Sponge Filters - How they work!!!

[@jorgediaz8382]

I've seen almost all the sponge filter videos and not one is like yours. You explain everything in detail and name each part by its correct name. Nobody has done that. Excellent video ! 👍

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you very much!

[@mrcoolxoxo7007]

Bro, draw this out on a paper with the air hise connected and think about it.... Air gets forced to the bottom of the filter creating rising bubbles forcing nearby water to move with it pulling water through the sponge at a weak level. So all the filth will be on the outside of the sponge.

[@Rtboy954xx]

One key piece of info left out..these are redundant with a weak pump…. They dooooo nothing..

[@be.still.701]

This was the most informative video for sponge filters I could find. You answered all of my questions and more! Thanks so much! 😁

[@TrafishAquatics]

You're very welcome 😁

[@legoguy9317]

Same. this was very informative

[@Sophia1a1]

Travis you're amazing, you're an advocate for cheap fish enthusiast like myself

[@27613fam]

I loved this video. I searched videos to try to understand how sponge filters work but all I found were how to put them together. You explained it wonderfully without the fanfare just simple mechanics. Thanks

[@br3fl3]

I was trying to understand how sponge filters worked, probably spent an hour watching videos. Made no sense to me until I watched your video. Thank you 👍

[@gabrielbennett5162]

Recently cleaned the sponge on mine for the first time after doing a water change (yes, I cleaned it in the tank water I was about to discard). I was shocked at how much it had actually captured! Very impressive!

[@deepu1601]

The hack of placing one sponge over another is a superb one. It has not come to my mind and am using 2 separate sponge filter instead of stacking one over the other. Thanks a lot

[@carolinemusic100]

Fantastic video. Haven't come across anyone who has been so thoroughly helpful. Thanks. 😊

[@vaskylark]

This is the third How Sponge filters work and the ONLY video to actually answer my questions. I wanted to know how they filtered and how often I needed to change it. Thank you for addressing both!

[@TrafishAquatics]

You're very welcome 😁

[@basiliskgamer8352]

this is my idk numberth video and I still can't understand how these suck the water in , I can't find anny reason why the air would suck the water in order to go up.

[@TrafishAquatics]

It's called airlift, as the air rises it causes the water to follow behind it, the only way the water can get in is through the sponge so it then follows the air up and out the lift tube

[@althafahmed6348]

Simply perfect explanation about filters. I saw other videos but nobody explained the mechanism in such clear detail. Good Job!! Thank you!!

[@Razenshi]

Been seeing people recommend sponge filters in a lot of videos and I had a rough idea how they worked. Literally was just thinking of them and this video came up lol. Awesome job bro!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you and your very welcome 😁

[@ephraimcampos5232]

Smart phones are reading our minds

[@TrafishAquatics]

They are 😂

[@ephraimcampos5232]

Trafish Aquatics whats up boss hope all is well I just bought my sponge filter after ur video. I have less then a year in the hobby and I love it

[@TrafishAquatics]

Everything is great here! I Hope that filter works for you as well as they do for me, I love them!

[@Leib33]

Thank you for being a one-stop-shop for aquarist's knowledge! This video answered a number of questions I had concerning HOB vs air pump w/sponge filter. I kind of realized the effectiveness of sponge filters after noticing how many professionals I saw on KZbin videos were using them even in 55-100 gal storage tanks for holding tanks for fish they're selling but was unsure what is a good size for my 10 and 20 gal tanks. THANK YOU AGAIN!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome 😁

[@Leo-td4tj]

Been taking care of my dad's aquariums for quite awhile now and I just learned this now. I never knew the purpose of the lift tube before so I never used it, hopefully I haven't thrown it out.. Thanks a lot man love this content

[@shyamb9443]

Finally after ages I understand how this works (the Air Lifting Mechanisim) Thank you Sir.

[@crimegeek]

Thank you for the visual of taking it all apart and function. Great video for this topic 🏆

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you!

