Should You Add a Powerhead to a Sponge Filter? Pros and Cons
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Hello Everyone,
In this video we discuss the advantages of adding a powerhead to a sponge filter and why we don't do it!
If you want to learn more about sponge filters check out these videos!
Beginners Guide to Sponge Filters: • Fish Tank Sponge Filte...
How to Clean Sponge Filters: • How to Clean Sponge Fi...
Sponge Filters vs Hang on Back: • Fish Tank Filter Showd...
How Much Filtration Do You Actually Need: • Fish Tank Filtration: ...
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Thanks for watching!
If you want to learn more about sponge filters check out these videos!
Beginners Guide to Sponge Filters: ua-cam.com/video/yQSI-3rUsIs/v-deo.html
How to Clean Sponge Filters: ua-cam.com/video/jp49hdba0eY/v-deo.html
Sponge Filters vs Hang on Back: ua-cam.com/video/TN_eagzIEyY/v-deo.html
How Much Filtration Do You Actually Need: ua-cam.com/video/aZZoxO6rUOI/v-deo.html
f you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! ua-cam.com/channels/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTA.htmljoin
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
Dwell Time for Optimal Biological processing of the 'Nitrogen Cycle', Vs. High Flow Rate for Mechanical 'Particle Trapping' are basically two different/Separate types of processes. And should be addressed and treated as such. Example: Hamburger Matten Filters (HMF's) Are Specifically and Mathematically calculated for optimal flow rate for the Biological Processing of the Nitrogen Cycle. Speeding up this calculated flow rate Reduces Biological efficacy. ..IF you want proper Biological processing from your sponge filter, leave it on the air power and flow rate it was designed for. ..IF you want 'High Flow Rate Particle Trapping', Then put it on a power head. With this latter option, you will need to clean the trapped detritus from the sponge frequently. Did I mention the Greatly Reduced Biological efficacy? Cross your fingers and hope you don't get sick livestock with the power head option.
Like your videos, you’ve been a big help. I was wondering, is there any specific air pump or brand that you like to use on your tanks?
I guess im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a tool to log back into an Instagram account??
I stupidly lost my login password. I would love any tricks you can offer me
@Cesar Sincere Instablaster ;)
@Avery Hudson Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im in the hacking process now.
Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
Great video and tips as usual. That new electric blue acara tank is awesome!
Thank you!
In both my tanks I have a cheap double sponge filter with an Aquael PAT mini powerhead attached to it.
Works great. It's easy to know when they need to be rinsed, the sponge turns into an "hourglass" shape because of the vacuum when they get too dirty.
using the same as yours it's working great.
I'm running a power head on sponge filter modified with a longer uplift tube in my 29 g Hillstream River tank along with an Aquaclear 50 and a AC 30. Great point on the middle of the tank water. My Gastromyzones and panda garra love it. Great video as always.
Mathew, I’m thinking about the same thing but how often does the sponge require cleaning with the power head installed on it?
@@aquatichobby5527 Well that would depend on how many fish you keep, how much food gets put into the tank, what size sponge you have and how many, also what size tank they're running on
I have 2 big sponge filters in my 55 gal tank I saw a youtuber place an air stone in them. Works great I dont think they are that ugly lol...Thanks
Do a video on a powersaving set up!! Im 8 tanks deep power bill getting up there!
First of all : isolation of the two sides and back.
A lot of heat escapes via the glas. After i did that , the heater rarely turns on.
What about water changes/"topping off" a tank? I have a 10 gallon that never seems to high high levels of nitrates/nitrites or ammonia but i've just been topping off in between changes. Any cons to doing this?
Could you do a video on fluidized sand filters please? Possibly a versus video against sponge type filters =)
Hi everyone, id like to hear your opinion on this:
My aquarium filter has no space for bio media in it so i use as substrate very small lava rocks (known as a good substrate for bacteria.) Im checking water parameters twice a month and its all good.
I wonder if gravel vac could hurt my bio media in this situation and what you recommend to do.
