Aquarium Sponge Filter VS Aquarium Box Filter

[@MadCheshireHat]

I just like debris being contained in the box filter and being able to customize it. If I ever need to add carbon (I don't currently use it) or to change the media up, I can do it in the box filter and not need something extra like with a sponge filter. That said, I recently bought cheap-ish generic sponge filters on Amazon that have a little compartment on them that I've put bio-rings in. One of them even came with 2 extra sponges stuffed inside. I don't know why, but watching particles get sucked into filters is very satisfying for me 😅

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

LOL....Me too, sort of.

[@alexanderpagan3212]

Hey Michael thanks for the filter video. I use box filters as well love them.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Nice! What size tanks?

[@DanishnSonic]

I love box filters, mainly yes its customizable and the filter does a better job at filtering tinier debris. Also, I like the idea of separating mechanical and biological filtration as it is beneficial for bacterial colonies.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Cool!

[@MobbGuppy]

Tofu stir fry, veggies, Avocado Salsa, Brown Rice- Quinoa Mix , a shot of Jose Cuervo Traccional.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Real pasta with meat sauce and garlic bread.....LOTS OF GARLIC BREAD

[@rebeccanason8519]

You give the best information. You've been my go to for guppy info. And this was exactly the info i was looking for today. Thanks for being you

[@monicawg]

SAME!!!

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks Rebecca.....I just tell you what I do! LOL

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks for watching!

[@alyxandraramsey5828]

Menards, Home Depot, and Lowes all carry big bags of black or red lava rock (for landscaping). It averages about $6 for 40 pounds. I use the bigger pieces for tank decor and the smaller ones for filter media.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I have never seen it that cheap in NJ.

[@alyxandraramsey5828]

I'm in Quincy, Illinois. Everything is cheap here. Except my electric bill. Limestone is the cheapest by far (free), but not sure how well that works for bacteria. My plecos like it.

[@maryburr1001]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience! As a new fish keeper with an interest in guppies-it’s refreshing to hear detailed, honest,useful reviews! You make the viewer feel like a friend! 👍🏻

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

that how I roll! LOL Thanks for watching and I hope you subscribe!

[@MarliQQLuv]

The bloopers were fun 🤣

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

They are always the best part.

[@aljanecko]

Great video, I love my box filters, like you said, a little more work, but they are great.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Yeah I agree!

[@eveningclicks7767]

I'm considering a box filter. I like the idea of putting course sponge by the holes or on top, then a fine sponge, then another course sponge, then some sort of ceramic rings or lava rock or something for the bottom. Using a sponge, you can just squeeze them out and put them back. I just don't know if I want to buy the box made for this kind of thing or buy an open acrylic box and add a uplift tube in the center and air stone myself and not have a lid. If a course sponge is on top, you don't really need a lid.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Why reinvent the wheel?

[@eveningclicks7767]

Well the lid can be restrictive flow vs just the sponge on top and some fry like to pick at sponges. Sponges keep longer than the cotton floss looking stuff. Flow in the uplift tube is a little stronger if you have an air nipple like on the actual filter box while a make shift box you'll have the air stone and tubing in the way of flow. I was just sharing a thought was all lol. But I guess I could just leave the lid off..

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

@@eveningclicks7767 Seems like a lot of thinking for something that has been around for 50 years. LOL

[@DominicanRegulator]

I agree with you papi chulo. Thanks for posting. Really helpful videos

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Happy to help

[@DominicanRegulator]

@@MichaelsFishRoom Those round filters are the bomb diggitty !

[@GlitchAQ]

Thanks for this! I love the bloopers! I'd love to see a whole video of the bloopers lol. Anyone who's made a video can relate, I love it 😂

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks! I have thought about that, but it would take too much time for me......

[@GlitchAQ]

@@MichaelsFishRoom totally understandable, I enjoy your videos and the bloopers at the end are an added bonus! Hope you are feeling well!

[@distaff2935]

Maybe one of each in the tank? Maybe cover the box filter with an elastic nylon to protect fry? Seems like someone could come up with a hybrid that has mostly sponge on the outside, and some filter floss on the inside. Good video.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I have China filters like that.

