Super tiny sponge filter for 10 gallon and cycle questions

I’m setting up a quarantine tank right now, I ordered an air pump and sponge filter advertised for 10 gallons.
Before this filter I had a hob that I got used from a friend. I cycled the cartridge in my 30 gallon for 4 weeks and when it was ready to put in my 10 gallon, I found out that the filter was broken. So I ordered this sponge filter from Amazon and I am going to cycle it in the quarantine with quick start. I’m wondering if I even need to cycle it if I put the cycled cartridge next to the running sponge filter, will that work? Or will it speed up the process at all?


My other question: Is the sponge supposed to be this tiny?? The one for my 30 gallon is advertised for 30-60 gallons and it’s huge, I wasn’t expecting one for a ten gallon to be so small. I’m worried about the amount of media and if it’s going to hold enough bacteria. The bottom of it fits easily in the palm of my hand, and I have small hands.
Please help me out. Anyone who has a 10 gallon sponge filter, how big is it?

Thanks

 

My "sponge filter" for the 10g is the sponge out of an aquaclear 50 HOB w/ air stone core. I feel like it might be larger. Will post pics in one sec if I can.

 

If the 30 gal hob cartrige has stayed wet and oxygenated since it has broken, you can squeeze it out in the 10 gallon with the sponge filter running. If you are worried about it you can also throw the sponge filter in your cycled 30 gallon for a few weeks, them move it to the 10 gal. Imo that sponge filter on its own, in a bare bottom 10 is pretty small. However that is directly relative to what aquatic life gets Qt in the tank. I would rather (within reason) "over filter" my QT tank. Having to prematurely do a water change on a medicated tank because the ammonia or nitrates are jumping could further stress, weaken fish. Not to mention money spent on meds that were not allowed to run its course, and having to remedicate.

 

If the 30 gal hob cartrige has stayed wet and oxygenated since it has broken, you can squeeze it out in the 10 gallon with the sponge filter running. If you are worried about it you can also throw the sponge filter in your cycled 30 gallon for a few weeks, them move it to the 10 gal. Imo that sponge filter on its own, in a bare bottom 10 is pretty small. However that is directly relative to what aquatic life gets Qt in the tank. I would rather (within reason) "over filter" my QT tank. Having to prematurely do a water change on a medicated tank because the ammonia or nitrates are jumping could further stress, weaken fish. Not to mention money spent on meds that were not allowed to run its course, and having to remedicate.

Do you suggest that I get a bigger filter? I’m thinking of using some extra media that I have and using a rubber band to wrap it around the filter. It will about double the media, do you think that’s enough?

Thanks for your reply.

 

If possible I would just up size the sponge filter. Personally I use very little to no substrate in my dedicated QT tank so I can see any nasties or hitchhikers that come in. Like I said it all relative to what critters are in the tank. If all you ever need to QT at time is a is a hand full of cherry shrimp, or a couple of endlers, what you have could work just fine. Sponge filters are usually rather inexpensive and I think up sizing it it will make your life easier down the road.

Do you suggest that I get a bigger filter? I’m thinking of using some extra media that I have and using a rubber band to wrap it around the filter. It will about double the media, do you think that’s enough?

Thanks for your reply.

Sorry I just re read your post. Rubberbanding extra media around it sounds like a great idea! I would just make sure the rubber band is not so tight that it keeps the sponge squished.