Sponge filter

Fishology · Sep 1, 2022

Can you use a sponge filter in a saltwater aquarium, not a simple sponge filter but one who can hold media in it . I wanna setup a 30g. I already have a 72inch light for two other tank besides it, and a well established tank to help kick start it. I’m only planning to add a couple fish around 5 Molly that we’re bringing in my main tank and maybe a six line wrasse and or a goby and pistols shrimp duo. And some easy care corals zoas and Kenya. So it’s a spring filter with a medium basket built into it good okay for salter or do I need a hanging in the back?

WheatToast · Sep 1, 2022

Sponge filter and HOB filters can successfully be used on marine systems (especially in quarantine tanks), however, a sump is usually preferred as it provides more space for equipment/filtration and adds more volume to the system it is part of (thus more stability with water parameters). Sponge filters also usually contain airstones; the popping bubbles will lead to undesirable salt creep on lights, etc. What model were you planning on using?
P.S. I have heard reports of sixline wrasses becoming highly aggressive, but I do not know very much about these fish.

flagg37 · Sep 1, 2022

I had a 30 gallon going for months with one of those fluval filters before upgrading to a 120 gallon that used a sump. It can be done but I can’t say it’s ideal.

Fishology · Sep 2, 2022

WheatToast said:
Sponge filter and HOB filters can successfully be used on marine systems (especially in quarantine tanks), however, a sump is usually preferred as it provides more space for equipment/filtration and adds more volume to the system it is part of (thus more stability with water parameters). Sponge filters also usually contain airstones; the popping bubbles will lead to undesirable salt creep on lights, etc. What model were you planning on using?
P.S. I have heard reports of sixline wrasses becoming highly aggressive, but I do not know very much about these fish.

Yes I’m planing on using the hyyger sponge filter for forty gallons to 50gallons