[@garyduncan6657]

You didn't tell me to grab a snack and a beverage this time Michael. I was lost and didn't know what to do lol. Great video. Keep up the great work! Kudos on the cheap China filter lol.

[@augustvukosovich4683]

Lol

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Sorry....But don't forget yo buy a Tee Shirt at Teespring!

[@NYGOLD]

Spot on!!! Both filters are very good but I also give the box a slight edge. A tip for your tips I've been using "Batting" instead of "stuffing" the batting is tighter woven, does a better job with the mechanical and doesn't leave those single strands of hair like filaments floating around the tank. Oh and it's still cheap like me! Great job on this as usual.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Tell me more about the batting!

[@NYGOLD]

@@MichaelsFishRoom The batting comes in a big flat roll. I'm an idiot so I'll take a picture of the bag when I get home and email it to ya.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

LOL....we are like twins Don!

[@yusufkader8071]

Whats your thoughts about gravel filters with box filters?

[@TMAquatics]

Love them both. Setting up 3 new 40B’s and will have one of each in them 👍. Halibut, grilled caramelized carrots and baby red parmesan potatoes. White wine to wash it down.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Sounds kinda healthy! What's going in the 40B's?

[@TMAquatics]

Michael's Fish Room cw049 Corydoras, L260 Queen Arabesque plecos and L236 RB Line Plecos. Breeding for PROFIT!!! 👍

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

@@TMAquatics NICE! Good Luck Bro!

[@arthurdewith7608]

back in the day when I started keeping fish at age 15 box filters is all we had they are economical when u have a large number of 10 gallon tanks

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

This it true, very true.

[@wendybaddeley5131]

You’ve just gotta love a good filter video 😁🇬🇧🐟💚💚

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I concur! LOL

[@georgeforgerty2875]

Dude if I ever in your part of the country, I will buy you a couple of drinks of your choice!! You give great information and make me laugh at same time!! Keep rocking

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks Mark.....but I am cheap date....just water.....well maybe a good milkshake......

[@georgeforgerty2875]

Well mike, down here in Texas we have the best milkshakes ever! Remember everything is bigger in Texas, including ci

[@georgeforgerty2875]

Cichlids! Texas, jag, jacks! Anyway got you covered on the milkshake

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Mark Hill lol....milkshakes and BBQ....I’m in!

[@georgeforgerty2875]

BBQ in Texas? Never heard of it! Flying to aquashella now!! Have a great weekend mike!!

[@midnightkeeper-eg1ob]

Micheal should I add lava rock in a hang on when I go to super upgraded filtration it? Yes I used box filters as a kid back in the day in my first tanks they were awesome

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I would....I love lava rock!

[@davidadkins8805]

Hey Michael! Would that four sided box filter do a bet job than the three sides box filter??? I asked that in the same voice you were using. Lol 😂

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA that's funny!

[@lynnp3820]

Great info but am curious if you have ever cut filter sponge to fit inside a box filter on top of lava rock and then just rinse as needed? If you did, why did you go back to poly?

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I never have. But I have a video coming out about a box filter and something different.

[@mrsherburt6393]

Love your channel 💓 really enjoy your vids 🙌 thank you for making everything enjoyable! God bless you, your family and your fishy friends 🙈🙉🙊

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks Mr!

[@DamianBloodstone]

I like both. My sponge filter is the cheap Chinese one you showed. A nicer Hikari Mini-Corner sponge filter is in another tank. Then Joey's custom-built water bottle, lava rock, filter floss, and pipe are in my 20-Long. Never had shrimp to get trapped yet in those. (Reminds me that I need to change the floss.) Great vid and super tips. I love the bloopers.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks for watching! NOW GO CHANGE THE FLOSS! 🤣🤣🤦🏻‍♂️

[@GRBAquatics]

Sponge Filter Fans Unite. I have never used The Box Filter, tempted for 30 yrs, but I started using Sponge Filters and never needed to change....or even replace, some sponges still going strong for 30 years. Happy Thursday Thursday.......(did I hear that correctly). haha. Love your work Michael. All the best from Australia. Cheers

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks GRB! You should try one once.....just once.....

[@ahmedak_1]

Hey Michael....I had a question, so you always say that the AMOUNT of bacteria in your filtration depends on your food source...so that doesn't mean that I throw in like 30 fish in my aquarium all at once..right? I should be introducing fish gradually to allow the bacteria to build up.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Yes!