Thanks
Good question - using a gravel vac won't have much of an impact because the microbes are mostly attached to the gravel in a way that they won't be easily removed.
@DLS Shares Inc my tank got wrecked two months ago due to brown diatoms getting out of hand after i installed a canister filter... consumed all of the oxygen in the water... but for almost a year the tank relayed on lava pebbles as a bio media and it was just fine with these aspects: . i have cleaned the small mechanical filter every weekend. cleaned the tank, a third water change and gravel vac'ed twice a month. a thumb rule i followed and it was good relaying on pebbles as bio media - each fish sizing around a fist or less need at least 10 liters of water to himself. in my case: 120 L of water containing 12 fish the size of a fist or less. i also put inside golden pothos and jungle val', they most likely made a huge help. sums it with 30 min's to an hour of work each weekend and youre good to go. keep me updated hows your tank doing!
Anyone have experience trying to use a powerhead to pull water DOWN through a sponge filter to run a pvc pip to a waterfall on the other side of the tank?
If you have 2 sponge filters in 1 tank, you can swap the other with a sponge with finer pores. I forgot the pores per inch number, but it's similar to the kitchen sponge foam. It should do a good job polishing your water.
You can also connect a pvc elbow on the out-flow tube so you'll have a directed flow.
Air use in a sponge filter is by design. By increasing aerobic metabolic break down of waste.
yes you should
Thanks for Sharing I appreciate it!!
I have 60 gallon with juvenile mbuna 20 of them. I put 2 aquaclear 70 HOB and 2 sponge filter in the corner running with tetra whisper 100 airpump. Is it too much water movement for my fish?? Is that bad for them or good? I am worried that i may over filter my aquarium that causes too much oxygen with my fish. I put airstone in my sponge filter but creating a lot of small bubbles on the top. I change water 20 percent every week. I don’t have any issue in my water parameters everything is 0 every time i change water but i still change anyway.
Should be ok. You can always turn the flow down on the HOB if they are fighting flow too much.
I've never tried this but I have used powerheads on an undergravel filter. It worked well for a while, but eventually to fish (shubunkin goldfish) grew too large and the filter just couldn't keep up. In hindsight my tank was also badly overstocked.
incase one uses co2 wouldn't a power head attached to a sponge filter be better than than attached to an airline as co2 wont bubble off?
A gentle powerhead might be a better option than an air-driven sponge filter in that case.
Moving water of that fast across a sponge filter doesn't that really become less effective moving the water across the bacteria that fast I mean wouldn't it be better to move it a little bit slower than with the power head??
Possibly but then the trade-off is more volume across the surfaces. In the end it probably doesn’t matter too much.
Love the channel. I notice that you use almost exclusively sponge filters. What air pumps do you recommend? No idea what brands are most silent. I remember being a kid sleeping next to really loud air pumps. My main tank has an Eheim 2215, which is pretty quiet by comparison. Penny for your thoughts...
Because we have so many tanks, we have a large central pump sold by Jehmco.com - an LPH60. As far as the smaller pumps go, I generally don't use them much, but all my older tetra whisper pumps were adequate. I'm not sure about their recent pumps though.
I once put a sponge filter on the intake tube of a power filter.
Love your education videos Jason, keep em coming! I feel like I'm in aquarium school.
Thank you!
What do you think about adding a sponge filter on the inlet of a canister filter?
People certainly have done it. It will add more surface area for microbes, but will have to be cleaned a lot.
What about the other sponge Filters that stick to the sides of the tank? Why not use those ones instead?
I have a couple of those running as well.
Power-head on sponge filter, depending on size of fish, will likely yield waaay too much flow. I use a couple of sponges in my 20 long and rotate cleaning once a week; wait a few days and clean the other. I siphon poop and detritus 2 to 3 times a day, replacing roughly 20-30% of water daily. After 7-8 days I go for a 50% water change and add small amount of bene. bac. over each filter. Used this method for a year. No fish loss, colors vibrant_ rummy nose and cardinals_ the whole community seem happy campers. Nitrates LOW!
