Any sponge filter?

[konceppt]

Hi all,

I currently have an all in one canister type filter and pump combinations.It has quite a strong flow also.I have noticed that a lot of people are using sponge filters connected to an air pump.I know nothing about these filters.Should i buy one?

I have an air pump connected to an air stone at the minute but i would be happy connecting it to another filter if it will benefit my new fish.I typed discus sponge filter on ebay but i have a few questions.

1)Why are they so cheap????
Even a basic pump/filter costs more than a sponge filter rated for 500 litre tanks.

I tried to posta link to my ebay search but i cannot as my post count is too low.
Could someone do a search for a sponge filter on ebay uk and link me the best option?
I want to get it ordered asap and hopefully arrive before i get the fish.

2)How do they work? i.e) how do they actually draw water through to filter it?

Thanks
Ben

[William Palumbo]

They are relatively cheap because there is not much to them. Yes, water is drawn up thru them. They act as a mechanical filter, but much better as a biological filter...the reason they are used so much. Lots of designs out there, you just need to pick one that works for you. If you are running an airstone, I would rather run a sponge on that line and get more out of it. Just with sponges, no matter what style or brand...best to get the right sized sponge for your aquarium...Bill

[dawrtw]

I have them in my discus tank and my angel fry tanks. Here is where I got mine. Maybe he can give you full details.

Blue Lagoon Cichlids
1060 Elizabeth Drive Suite 6
Nicholasville, KY 40356
(859) 887-4058

[konceppt]

Once my post count gets over 10 i will post some links to some sponge filters i am looking at on ebay.Could someone give me an opinion on the best choice?

[konceppt]

Ok here is the link,Any advice?
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=discus+filter&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[dawrtw]

The larger single sponge is the one I use and the one offered at Blue Lagoon.

[konceppt]

this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAD-SPONGE-FILTER-FRY-DISCUS-TANKS-LARGE-/370489288165?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item5642e1e5e5

[DiscusBR]

I have 2 Hydro Sponge Filters from Jehmco in my new 80g tank, which you can see in this youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTXDAYfRdiE

[shawnhu]

Jehmco's sponge filters and excellent service has me going back to them again and again.

[ericatdallas]

1)Why are they so cheap????
Even a basic pump/filter costs more than a sponge filter rated for 500 litre tanks.


lol, I guess things are relative. I think they are expensive. They're sponges! A sponge should not cost that much. It's a sponge with a plastic tube. I think like everything else in the hobby, we get ripped off. All they do is repackage stuff we use everyday (dechlorinators and aquarium salt to name two).

[hillmar78]

Also I keep a few mini sponge filters in my main tank for bio whenever I need to use my hospital/quarantine tank. Just remove and drop into the small tank and instant cycle!