Airstones in Sponge Filters

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Are any of you using airstones inside your sponge filters? I have never done that myself as I normally have both in a tank but never inside the filter. After doing some research, I noticed that is is another one of those topics that is 50/50 on doing so.

After I install my closed loop air supply system this weekend, I plan on experimenting with the new sponges I got from Jehmco. Just want some feedback from the people here if there is a beneficial factor to this type of setup.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Poco]

I have done both with and without airstones in sponge filters. I do prefer it with airstones though.

[ashtricks]

I have two sponge filters in my tank. I had put air stone in one, and let the other be. The main issue I had was noise! Air stone reduces the noise a lot.
Plus, I also noticed that the amount of water coming out of the filter with air stones was more and at a consistent rate compared to the one without. Or it might just be an optical illusion.

[wdeleon01]

I use airstones in sponge filters. I prefer it with airstones, they are not as noisy as without them.

[chaoslite]

I definitely have airstones in my sponge filters. I even put bio balls in my sponge filters.

Mishka

[kimbo]

I definitely have airstones in my sponge filters. I even put bio balls in my sponge filters.

Mishka

How do you put bio balls in a sponge filter? Do you have any pictures because I am having trouble wrapping my head around that concept.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Is there a beneficial biological advantage or just a noise reducer?

[ashtricks]

Is there a beneficial biological advantage or just a noise reducer?

More bubbles = more lift (to an extent) so you get more flow with an air stone. I don't know how much advantage it would have biologically.

[chaoslite]

How do you put bio balls in a sponge filter? Do you have any pictures because I am having trouble wrapping my head around that concept.

As a matter of fact I do....lol

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m539/chaoslite/IMG_20120930_090920_035.jpg

I do it that way when cycling the tank and keeping the tank clear afterwards. I find it works better that having them roll around on the bottom of the tank. There is less muck on them when in the sponge filter if any actually.

Mishka

[a volar]

I use airstones in sponge filters, mainly to reduce water splash and noise, I don't see any significant change in water flow..

[Keith Perkins]

Nope, I've never used an airstone with a sponge filter.

[Discus-n00b]

I do both, honestly haven't noticed a difference in performance, noise, anything.

[lipadj46]

I'm not sure how anyone can say they cannot tell the difference in a sponge filter without an air stone. When I don't have airstones in the filters are all glug glug glug, wife complains about the noise. With the airstones it is just the slight bubbling noise. As someone mentioned before the flow of water up the uptake tube is greater with an airstone IME

[Bill63SG]

They're quiter,and use the plastic ones.Air stones clog,and you can clean the plastic ones easily.

[Discus-n00b]

See I don't find them any quieter at all, just a different pitch of sound. I've been told bigger bubbles will cause more gas exchange, truth? If so more bubbles from an airstone might be useless? I don't know. For me, the amount I run my air at it makes no difference at all.

[Eddie]

I used to but a good friend of mine, mentioned that the larger bubbles have better flow. Otherwise I use a low powered powerhead.

[kimbo]

Nice thanks that's a good idea.