New to saltwater, question concerning sponge filters...

solo_562 · Apr 1, 2017

Hi there everyone! So I'm new to the saltwater hobby, and have had my 125 gallon display tank running (cycled) for almost 2 months now. I have two clowns in there that have been through the qt process and they're doing great. Picked up a scopas tang from the local Petco, and boy am I having a fun time fighting off his marine velvet! He's been going strong for 2 wks now with the cupramine treatment in the qt so I think he will make it.

My question in regards to the sponge filter in the qt is what do all you seasoned reefers do once the fish in qt has been cured of parasites? My qt will be torn down, and sterilized once treatment is done. I'll probably keep it running fulltime just to be safe, but I don't know what I should do with the sponge filter. If I clean it thoroughly, will I be able to re-use it in future quarantine? Only reason I ask is because I live in a small town, and none of my lfs carry sponge filters, so I don't have quick access to new filters if needed. Sorry, if it's a newbie question, but I do appreciate any help that I can get. Thanks!

Lynn52 · Apr 1, 2017

I'd just clean with bleach then rinse and dry. Once dry the bleach will be gone and you can use it again. You might order some extra sponges online and keep in your sump to seed with bacteria.

Jason mack · Apr 1, 2017

I would throw it away and just seed another one . I know you said you have no lFS but you could order online and have one in a day or two better buy a few more and keep them in your sump when one goes in your qt put a new one in your sump ..just my 2 cents !

ImGood · Apr 1, 2017

we keep some poly fiber filter in the sump, as well as bio-balls, to stay seeded in the event a Qt is needed, we use bio wheel filters in 3 of the 4 qt's, and have used bleach to clean them post use. Once cleaned and thoroughly dried , they are re-seeded & used again.good luck with the tang. hope this helps