Kitchen Sponge As Aquarium Filter Media?

Would a clean, unused kitchen sponge work in place of the store bought white pouch w/ carbon filling inside of my hob filter? I would have to cut the sponge in half so which side would work better, the scrubby side or the soft side? I figure it would last longer than the thin white pouches that are made for the filter. I'm hoping to eliminate the activated carbon from my filter. Of course, if I choose to do this, I would float the cut sponge in the tank for a few weeks before removing my current filter media.

 

Yes, it will work, as long as it’s a plain sponge with no added detergent, cleaners, or chemicals.

 

Basically, in addition to making sure the sponge doesn't have any detergents, cleaners, or chemicals, you have to make sure it isn't made from cellulose. Cellulose will deteriorate in the aquarium. Get plastic foam sponges instead

 

I'd just get an Aquaclear sponge.

 

Would a clean, unused kitchen sponge work in place of the store bought white pouch w/ carbon filling inside of my hob filter? I would have to cut the sponge in half so which side would work better, the scrubby side or the soft side? I figure it would last longer than the thin white pouches that are made for the filter. I'm hoping to eliminate the activated carbon from my filter. Of course, if I choose to do this, I would float the cut sponge in the tank for a few weeks before removing my current filter media.

Yeah be super careful.. sometimes they put anti-mildew chemicals on kitchen sponges. Probably best just to get aquarium sponges to avoid any possibility of disaster

 

Eh is it worth the risk? Your better off going to a hardware store and get a bag of lava rock. Or spend like $7.00 for some AquaClear sponges.

 

The AC 'Foam' is much better. Kitchen sponges seem like they would clog a lot easier/quicker.

1.39 for a ac20 3 pack



Or stock up. I'm going to buy these next. seems like the best value

 

I found about 35 cubic inches of this sponge like thing for 2$ at my local convenience store. The packaging doesn't say what it's made from, but it feels like plastic and looks like it has the same structure as a $7 filter sponge I've been looking at one the internet. Has anyone used this before? Is there a way to test if it's okay for aquarium use or not?

 

I’ve tried it. Kitchen sponges tend to hold on to water, rather than let water pass right through them like filter sponge. Horses for courses? You can buy very cheap pond foam online...

 

Look online for 3-packs of Aqauclear refill sponges.

They come in different sizes, depending on what model replacement it's for.

Even the larger AC70 sponge refill 3-packs can be had for $5.

Here is a link for a thread on using DIY filter media. It will give you some ideas for effective and inexpensive ways to not have to keep using cartridge filters.