Submersible internal aquarium sponge filter and producing ox

I saw a YTuber build a tank the other day and if he answered questions I'd ask him, but he doesn't.
This is where you come in

I've seen it before, he uses the title above type filter in some of his tanks. These filters typically come with enough extras that you can produce a rainfall on the surface to agitate and create oxygen, but he does not use that. It's more of a filtered powerhead than anything the way he uses it. Just to push water around and filter up through a sponge and any other media you might be able to squeeze into the compartment.

So how does this give the fish O2?

Geez, if my title isn't too short it's too long...
Lets see, 82-60=22. Backspace 22 characters.
Do spaces count? We'll find out.

ETA: Spaces count!

 

Do you mean a sponge filter?

 

No. Sponge filters as I know them are powered by an external air pump, releasing bubbles.
This is all internal (within the water), like this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096ZRR2P2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But as I said, the Tuber does not use anything above the surface.

 

Ah, got it. A picture is worth a thousand words! If it creates any surface agitation at all, it'll help with gas exchange. Nothing "creates" oxygen, but the more disrupted your water surface is, the more gas exchange will occur, which will replenish oxygen in the water. Using a spray bar would help with that prices, but it's optional.

 

That is my understanding as well.

 

Looks like an Eheim internal filer with a spray bar attachment. I think I have the filer here,.....somewhere the rest would be elbows and fittings available on the likes of ebay or amazon I would guess.
Let me know if you need filer details and can always post a photo.

 

These filters typically come with enough extras that you can produce a rainfall on the surface to agitate and create oxygen, but he does not use that. It's more of a filtered powerhead than anything the way he uses it.

I think this part of my OP is being glanced over. Or I did not phrase it right.

This guy pushed it into his tank close to the bottom. The filter does not agitate the surface or use the spray bar. It would only move water (create flow) like a powerhead would.

So how do his tanks produce oxygen for the fish? Could he be relying solely on plants?

 

What YouTuber is it?

 

I think this part of my OP is being glanced over. Or I did not phrase it right.

This guy pushed it into his tank close to the bottom. The filter does not agitate the surface or use the spray bar. It would only move water (create flow) like a powerhead would.

So how do his tanks produce oxygen for the fish? Could he be relying solely on plants?

Could you show us which video?

 

I think he's called MD Fish Tanks. That's close without looking it up.
British guy that likes to chuckle a lot. Beautiful scapes/builds.
He appears to only use canisters or these submersible filters. I was thinking of trying one, but then the thoughts about oxygen had me wondering.


----NEW POST------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Could you show us which video?

I didn't really want to call him out, but I guess I already have

I wouldn't know where to begin to look through my history. One was a Betta tank and one was an Amazon type tank.
-----------NEW POST---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's one. Barely a ripple on the water directly across from the filter's outlet.




Not sure how to post the link for the pic. It will probably be the whole video.

 

So how do his tanks produce oxygen for the fish? Could he be relying solely on plants?

Gas exchange will always happen when air and water are in contact with each other. Remember that there are countless Bettas in the world being kept in vases with 100% water changes every month or two. The sort of setup your talking about isn't ideal for every aquarium, but it looks like this guy has found a way to make it work well.

 

Gas exchange will always happen when air and water are in contact with each other. Remember that there are countless Bettas in the world being kept in vases with 100% water changes every month or two. The sort of setup your talking about isn't ideal for every aquarium, but it looks like this guy has found a way to make it work well.

I was told there had to be turbulence (for lack of a better word). The surface tension had to be broken to oxygenate a tank. But they could be wrong.

The Betta was the easiest video to find. I realize it's a Betta and something would be said. The Amazon one, in a much larger tank with more fish, would be more difficult to find, but utilizes the same method. And I remember him talking about slow movement. he simply tucked the filter out of the way towards the bottom.

And truth be told, he rarely comes back to a tank. I have no idea if all he does works much past a twenty minute video or not.
I know I'm suspect of some of the lighting he uses. In other words, it doesn't seem to be working for me long term.

 

Wise insights! There are a lot of things done for views and likes that aren't necessarily sustainable or in the best interests of the long-game for a setup or its inhabitants.

As with all things in this hobby, "can" and "should" are not equivalent. You totally COULD run one of these internal filters at the bottom of your tank, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best move for your particular setup, knowing what we do about the benefits of aeration.

 

If your looking for water agitation you would just aim the spout up so it’s breaking the top water. For more co2 you need to break the surface. I’ve got this set up in my qt tank. I removed the spout and added a spray bar.

 

If your looking for water agitation you would just aim the spout up so it’s breaking the top water. For more co2 you need to break the surface. I’ve got this set up in my qt tank. I removed the spout and added a spray bar.View attachment 824459

The ones I've seen, and have myself, the discharge spout is not moveable by itself. The only way you could agitate the surface is by having the spout level with the surface. Or maybe have the filter on the back wall aimed at the front wall. It would still need to be close to the surface though. Not like how MD is using it.

I'd like to use one in my new tank, but will probably use the spray bar attachment. I like the effect and I know I'll be oxygenating the water that way.

 

Hi all,
I subscribe to MD fish tanks.
Like many things in life it’s always good to get a second opinion.
He is very enthusiastic ,but I believe he is not necessarily the best source of all information as it clear he is not a “ long timer” .

Having joined my local aquarium society a few years ago my feeling now is “ the more I learn the more I realise I don’t know “

 

Yes we’re always learning. The one I use is an odysea. 250 in 60 and under and a 350 in bigger. They cost about $20 on eBay and the spout is adjustable. Or you can add a spray bar.

 

I do like his enthusiasm and his builds can be beautiful , what annoys me is the babbling about plants! My thoughts are his builds are for aesthetics not for the fish long term , which is fine if it works for him as he will just rip the tank down, put the fish somewhere else ( who knows where ?) and start something new. Does he offer a reason why he puts the filter so low ?? Hmm, I’m going to have to go and watch it again now !

 

I've never heard him give a reason for placing them low. The one he used on an Amazon (I think) build you could not even notice it.
And they are handy filters to have on hand for cleaning up a dirty tank or giving you more filtration without the bubbles of a sponge filter.

 

He is very enthusiastic ,but I believe he is not necessarily the best source of all information as it clear he is not a “ long timer” .

I was cry-laughing at his attempt of a Rio Negro tank and he made a biotope podcast (The Tint) do a special to rant. He has some nice tricks up his sleeves when it comes to small practical solutions for problems you thought you'd never have (Like how to put a Monstera plant in your tank without breaking things...), I must admit.
But I would tell any beginner to take all his advice about the needs of fish with a hefty spoon of salt.

At least he tries to incorporate botanicals and some other stuff and one can see, that he's learning a lot as he goes, but still, first and foremost a producer and youtuber.

About the filters: I use the tiny internal filters for storage containers when exchanging or moving tanks. The very model PAcanis linked we used in September when moving a friends tank to keep the storage boxes with the fish aerated, even let the media run in the tank for three months before. Now it's used pretty much just as a powerhead by the owner of the tank.
The general type of filter is what I had running in my tank for two years now, but I got a canister filter for free, just had to get some spare parts, so I switched to that type again after decades.
Still got the media of the internal in the external, so I can jumpstart a new, QT or hospital tank up to 100l with the small filter any time.