[@craiginbatonrouge8161]

Travis, dude… you schooled me big time, I needed it too. Didn’t know squat about sponge filters, now I’m like the scarecrow that just got a brain … wow such a powerful feeling, thanks man…

[@TrafishAquatics]

You're welcome

[@Samanthagerner]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I thought I was missing something in my set up. I understand how it works now

[@realnarwhal]

I got a small one for my triops tank a long time ago, but never knew how the worked, well I guess now I finally do 😂 your video was super easy to understand, and really quick to tell us about it, thanks for this video!

[@BeaverOwl]

Love your channel. Straight up knowledge. No B.S.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you!

[@MaryJane-en7do]

Thank you for explaining so well. One of the most helpful videos ive found

[@RamKumar-qj1ye]

Bro! you are awesome 🔥 just what I was looking for. Perfect explanation.

[@madysondoolittle-brown]

A beautifully explained video!! Thank you Travis!❤

[@michalaelton961]

Brilliant. Thanks for explaining this so well!

[@TrafishAquatics]

You're welcome

[@sdlock83]

4:22 Can you add zeolites and charcoal into the 2 strainer compartments to enhance the filtration capabilities?

[@TrafishAquatics]

Not on this style but there are other styles that have compartments specificly for chemical filtration like these amzn.to/3eBGmuy

[@sdlock83]

@@TrafishAquatics I just put a sack of carbon and zeolite in a fine mesh bag and sit it next to the sponge filter.

[@antonfelice5284]

Thank you for answering my question and doubts about this filter, as I baffled how can a thing suck debris when the pump's work is to push air and not suck.

[@deniscrosby5038]

I’m think of using a sponge filter. You video is an excellent presentation and understandable to us novices. Thank you!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@anandrasale]

nice totally detailed info.Thanks for explainig n making understand in so detailed.

[@Guerosaquasource]

Thank you for the complete explanation on how those filters work

[@stefaniep4374]

Another awesome informative video. Thanks for explaining how these work.. I never quite understood before.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your very welcome, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@matthewwest6062]

Well done on a explaining sponge filters, great job 👍🏻

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you

[@richardsandoval2899]

Great info. Everything I was looking for short sweet and informative good show bro

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you!

[@joeestes4958]

Great video for beginners. Always getting questions about this. Ill be sending them to your video.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you

[@bhen2753]

Great video buddy. Very thorough!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you!

[@axolotlmafia]

I use sponge filters on all of my tanks, I love them.

[@joryaallarse1742]

How to order

[@TrafishAquatics]

There's links in the description of the video for the sponge filters used in the video

[@deletethemedia3445]

Was running 2 canister filters on my 75 till one decided to start leaking. Ordered my first sponge filter today. We will see how it goes!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Awesome! I'm sure you'll like it, I love mine.

[@anthroponacious]

All one take is pretty impressive. Good presentation.

[@karljordan19]

Thanks for sharing i also use sponge filters in all my tanks and didn’t really understand how they worked. 😂 I just knew they work 😂

[@mikereseigh]

Thanks. I am new to this type of filter.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@marutank1367]

I think im gonna use sponge filter for my future betta tank. Thanks !

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@Packla]

Thanks u I finally understand how it works

[@julioleon0664]

Great video, detailed & explained ..best video I have seen on this subject..thank you, great job

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you!