Have you ever tried or seen a sponge filter attached to a HOB?
They have sponge pre-filters that attach to the intake. We have used them before.
sir do black sailfin mollies,yoyo loaches,blue spotted gourami ,platies and tinfoil barbs bear little bit over flow from powerhead iflter?
or will they die?
Depends on how much? The Gourami might be the one that struggles the most?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics not actually
it seems all of them stuggles little bit but not too much
i have recently bought the powerhead
maybe they will get used to it in some weeks?
Can i put my powerhead pump in the middle of the tank ? I have it on the one end of the tank . I have two filters one a smaller sponge filter in the middle and the power head on the left side of the tank. Id like to put the powerhead in the middle and sponge on the left side is it okay for the powerhead to be kept on the middle of the tank ? Please help
Depends on the type of fish you have. If they don’t mind the flow it can be ok.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics i have blocked the direct flow, the water comes in and goes directly to the filter rather than pumping air inside the tank .. i could send you a video but where do i send it i dont know :( . Overall its okay for the power head to be placed in between right ?
i just watched this video because im building my own filter for my new tank(100L), i was thinking of using a internal powerhead with a sponge filter as a pre filter to a canester af fine sponge and bio media then returning to the tank, and i didnt know if it would work but from what you explained and the comments below it dose sound like it should work
I've done this for years. I have two five inch sponge filters, with each hooked to a 264 gpm water pump. This is in a 55 gallon tank with two 10 inch 10+ year old goldfish. Polishes the water unbelievably well. My other native tanks have the same similar setups. The only time I have to replace the sponge filters when I have my crawdad tank for fishing stocked. They still last a year. before they get chewed up.
This is a little off topic but, I see that you're using the Aquarium Co Op sponge filter as an example here. Can you tell us, of the four sizes that Cory offers, how do you determine which one or how many you need per tank? Whether you agree with them or not, there are at least ratios that you can use on the more traditional filtration such as canisters or hang on the back styles. For example, I have a 210 gallon fish tank. Obviously I wouldn't want to use a nano sized sponge filter. Or at least, I don't think so. If sponge filters serve more as a biological filter, how much actual surface area do they need to allow them to function as designed?
Hi how do you deal with bio film i hate it and my hang on the back has a built in skimmer but i see your tank has some bio film does it affect anything in the tank
What I do on most tanks use a PH on SF I find that by creating proper current I can keep water better aerated keep dead spots from forming direct detritus back towards SF. It also keeps my fish more active. PH does need maintenance I do it when I clean SF so not an issue. Only running a doz tanks indoors with PH SF. But in summer pond up over 1200 gal. On that, I use far different filtration.
if it's okay if i put sponge filter only on 20gallon tank?
Sure
@@PrimeTimeAquatics THANKS MAN! TAKE CARE
I’ve been thinking of doing this to push some of the debris on the tank, that settles near the sponge filter, towards the hob. I have an hob on the right and a sponge on the left but I’m having problems with debris settling on the bottom in the middle. Or maybe I could move my sponge filter to the middle? I’m not sure what do you guys think
That can work.
Hi, water of my tank always becomes yellow like cloudy. So, sponge filter can clear this or DIY canister filter will do the job great than sponge filter.
If I change the whole water in fish tank it becomes yellow after few hours. It is a under earth water so I don't use dechloronater.
Sounds like it is just your water source. You could try some carbon in your filtration.
The problem in my case is powerheads tend to heat my aquarium too much (I live in a tropical country where it’s always hot 12 months straight!)
Hey 👋, what kind of fish is that @1:50-1:53 ??? It looked similar to my Breshardi but way more colorful! I'd really like to purchase 4-6 of those if possible? I've never seen those here un my area. Nice video keep at it.😎👍
That is Paracyprichromis nigripinnis. A very cool fish that looks even better in low light. They are really expensive when you find them in a petstore often going for between $80-$100 each!