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Or buy a seeded sponge filter from my website

[@RJ-vb7gh]

It's actually faster and less messy to replace the filter floss in a box filter than it is to rinse out the sponge. And best off the bio media doesn't get disturbed. I think if we start calling these things in aquarium canister filters more people would respect them.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

It's all in the marketing!

[@hangfire5944]

I'm afraid that name's already taken 😔

[@mjhobbies6078]

If I put seachem matrix on box filter will it give a better result?

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Better than what?

[@mattkinsella9856]

30 years ago when I started in the hobby as a kid I used a box filter and still do on some of my tanks. Just goes to show some of the old methods are still the best. Off topic but I've been watching some of your old videos today (actually been binge watching loads lol), I was wondering why you stopped breeding angelfish? Those blue ones looked nice. Did they not make money?

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Not as much if I breed guppies. They are easier to raise, ship and breed. Since I travel so much, it became harder to get the eggs from egg stage to free swimmer.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

And thanks for watching the old crap!

[@mattkinsella9856]

That makes sense. I had a breeding pair of angels who were great parents, they'd hatch the eggs and I could leave the fry to grow out with the parents for quite a while before any issues. I'm starting to think I was just lucky with those. There's still some great fish to look at in your old videos and interesting to see how things evolved to where you are now.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Matt Kinsella yeah...but for me, it’s cringe worthy!

[@mattkinsella9856]

@@MichaelsFishRoom We are always our own worst critics. You've done great with your channel and the fact you still make the effort to reply to as many comments as possible shows you really truly care about it which is rare.

[@sylviaguzman4448]

Question for the expert if I have sponge filters and I take the sponges out and I put them in plastic bag to travel another state and I place them in an aquarium would that aquarium be ready for fishes

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

As long as the BB stays alive yes! So keep them wet and give them a little food! How long is the drive?

[@sylviaguzman4448]

@@MichaelsFishRoom four and a half hours

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Sylvia Guzman should be fine then. Just make sure they stay wet

[@sylviaguzman4448]

@@MichaelsFishRoom thank you you've been a great help

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Sylvia Guzman 👍🏼

[@cichlidkingaquatics5988]

That's definetly your opinion. Love ya Mike

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Where do you stand? Team sponge or team box?

[@cichlidkingaquatics5988]

@@MichaelsFishRoom if I wanted mechanical I'd do a filter with a motor. I have porpoises for both. But if asking me if I believe a box filter supplies me with actual mechanical filtration. I'm gonna have to luagh at that idea. If you actually believe that an air pump spread out over many tanks with or without a valve can supply mechanical filtration enough for any size aquarium,well in a very small way yes. It's just not my version of mechanical. Biological, yes sir. Therefor, i completely escuse myself from any kind of conversation about box or sponge filters when it comes to either. Bio, they are both awesome, kinda. Comparing the two as far as actual true filtration belongs to the sponge hands down. Box filters are all hype and actually cause people to lose fish. They deffinetly are not a replacement for hob filters.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Cichlid King Aquatics are you speaking from experience? I’ve never lost a fish because of a box filter......my forgetfulness yes, not a box filter though.

[@cichlidkingaquatics5988]

I'd have to go with a larger pore sponge. Box filters are OK, but sponges beat boxes for me any day.

[@cichlidkingaquatics5988]

@@MichaelsFishRoom the pro sponges give you both.

[@102HuevosFritos]

Question? I’m thinking of adding activated charcoal sponge cubes into my sponge filter inner cavity is this a good idea so the water stays cleaner or not? I’ve been thinking since it is a sponge and that cavity in inside it is empty except for the bubbles that come out of there would this cause anything they already do a good job but want too make sure nothing leaves the filter with the bubbles as they come out the top

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I don’t think there is any need for charcoal.

[@102HuevosFritos]

Michael's Fish Room thanks 😊 do you think it will hurt to try it ?

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Jose Perez Rubalcava no, but a waste of money in my opinion.

[@kevinkelso3374]

Do you have any tanks with undergrad filters in them?

