Box filter vs sponge filter?

Saje

Saje

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Sep 27, 2009
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New York
Any thoughts/opinions on which is better overall? I had been thinking of installing a box filter for my betta's 5 gallon tank - mostly because I could then use a sponge (and/or floss) as well as biomedia (Eheim substrat). But I keep reading about the really superior biological filtration of a decent sponge filter. So now I don't know if I really need the box filter and associated biomedia - or if I'm better off with just a sponge filter. :huh:

Any opinions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 
I prefer air or powerhead driven sponge vice an internal box filter. If you mean a HOB filter, go with it.
 
Bob - no, not talking HOB. Trying to get away from an HOB for this particular tank. Just deciding between a standard box filter (driven by air pump) or a plain ol' sponge filter (again, driven by air pump). Only difference seems to be that I can add some eheim substrat (or something similar) to the box filter, while the sponge filter would be, of course, just the sponge. Not sure, though, if I'm missing something else that makes one preferable over the other?

Chrisinator: I don't understand what you mean? I understand that sponge filters are easier to clean, but what do you mean about it looking cleaner with "white floss on it" ?
 
The white floss in a box filter can look nasty, depending on how visible it is, as it works over time. I think the sponge filter will provide more than adequate surface area for bacteria.
 
Ahh okay - thanks Bob. Got it now.

Okay - one last question then. If the sponge is going to be home to a majority of the bacteria, what do I do when it comes time to change the sponge in however many months? I mean, in HOBs and canisters, you never change everything at once, and you piggyback old with new. How do you deal with that when you have just one sponge filter? (Or is that the answer, have 2 small ones - one at either end or something?)
 
I am using 2 different sponge filters. One is driven by air and the other by powerhead. Both sponges are ATI Hydro V Sponges. Both work well but I like the powerhead driven better as I get better circulation in my 75. Air is great for lesser tanks.

As far as adding charcoal goes, I just dump some down the lift tube when needed. Overall, I don't normally use activated charcoal. Meds usually dissipate with water changes anyhow.
 
Most sponges will not require replacement for years...just squeeze/rinse them in old tank water.
 
Saje said:
Ahh okay - thanks Bob. Got it now.

Okay - one last question then. If the sponge is going to be home to a majority of the bacteria, what do I do when it comes time to change the sponge in however many months? I mean, in HOBs and canisters, you never change everything at once, and you piggyback old with new. How do you deal with that when you have just one sponge filter? (Or is that the answer, have 2 small ones - one at either end or something?)
Click to expand...

Rinse it out by squeezing it in old tank water!
 
IMO a sponge filter is the way to go. the only difference between using a box filter in the configuration you mentioned would be the eheim substrat... a sponge filter would have more than enough surface area for beneficial bacteria, and would be easier to clean than filter floss or substrat...
 
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