Yes it would help. If you want more mechanical filtration without the cost of a canister filter, go with a hang on the back filter. I use sumps on all my tanks but I only own 3 tanks. I do not want to see anything in the tank but fish and landscape. Sumps with filtration socks keep the water pristine. Remember bacteria live everywhere in your tank. They cover your glass, rocks, sponges, filter socks, sump equipment, etc. Bacteria grow to the ratio of how much live stuff you have. So do not waste time buying tons of expensive bioballs, etc. bacteria can only do do much so water changes are still important, salt tanks have the additional benefits of a protein skimmer which clears thinks out before they have a chance o become ammonia etc.
Well said!
Professor fish my long fin super red bushy nose are in quarantine at LFS .They do a med quarantine so when they come home do you think 30 days in separate tank is enough to be safe? Have you considered comparing different brands of sponge filters,how big an air pump to run or surface area?
I would still QT them for 30 days. I personally don't add meds to the QT tank unless the fish need it, or I got them from a high-risk source.
I had an idea. What about putting one of those sponge filters on a tidal 110. Basically use the sponge filter as a pre filter for the tidal. Think I’m gonna at least try it on my next tank and see what happens!
As long as it only has one opening (the bottom is sealed). it might work ok.
Excellent video, well covered as usual .
Additional points that don't apply to most.
Some have the single large air pump running a fish room. But in some houses it's a main air pump. But a few racks are too far away to connect easily especially in rentals.
You didn't include the aspect of using powerhead instead of air drive means there's potentially less dissolved oxygen/co2. Not much of a thing for most people. But a important component in well planted tanks and or fancy shrimp tanks. Especially during the change over.
I've recently realised I can remake my 9 tank two ft tank shrimp racks run off 18w of power heads. They're curently powered by a 35w air pump.
And my new 28 nano tank rack can run off 16w with power heads and diy logic. But would be about 35 w air blower. So the economic factor isn't all that.
I think dissolved oxygen is important in many tanks. That's lessened when a powerhead replaces an air pump in general. Should be considered.
If you read this far into my blurb rant. Comment.
Do a fish room tour maybe? Didn't know those acaras are in 125G now, I could only recall they were in the 40G breeder previously. Also those new apistogramma, they look stunning!
I left two EBAs in the 40 breeder because they started laying eggs (they ate the first batch).
I just got some white and black convicts and was wondering what bottom feeders (clean up crew) would work?
I like Bristlenose plecos with them - they do a good job.
Wicked helpful info thanks !
Any thoughts on a filter design that is above the tank? Obviously not a conventional design and have to consider lighting but is it even worth considering? Obvious benefit is that its not part of aquascape and you can put the tank right up against a wall.
If I were using one of those I would put a light on it and grow tons of plants, which would help lower nitrates and reduce the need for water changes.
I like power heads in my basement mechanical room tank because I don't want to push moist air into that room. I also found pointing power heads directly up in my bare bottomed tank brings less solid matter to the filter, so less clogging. I only need to squeeze them during each monthly water change whereas before I had to do it every week or two.
Good points!
What kind of exposure time is needed when running a sponge filter? When running it with a power head? Would you have to stack sponge filters to allow faster moving unclean water, more time to contact the bacteria in the sponge filter you are using?
Great question - seems to be hard to quantify.
I have a 40 breeder, is a powerhead, hob filter and sponge filter too much?
Depends on the size of the filters and stocking levels. It's not crazy or anything though. :-)
I use a sponge on a power head to feed my top sump, that has 16 rotted devils ivy in it. I went 4 weeks without a water change. Wasn’t sure if it was the right way to do it so I did a 30% water change a couple days ago. I be tested the water with an api test kit and the water was almost zero ammonia, nitrite , and nitrate
Interesting idea!
i am using a submersible pump(aquatop) on mine...
How about UGF+powerhead pump+top filter+k1??
