How to Install a Sponge Filter + 3 Bonus Tips

Sponge filters are one of the easiest filters to run. Plus, they have low flow for betta fish & baby fry.
🐟 SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss my latest video: / @girltalksfish
🌿 BECOME A MEMBER for bonus content: / @girltalksfish
MATERIALS I USED
▶ Large sponge filter: amzn.to/2OxIDbc
▶ Small sponge filter: amzn.to/2DT8QNe
▶ Air pump with airline tubing, check valve, and air stone: amzn.to/3wUckZC
(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from the links above.)
RELATED LINKS
▶ How to Set Up a Sponge Filter: www.agamerswife.com/2018/10/h...
🦐 CONNECT WITH ME to get extra updates
▶ Instagram: / girltalksfish
▶ Twitter: / girltalksfish
▶ Facebook: / girltalksfish
ATTRIBUTION
Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
#aquarium #fishtank #fishfam

[@GirlTalksFish]

*Do you use air stones with your sponge filters?* Comment below to share your experiences, and subscribe if you want to see more this videos like this! goo.gl/4q2idY

[@jo-anne5707]

A Gamer's Wife I did not, but I did add a flow valve to control the air flow to lessen the bubbles.

[@GirlTalksFish]

@@jo-anne5707 Great idea! Thanks for sharing with us. :)

[@johnlasay1578]

A Gamer's Wife tell me what is the purpose of the check valve do i need this

[@GirlTalksFish]

@@johnlasay1578 Basically if the air pump is located below the sponge filter, water will flow through the airline tubing and get the air pump wet if the power ever gets turned off. The check valve prevents the water from damaging the air pump and leaking everywhere in case of a power outage. 👍 If the air pump is located higher than the sponge filter, no need for a check valve.

[@johnlasay1578]

A Gamer's Wife mmm i thought the check valve is to increase the air flows

[@hopeleslyanimalcrazy]

I was struggling to figure out how I could possibly add an airstone to my filter and you made it so simple!! Thank you!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Megan Haas Yay! So glad you found it helpful. :)

[@rajendrasingh977]

I like short and to-the-point videos; so many videos that are just meant to meet the 10 min mark.

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you so much! I personally like videos to be short and sweet as well. :)

[@khekai1]

so true!! some videos more on talking done doing the demo😔😑

[@missmermaid6249]

What a great tip. Thank you! I put the air stone on and what a difference it made. Never knew I could “modify” that simple pump. 👍

[@GirlTalksFish]

I know, right? Some people really love the bubble sound, but I'm not as into white noise. :)

[@erinbest1960]

This video explained everything I needed to know so much better than the instructions! I did end up using the method you used for the air stone in a short tube in a long tube bc I couldn’t get my airline tubing to connect to my bullseye on the inside, but it works just as well IMO! Thanks so much :)

[@lleighlu]

Thank you! This was really helpful! Loooove the tip about placing a small towel under the air pump. Good stuff. 👌🏽

[@calo2664]

g

[@dariangregory6182]

Looks like this year old video is a gift that keeps on giving. I just got my 1st sponge filter to supplement my Canister Filter. It was brand new but didn't come with instructions for set up. I guess the company thinks it's pretty self explanatory. Well it really isn't, not for people who never used 1 before. I didn't even know I could take it apart like that. Thank You for showing me how to assemble it and also the airstone tip. Much appreciated.

[@korokshiding]

Thank you for this! My sponge filter was violently bubbly even on a low airflow. Putting an air stone in has made the bubbles smaller and quieter 😊

[@quietskitty]

Thanks for the guide! My air pump didn't include directions for which way the check valve should be attached, but with your help I got everything up and running smoothly!

[@woahthatsrough]

I’m going to get my first sponge filter for my beta tonight!! i’ve done so much research but i’m watching more videos just to be sure! Thanks for the video!

[@nikdi5743]

I finally understand bc she speaks in a very articulate way. The other videos spend to much time talking about extra irrelevant stuff..I just needed to know how it’s setup!! Thank you so much!! 🙏💪❤️

[@PharaohciousX]

Girl Talks Fish saves the day again! Just got my first sponge filter supplies and was completely lost with assembly. Your tips and tricks are wonderful - thank you!!!!

[@ashleywellman5543]

Okay I love your videos so much. You always get straight to the point and explain everything so well. Thank you so much!