[@mikemills8805]

I love , another advantage of sponge filters vs hang on back is if you were say gone on vacation or whatever, if you have a power outage…. All the hang on backs I had would need primed to get them going again… With if power comes back on your air comes back and all is good

[@AM3USH]

Very Helpful!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you

[@atomyou3416]

Thank you so much for your amazing video it's really help me to understand how the filters work 👍☺️

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@shrutimhamunkar9281]

It was nice and superb information thanks you

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@timrussell89]

Excellent explanation. I also use a sponge filter in every tank.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you, they work great! I don't see why people don't think they work 😆

[@timrussell89]

@@TrafishAquatics there are only a couple downsides I can think of. They take up room in the tank which to me is not a big deal and there is no way to run carbon if you ever have to medicate. This problem can be fixed just by doing some extra water changes to remove meds. Not deal breakers by any stretch of the imagination.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Both are valid, however if you do ever plan on running carbon there are sponge filters that have media baskets where you could add and remove media as needed, search powkoo sponge filter on Amazon and it's the green one, very neat design

[@timrussell89]

Trafish Aquatics good to know! Thanks

[@Worsky666]

Very well explained , I got all information needed. Thank you Travis. I did 👍 and sub as well.

[@scottmoe6700]

I didn't know sponge filters were so effective. I thought they were meant for limited water flow. Thanks for the info

[@Theguys1]

What a a great video! Nice guy as well.

[@raymondtan3653]

Very very good explanation, now I understand... thank you so much..

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome!

[@arturmikusek1976]

I was looking for this - thanks

[@michaelreyelvinjr.bureros9067]

That was very helpful😊😊. Thank you

[@TrafishAquatics]

glad it was helpful!

[@nameuneeded579]

This video is awesome 👍 thanks for the great info!!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome!

[@Rolypolioli79]

Does the 1st sponge filter need the lift tube to work properly and can I put an elbow on the top of it?

[@susanwebb1666]

Brilliant video, thanks 😊

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@shelbytaylor4634]

I needed this. Thank you!

[@nicoleyates9400]

Can you use this in conjuction with a tank filter system? I need to repair my tank that I want to be prepared if it takes a couple days. I don't want my fish miserable, but after I'm done I'm thinking about leaving the sponge filter in. I've got a 55 gallon tall cube so movement and cycling are extremely necessary

[@TrafishAquatics]

Yes you can

[@nicoleyates9400]

Thank you!! And your videos allowed me to buy with confidence❤

[@shwedder3421]

Thank you explained very well !

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you!

[@AIAristotle]

man I love you thankyou man

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@DailyGPT365]

this is educational for a beginner like me!

[@tjewel7636]

Is there a way to use more than 1 air pump per sponge filter? I have 2 10 gal tanks right next to each other. Can they share an air pump of I modify air hose?

[@TrafishAquatics]

Yes look up aquarium gang valves

[@JJLewin1]

Thanks for this informative video. It makes a lot of sense to use this filtration system.

[@carlkennedy7094]

Thanks for your time explaining about the filters. I have been using hang on the back filters for years and have come across the sponge filters on UTube videos. I remember as a kid you had to put the charcoal in the bottom of the clear plastic filter and then on top of that you put the white cotton type filter medium. Nice to know that that model has been improved upon. I have ordered two filters (sponge) for my two 30 gallon tanks which I will be setting back up soon.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Awesome! Glad the video was helpful 😁

[@saadidawood]

thanks for this explanation, i have 20 gallon fish tank, my wuestion is; when to clean the sponge filter?

[@ZORGtheALIEN]

does it matter if the top of the uplift tube is above the water a little?

[@johnjwedrall4290]

I love them too 👍👍

[@susanjonez]

I like how fish are in the back round!!!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you!

[@boatgalhb1142]

Thanks, seems too simple to work. Just put my 1st one in a 10 gallon Betta tank with a whisper 10 and just ordered a Tetra 60 so I could hook 5/5 gallons and the 10 on the same rack. I also bought a splitter. Thanks, Awesome video

[@Vildmis]

I absolutely love this video! You are very good at explaining, not talking to fast, demonstrating so thank you for that! It really helped me, and I'm guessing alot others 😊❤🤘 I just have one question, is the function the same with an airstone in it? How do you put it together with an airstone? 😊

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you, Function is the same with an airstone, you would have to cut the plastic tube inside and attach a price of hose with a tube.