That can work. :-)
Also you can use a sponge filter in a tank which co2
Best way to clean sand. I'm new 1st tank all tips welcomed people. I have fog in my tank due to sand
Cara Young Depends on what you mean by cleaning, and the size and stocking of your tank. You can use a python water changer to gravel (sand) vac at low flow so you don’t suck up too much sand. A more natural way to keep sand clean is by having a nice school (6+) of corydoras. They like to root through the sand in search of a snack. Geophagus (earth eaters) will also do the trick, and dare I say Malaysian Trumpet Snails if your not concerned about their population getting out of control. Personally, I use a python and corydoras in my 35 tank breeding for profit fish room.
I was sold one of these Venturi powerheads that I have never attached. It is still in my fish drawer.
Jason do you still use safe for water conditioner. I seen your video and order it last night cant wait to use it
I recently switched over to Fritz ACCR, but the safe is good too. You will like it.
I have a 55 gallon tank and just bought a 303 GPH powerhead. Will this create too much oxygen in addition with my 3 medium size air stones for my fancy goldfish?
I don't think you will have to worry about oxygen, buy maybe keep an eye on how much water flow you have in the tank. If you find your goldfish struggling to swim and constantly fighting the current you can always pull the powerhead out.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you!
Always informative. No fluff and enjoy to listen and learn.
Thank you!
Thanks for making a follow up video!
Hey I have a question. Perfect tankmate for neolamprologus multifasciatus in a 36 inch wide 10 inch tall and 14 inch wide. Thnx greetz from the netherlands
Since the tank isn't very tall I would be hesitant to put anything with them. In my lowboy I have a couple BN plecos, but that is it. They usually push fish into the corners once they start breeding unless the tank is tall (at least 20").
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you for your answer. then I must have to buy a bigger aquarium :) good excuse hahah
Sponge filter vs corner filter..
Whos the best
I prefer sponge because it is easier to maintain. Corner looks nicer though.
Great video. I have a silly question. What is the gray piece on the hob filter tube? I could not get it to stay on and don't understand what it is for.
The long part sticking out the top is the uplift tube. It will allow your sponge filter to draw a little more water through the filter itself, but is not vital to its operation.
Thanks
Will a taller lift tube be better for a sponge filter?
Yes, it will provide more suction.
what brand is the green filters your using ?
Those are aquarium coop coarse filters.
I am a fancy goldfish keeper so my tank has huge bio load.I have had much success with the sponge filter/power head combo. Really helps to keep my water parameters perfect and my water crystal clear. I cut down on the extreme current by attaching a rain wand to the outtake of the power head. Clean up is also a breeze.
Very cool!
Thank you.I also like the industrial look in the tank.
Where can a person find replacement tubes ( clear uplift tube that attaches to the top of the sponge filter)?
Check out Jehmco.com - I know they have sponge filter parts.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you!
I have tried using a powerhead on a spongefilter. I did not like it. The thing I like about a airdriven spongefilter is that they never clog, so the amount of water being biologically filtrered pr. hour is always the same. With the powerhead, they draw in so much dirt that they do clog, imparing the biological filtration. Within two weeks, my discus was snapping for air at the surface as the flow had reduced. After I went back to air, this has never happened again. Slow and consistant flow beats fast and rapidly reducing flow.
Do you have any plant recommendations that can tolerate 50 degree F and lower?
I'm not sure but you would probably want to look at plants endemic to the northern part of the U.S.?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Oooo that's a good start, if you know of an aquarium store that may sell or know about cold-tolerant aquarium plants, please let me know. So far a rooted rustic potato has been successful as my biological filter. Thanks!:)
Thanks for sharing
I've tried a powerhead in conjunction with sponge filter before in my aquarium. I believe it does have benefits, but I can't find a powerhead with decent flow control. Most, and the one I had, were much too powerful. Might you suggest one that would fill the bill? A dial speed control would be awesome.
I actually don't use powerheads in my fishroom, so I'm not sure which are the best ones to buy.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks for the reply. I used them once but without flow control I found they were to rambunctious for my fish. I agree with your assessment that the sponge alone should produce enough bene.bac. And most fish keepers use a siphon to clean bottom/ substrate debris. I'am limited to one tank because of lack of space. It's a community tank with small fish and one gold nugget pleco. My interest at present is going more toward cardinal tetras, neons and cory cats. Cory world really fascinates me. Lots to learn.Thanx again. Sincerely James.
