Set Up For Sponge Filter

HI so I was planning on setting up a sponge filter with an air pump, but I was doing research before I bought anything. So if I buy the sponge filter, Tetra whisper air pump, and extra tubing, is that all I would need? Do I need extra tubing or does it come with the air pump? Do I need to get an air valve or something? I've been watching youtube vids, and people put valves and "air stoppers" between the air pump and sponge filter. Is that necessary? Thanks in advance!

 

Tagging toolman and FishFish221

 

You connect the airline tubing to the air pump, and then connect the other end to the sponge filter. Really easy to set up. The check valves that people put are for stopping the water from flowing into the air pump incase of a power outtage. You can get away with it by putting the air pump above the water line (I put it on my HOB filter lid).

 

You connect the airline tubing to the air pump, and then connect the other end to the sponge filter. Really easy to set up. The check valves that people put are for stopping the water from flowing into the air pump incase of a power outtage. You can get away with it by putting the air pump above the water line (I put it on my HOB filter lid).

So does the air pump come with the tubing so that the sponge filter can easily reach the air pump? I only need to buy the air pump itself and the sponge filter, nothing else?

 

So does the air pump come with the tubing so that the sponge filter can easily reach the air pump? I only need to buy the air pump itself and the sponge filter, nothing else?

It really depends, usually it doesn't, some do, but if it doesn't say so on the packaging, it probably doesn't.

 

You don't have to, but I highly recommend both a check valve and a adjustment valve. The check valve ensures the water doesn't run out of your tank. If the power goes out,just like a siphon, water will flow through the airline potentially emptying your tank.
A check valve lets the water move in one direction only stoping this.

A adjustment valve, sold in a bank of 2 or more usually just lets you adjust the air coming through the airline.

 

You don't have to, but I highly recommend both a check valve and a adjustment valve. The check valve ensures the water doesn't run out of your tank. If the power goes out,just like a siphon, water will flow through the airline potentially emptying your tank.
A check valve lets the water move in one direction only stoping this.

A adjustment valve, sold in a bank of 2 or more usually just lets you adjust the air coming through the airline.

If I don't need to worry about a power outage, would you still recommend buying it, or do you think I could get away without it?

 

I also recommend check valve, if nothing else it will give you more flexibility where to put the pump. They are very cheap too, especially on ebay, though you have to wait for them forever

 

I also recommend check valve, if nothing else it will give you more flexibility where to put the pump. They are very cheap too, especially on ebay, though you have to wait for them forever

I was just thinking of putting the pump on the floor next to the tank. I would put the sponge filter inside the tank, which will be meant for fry. I live in a desert state, so I really don't think the power will ever go out. Would I need an adjustment valve so the air isn't too strong for the fry?

 

FishFish221 do I need an air stone? What are they and what are they used for?

 

FishFish221 do I need an air stone? What are they and what are they used for?

If you are connecting it to the sponge filter, no. If you are not connecting it to a sponge filter or any other air powered filter, you can if you want. They just make smaller bubbles, nothing else

 

If you are connecting it to the sponge filter, no. If you are not connecting it to a sponge filter or any other air powered filter, you can if you want. They just make smaller bubbles, nothing else

Oh ok. I guess that isn't necessary. Thanks!

 

I was just thinking of putting the pump on the floor next to the tank. I would put the sponge filter inside the tank, which will be meant for fry. I live in a desert state, so I really don't think the power will ever go out. Would I need an adjustment valve so the air isn't too strong for the fry?

Yes I'd say you need a Check valve. Adjustment valve is optional, besides some pumps have adjustible settings themselves

 

Yes I'd say you need a Check valve. Adjustment valve is optional, besides some pumps have adjustible settings themselves

Ok thanks for responding!