Sponge filter?

[Shaina Carey]

I was wondering. Since my tank is only 3.7 gallons, can I use a sponge filter? I use them for my small freshwater aquariums.

 

[Jekyl]

Sure, just clean it regularly. I use a HoB on my 90 for a little extra polishing and when I need media

 

[Hermie]

yes but flow might not be enough depending on what's in your tank

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Yep, you can! For a tank that size I would just do a cheap hob filter with the sponge on the intake and the inside of the filter full of live rock rubble

 

[Shaina Carey]

Thanks guys. I just set up a 5.5 gallon freshwater for a new rescue betta, and I got a sponge filter for him. So that got me thinking, lol. I have a powerhead running right now to move the water

 

[Jekyl]

I like having it because I don't have a sump. Cleans my water surface for me and small particles

 

[Hermie]

I think some of you (not OP) may be confusing what a sponge filter is

 

[Tamberav]

I wouldn't bother with it. Takes up room and won't look great. Live rock and flow is all the filter a little saltwater tank needs.

 

[Shaina Carey]

I wouldn't bother with it. Takes up room and won't look great. Live rock and flow is all the filter a little saltwater tank needs.

Wait...I don't need a filter? The rock is fine?

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Wait...I don't need a filter? The rock is fine?

"Need" is a tricky word in this hobby...

 

[Tamberav]

Wait...I don't need a filter? The rock is fine?

Ya, you don't need a filter in saltwater. The rock is the filter as long as you have flow from somewhere. You can find MANY examples of this.

People keep reefs in jar's.

Fish Tales: A Different Way to Reef

By Nathalie Winans Tech-heavy reef systems are all the rage these days. Tanks everywhere are loaded with hardware and software—lighting that replicates tro

reefs.com

 

[Shaina Carey]

See? I am used to freshwater, lol. I guess I need to get out of that mindset. Reef tanks and freshwater tanks are different.

 

[Tamberav]

See? I am used to freshwater, lol. I guess I need to get out of that mindset. Reef tanks and freshwater tanks are different.

hehe... just think of the rock as the filter. It is very porous and holds millions of bacteria, just like a sponge would

Then you just take a turkey baster and blast everything before a water change to remove debris.

 

[Shaina Carey]

Ok. Just went ahead and dosed ammonium to get things rolling. Thank Goodness I had some Dr.Time ammonium chloride left.

 

[Hermie]

Live rock works because of flow. So if you don't have an air drive sponge filter then the live rock needs a powerhead to ensure exchange at the water surface and rock surface

 

[Shaina Carey]

Have the power head going over the rock. Nothing like the sound of water to make you fall asleep, lol