How to cycle new Sponge filter?

I am such an idiot. I thought a sponge filter was a filter that used sponge as the media. I have just found out it is an actual sponge which is the filter. On doing research I kept buying different filters and modifying them to be suitable for a betta. Now I realise I can buy an actual sponge filter. I want to buy one for my betta as I feel it is safer as he is obsessed with my current filter despite it being modified to have almost no flow. What I would like to ask is, how do I go about using a new sponge filter as I am assuming it needs to be cycled? Sorry if this is a stupid question.

 

Just get your sponge and put it in the tank running with the other filter still running. Leave it for about a month and you will be fine.

 

Just get your sponge and put it in the tank running with the other filter still running. Leave it for about a month and you will be fine.

Thank you that is so helpful. Will that be okay on its own or do I need to get an air pump?

Just get your sponge and put it in the tank running with the other filter still running. Leave it for about a month and you will be fine.

Thank you that is so helpful. Will that be okay on its own or do I need to get an air pump?

 

You will need an air pump. Also a valve to adjust the air flow.

 

You will need an air pump. Also a valve to adjust the air flow.

Thank you. I will research into which one to get.

 

Yes, and you will also need a check valve so water can't back flow out of the tank.

 

Yes, and you will also need a check valve so water can't back flow out of the tank.

Thank you. I have no idea what that is but I will look it up.

 

Thank you. I have no idea what that is but I will look it up.

Usually on like amazon or something you can get them along with the airline.

 

Usually on like amazon or something you can get them along with the airline.

Thank you very much for helping me. I am looking now.

 

Thank you. I have no idea what that is but I will look it up.

It's a valve that basically creates a one-way path for airflow. Air is allowed to flow OUT from the pump, but nothing (especially water!) is allowed to flow in the opposite direction. This prevents your entire tank water contents from ending up on your floor. $2 well spent!

 

It's a valve that basically creates a one-way path for airflow. Air is allowed to flow OUT from the pump, but nothing (especially water!) is allowed to flow in the opposite direction. This prevents your entire tank water contents from ending up on your floor. $2 well spent!

Thank you for explaining that. It sounds like a great tool to have.

 

The imagitarium pumps from petco usually come with airline, check valve and an airstone in the box. Both check valves and the air flow valves are pretty cheap though. Usually $3 or less

 

The imagitarium pumps from petco usually come with airline, check valve and an airstone in the box. Both check valves and the air flow valves are pretty cheap though. Usually $3 or less

Thank you. There is no pet co here but I have ordered everything online and it is due on Monday.