@@jamesnorwood4084 I use a cheap powerhead from Top Fin (50 gallon model) in my 135 gallon. It is cheap, quiet, has an aeration line, directional control, and decent flow control via a knob on the water outlet. If I want lower flow I can adjust the knob, and I can also direct the flow upwards (less "flow", more surface agitation). I have it attached to a large sponge and it works great opposite my Aquaclear 70 HOB. FWIW: I just cleaned both filters and the sponge had way more gunk than the HOB, but the HOB allows me to add filter media like carbon and Purigen. Running two undersized units keeps things quieter and gives me more options.
Consider buying a powerhead that is undersized for your tank. I bought the unit designed for my tank size and it nearly blew the fish out of the water.
Can u show how to breed brisel nose plecos
One of the first videos we ever did! ua-cam.com/video/RRt_tjOKY84/v-deo.html
I have heard that adding an airstone to a sponge filter makes it more effective then the standard large bubbles. Can you address this?
That is true - not so much because of the bubble size, which helps quiet the sponge filter down little, but attaching the airstone causes the flow to go through more of the sponge filter.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics If it is not due to the bubble size is it because the air flow starts at a lower position in filter? Will you be at the GCCA swap meet tomorrow?
@@AnthonyZiblis the smaller more numerous bubbles do increase the flow. By evening out the bubble size to be more consistent, and the smaller bubbles are faster than larger inconsistent bubbles. If it was simply having lower reach through the filter then a longer tube would do the job
When does a fish start to become stunted I cant seem to find the answer to this question anywhere
That's hard to answer because it depends on the fish, the size of the tank it's in, growth rate and feeding schedule.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics it's an oscar hes in a 10 gallon right now and hes only about 2 inches I have plenty of bigger tanks he can go in but wasnt sure when I should move him
It’s like your in my head! I’m taking the power head off my sponge filter tomorrow because I noticed the fish are acting funny when I run it. Thank you for dropping the knowledge.
Let me know how they respond!
Prime Time Aquatics they love the powerhead being gone. I do believe it was to much flow. Now they are swimming all over the place while it’s running. When the powerhead was on they would just just find a corner, ball up, and hug the bottom until I would eventually shut it off. The fish would also not be very interested in eating. No everybody is happy and I don’t have to keep unplugging anything.
is that gonna clogg the sponge filter in a much faster rate?
Definitely!
Isn't that the point, to clean the aquarium? haha. I'm getting impatient with my new tank being cloudy from the gravel, sounds like a solution for me.
👍👍👌👌🙏
I have a question I would love an experienced aquarist to answer. I used to use external cannisters and do my water changes through them (with fully dechlo water). I can't remember how I did it (I bought the tank set up that way and kept it). Any idea how I could replicate this again?
I'm pretty sure I had valves coming off the inlet/outlet lines that had extra pipes for fresh in/dirty out.
I use the Aquaclear Quick Filter with a power head to polish the water. Leave the sponge filter at a low flow giving the bacteria a chance to get the ammonia out of the water.
Only if the sponge is something like 3 gallons in size..then a small powerhead won't clog. Otherwise,stick to air. Air never draws in enough to collapse the sponge and it does become a bio media.
But,If you have big tank and don't want to drill holes or a sump..one or two round sponges of 3-5 gallon size would work well enough.
You can run a hose to the other side of the tank and add a sprinkler for good water circulation. I have 2 power heads behind a corner Matten filter. 1 runs above the tank and one under the gravel exiting in a bog. Of course I only have 3 tanks.
In a hot climate an important consideration is the power head or any motor running in water will increase the water temperature. Air does not increase water temperature
Alright alright
What brand is that sponge filter?
We use a LOT of ATI Hydro sponge filters and like them.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you
How do power heads operate?
They just plug in and start sucking water through the pump. If they are hooked up to the uplift tube of a sponge filter they will suck the water through the sponge filter.