A rant about sponge filters

Okay, this has been sitting on me for a bit and I neeeeeed to let it out.

Sponge filters are literally GOD SEND.

Seriously, I will make my religion praising the person who created sponge filters.

They have solved ALL my problems created by HOB filters.
They are quiet; HOBs are not
They require very little maintenance; HOBs are a whole extra living thing to care for
They leave your floating plants in peace; HOBs suck them all up
You can leave them on during water changes and you don’t have to go through a whole ordeal the way you do with HOBs.

Now I haven’t used sponge filters long, they may not support BB as well and filter the whole tank as well, because I’ve been using both an HOB and a sponge for awhile now. But I’m ready to take down my HOB, because it’s loud and a whole extra load of work.

Another thing: Sponge filters outdo airstones completely. I see no reason to get an air stone instead of a sponge filter. Literally for a few extra bucks you just get a whole new filtration system as well as oxygen exchange and surface agitation.

Anyways, TL;DR, HOBs suck and Sponge filters are my religion

 

If they also work with sand substrate, I'm ready to convert!!

I'm thinking of getting one, but I have sand. I'm intimidated by sponge filters
They seem too simple, and too good to be true.

 

Okay, this has been sitting on me for a bit and I neeeeeed to let it out.

Sponge filters are literally GOD SEND.

Seriously, I will make my religion praising the person who created sponge filters.

They have solved ALL my problems created by HOB filters.
They are quiet; HOBs are not
They require very little maintenance; HOBs are a whole extra living thing to care for
They leave your floating plants in peace; HOBs suck them all up
You can leave them on during water changes and you don’t have to go through a whole ordeal the way you do with HOBs.

Now I haven’t used sponge filters long, they may not support BB as well and filter the whole tank as well, because I’ve been using both an HOB and a sponge for awhile now. But I’m ready to take down my HOB, because it’s loud and a whole extra load of work.

Another thing: Sponge filters outdo airstones completely. I see no reason to get an air stone instead of a sponge filter. Literally for a few extra bucks you just get a whole new filtration system as well as oxygen exchange and surface agitation.

Anyways, TL;DR, HOBs suck and Sponge filters are my religion

So true!

I also have to comment on your signature. It's awesome!

 

I agree sponge filters are the best I swear by them

 

A neat thing you can do with sponge filters, if you are planning on setting up another aquarium to help it cycle faster. Get a set of these double sponge filters
Set one up in your existing tank to run for awhile. So that when you want to cycle another tank, put another of these sponge filters in that tank. Then take one of the cycled sponges out of the cycled tank and stick on the new sponge filter in the new tank.

 

If they also work with sand substrate, I'm ready to convert!!

I'm thinking of getting one, but I have sand. I'm intimidated by sponge filters
They seem too simple, and too good to be true.

I have a couple tanks with sponge filters and sand. No issues.

 

If they also work with sand substrate, I'm ready to convert!!

I'm thinking of getting one, but I have sand. I'm intimidated by sponge filters
They seem too simple, and too good to be true.

Sand safe
They seem too good to be true and I have one, so I understand

 

Sponge filters have been around forever, and yes, they're simple, and simple is nothing to be afraid of. They're nothing new, and it's my understanding many, or maybe most, breeders use them exclusively.

Their only drawbacks are that many prople don't like seeing them, they're ugly. HOB filters are less intrusive. They (newest ones excluded) don't provide chemical (activated carbon) filtration. They also can't provide as much current as HOB and canister filters do.

I use one in my 20 gallon, along with a HOB, but the HOB really isn't necessary. The sponge is more than sufficient. I could remove my HOB any time, and not see a difference.

 

I personally have not had the issues listed with HOB filters. My AquaClears are very quiet and relatively easy to maintain. The air compressor I used to use for one of my sponge filters was much more audible than any of my AC's. And since I use a pre-filter on all of my HOB's and canister filters, I don't have issues with plants being sucked up. The main gripe I have with sponge filters is performance. I have had better luck with my HOBs and canisters sucking up debris and fish waste compared to the sponge filters I used in the past. But to each their own. Everyone has different experiences and preferences. I will say that sponge filters are great if you don't want a strong current blowing around delicate plants.

