CONS
Most aquarium owners will never use them. They are large bulky cylindrical spongers that take up space in the tank, in addition they are typically used in small tanks so they take up large percentage of space. They are not very powerful as they only move a small amount of water. They are effective enough at maintaining water quality in most smaller fish tanks, or even many medium sized tanks in the 20 or 30 gallon range, however they are very weak when it comes to moving water, and they provide no true circulation.
Then why do people use them you may ask? Why have so many been sold by so many pet shop for so long? Cant we just make them go away?
PROS
They do have two very extremely reasons for being around for so long.
1) One benefit is that they are very affordable despite being quite effective at cleaning water and removing organic waste like nitrates and ammonia.
You don’t always have to be fancy, overpriced, and high tech to get the job done. Despite being very cheap they work well in smaller freshwater fish tanks that don’t require excessive filtration or high oxygen levels and circulation. A local pet shop in our own area uses them exclusively for all their fish tanks. They use one or to sponge filters each about 5 inches tall in 20 gallon tanks. The fish tanks are stocked well, yet the water appears quite clean, and the fish appear healthy.
2) Sponge filters are the best choice for filtration when you need to to move the water very slowly, such as when raising baby fish such as in a guppy breeder tank, or betta fish breeder tank, or in a tank for rearing live food, or crystal red shrimp or red cherry shrimp.
To make a sponge filter work all you need is a sponge filter, an air pump, and a hose to bring air from the pump to the filter.
TIP
One big drawback of sponge filters is that they are just plain unattractive. You can put one sponge filter in the rear right and rear left corner of your tank. Next place plants or other decorations in front of the sponge filters and the problem will be solved. You will have a decent but extremely cheap and simple filtration system, one of the old fashion over looked gems of the aquarium industry.
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Sponge filters are very affordable, they are primarily used as a safe filtration system for even the smallest newborn baby fish and are typically used in breeder aquariums, they are also used when rearing live food. These filters are extremely simple to use, so simple in fact that they could be easily overlooked by aquarium enthusiasts new to the hobby. Sponge filters act as a substrate ideal to colonize nitrifying bacteria thus providing good biological filtration without harming tiny inhabitants.
Powkoo Aquarium Sponge Filter for tanks up to 45 gallons
The Powkoo sponge filter is a safe, eco-friendly, food-safe aquarium sponge filter that operates silently creating a more natural aquatic environment in which fish thrive, in tanks up to 75 gallons. This sponge filter is a simple, easy to use mechanical and biological filter that can keep your tank’s water clear. Installation is easy and the unit uses suction cups to adhere to the tank’s inner wall anywhere in the aquarium you choose to place it such as hidden on the back of the tank. The double sponge filter design maximizes filtration for faster water cycling. The Powkoo sponge filter works great in standard fish, breeder, shrimp and other aquariums. Satisfied customers rate this sponge filter a full five out of five stars. Customers are surprised by the sponge filter’s high quality and with its good looks. Customers enthusiastically report that their aquarium’s water is “clean and clear,” and that the product works as advertised.
Powkoo Double Sponge Filter with Media Containers for tanks up to 60 gallons !
Another popular and highly-rated option is the Powkoo biochemical air sponge filter. Satisfied customers say the product is simple to install cleans as easily as running the sponge under water and then squeezing the water out. It is best to do this in a 5 gallon bucket of de chlorinated water so you do not kill the beneficial bacteria that builds up in the filter after time. This sponge filter is ideal for raising baby fish in medium size tanks up to around 35 gallons. This sponge filter increases the water’s oxygen and makes your water clear. This sponge filter comes in two pieces, the Powkoo Aquarium Sponge Filter, and a 1 plastic tube stand.
XINYOU 4 Pack Sponge Filter great buy for multiple breeder aquariums
Ready to take breeding to the next level? Aquarium owners with 4 or more smaller tanks, up to 10 gallons, may want to consider the XINYOU XY2831 four pack of sponge filters. These sponge filters are both a mechanical and biological filter and attracts bacterial colonization without trapping fish. This small units, around 5 inches by 5 1/2 inches each and only 2 inches thick could be the sponge filtration system breeders with a rack of 10 gallon fiths tanks are looking for. Customers rate this product five out of five stars saying that it is a perfect little sponge filter, a good value and that they are very happy with their purchase.