[@kevinkelso3374]

Undergravel

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Nope

[@iralocke3642]

Wow, box filters. I haven’t seen those in decades. I remember fry would end up inside. I guess it’s like men’s clothing. If you hang on to it long enough it comes back in style. Take care of the cough. Enjoyed your video.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks for watching Ira!

[@IJUSTWANNAFLYDJIDRONES71]

Cough ……I’m fine….new here….thank you…..I’m subbing.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks for subbing! (Can buy a shirt that says that!)

[@purpkevco]

WOULD THE XL SPONGE FILTER, THE ONE THAT IS 8X8X8 HANDLE APPROXIMATELY 100 GUPPIES??? OR WOULD I NEED 2 OF THOSE SPONGE FILTERS?

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

How often do you want to change water? What and how much are you feeding? Fry or adults?

[@purpkevco]

@@MichaelsFishRoom I have mutt guppies adults and fry , fed twice a day with Tetramin. they are currently in a 36 gallon bow front. running an xl sponge 8x8x8, a Cascade 700 canister, and a medium size sponge filter, 1 80% water change 1 a week. they are doing great. multiplying like crazy.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Kevan then don’t change a thing!

[@purpkevco]

@@MichaelsFishRoom THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONEST ANSWER

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Kevan that’s how I roll!

[@Ishiisan]

great video! I usually like to put both in a tank :)

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Ishii-San! Where do you live? Thanks!

[@Ishiisan]

@@MichaelsFishRoom I'm in Nashville, TN. I travel back home (Tokyo) quite often :)

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

ishii-san I’ll be in Japan for 5 weeks! I leave the middle of October.

[@Ishiisan]

@@MichaelsFishRoom I'll be in Japan until the 8th of October :) Where in Japan are you going to be? if you're going to be in Tokyo, you need to make your way to Skytree aquarium :) www.sumida-aquarium.com/en/

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I won't arrive until the 22nd :( I'll be in Ota, Gunma Prefecture for most of my time, but I will have weekends free so I will be in Tokyo a few times. I have been to Skytree and did a fish store tour from the shop in that mall right there. I will try to check out the Aquarium!

[@johnwood738]

Love your videos and attitude.found a great cheap pleco food (tofu) cut in small chunks and drop in tanks two dollars for one pound .I like the extra firm please try

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Lol.

[@drzandlcp]

Love that shirt dude

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

You could buy one!

[@TophatOrange]

7:10 I alway clean the polyfill, takes just as much time as sqeezing the sponge filter, and reuse it.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I clean it when I am not lazy.

[@TophatOrange]

@@MichaelsFishRoom subbed cause you are freakin funny (and have good info of course)

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

You forgot sexy AF.

[@anthonybrown8158]

Another great video.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks!

[@arnoldmmbb]

No snack today just lunch pasta with tomato and tuna haha

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Snacks are so much better!

[@magicmasc]

great info mate gonna take your word for it and give the box filter a go in the fry tanks. ps. can i hear a cricket or am i losing it aha

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

No they damn cricket is still there! Thanks for watching!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Gotta get me a box filter ❕️

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Do it

[@TheDrunkenAlcoholic]

best filter "pound for pound" is the hamburg mattern filter. Pros: massive biological filter, Great mechanical filter which breaks dirt down, Only need to clean it once every 1-2 years Cons: Takes up room in the fish tank

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Never used it, but another con is things can get stuck behind it.

[@janeshell1328]

I use to use box filters, then I found out about the sponge filters.. sorry but I can’t go back. To me they are easy cost less, and are far less work. I have also found that if I need to set up a tank fast I just pull the sponge filter from a tank and put it in the new tank and Boom! Done. I put a brand new filter in the old tank and all is good. Easy Peezy

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I always have extra filters just for that purpose. In fact, I may have even done a video about that🤔

[@janeshell1328]

So that’s where I got such an awesome idea! Thanks Mike!👍🏻

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Jane Shell You’re welcome!

[@memetpajaziti3434]

Sorry for asking another question, but I have an corner box filter with sponge and some ceramic rings it it, driven by air pump, will the bristlenose fry stuck in it ?

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Most likely no

[@billykowalski4305]

Other than my lady, nobody else knows I'm a guppy geek. I need a cough shirt!

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

TeeSpring bro, you can get one there.

