Sponge Filter

[Abercrombie6202]

I read some stuff about the sponge filter on this site, but this will be my first time having one. How do you clean it, why do you clean it? How long does it take to grow bacteria on it, to finish the nitrogen cycle?

[Carol_Roberts]

You clean a sponge filter by squeezing it out in dechlorinated water - like used tank water. Most people clean it when it becomes clogged with food and feces - some squeeze them out daily others go for weeks and weeks.

You can see a new sponge filter in an existing tank in a couple of weeks. IN a new tank it takes 4 - 6 weeks to cycle