[@Vildmis]

@@TrafishAquatics thanks! I just put a(brand new) spongefilter in my 54 liter (24g?) Tank, I didn't like the filter that followed because its freaking big, it has one of them stupid cartridges and the filter besides that is so small. I wanna take it and just go with the spongefilter, but if I do that I will loose the bacteria I have in that, and its a new aqaurium where I'm doing a fish-in cycle (long story short). I can't wrap my head around how to do it, any advice?

[@TrafishAquatics]

Let it fully cycle with both filters then just remove the one you don't want and check for the next few days for ammonia spikes, if there's none your good, bacteria can double thier colony in 24 hours if they need to

[@Vildmis]

@@TrafishAquatics thanks! ❤

[@kayjohns7936]

I keep asking this question. what does cycle mean? ✌️

[@potatotomato2457]

Thank you!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@thelegendarydarthvader9361]

Hey I recently bought a sponge filter but it's base is very light and the filter is floating i used some rocks on its top on to settle it cause i didn't have any other choice could you tell me will it affect the filter greatly ? If yes then tell me what to do.

[@monicahaiy6150]

I am new this hobby and I was wondering for my beta fish I’m thinking of getting it a 5 gallon tank would the sponge filter benefit it?

[@indyjoe6]

Great video! Very informative 👏 subscribed

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thank you

[@bobduffy7744]

Can you use a sponge filter for a 30g. With say 10 tetras, 3 guppy’s, and 4 corys?? What would you use for a filter. I hate hang on the back filters.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Sure can!

[@bobduffy7744]

@@TrafishAquatics my fish seem to be happy but since I’ve had the guppy’s. There’s alot of poop around the filter. It’s definitely working.. but alot on the sand.. around the filter. it’s a large size in the middle of the tank. Any suggestions?

[@treasuringpricelesstime5962]

Hello. Just discovered your video and appreciate it. I have a new Aquarium Coop sponge filter with air lift tube. I placed a large rock in front to conceal it some. Will this compromise the way it cleans? It’s close to the back wall and large rock in front, but sides aren’t blocked. I have a small 10 gallon.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Slightly reduce flow but it will be fine

[@earthgirl7267]

Thank you for this video. I was wondering why my bubbles were not as "bubbly" like yours. I'm going to upgrade my air pump for my 29 gallon community aquarium.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Awesome glad it helped!

[@vontapleasant9068]

Love the video very informative

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome

[@Miss.Independent00015]

thank you sir. now i realized that this filter is way better than DIY filters. 😂

[@TrafishAquatics]

Your welcome!

[@lazymomma93]

Do you have to use a airstone with filter for beta fish cause the air stone keeps flipping him around

[@j-pixnz8458]

Well explained Right!

[@raymondhurst3149]

Great video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@nickyphillips7261]

What sponge size would you recommend for a 55 gallon? Do you think two jumbo size ones would be overkill?. Would two medium size do a good job? Thanks

[@TrafishAquatics]

It all depends on your stocking level, most of my 55s I run one 60 gallon rated sponge on one side and an air stone on the other to help move waste to the sponge, If you have a heavy stocking 2 sponges would be better. The sponge I use is listed in the video description!

[@nickyphillips7261]

@@TrafishAquatics Thanks for the reply. Think i will try two medium size and see how i get on. What is your opinion on the course (20ppi) sponges? Cant seem to find anyone selling them in the UK. Aquarium co op sell them but they are in US. Sellers also dont list the actual sponge grade on product listings on ebay and amazon ect. Some sponges look really fine and others a bit coarser. Strange that they dont list the sponge spec as its quite important.

[@TrafishAquatics]

The 20ppi is good if you have another form of filtration for water polishing, if your relying on the sponge to polish water as well a higher ppi is better, I personally use a higher ppi sponge

[@mrcoolxoxo7007]

Basically the bubbles upward motion pulls water through the sponge. All debris would be visible on the outside of the sponge and works on a very limited scale... If dirty enough, you won't have much if any water flow. How would you know?