[@farajaraf]

A box around my sponge filter in my turtle tank wouldn’t hurt 😬🤔

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

OK

[@cameronstoneadams1183]

TLDR. Round filter won (box). thx Michael.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

LOL

[@magma84]

The box is the best ever, it beat my more expensive hob filter

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Cool!

[@bigfishlad4847]

great update nice debate

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks! What side are you on?

[@bigfishlad4847]

@@MichaelsFishRoom i like a sponge to be honest bud

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

@@bigfishlad4847 Honesty is the best policy!

[@bigfishlad4847]

@@MichaelsFishRoom thats what i love about you 👍

[@brianp2707]

Shut those crickets up 🤣

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

I know right! Hey, hey.....what exit?

[@brianp2707]

@@MichaelsFishRoom off the Parkway... 125

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

@@brianp2707 What's that like Sayreville? Home of Jon Bon Jovi?

[@brianp2707]

@@MichaelsFishRoom lol exactly. You from NJ?

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

@@brianp2707 Grew up in Bergen County, now live down south in Camden County....NJP Exit 3

[@colony7591]

Lol bloopers

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Best part of my videos!

[@colony7591]

@@MichaelsFishRoom love your videos bro keep it up and thanks

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

colony 759 Thabks!

[@VivaciousAshley]

Him: “That’s right folks I said cheap China. I hope it offends you cause I don’t really care” Me: Hits LIKE & SUBSCRIBE 😁😁😁

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Boom! Welcome to my shit show!

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

Do we really talk like that? Lol

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Lol

[@nicolenejoythe7652]

Sponge filter always love it

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Have you ever tried box filters?

[@nicolenejoythe7652]

Yes and the maintenance on the box filters to mutch work I just like sponge filters my personal preference you bay it and put it in the tenk but the box filters by us are crappie breaks easily and I don't have the patience for s**t lol😂but love my fish

[@nicolenejoythe7652]

But don't get me rong box filters it has his benefits because in SA I didn't get any store that sell sponges so if the sponge go you have to bay the hole thing and then and only then I will use my box filter

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Nicolene Joythe both are good

[@chrisswan6343]

Box filter rocks!

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Yeah they do!

[@janstropicals3021]

I didn't get a shirt but i did get a sticker.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Nice

[@jamesnewman4136]

What no snack time

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Nah....not this time!

[@jamesnewman4136]

@@MichaelsFishRoom that's a little sad man

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Maybe next time.

[@edwardtomaszewski78]

First.... Filtration Awesome

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Too fan!

[@monas]

Haha

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

What's funny?

[@wannabe_D7000]

Did you have covid when you did this video?

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Why?

[@wannabe_D7000]

@@MichaelsFishRoom you coughed .. and l just found your channel and just made an ignorant assumption sorry…

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

@@wannabe_D7000 lol, I’ve had COVID 2X. This video was made well before Covid.

[@wannabe_D7000]

@@MichaelsFishRoom i have had covid 2 times too .. lol. Post covid every cough seems like covid man!!

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

@@wannabe_D7000 lol, sure does.

[@RobinTruitt1962]

Great video as always. Ruth Young Fishback at www.aquariumlavarocks.com has lava rock crumbles that are awesome for these box filters. Just saying 😊

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Yes she does!

[@kjeaquatics]

The cheapo China dual filters are poop . Reason being the suction cups no sucky after a short time. I made the mistake of buying a bunch. They are now going to the landfill

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

BOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@kjeaquatics]

@@MichaelsFishRoom just my honest opinion/review - I stick with the weighted base style now . Ista and Seapora brands but they are all basically the same . We do use some box filters - I get the Lees Triple Flow corner filters mainly because they are what I can get wholesale. Again a sponge is a sponge and a box is a box .

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

@@kjeaquatics Unless it is a china sponge with a crappy suction cup!

[@kjeaquatics]

Lol . You are correct

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

KJE AQUATICS always!

[@zimrianispresent8123]

🤘🐌🤘

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

✌👌😜👊

[@justingripp4793]

1005th

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Lol

[@justingripp4793]

@@MichaelsFishRoom thanks for making the hobby fun.

[@MichaelsFishRoom]

Thanks for watching my dumb videos! LOL