Fish Tank Sponge Filters: Everything You Need to Know! Assembly | Placement | Flow and More

Hello Everyone,
In this video we discuss everything you need to know about sponge filters. We will talk about how to assembly sponge filters, where in the tank to place sponge filters and how much flow you need through your sponge filter.
Here is an Amazon affiliate link to the hydro sponge filters we use: amzn.to/2uoT3l3
If you are interested in learning more about fish tank filtration check out these videos!
How Much Filtration Do You Really Need: • Fish Tank Filtration: ...
How to Clean a Sponge Filter: • How to Clean Sponge Fi...
Sponge Filter vs HOB: • Fish Tank Filter Showd...
Sponge FIlter vs Matten Filter: • Matten Filter vs Spong...
Sponge Filter vs Under Gravel Filter: • Fish Tank Filter Showd...
Hang on Back Filter vs Canister Filter: • Fish Tank Filter Showd...
What is The Nitrogen Cycle: • The Nitrogen Cycle - F...
Link for the best air stones! Aquarium Coop Affiliate Link: bit.ly/2MCZ9lm
If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! / @primetimeaquatics
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimea...
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
Thanks for watching!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here is an Amazon affiliate link to the sponge filters we use: amzn.to/2uoT3l3 If you are interested in learning more about fish tank filtration check out these videos! How Much Filtration Do You Really Need: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4u9oKuFa9eIhas How to Clean a Sponge Filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKGXapual8Zjm7s Sponge Filter vs HOB: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in_ClpSdr654r7s Sponge FIlter vs Matten Filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2SvemSFa9Wimpo Sponge Filter vs Under Gravel Filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2PdkHSMh92Do5Y Hang on Back Filter vs Canister Filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGSZfXqNjpidb6M What is The Nitrogen Cycle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfTf2etjcygnKs Link for the best air stones! Aquarium Coop Affiliate Link: bit.ly/2MCZ9lm

[@joethefishguy3251]

Also do you remember Tim he was at the fish swap meet and you did a fish room tour he might help me with my pond

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Cool!

[@adlirahman6436]

how i can contact u sir?

[@ExoticsAndAquatics]

Thank you SO MUCH for this one!!! We finally have enough tanks to switch to these!!! Cheers!

[@heatherz7293]

Wait so i dont attach the air stone to the bottom ?? 🤣

[@rorilee9791]

I seriously do NOT know what I would do without your videos. I'd be so lost.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you being here!

[@jaygobim9349]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics i have 20gallons acquarium can i used the bigest sponge filter then i have the 20-40 airpump machine

[@sammywhammy8295]

Such a comforting voice and manor of speaking. You are a natural born teacher. We can tell you are passionate, and you are explaining so that we actually learn

[@rootsnwhiskers8351]

Good job explaining how well these work and going into detail about the little things people may not be aware of. Like a fish getting stuck and adding a screen. That's a great idea!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks Lisa! Look forward to seeing you guys in Chicago!

[@SamanthaNickole02]

Explained very clearly and simply. I’m ditching my canister now that I understand how those sponge filters work. Thank you for taking care of my headache.😁

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching! :-)

[@Zachary360Games]

I love the bubbling sounds, though the noise the pumps make not so much.

[@gustavoolvera1776]

I wrap my pump in a sock and it helps A LOT

[@chaosindustries2506]

wrapping in socks and sponges are great also but buy one that turns down get the sweet spot and have big bubbles without the stone in it they move water better through the top tube especially if they fill to the edges of the up tube that will move max fluid through the sponges, just basic fluid dynamics. but putting the pumps in sponges and sock and wrapping it tight to muffle pump sound, is actually a big fire hazard so put that stuff in a fire bin like a big metal can or something just in case.

[@chalupanotomatoes9609]

Grabbed a small USB nano pump that has a nice purr to it, not sure if it will push enough water for you though!

[@Meowmeowmewmeowz]

I get the extra tubing and connect it to the other air hole, then tie a knot anywhere in the tube and it makes the motor so much quieter

[@bhrameshvaria]

I have recently switched to sponge filters for most of my aquariums and it is my favourite and super easy to maintain and practically bulletproof.