[@fishfolk4059]

Loved your article on Aurstone posted at the Aquarium Co-Op blog! Made some good changes because of it. Also, the study you made validated some air decisions we've been making intuitively. Keep it up! You're helping the hobby -- especially for beginners like us!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Oh, I'm so glad you read my article! Cory from Aquarium Co-Op was actually the one who did the original experiments, so I'm just helping him by writing blog posts for him. :)

[@TheGreatCrow]

Thank you for the help! Definitely needed the visuals and info for setting up my first sponge filter

[@courtjunk7]

Thank you thank you thank you! Every video I've seen talks all about the filters, but not at all about the air pump or valves. I will definitely refer to this video when I go to set up my filter.

[@GirlTalksFish]

Yay, I'm so glad you found the video helpful! I don't know why I was so intimidated by sponge filters when I first got started, so I'm glad I can spread the knowledge. :)

[@lovelyegg1128]

thank you so so SO much! i am setting up my first all shrimp tank (5.5gal and cherries) and i had no idea how to do this... but now I know!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@annamariethompson116]

Ordered a sponge filter today & I'm completely sure I would not of done it correctly. THANK YOU! 🥰

[@cyndicombs1419]

Great video! You are professional and very well spoken! Thank you for taking the time to do it. 🐟❤🐟

[@jaquieleon5556]

Thank you so much for this! I've been so confused about how to use these and this was the perfect tutorial.

[@Paper_Flowers]

Ahhh thank you SOOO much for this video, we couldn't figure out how to set it up for the life of us! really appreciate your vids :)

[@funandhijnx]

Thanks! I had a challenging time finding a simple explanation of which direction to install my check valve until I found your video. Thanks again for keeping it simple!

[@Lolasmommy2010]

One of the best videos on KZbin for explaining how to set these items up. Thank you!

[@layliedwards961]

I chuckled when you said about the witches brew in your video, and laughed hard when it did it when i turned it on. So true! The stone is a must by the sounds of it. I can't listen to that bubbling away all night! Great lesson. Thank you.

[@cherylfrain2592]

Thanks for walking me through setting up my first sponge filter

[@carlowehermosa956]

Smart tip...didn’t know what to do with the spoke on the strainer! now I can attach my air stone!😜 thank you!

[@TheMrDarius]

I just got two of the Fluval sponge filters that are designated for 75 gallons each for my 110 aquarium and it has the fine sponge. I’m okay with cleaning it weekly because my plecos I pulled out of my pond I’m over wintering like to uproot my elodea haha but I’m just going to experiment with it because I like my water crystal clear and free of most debris. I so thankful for you and others because you guys help out sooooo very much with aquariums and you guys don’t even know it. Thank you and the rest of the fish community on KZbin because without you guys I’d be still in the stone age as far as aquariums go.

[@karisap]

These are the best instructions I've ever received on a sponge filter!!

[@ravenmaniac428]

You are my go to for resources pertaining to fish care for this very nervous fish owner. So,Thank you so much for all your knowledge, and detailed instructions about caring for our aquatic companions!

[@GirlTalksFish]

My pleasure! Best of luck with your new fish. 😊

[@michaelg1655]

Thanks for the video that tip about cutting out the center my sponge filters working perfectly with my air stone inside

[@oqihouqiop]

Hey, im just getting back into fish and i really appreciate your videos. They have helped me and brought me joy. Thank you

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

This was the video that made me subscribe to you! I truly didn't know how to install it even though I had all the parts for the sponge filter. Newbie here. :)

[@michellejennings4259]

Thank you for the information, first time using the sponge filter and I thought it was missing some components, now I know.. air stone and check valves.

[@dooksouls5423]

I really needed this! I just recently got an aquarium and some plants and the plants came with little blue hitchhiker shrimp! I think some are being lost to my filter so I need a sponge filter but I couldn't find ANYWHERE online an easy, step by step guide on how exactly to set up a sponge filter. You're a shrimp saver!

[@fearlessmemes6678]

Hey can you help me with 2 questions

[@ktrimberger]

Love Irene's videos! So informative! Thank you

[@RVVideosShowtime]

wow! what a great sponge filter with air stone concept. superb idea and now I will also try to make this type of air filter. thanks for sharing :)

[@GirlTalksFish]

That's so great to hear! Glad to help. 😊

[@NoSmokeG]

Very helpful for a beginner. Thank you!

