Questions On Sponges/Filter!

[Kindredspirit]

Hey Guys ~ I sold my 55 gal last night but I kept the AC and the Hydro Sponge to cycle my new 125 gallon ~ I am not sure when I am setting up this tank....

And ~

My sponges that were in the AC have been sitting out all night ~ I tossed all the tank water too!

I know there has been many discussions on here that people have kept their sponges, dried out and then used them weeks/months later to cycle a tank....

Or do I have this completely wrong?

[judy]

I think that's wrong. Once theyy've dried out-- or even not had water actively circulating through them for some hours-- the nitrifying bacteria die off.
oops. what would have been good would be to keep a very large pail of water with the filters running on it. and a drop of ammonia every now and then...

[Kindredspirit]

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=54042

Apparently not! lol! And there was another thread I was looking for that additional information was stated....but I can not remember it!

I had forgotten....


Thanks, Judy!

[White Worm]

I believe both. Some will die off with not being fed and some will go dormant. I have heard both here also through conversation. Put it in a ziplock or I think someone froze them. Dont for sure know. Always better to have seeded bio on hand for use. I always keep extra in an established tank to use when those moments occur. I also dont worry about killing all my bio by simply rinsing it under the tap water.

[Kindredspirit]

I believe both. Some will die off with not being fed and some will go dormant. I have heard both here also through conversation. Put it in a ziplock or I think someone froze them. Dont for sure know. Always better to have seeded bio on hand for use. I always keep extra in an established tank to use when those moments occur.

Mike, it was Al that said he freezes them! It was in the link, and there was another thread too, remember?

I also dont worry about killing all my bio by simply rinsing it under the tap water.

Me either!

[richmond5]

I use 2 sponge filters in my 160 gal. tank. They get dirt and worn down so fast. How often is recommended for cleaning them and replacing them?





Alex

[Tropical Haven]

I clean mine every 2 weeks and I haven't replaced them in 14 years.

[Kindredspirit]

I haven't replaced them in 14 years.

What? Scott, they don't get all crumbly and crap?

Actually, I have only had one do that ~ still could not figure out why....

[Tropical Haven]

What? Scott, they don't get all crumbly and crap?

Actually, I have only had one do that ~ still could not figure out why....

As long as you gently squeeze them everytime you clean them they will last you a long time. I am using one right now that is just starting to get crumbly on the very edges and that one is almost 17 years old.