[@diegodominguez205]

I’m thinking of switching since I’m upgrading to a 55 for the first time but should I also get hang on the back for Mexican ? Or am I good enough with a sponge filter

[@thefishtankguy5066]

for years, I've always had air pumps on the floor, I'm going to start putting them higher, can't wait to see the significant difference, glad I subscribe and seen this video

[@fuzziog3923]

The Fish Tank Guy i have my air pumps lower. But i have bought a backflow valve .. for the purpose if power goes out :)

[@xenonram]

You won't see any difference at all. It just removes the potential for flooding if the power goes out and a siphon is started. Nothing more, nothing less.

[@kellyngrey4950]

Thank you so much for explaining where to put the air stone!

[@suejudith2009]

Love these videos 💕 I’m not really new to the hobby but enjoy the information you share! This feels like the kind of video that can help bring more people to the hobby and/or keep them going 😁

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is my hope. : -) Thanks for watching!

[@ManiacSkateboarding]

I got mine for my 55 gallon. I wasn’t happy with the noise from the large bubbles but after modifying it and adding a airstone, I like this filter better than hang on the back ones!

[@cjs033]

Great information! Thank you. Love the never clog air stones. I use them on all my sponge filters. Cheers

[@RexClair]

Chris S man, I had one of those never clog air stones from aquarium coop and tightened it down because I needed finer bubbles, but all it did was sputter and make a squeaking noise. How did you get yours to work?

[@brianstinson865]

People like you are so awesome! I've gained so much knowledge from you over the past year. My tank's are looking great because of you. I recently bought a Tidal 55 after watching your videos and I love it. I'm just now learning about sponge filters. Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@peachimonn]

Amazing video, Thank you so much for making these informative videos. This hobby could always use more education for people that are looking for cheaper and effective ways to care for their fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you watching!

[@billrowlett4676]

Great tip about adding the small section of airline tube to hold the airstone lower in the sponge!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@c.a.t4607]

You can also run a sponge filter off a powerhead, just attach the uplift tube over the powerhead intake. My dad used this set up. Powerhead sponge on one side of the tank and a only air sponge filter . One thing I have noticed is how hard it is to actually find sponge filters in stores now. You won't see them in big box stores, because they aren't designed to have you constantly replacing or buying filter parts or cartridges. Sponge filter the industry standard for generations. They are simple and easy and that is why they will always be a staple of the aquarium industry..

[@elizamccroskey1708]

I also use sponge filters with powerheads. Less noise overall, no air pump noise, no bubbling noise.

[@MichaelWilliams-xs3bj]

I wanted to say thank you Jason! I use to keep fish about 20 years ago. I have regained my interest and fell into the trap of canister being one of the best. After watching this video I bought sponge filter and I am in the process of allowing it to build up bacteria. I bought another tank and I am setting it up with 2 sponge filters and a hob filter. Thanks for the help and keep making videos please!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Glad it's working out for you.

[@kayleeconti1853]

Thank you for such a great video!! Converting my 10 gallon beta tank to sponge filter and this was so helpful 😊

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@ReinhardvonHolst]

Hi again, I subbed you four years ago and I'm just getting back into the hobby so I'm re-watching so many of your vids again. Peace from the UK.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

So glad you are here!

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Adding an air stone is the only way to go as it quietens the filter so much.

[@samoistina9507]

but its relaxing with bubbles also :)

[@briaa4535]

Thank you for demonstrating. Im a visual person and the videos I watched before just explained in words instead of showing what to do and I was lost 😅 thank you!

[@Ongsansoy]

Breaking up bubbles inside a sponge filter also increases the surface area of the air that creates the Venturi effect... Increasing fluid flow...

[@3dbrink409]

Nope, same flow rate from your air pump. Just smaller bubbles instead of bigger bubbles = same surface area and actually less flow because of back pressure.

[@kingjack92]

Thank you so much for this video. My canister filter just sprung a massive leak and its toast. I've been considering a sponge filter but now I'm sold on it. Your video was great!

[@kailas9648]

As a newbie this was SO informative. Just got my sponge filter today and had no idea how to set this up! Thank you for this!

[@josepadilla1499]

I couldn't hear the difference with or without only you in the background but really good information thanks

[@rvd07]

Thanks for the details review, I am going to add air stone.

