Best Sponge Filter?

[vtmechie]

I am looking to start a fry tank for my platy that is about to bust. I am also looking to keep a filter going in my main tank for instant cycling in a q-tank. It seems from my research that a sponge filter will be the best. But there seems to be a few types of sponge filters.

Big Al's sells the Lustar Hydro, Jungle Labs Dirt Magnet, and the Penn Plax Clear Free (cartridge style corner mount). I am assuming that they all run on an air pump.

I also found this sponge filter with a slate base:
http://www.angelsplus.com/g/lafl1.htm

What are your experiences with these? Is there any advantage to a particular kind? Your input is appreciated.

 

[TrickyD119]

I personally don’t know if there is any particular advantage or not, but I use Lustar Hydro sponges in all of my tanks and really like their design. I keep all of them in my main tanks so I can pull them out and put in a QT or fry tank whenever necessary.

edit: as far as that one in your link goes, it looks like you could build something like that quickly and cheaply, that might be something to consider also.

 

[Harlock]

Google for DIY Sponge Filter and you'll find some great designs out there that you could put together for probably less than 5 bucks, especially if you have been into aquaria for a while and have spare parts and stuff laying around.

 

[TommyR]

I've used Hydros and dirt magnets and both work great. I currently have a dirt magnet Jr. in a 5 gal with platy fry. The LFS uses nothng but Hydros in their tanks.

Tom

 

[Kissofthegorami]

You want one of the duel sponge filters. You can clean one sponge and leave the other with full bacteria load. Also if u have more than one of these filters, u can take one established sponge and use it to cycle a tank.