Is My Sponge Filter Too Big?

I am trying to set up a 29gal tank. I have two filters on hand I can use, an Aqueon Quietflow Power 20 filter (which isn't quiet) and a Seapora Sponge Filter L.

They just had three sizes at the store, S, M, and L. Having heard sponge filters run small, I got L. Turns out this thing is for up to 60 gallons which was not listed on any side of the box.

I cannot get any pictures because my phone is broken (fell out of my pocket and hit the pavement).

I guess what I am asking is, will the sponge filter be fine? Or is there any way I can make the HOB filter quieter? (it makes both a dripping and humming noise, something my other two HOB filters don't make too much of.)

 

I am trying to set up a 29gal tank. I have two filters on hand I can use, an Aqueon Quietflow Power 20 filter (which isn't quiet) and a Seapora Sponge Filter L.

They just had three sizes at the store, S, M, and L. Having heard sponge filters run small, I got L. Turns out this thing is for up to 60 gallons which was not listed on any side of the box.

I cannot get any pictures because my phone is broken (fell out of my pocket and hit the pavement).

I guess what I am asking is, will the sponge filter be fine? Or is there any way I can make the HOB filter quieter? (it makes both a dripping and humming noise, something my other two HOB filters don't make too much of.)

Filtration wise there isn't anything bad about it being too bad. Depending on how much air you pump to it will dictate if the current is too strong or not for your inhabitants and the size of the bubbles might be too big if you are not using an airstone in it.

You also lose some swimming space as opposed to a smaller one.

HOB will depend on what area of it you are trying to reduce noise. If it's the splashing, then raising the water level or bafflling the output can help. If it's motor or impeller related, not much you can do but maybe check and clean it out the impeller to see if there's stuff stuck in it making the motor work harder. A lot of HOB units should have a small piece attached to it as well to reduce any vibrations against the glass. If it's the lid that's rattling, put something on top of it or wrap lid with rubber band to reduce the rattling noise.

 

I run AC HOBs without the hood. Makes a big difference in noise.

 

I find using two smalls or mediums just gives more flexibility to expand and have a second sponge filter. Also you can alternate squeezing them out at each water change so one is always undisturbed.

Honestly if the airpump will drive it, it's just about how much space it's going to take up. I have a small in the 10g, and a large int he 20g, and have both int he 20g when I'm not using the 10g for anything, I like that I have a cycled sponge at the ready. It comes in handy when I want new fish, basically just add water and dechlorinate and drop the filter in. and use it for added filtration when I want a tank empty.

 

The only disadvantage of an oversized sponge filter is the amount of space it occupies inside the tank. It is difficult to hide a large sponge filter. Two smaller sponges would be easier to hide.

A Quietflow 20 filter is undersized for a 29 gallon tank unless the tank is understocked. Thus, supplementing with one large or two small sponge filter is a great idea.

 

I really like running 2 sponge filters along with an AC 50 on both my 36 gallon tanks. Plenty of filtration and surface agitation so i generally don't have to worry about oxyggenation issues. And with the HOB, easy to add carbon of needed to remove meds. Not to mention, makes it easy to cycle them through for cleaning purposes so there is always 2 filters undisturbed.

 

Thanks guys! I did finally get a picture of the tank,


I'm wondering if I can find a tall, skinnier sponge to put on the filter. So it's not some big chunky thing.

 

Thanks guys! I did finally get a picture of the tank,
View attachment 882161
I'm wondering if I can find a tall, skinnier sponge to put on the filter. So it's not some big chunky thing.

As long as you plant to put some plants in I think you'll be able to easily hide that sponge. I use the sponge as a growth point for plants and they seem to really like all the accumulated gunk that gets under the sponge.

I use small sticks or even bamboo chopsticks, stick them into the substrate around the sponge to keep it in place roughly, then weave plants in and out of the chopsticks to create a forest effect surrounding the sponge filter.