[@manong4328]

I had absolutely no idea how to install a sponge filter. Great video. Now I know :)

[@samnangyath5978]

That is 5 years ago

[@aarondelage1761]

Real

[@sarahpedron43]

Thank you so much. I've always used mechanical filters (and spent a small fortune) and have just been introduced to sponge filters. I wasn't sure we set it up properly. Now I know we did so I can breathe lol. Your videos are great for newbies like me

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@AnthonyLee-u1z]

This was well done and explained the best out of the many videos I've watched.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@zainaalboushi4162]

the hardest part about sponge filters are finding a human being that could just clearly explain the set up and functions of a sponge filter 😂😂😂 I’m 4 years into my aquariums hobby and no one has ever been able to just clearly explain it to me so I could understand and get on board with it Now I’m hitting myself because it’s like “wow this is the easiest shit in the world and I’ve wasted so much time and money on other filtration set ups”😂😂 Thanks kind dude sir 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@troydarrellclark]

I always use the uplift tubes. I use the plastic air stones on the end of the airline but just run it down the uplift tube and don't attach it to the filter. The weight on the plastic air stone keeps it in the uplift tube but not being attached, makes maintenance way easier.

[@ashapierre4117]

Hi I live in Trinidad and Tobago on your Sponge Filter. advice worked great in my African Sicklet tank Information was very useful. My fish tank is 100% clear.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad it worked!

[@amandawitherspoon5225]

I am an over feeder. I probably always will be. Everyday I use a turkey baster to clean up the leftover food and poop. I have to work a little harder with sand than I did with gravel, but my cory catfish love their sand and they are worth the extra work.

[@johnglenham4099]

Realy like your videos more suited to aquarist than some other ,but all to their own.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@andrejastojanovic7633]

Thank you for helping a beginner

[@andrejastojanovic7633]

I have question about black molly she give birth 5 days ago and she is still fat and white spota on her belly what does that mean?

[@nickstiles1431]

I contracted MTS so I just used Y connectors to use a single $10 Walmart air pump for all three of my tank! I just add more air stones to the biggest tank, but I need a Sponge Filter For my 5 Gallon Green Laser Endler tank! It’s on its way🙌🙌 thanks for the infooo!!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very cool!

[@BentleyPascoe]

Great video and information Jason!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@Icehso140]

Some have an inside air tube, but that can be cut out and the top hole drilled out in steps to about .210", the diameter of your air house. The air tube is attached with a starlike support inside and is easily cut out giving you the same empty tube air chamber in this video. You end up with a sponge filter that is far quieter and much more efficient at drawing water using finer bubbles. I doubt a wooden protien skimmer type air stone would work for this type of application. The bubbles would be too fine.

[@BRICKSTRIDENT]

I hope this isn’t the most stupid question, does the air pump replace the need for a water pump filter. As always, great video man.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not a stupid question at all. Yes, if you run a line from the air pump to the sponge filter that will do the job!

[@agentsmith2399]

I'm glad that I am subscribed to 'Prime Time Aquatics'! Such an informative video. Thanks!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for being here!

[@tkaiser2086]

I use sponge filters in all my tanks they are great filters. I’ve tried ATI high flow sponges and the only problem I have with them is they float sometimes in tanks never had that problem with my other ones. I think the weighted base should weigh more. Great video

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for sharing!

[@boledle]

You deserve likes and subscribes, Sir

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@ksmith5253]

Thanks Jason! I saw a video of your’s on sponge filters a while back and now have about 10 spread across my 8 tanks tanks. Crystal clear water. Thanks for your advice.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

So good to hear!

[@saeedussalehin]

Wow! Very informative and your voice is deep and good to listen. Amazing man!

[@ML-ks2lj]

Cory from aquarium coop used a smaller hose to attach the no clog to keep it straighter

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Your video on sponge filter really helped me.thanks 👍

[@smaloneytuba85]

OOOOOPS!! HAHAHA awesome. Great video, thanks!

[@LanciaD50]

perfect as ever..thank you very much; I really don't know why here in Italy these kind of filters are very unavailable in the local shop..

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. This was very simple and to the point which is much apppreciated

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@devonlee8600]

This helped so much thank you!! Loved the blooper😂

[@taylornoelle1375]

I absolutely love this channel!!!! Thank you for all your help!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you watching!

