I run a Penguin 125 on my 20g long tank. According to the instructions, when the sponge gets all clogged up and water starts overflowing around the intake tube, you're supposed to change the sponge to a new one. But I'm wondering...does this remove a lot of the nitrifying bacteria, or are most of the bacteria left on the biowheel? It wasn't a problem the last time I changed the sponge, but the more I think about it, I just want to be sure.
changing sponge in power filter
- Thread starter msn711
- Start date
As we have said many times, if you have a sponge in your filter… do NOT throw it out! LOL… yes, that is where most of your good bacteria are, even if you do have a bio wheel. There’s just no need to throw your sponge out, unless it’s falling apart. I keep all my sponges for years, and rinse them in aquarium water.
Have you tried cleaning the sponge rather than replacing it? Is it actually a sponge or a pouch of carbon?
My sponges have been running for over a year now with just rinsing them during tank cleanings. Very simple stuff. No need to waste money or good bacteria.
Well, I guess I'll add the 1st sponge to my mounting list of beginner mistakes...we all have to learn somehow. So when the filter starts overflowing, I just rinse the sponge in old tank water, right? not the current water? Just want to be 100% sure before I cause any more havoc.
Just take a bit of water out of your tank and use that, I wouldnt do it in the tank as that will just dirty up your hole tanks water.
All your looking to do is remove any debris from the sponge, Just give it a quick shake in the water and try it, if your not happy with the results give it another little shake in the water, that way theres no risk of you over cleaning it.
Oviuosly once you have used the siphoned off tank water to clean the sponge get rid of it down the sink or something as you dont want that to find its way into your tank (speaking from experince and a rushed water change there
) 
If you do eventually need a new sponge keep the old one in the filter/tank aswell for a few weeks as it will help to colonise the new sponge and make the change over less stressfull on you and the fishes
All your looking to do is remove any debris from the sponge, Just give it a quick shake in the water and try it, if your not happy with the results give it another little shake in the water, that way theres no risk of you over cleaning it.
Oviuosly once you have used the siphoned off tank water to clean the sponge get rid of it down the sink or something as you dont want that to find its way into your tank (speaking from experince and a rushed water change there
) If you do eventually need a new sponge keep the old one in the filter/tank aswell for a few weeks as it will help to colonise the new sponge and make the change over less stressfull on you and the fishes
Thanks a lot for the advice/info...the coolest thing about pet fish: you learn something new everday.
What about a carbon filter, do you have to change it every time it clogs, or can it be rinsed as well?
Emaan
Emaan
I think activted carbon does become "de-activasted" so it will probally need to be changed (allthough I am still pretty much a n00b aswell )
But as with sponges I think if you ever wanna clean your carbon go about it the same way as a sponge just to be on the safe side.
I rememeber reading on here that carbon becomes pretty much boilogical filtration after about 2weeks anyway.
)But as with sponges I think if you ever wanna clean your carbon go about it the same way as a sponge just to be on the safe side.
I rememeber reading on here that carbon becomes pretty much boilogical filtration after about 2weeks anyway.
I guess I am totally stupid when it comes to filters. I have the whisper filter on 2 of my tanks, the third tank is a 2 1/2g and all it has is a bubble stone for airation (sp). Both of my whisper have the carbon filters, what's the purpose of the carbon when I see so many posts about sponges?
Emaan
Emaan