[@khekai1]

already buying online the materials. thank you sooo much for the ideas😍😍 all for the love of my fish

[@charlieg6913]

Definitely grabbing an air stone. My bubbles are huge. Thanks. Great video. 👍🏼

[@TheTitanborn]

Thank you! Your instructions helped a ton!

[@mikemorales3796]

Just installed my very first sponge filter with the help of this video. Thanks and I will subscribe.

[@transformersteam9425]

Excellent 💡,fast & easy to set up. Is a good start for the beginners. Thank you for the special tips. Will do that. 👏🎉

[@erikachavelas9137]

Thanks for everything. I’ve been learn so much with you.

[@thekale3480]

i just bought the filter part 😭 didn’t know it wouldn’t come with tubing or an air pump. Thanks for the information i’ll have set it up in a few more weeks.

[@ichtyophobia]

Thank you so much for this video. I was goin a bit crazy googleing for where that backvent ws supposed to be on the hose. 😅

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Awesome videos. New subscriber here! Can't wait to see more of your videos.. thank you so much for sharing! This was so simple lol

[@jennifershoo110]

Wow love your video, dummy proof! Clear and concise thank you

[@diggzdoesgames]

Great video, I have the same sponge filter but a diff brand. This was very helpful! Thanks so much

[@ChrisJohnsonCJs-Kitchen]

Thank you so much for this video, it was really helpful.

[@JoeyPierce]

Thanks that airstone trick helps!

[@graciayolandaputri6873]

this helps a lot! thanks

[@tomthetoaster8004]

Honestly this is such an underated channel.

[@GirlTalksFish]

You are too sweet! Appreciate the love. :)

[@WhiteCottages]

Thank you thank you, i had to get my dremel out to cut the spokes inside the bullseye, but got it done.😊

[@s0neskim]

Thanks for uploading this video it is very clear and straight forward information. I never have sponge filter before and I'm considering to buy it in the future just incase I want to breed my fish or for my betta. Thanks once again!

[@GirlTalksFish]

That's like music to my ears! I'm always hoping to make informative, practical videos to help beginners with the stuff I'm learning/going through. :)

[@kaisvlog8358]

thank you for the lesson! Ms.

[@Trojan0304]

Thanks, new to sponge filter , subscribed

[@cullinf2077]

Thanks for the video😀

[@yong79]

This is so good. Thank you for the tip

[@DirtDawg]

Thank you for this

[@LearnersTank]

Nice & crisp presentation, keep it up

[@GirlTalksFish]

Aquatic Revolution Thanks so much! Glad you liked it. :)

[@bug10100]

Great video. Saved me a lot of time and stress🙏

[@asherpanaguiton2061]

Thankyou! For your tips

[@samanthalongoria2870]

I love this video thank you

[@heavenboundfarm2159]

Now I can get a sponge filter I know how to clean it and hook it up .. keep the good work .. really enjoyed the show

[@GirlTalksFish]

Yay, glad you found it helpful!

[@delilah4397]

omg thank you! im watching this as my cat tries drinking out of my half filled aquarium 😂

[@cptshyboy]

Thanks for this video. !!!

[@RampartPh]

Thinking of using this sponge filter for my future shrimp tank instead of the internal filter I have for the aquarium I have now.

[@Tropicalfishcrazechannel]

beautiful sponge filter and nice installation tips

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you! I hope it will help other beginners. :)

[@kwanakakj2012]

Great vid

[@Jamming50447]

Totally came back to rewatch this for my shrimp tank!! Also the first time I watched this, I was like “pshh I don’t need a check valve” - fast forward three weeks later when my power went out while I was at work and the water siphoned out of my tank down to the air pump. Ugh, lesson learned - listen to ALL the tips of the video :) thank you for the tips!!!!!!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Yes! That totally happened to my baby brine shrimp hatchery. It wasn't an actual aquarium so I didn't think to put a check valve on it either... and then we got a power outage. 😂

[@angiesicecreamhire9227]

Fantastic thank you so much x

[@joshdominguez7015]

Thank you!!

[@ngarci8040]

Just setup my first 2 sponge filters thanks to this gorgeous rockstar…! 🤙

[@kevsimpson88keys77]

fabulous thanks

[@DebTim]

Hi GW... well done. Simple sometimes seems like rocket science!! ♥♥

[@GirlTalksFish]

Totally! I remember being all nervous the first (and second) time I put a sponge filter together. Hope this video helps some beginners get through it. :)

[@morticianforreal]

It was such a nice video.