Edit: I will also add that sponge filters alone, IME, don't usually cut it in larger tanks. Especially if you need a current. Many fish species prefer current over stagnant water.

 

Personally I like my canister filters. I have one on a 10g. A 25g. 20g and 90g. Quieter than HOB and sponge filters. Less ugly. and easy to hide the parts.

 

Personally I like my canister filters. I have one on a 10g. A 25g. 20g and 90g. Quieter than HOB and sponge filters. Less ugly. and easy to hide the parts.

That's another gripe I have with sponge filters and another reason I stopped using them in some of my tanks. Complete eyesore IMO. Canisters and *some* HOB filters are more aesthetically pleasing.

 

That's another gripe I have with sponge filters and another reason I stopped using them in some of my tanks. Complete eyesore IMO. Canisters and *some* HOB filters are more aesthetically pleasing.

I agree. I had sponge filters in my betta tank in the past and it just was not pretty. Never liked it. In my 90g I have an ehiem canister. it has those green tubes and fittings but I have it hidden behind some of my big green plants. Blends right in.

 

While I agree with OP on many points, I also don't find HOB filters to be loud - if you let the water evaporate out of your tank, or have a low water line, then yes, you'll have a loud trickle. But, assuming the tanks are filled, I find HOBs to be almost silent - and I'm talking all of the semi-decent ones I've used. Aquaclears, Aqueons, Marinelands, and even Top Fin filters have all been relatively silent. An air pump (especially a piston pump that you'd need to run a room full of tanks) has always been louder to my ear, not to mention the constant bubbling.

 

I agree. I had sponge filters in my betta tank in the past and it just was not pretty. Never liked it. In my 90g I have an ehiem canister. it has those green tubes and fittings but I have it hidden behind some of my big green plants. Blends right in.

Love the green tubing on the Eheims.

While I agree with OP on many points, I also don't find HOB filters to be loud - if you let the water evaporate out of your tank, or have a low water line, then yes, you'll have a loud trickle. But, assuming the tanks are filled, I find HOBs to be almost silent - and I'm talking all of the semi-decent ones I've used. Aquaclears, Aqueons, Marinelands, and even Top Fin filters have all been relatively silent. An air pump (especially a piston pump that you'd need to run a room full of tanks) has always been louder to my ear, not to mention the constant bubbling.

True. I can't hear any of my AquaClears, they are virtually silent. I have to put my ear up to them to actually hear the motor. Cleaning them takes all of about 5 minutes. Just entails dunking the media basket in a bucket of aquarium water. And wringing out the sponge.

 

That's another gripe I have with sponge filters and another reason I stopped using them in some of my tanks. Complete eyesore IMO. Canisters and *some* HOB filters are more aesthetically pleasing.

I have plants in front of most of my sponge filters that almost completely hide them.

 

I agree sponge filters are a good choice for filters. Now about them being loud you might need to clean yours. Mine are all dead silent. On tanks running both the air pump is by far the loudest part of the system. My tidals are amazing. Almost dead silent never needs primed. If I let water get too low it can be loud

 

I agree sponge filters are a good choice for filters. Now about them being loud you might need to clean yours. Mine are all dead silent. On tanks running both the air pump is by far the loudest part of the system. My tidals are amazing. Almost dead silent never needs primed. If I let water get too low it can be loud

I've had my Tidal almost a year, and it's not quite, it's silent. Having the pump inside the tank, completely eliminates noise, except, like you said, when the water level drops, and you can hear the waterfall. My Penguin bio-wheel was also quiet, but not as quiet as the Tidal. My air pump is fairly quiet, but if anything bumps, or comes into contact, it goes from fairly quiet, to an obnoxious hum. Not quiet.

 

I have plants in front of most of my sponge filters that almost completely hide them.