[@TheBaBaTV]

Sponge filters are great to add while also running the regular hang on filter !

[@DukeCityAquariums]

Great vid man I love sponge filters they are my favorite form of filtration

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@susanmcarpenter1564]

I have sponge filters in my 100 litre tank 250 litre tank my 66 litre 1/2 moon tank and a small double sponge with media in the bottom of them in my 36 litre tank and last to get is a small one for my 16 litre Betta tank and 3 litre quarantine tank I love them 😍 and yes they definitely keep everything so clean

[@Milbo2k]

Great video and explanation of the sponge lifecycle and usage

[@davidekelman5715]

I have been out of the aquarium scene 7 years how things change.I had a canister filter in my 120 gallon and a hose broke.I came home to a disaster that day.Great point about a check valve or going above the tank Thank You for the helpful video.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Welcome back! :-)

[@kjeaquatics]

Great vid on the use of sponges - Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@caseyedwards5238]

Excellent video, thank you

[@hermionefinnigan]

Great info! Thank you! Sponge filter - it does work!

[@jessicaklimekalexander3679]

Fantastic video, I was able to set up a sponge filter with an air stone in my 30 gallon bowfront no problem! Can't wait to see how my inverts like it 😍. I bought my supplies from Aquarium Co-op, thanks again for your channel, I've had fish tanks for 15 years but I'm still learning. 🙂.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for being here!

[@1kream4u60]

Have two sponge filters...i slightly disregard them there brand new...think there good for the job but to cut corners im more easy going I love PULACO aquarium air pump comes with one air pump 1tube n two filter holes ...very easy to ASSEMBLE low noise w/extreme awesome Super flow...including reasonable price

[@Anthony_Williams1216]

Man always fantastic content! Thank you so much!!

[@vicphilip952]

just in time, I really need this video right now. thanks man. and I lmaoed on the last part

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for watching!

[@matthewchicoine6010]

Really enjoyed your video. Very helpful and thorough information, easy explanation. Thanks

[@anthonyWiHDM8]

Thanks for the info, and great video. You have some beautiful fish!

[@bigdweeb7829]

Lots of good advice. Thank you .. Subscribed :D

[@cesarsosa234]

OMG man your Mdoka on tha background are beautiful they are gorgeous!!!!!!

[@kengumaru9277]

I have 75 gallon with overstock Peacock and hap community with few mbuna. and I'm using a sponge filter 180 gallon big and has airstone in it and never had an issue.

[@lvitntnmrcls]

Great video. I love sponge filters and box filters

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@sethbryant6598]

Great video!

[@Jsbettaroom]

Great Video I need a sponge filters for my bettas room. I was worried they were complicated to setup and maintain till I seen this video. thanks again for Great Video I'm going to purchase a few this weekend

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome! Glad it was useful. : -)

[@pungr]

Awesome video. I like how you cut to the chase, so informative!

[@malucobeleza760]

You rock, dude! Thanks for the info in all the fish and fish stuff.

[@hctv85]

Very helpful info man! thanks for your videos!!

[@roxisone]

Another great video! I learn something every time! Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear! Thank you!

[@ichokimsh]

It was really helpful video for me. Actually, I'm from Korea and just started to having bristlenose plecos and corydoras. I remember that bristlenose plecos and corydoras are like flow in the aquarium... And what I want to ask is more flow (higher airpump) on sponge filter will make more benifical bacteria and clear water? or it doesn't really matter? I don't care about the bubbling noise and I just want to provide more better enviroment for my fishes and bacterias. I really hope that I can get an answer from you! Thanks again for the helpful video :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It probably won't matter much for the bacteria, but the water could become clearer. Using a fine pore sponge will also help that.

[@mschoenfuss5738]

Thank you!!! This really helped a ton! 👍🏼

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@andrewk5860]

Thanks for the info cheers off to get this all done 😂😂😂

[@geodesicmonkey]

As always, a great video! Question regarding cycling time. If you are starting out with a new tank and a completely new sponge filter, will a larger filter decrease the timeline to get the tank cycled and ready for fish? I can see it both ways. A smaller filter would have less surface area for the initial bacteria to grow on, however the bacteria might be more tightly packed into the filter allowing for it to colonize the filter faster. The opposite could be said about a larger filter. More surface area would allow for much more bacteria to develop. Ive always been interested in seeing a study on the actual rate of bacterial development per cubic centimetre of different media types, conducted by a true 3rd party reviewer. Tanks as always!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great question - I don't think it matters. Even an under-sized sponge filter has more than enough surface area for beneficial bacteria to handle an average load. Since the microbes only grow to the nutrients available, the size of the sponge filter won't matter as much at first.

