonies of a new |
| better designed sponge filter media is one that | | | | aquarium. |
| maximizes the amount of time between cleanings | | | | Sponge Filtration Basics; |
| that the sponge media will not clog under normal | | | | How a Sponge Filter works: |
| use. | | | | When your Sponge Filter is attached to an air |
| When the flow slow or water begins to flow | | | | pump, the rising column of air in the tube pulls |
| around the sponge media (such as in many Aqua | | | | water with it. A larger lift tube allows for a higher |
| Clear Filters), you need to rinse/clean your sponge | | | | flow rate (this is where Hydro Sponge filters |
| filter media. | | | | excel). |
| The best method is to use used aquarium water | | | | You can measure the water flow (which can be |
| from a water change and squeeze the sponge | | | | useful to know) by slightly tilting the filter with the |
| several times until nothing more is expelled form | | | | top of the outflow just above the aquarium |
| the sponge. You also may use de-chlorinated tap | | | | water line and timing the fill rate into a pitcher or |
| water or well water (without added chemicals) for | | | | gallon jug. If it fills the jug in 30 seconds, you |
| rinsing your sponge media. I often will use both | | | | multiply 2 times per minute times 60 or 120 |
| methods and I will use the de-chlorinated tap | | | | gallons per hour. |
| water for the final rinses until the rinse water in | | | | You can also add an air stone to the end of your |
| no longer dirty. | | | | tubing in the outflow tube to produce more |
| The reason to rinse with used tank water or | | | | bubbles and more lift. |
| de-chlorinated tap or well water is to not destroy | | | | When attached to a power head, the pump pulls |
| beneficial aerobic bacterial colonies that form in | | | | the water thru the sponge. With this method I |
| the pores of the sponge media over time. This is | | | | recommend using an air diffuser that generally |
| important to note when your sponge media | | | | comes with most power heads to improve |
| starts to degrade and needs to be changed. At | | | | dissolved oxygen levels. |
| this time it is best to add an additional sponge to | | | | The water is pulled through the sponge filter |
| your aquarium ahead of time to allow this sponge | | | | media where debris is mechanically trapped and |
| to "seed" with aerobic bacteria. | | | | aerobic bacteria remove nitrogenous waste such |
| This can be achieved by simply placing the new | | | | as ammonia and nitrites. For ponds, a more |
| sponge in an area of high water flow and high | | | | porous sponge media is better to allow a better |
| dissolved oxygen or adding a second sponge filter, | | | | flow rate and less accumulation of debris from |
| pre filter, HOB filter, ECT in your aquarium an | | | | mechanical filtration. For aquariums with either an |
| allowing the sponge media to "seed". The time I | | | | internal, pre-filter, or standard sponge filters a |
| generally allow is from 10-14 days for proper | | | | medium porous sponge media with many tiny |
| bacterial "seeding". | | | | pores to trap bacteria is best (again this is where |
| Adding additional sponge filters, pre-filters, or | | | | the target="_blank"> Hydro Sponge Filter |
| similar is very beneficial to maintaining a healthy | | | | excels with its patented design). |
| bio media in your aquarium, as this allows an easy | | | | For more information about Sponge Filtration, |
| change of sponges without the worry of | | | | please see this article: |
| destroying beneficial bacterial colonies in your | | | | Sponge filtration; How sponge filters work and the |
| aquarium, not to mention the improved bio | | | | benefits of using sponge filters in aquariums and |
| filtration and mechanical filtration when all the | | | | ponds. |
| filters are functioning properly. | | | | |