Go Ahead And Laugh, But I Need Info! LOL!

[SeaWitch]

Okay, I have never used a sponge filter before, but now I would like to set two of them up in a 10g. I do not know how to make them, if they come already assembled and ready to use, what all equipment is needed for them, how they operate...nada.

I know that many ppl on here use them for their fry, so could someone please tell me all the info I would need to get the eqipment for two of them and how to set them up? Thanks so much. I know it seems silly that I don't know anything about them, but I have never had a reason to need any before; I have only seen pics of some. Go ahead and laugh! LOL!

[Virginia ranchu]

Hi Nickie,

We are not laughing at you, we are laughing with you:)

Seriously though, this forum is the place to ask questions.

Sponge filters are driven with an air pump, so all you need is a sponge filter, air pump and airline tubing. You can also add an air stone to the filter to keep the bubbles small and help with aeration.

When the air bubbles are release in the center of the sponge filter, water is drawn through the filter. The very small particles can be filtered out of the water by the sponge (mechanical filtration). The real benefit of the sponge filter happens later when the surface area of the filter becomes colonized by beneficial bacteria. These bacteria will convert toxic ammonia and nitrites to less toxic nitrates (biological filtration). To clean the filter, just give it a good squeeze and swish it around in aquarium water when you do your water changes. Do not rinse under the tap. The chlorinated water will kill your beneficial bacteria. Anyway, the Hydro brand filters are a good choice. Here is a link where you can find them.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10984/product.web

Cheers,

Rob

[SeaWitch]

Thank you, Rob! I do know how filtration works, about the cycling of the tank, etc. I have just never used sponge filters before. I have only had HOBs and pond filters so far.
I am planing to set my useless 10g tank up for my two bettas, divide it in half, plant it, and I wanted to use sponge filters instead of an HOB so that the current will not be too strong. I know I can block some of the current of the HOB, but I think the sponge filters will be best for the bettas. I appreciate your help and the link!:exact:

One more question if I may; I currently have an air pump made for a 40g tank, but it only has one output. I also have the tubing. Could you please tell me the name of the valve that I would need in order to run two airline off of this? Is it a Gang Valve?

[SeaWitch]

Also, what type of airstone would I need to go in the filters and how do you put then inside the Hydro sponge filters? Sorry for all the questions! I am just trying to order my stuff that I need.

[thomasn]

kens fish (http://www.kensfish.com/aticompletefilters.html) has better prices. I prefer the "pro" version.

you don't have to have an airstone but it'll be loud bubbling sound without. any cylinider type airstone that can fit inside the works from the 0.49 "bulk" airstones to the Rena Microbubbler. to connect, you use a small piece of airline tube from "bullseye" (top piece of sponge filter setup) to airstone. It'll be self expainatory once you get the filter.

it would be a gang valve. you might be able to use just a T splitter or get another small air pump.

[Cincy Ranchu]

I agree Ken's fish is a great place and you might also consider one sponge and one box filter and order some floss ( back to the 60'S):exact:

[SeaWitch]

I will check out Kens fish. I saw an ad for that place in a magazine just today. Is a box filter the same as an HOB? I already have some extra floss I could use. I keep it on hand. Thanks again!!!

[SeaWitch]

Nevermind, I found out what the box filter is. LOL! WOW, Kens Fish has some excellent prices, but they don't have everything that I need, and I hate to have to pay two shipping prices. I will keep them in mind for the future, though!:exact:

[Ranchumaniax]

Not sure if you already got what you need or not yet.
If not, list me what need and where u found the best price.
I'll price match and send them to you in 1 shipping cost.

Paul

[SeaWitch]

Not sure if you already got what you need or not yet.
If not, list me what need and where u found the best price.
I'll price match and send them to you in 1 shipping cost.

Paul

Thanks so much, but I already placed an order online at Pet Solutions. I was not aware that you had other supplies! I will definitely contact you next time and thanks for the offer!!!>:D<