On some of the small to mid-size sponge filters, I have seen it done quite well. I have just had the best luck with HOB's and Canisters. Only one of my tanks has a sponge filter and it's used primarily as a support filter to my AquaClear 70.

 

On some of the small to mid-size sponge filters, I have seen it done quite well. I have just had the best luck with HOB's and Canisters. Only one of my tanks has a sponge filter and it's used primarily as a support filter to my AquaClear 70.

I have a sponge rated for 40 gallons, and it's big in my 20 gallon tank, but like JettsPapa says, they can be hidden fairly easily. I keep mine as a backup, and if needed, it's always ready to go into another tank, if needed in an emergency.

 

I have a sponge rated for 40 gallons, and it's big in my 20 gallon tank, but like JettsPapa says, they can be hidden fairly easily. I keep mine as a backup, and if needed, it's always ready to go into another tank, if needed in an emergency.

I had a big sponge filter in a 55 and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't completely cover it lol. Then again, I didn't have the right plants to do so in the first place. Just java fern and anubias. Don't get me wrong I like the simplicity of sponge filters. I just prefer the versatility of HOB's like Tidals/AquaClears.

 

I had a big sponge filter in a 55 and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't completely cover it lol. Then again, I didn't have the right plants to do so in the first place. Just java fern and anubias. Don't get me wrong I like the simplicity of sponge filters. I just prefer the versatility of HOB's like Tidals/AquaClears.

You won't get an argument from me . Because I can't keep plants alive with my black thumb, and the size of that spiderwood, I just try to keep mine as far out of sight as possible .

 

40 years with tanks and I have to admit, I never had a sponge filter.

Maybe one day.

 

You won't get an argument from me . Because I can't keep plants alive with my black thumb, and the size of that spiderwood, I just try to keep mine as far out of sight as possible .
View attachment 705137View attachment 705138

Yours is hidden and tucked back much better than mine was. It actually looks nice and blends in. BTW is that a digital temp controller on the bottom right? I don't want to get too off topic, just curious lol

 

Yours is hidden and tucked back much better than mine was. It actually looks nice and blends in. BTW is that a digital temp controller on the bottom right? I don't want to get too off topic, just curious lol

Yes it is... Tell us about your DIY projects!!! (Plz post pics) | 452642 | DIY - Do It Yourself

 

I have to think there is something going wrong with it if one hears their HOB filter running. Maybe the water level is too low and water hitting water is the sound they make. I run 2 penn-plax cascade 300"s on my biggest tank (along with 2 dual sponge filters), 1 cascade 300 and 1 dual sponge filter on my 12 gallon grow out tank and a smaller cascade on my 5.5 gallon tank. I actually check from time to time to make sure I see water running through them. They are that quiet. I clean out my HOB filters maybe twice a year so for me they are very low maintenance.

On the other hand, the air pump I have running the sponge filters in the 55 and 12 gallon has to be inside the cabinet I have the 55 sitting on and even then if the house is quiet I can still hear it running. It is supposed to be a quiet pump but I don't think the reviews were truthful about that. I expected a fluval product to live up to its claims. I was wrong. Thankfully I can't hear the air pump that runs the sponges in my shrimp bowl and snail jar since it is sitting not more than 8 feet from me right now. .

 

I have one in each tank. Both are 20g size. I have to run a airstone in my 55 anyway so why not have emergency media in case something happens.

 

I have to think there is something going wrong with it if one hears their HOB filter running. Maybe the water level is too low and water hitting water is the sound they make. I run 2 penn-plax cascade 300"s on my biggest tank (along with 2 dual sponge filters), 1 cascade 300 and 1 dual sponge filter on my 12 gallon grow out tank and a smaller cascade on my 5.5 gallon tank. I actually check from time to time to make sure I see water running through them. They are that quiet. I clean out my HOB filters maybe twice a year so for me they are very low maintenance.

