How to set up sponge filter

I'm curious as to how to set up a sponge filter. I see in pictures that it uses an air tube and the air pump.? If I'm correct . If so, do you just need to clear tube, sponge filter , and the air pump. Or is there other items that you need?

They only sell the sponge filter itself, nothing else so itd be helpful to know exactly what I need all together lol

Thanks !

 

An air pump, the hose, a check valve and the sponge filter itself. That's about it. Same as you would need for an air stone.

 

Yup. Air pump, hose, check valve and sponge filter. The sponge filter will come in a kit and you just attach the air line to it.

 

Yup. Air pump, hose, check valve and sponge filter. The sponge filter will come in a kit and you just attach the air line to it.

What do you do with the check valve? Where does that go ?

 

In the air line. It goes air pump to air line to check valve to air line to sponge filter. A check valve should ALWAYS be used on ANY and EVERY air line. If the power goes out your entire tank can siphon out through an air line onto the floor without a check valve. And theyre like 99 cents for 2 at my local shop, so absolutely no reason to not use one.

 

In the air line. It goes air pump to air line to check valve to air line to sponge filter. A check valve should ALWAYS be used on ANY and EVERY air line. If the power goes out your entire tank can siphon out through an air line onto the floor without a check valve. And theyre like 99 cents for 2 at my local shop, so absolutely no reason to not use one.

So a sponge filter can leak the entire tank ? ? That's crazy . I better research more on sponge filters then... Is there any chance of the tank leaking still with having the check valve? That's only if the power turns off. I figured a sponge filter would be easier lol

 

With a check valve slI'm to none. They should be on any hose going into your tank for things like an air stone or bubble bar too. Cheap insurance.

 

An airline with out a check valve won't automatically back siphon tank water out of the tank when the air pump loses power, but its possible.

That's why the check valves are always recommended. Cheap insurance like david said.

Or keep the air pump raised above the water line. If that is possible, then there is no way the air line can back siphon water out of tank.

I keep a sponge filter in every tank. They work great and highly recommend them.

Here are some videos on them...

 

So a sponge filter can leak the entire tank ? ? That's crazy . I better research more on sponge filters then... Is there any chance of the tank leaking still with having the check valve? That's only if the power turns off. I figured a sponge filter would be easier lol

Not just a sponge filter, ANYTHING that an air pump is attached to. Air pumps are pressurized, pumping air through a tube into the tank. Whether its a small air stone, sponge filter, treasure chest, etc. ANYTHING an airline is attached to! When the power goes out or the pump burns out the reverse pressure can draw water back through the tube and siphon the tank out. It happens. It doesn't ALWAYS happen, but check valves are so cheap there's absolutely no reason to not use one.