[@annapivovarets7904]

I think you're the most normal youtuber, because you explained how to submerge that damn sponge filter haha😂. I just had major issues and felt like the stupidest person alive🤦‍♀️. But thanks to you I could resolve my unclarity! Thank you very much! ❤❤❤❤💗

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you so much! Haha, I felt so stupid too since I had no idea to put one of these things together. Glad I could share the knowledge and hopefully help others figure it out. 🤗

[@mundomoney1176]

Good tips thanks

[@Fishaholic]

Nice video mate, I have a double sponge filter in my guppy tank and it is working great. I haven't used an air stone with the filter but I believe it operate quietly with an air stone.

[@GirlTalksFish]

That's great! Give the air stones a shot if you get a chance and let me know what you think. :)

[@Fishaholic]

@@GirlTalksFish won't be able to do it with existing filter since it has an intake for air tube and hard to modify it. But will definitely do it once I build my own sponge filter. Thank you for the idea though 😀

[@lindakim3051]

This video is kinda old but still very helpful!! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@kelleyforeman]

Thank you so much! The directions aquarium co-op has on their site are terrible. This is so much better!

[@dee1380]

thank u!!

[@CeCee-no8bg]

💙Thank you!!

[@Slowboi335xi]

There’s also valves you can install on the airline hose to control how much airflow goes into the filter

[@choppertree1299]

thank you !

[@cheeseburger2287]

Cool, thank you, 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@tracys.6033]

Thank you for taking time to make tutorial. A huge thank you for getting to the point without rambling extra stuff that doesn't have anything to do with what your showing us! All your tips are very helpful. Your explanations are clear and to the point. Much appreciated!

[@highlandsgirl3920]

You make good, easy to understand videos. Oh and you are cool. New subscriber. .

[@GirlTalksFish]

Highlands Girl Thank you so much! So glad you enjoy my videos. :)

[@ActorRahman]

Thanks a ton. I was in a hope to check about how to connect air valve. Only yours was available. Thank you. Also I wish to know more about how to maintain single flower horn fish. Temperature , food, timings and if any other things I shud do to maintain my single flower horn aquarium. Would much appreciate. Thank you.

[@jilliannawalker3841]

This helped me SO much ! Where did you get that light from ?

[@LM-lu2lr]

Wow thank you very much

[@GirlTalksFish]

My pleasure! Glad you found it helpful. :)

[@Mongraus]

Hi, Thank you for a great video! Do you know, if I install two spongefilters in a aquarium. One large and One small/medium can I take out the small one if I needed to set up an quarantine / hospitaltank fast, without crashing the Main tank? Thank you.

[@abbeythemediocre]

Quick note- I don’t recommend airstones for small tanks. I have one in a ten gallon and I had to use wire cutters to even get the stone to fit in mine. The bubbles were a bit smaller but it wasn’t a huge difference. I can see why it would work in a bigger sponge filter though.

[@lilsush.]

thanks

[@novanettle7497]

I'm a big fan of HOB-filters and have an AquaClear that I absolutely love! But I'm getting a betta after Christmas and the flow is a bit to intense, so I just got my first sponge filter, and this video has been super helpful 👌

[@GirlTalksFish]

That's great! I'm so glad I could help out. Congrats on the new betta fish too... what color/type do you think you wanna get?

[@novanettle7497]

@@GirlTalksFish I already got him! Well, my friend got him for me and he lives with her until I take him with me after Christmas break. He is a black crowntail, might be some silver or blue in him aswell - he is difficult to photograph 😅

[@GirlTalksFish]

Emma Eriksdotter Oh my goodness, he sounds _gorgeous!_ Lucky little guy gets to come home with you. Have fun with him and hope you have a merry Christmas! 🎄🎁☃️

[@novanettle7497]

@@GirlTalksFish he really is! I can't wait to take him home! 😊 Merry Christmas! ☃️🎁🎄

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Oh by the way, I have the Top fin 5 gallon aquarium that you show in your video! I am getting a betta for it soon I hope. Still cycling the tank. I love how you set your tank up.

[@ItzStrykerr]

What I did is for 3 tanks I used one pump and connected them with T connectors. 2 bowls have air stones and two have filters and water controllers to even the flow

[@dazamahjong]

Ty

[@fishingpet1992]

watching from philippine

[@user-su9xc2ff4o]

good video thanks

[@GirlTalksFish]

The Humungus My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it. :)