I have run 55s with only sponge filters. I disagree strongly that they are only bio. Squeeze one into a bucket after a week...there is A LOT of gunk. But, you really need more than one in my opinion. I would run at least 2 but would also do twice a week water changes. My water quality was just as good as with my current HOB/cannister combos I run now. I just didn't care for the look of them. Easy...yes, cheap....yes, efficient..mostly yes, pretty....no! LOL
I won't argue you do get mechanical filtration, but that isn't the intent of a sponge filter. Any mechanical filtration reduces water flow through the pores, subsequently reduces water contact of the nitrifiers, clogs substrate for new bacterial growth (a healthy colony should double in size every 14-20 hours at standard aquarium temps, allowing for differing rates of division for
Nitrosomonas and
Nitrobacter), and increases the possibility of anaerobic zones within the sponge. The mechanical filtration is acheived at the potential reduction of biological filtration, so ultimately what is acheived? If the sponge filter is being relied upon as mechanical filtration, then it is being used incorrectly. Any mechanical filtration should be incidental. I'll "strongly" stand by my position that a sponge filter in a heavily stocked mbuna tank is the wrong way to go, and after thirty years in this hobby, I can't recommend a sponge filter for a 55 gallon tank, especially to someone who is new enough to the hobby to ask if a sponge filter is adequate.
A Penguin 350 is good for a 55 gallon tank. I'll readily admit I tend to filter heavily. I run one Emperror 400 and a Penguin 200 on each of my 55s. Yellow labs are great fish. Have fun with 'em!
WYite