[@ejfishes7610]

Nice video Jason. I have check valves for all my sponge filters!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Cool!

[@jeannieb4554]

Very informative. I always need all the information I can get so Tysvm. 😊

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching. : -)

[@DanielSouza-pv7wq]

Love my sponge filters, I also love those Phenos!!!! Omg what a gorgeous group Jason!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Daniel Souza thank you!

[@coryjones5428]

Hey Jason! I have a single 5 inch osar getting ready to go in a 75 gallon tank. I might add a pleco or 1 or 2 more additonal small cichlids. What do you suggest i use for filtration? Hang on back, canister, sponge filter. A mixture of a couple? I really appreciate your suggestions.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I'd probably through a couple HOB filters on their if it were my set up. Each should filter around 250 gallons per hour.

[@coryjones5428]

@@PrimeTimeAquaticsthanks! do you have a make and model you reccomend?

[@cls52766]

Thank you for the helpful info!

[@wog1949]

Thank you for this information and the links. I purchased a 32G biocube aquarium and have had the most difficult time getting clear water, I am hoping this is the answer.

[@Fishaholic]

Nice video mate and great information

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@ritabeitz9598]

Thanks so much! Very helpful! Great videos! 😀

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@aaronfiddy4260]

Lose knot in tubing works fine

[@grizzlyman5640]

Can you use a canister and sponge filter at the same time in a tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Definitely!

[@cichlidkingaquatics5988]

Thanks Jason, I'm currently recruiting freunds that are mechanical nuts. I'm a fan of the pros though.

[@jamesbradley4822]

Very knowledgeable, and a cute bear.

[@seanootd3406]

Another great video mate personally I mainly use api as well but 1 thing worth mentioning at least for people new to sponges not all sponges have the space for air stones ive got 2 i don't use anymore but the connection for the airline runs the length of the sponge and connects right at the base

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point!

[@bmill677]

I encountered this problem as well. I was able to use garden pruners to snip the plastic interior airline stem and supports, leaving a hollow center to the interior pieces. Used a tiny snipet of the discarded stem to make an adaptor for the airline that can plug into the bottom side of the top cap for the sponge filter.From there just use jason's method to attach your airstone

[@yummy_latte7680]

I am going to get an axolotl soon, and I was wondering if you are supposed to cycle the sponge filter with water before you put it in the tank to remove manufactured chemicals? If so, I was wondering how to do it? Also, thank you so much for this video! It was super informative and helpful.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good question - you can rinse it if you want. That’s about the extent of what we do.

[@nataliechavira3288]

Such a helpful video, thank you!

[@KGcichlids]

Great explanations on sponge filters!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@barrylilley6392]

Have noticed the more you restrict flow the louder the air pump runs 🙌 love them or hate them they are the cheapest and most effective filtration for the dollar value , yes it doesn’t compare to hob or canisters , but cheap

[@varanidguy]

Great video man, I'm really enjoying your content!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@mwillis1034]

Good afternoon Jason First of all, my wife & I love your channel and videos! We have 10 tanks from 75s down to a 10 gallon nursery. I know you're a big advocate for sponge filters, so I thought you'd be a great person to reach out to. If I add a sponge filter to an established tank that's been running for over a year, levels are all good, no issues, fish are all healthy & thriving, when is that sponge filter cycled or seasoned? When does it contain enough beneficial bacteria that it is now contributing, in a beneficial way, to the tank? Or when would that filter be ready to move to a new tank to help start the nitrogen cycle? Also, I've taken your advise, and ran the air hose down close to the bottom of the inside of the sponge filters. Not just attached them to the top nipple. Just a heads up if this makes a difference. Any help is appreciated. Thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I usually wait about 6 weeks. Should be ready for the new tank by then.

[@dznutz00]

Great great info.. great video! Thank You!