On the other hand, the air pump I have running the sponge filters in the 55 and 12 gallon has to be inside the cabinet I have the 55 sitting on and even then if the house is quiet I can still hear it running. It is supposed to be a quiet pump but I don't think the reviews were truthful about that. I expected a fluval product to live up to its claims. I was wrong. Thankfully I can't hear the air pump that runs the sponges in my shrimp bowl and snail jar since it is sitting not more than 8 feet from me right now. .

When it comes to air pumps, quiet is a relative term. You have an electro-mechanical arm that's in constant motion, and it's extremely difficult (expensive and bulky) to isolate that movement from the body of the pump. Then you have the diaphragm that is also in constant motion adding to the overall effect. The body of the pump is constantly vibrating, so anything that comes in contact with it will also vibrate. Quiet, is relative. My Whisper 60, is quiet .

 

When it comes to air pumps, quiet is a relative term. You have an electro-mechanical arm that's in constant motion, and it's extremely difficult (expensive and bulky) to isolate that movement from the body of the pump. Then you have the diaphragm that is also in constant motion adding to the overall effect. The body of the pump is constantly vibrating, so anything that comes in contact with it will also vibrate. Quiet, is relative. My Whisper 60, is quiet .

Most of the air pumps I have had through the years have been fairly quite as long as I sit them on a piece of sponge and make sure nothing it touching them. For the most part all I would hear is a quiet hum and that is to be expected because of the way they work. This fluval is super loud no matter how I have it situated. Much much more than a hum or even a vibration. I know I would never recommend anyone buy one like it. This one is soon to be replaced.

 

I got a whisper 60 and it went right back to the store it was so loud. I got the Fluval instead and it was better .....not by much. I put it a plastic box with yoga mat around the sides closed in my stand and it was still loud. It only lasted about 3 months and died. Right now I have 2 air pumps from old 3g tanks I hung from the openings inside my stand and they are pretty dang quiet. They are only running the sponges so it works!

 

Most of the air pumps I have had through the years have been fairly quite as long as I sit them on a piece of sponge and make sure nothing it touching them. For the most part all I would hear is a quiet hum and that is to be expected because of the way they work. This fluval is super loud no matter how I have it situated. Much much more than a hum or even a vibration. I know I would never recommend anyone buy one like it. This one is soon to be replaced.

I get your point. There's nothing worse than spending our hard earned money on something that's supposed to be a quality product, and then it turns out to be a lemon, but I wouldn't hold that against Fluval, or that particular pump. With mass production, there's always going to be a small percentage that slip through the cracks, and aren't going to work as advertised.

That's why I won't buy Marineland bio-wheel filters. I've never had one that the wheel(s) doesn't stop turning, and no matter how I clean them, the wheel just sits in one place. But they get high reviews, and people swear by them.

I've been really happy with my Whisper pump. So far, it's lived up to it's claims .

 

I have had 2 Bio wheel filters one was super quiet one was not. The little top fin kit filter I use in my 5 is also super quiet. My canister is super quiet. So the air pumps are the loudest thing in my system.

 

Well I have been meaning to come to the dark side (sponge filters ) for my shrimp tank. We all know shrimps love sponges. But I just switched to sand, so I didn't know if that was going to clog it up or not.

(please forgive my never ending stupidity) BUT IM STILL CONFUSED how air that pushes in, creates a cleaning suction action? How does this magic work??? I just don't get it.

But, I'm a visual learner, so I'm going to get one and figure it out.

 

I have had 2 Bio wheel filters one was super quiet one was not. The little top fin kit filter I use in my 5 is also super quiet. My canister is super quiet. So the air pumps are the loudest thing in my system.

Just for kicks, I installed a dB app on my phone. I set it next to my air pump and it read 60 dB. I unplugged the pump, and it read 50 dB. Next I took it into the bathroom. It read about 38 dB. That's quiet . I flushed the toilet, and it jumped from 38 to 80. Then I took it my garage, where I spend most of my time, and with the door to the street open, it reads about 60 to 65 dB.

What does that prove? Not much really, just that my air pump is quieter than a flushing toilet, and about the same noise level as my garage, lol. I also notice that when I 'm typing, it jumps up to about 70 dB. I've got a noisy keyboard .

 

Just for kicks, I installed a dB app on my phone. I set it next to my air pump and it read 60 dB. I unplugged the pump, and it read 50 dB. Next I took it into the bathroom. It read about 38 dB. That's quiet . I flushed the toilet, and it jumped from 38 to 80. Then I took it my garage, where I spend most of my time, and with the door to the street open, it reads about 60 to 65 dB.

What does that prove? Not much really, just that my air pump is quieter than a flushing toilet, and about the same noise level as my garage, lol. I also notice that when I 'm typing, it jumps up to about 70 dB. I've got a noisy keyboard .

Well if you had a flushing toilet sound all day every day you would think that was louder

 

Well I have been meaning to come to the dark side (sponge filters ) for my shrimp tank. We all know shrimps love sponges. But I just switched to sand, so I didn't know if that was going to clog it up or not.

(please forgive my never ending stupidity) BUT IM STILL CONFUSED how air that pushes in, creates a cleaning suction action? How does this magic work??? I just don't get it.

But, I'm a visual learner, so I'm going to get one and figure it out.

It's not the air pushing. It's the vacuum created and water being displaced by the bubbles floating from the bottom of the filter tube, up and out. This creates a pressure differential, and water flows from the tank, through the sponge into the tube to fill the void caused by the rising bubbles.

 

The reason I’ve had noise trouble with HOBs is different than just low water level. For a while I had just TopFin filters rated for the tank kits I bought. And they all make a rattling sound, some more than others. The impeller just jumps around and makes a load of noise. And when I got an Aquaclear, it didn’t stop. The reason noise is such a big deal to me is because my tanks are in my bedroom, so I have to sleep with the noise.

 

The reason I’ve had noise trouble with HOBs is different than just low water level. For a while I had just TopFin filters rated for the tank kits I bought. And they all make a rattling sound, some more than others. The impeller just jumps around and makes a load of noise. And when I got an Aquaclear, it didn’t stop. The reason noise is such a big deal to me is because my tanks are in my bedroom, so I have to sleep with the noise.

That's a real problem with a lot of HOB filters, and often, there's nothing you can do about it. That's one reason I went with a Tidal HOB. Their motors (pumps) are inside the tank, and under water, so that mutes a lot of the noise you may get from an imperfect impeller.

 

The reason I’ve had noise trouble with HOBs is different than just low water level. For a while I had just TopFin filters rated for the tank kits I bought. And they all make a rattling sound, some more than others. The impeller just jumps around and makes a load of noise. And when I got an Aquaclear, it didn’t stop. The reason noise is such a big deal to me is because my tanks are in my bedroom, so I have to sleep with the noise.

You must've had a lemon AquaClear. I have one that is currently sitting about 1 foot away from me (20 gallon tank next to my desk). I can't hear anything except for a slight trickle of water. I know that when AquaClear impellers get run down, they start to wobble around and create more noise. It's an easy fix and just involves spending a few bucks to replace the impeller assembly.

The last air pump I had was louder than any of my AquaClears, which is why I think everyone is just going to have different experience and preferences. I have had good luck with all of my HOB filters, with the exception of when I was just starting out using the cheap kits. Cheap HOB's are going to be noisy, it's a given.

 

I totally agree with this. I switched to sponge recently too. I love it. Soooooooooooo much better.

 

My air pump is in the cabinet of my tank stand, so that may be why the noise is so little. I tested the noise of both my AC and my sponge by unplugging one and listening to the other. The sponge is a soft hum with occasional bubble noise. The AC rattles loudly and somehow manages to make water noises even with the water level as high as possible.

On the contrary, I have a TopFin 10 running in my betta tank, and it’s actually totally silent. I actually wanted to run a small sponge in that tank, but the bubbles pushed my betta around too much so I pulled out the HOB instead. The other 3 TopFin filters I’ve had however, were even louder than my AC is.

I just don’t get the hype. If only all my others were as loyal, productive and long lasting as my TopFin 10 is :/