[@TrafishAquatics]

Believe it or not the amount of bubbles are reduced when the sponge plugs up so there is a visible sign

[@andrewramos7998]

hey man your channel is great!!!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thanks man I appreciate that!

[@maryvalentine8076]

Can yu use the sponge filter with water turtle in a 55 gal tank

[@TrafishAquatics]

Absolutely

[@maryvalentine8076]

@@TrafishAquatics thank you

[@djneoda1535]

GREAT VIDEO I want to setup a 3, 20 long rack. You think a tetra 100 would run 3 sponge filters? Peace ✌️

[@TrafishAquatics]

Yep sure would, i use a 100 to run 6 small ones on my betta rack

[@olthousem02]

Does the big sponge of the sponge filter have carbon in the sponge or is it just a sponge

[@edward_grabczewski]

Do you need to buy an air pump to match the sponge filter. For example, could you use a Tetra Whisper 60 to drive the small sponge filter in a 5 Gallon tank?

[@TrafishAquatics]

You could but you would need an air flow control valve to turn the air flow down

[@supersaiyan889]

Could you explain why there are three tiny openings designed in a triangular pattern on all the interlocking parts of the aquarium sponge filter? 😕🤔🤔🤔

[@TrafishAquatics]

Thats what holds and supports the hard air line inside

[@jeandebeer5470]

Thank you for learning me

[@nemadw]

I just picked up a sponge filer rated for up to 60gal for a 20 gal aquarium. My pump is for a 30 gallon. Do you think it will be enough lift for proper filtration

[@TrafishAquatics]

Yes that should work.

[@M3DINA187]

Been thinking of trying one of these sponge filters. My hang on back filters are expensive. Are you able to clean the sponge filter when it’s dirty ?

[@brauliop3933]

Hey man do you think I can run a 29 gallon tank with 2 angels in it with a sponge filter?

[@TrafishAquatics]

Absolutely

[@pramitmazumder7810]

I have an overstocked tank (50lts) , currently using an internal power filter and a small sponge filter. Do u recommend I replace the power filter's sponge with bio media to get more filtration?

[@TrafishAquatics]

Depends, what is your stocking that you consider overstocked

[@pramitmazumder7810]

@@TrafishAquatics I have 6 medium sized goldfish, 2 black moors and a few zebra danios.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Well i hate to be the bearer of bad news but If you want to keep these fish long term a simple filter upgrade will not solve your problem for bio filtration in this case, the fish you have in that tank will simply overload any possible filtration you could reasonably put on there. Common goldfish get about 14-16" in good conditions and black moor goldfish get about 10". If you want to be able to keep all these fish and have them be healthy and live a long time you need a big tank upgrade (500L minimum) or a few medium sized tanks to spread them out, the danios are good with the 50 liter and can have a few smaller fish in with them, the 2 black Moores can have a 150L tank minimum and the common goldfish will need 380L minimum however an outdoor pond is better suited.

[@pramitmazumder7810]

@@TrafishAquatics okay, so I'll probably have to give them to some farm when they start getting big. Thanks.

[@brookejames8630]

I used this kind of sponge filter in my tank when I treated Ich X. Almost immediately after dosing the tank with ich c the blue water turned almost completely back to clear water again and my tubing it bright blue. Is this normal? Is the medication still dosing my fish?

[@leesutton1845]

Can i just run sponge filters on my fantail goldfish aquarium if so how many do i need for my 35 gallon aquarium

[@Sisterghost99]

Thank you so much for the video! I have a 15 gallon tank with 4 baby oranda goldfish in. When they get larger they evently go in my sisters pond. I have a sponge filter and hang on the back filter both running. Do I need both or would the sponge filter be enough?

[@TrafishAquatics]

For a 15 gallon I would definitely keep running both as goldfish generally have a very high bio load so the more filtration you have the better, also do your best to keep nitrate readings under 40ppm to keep them happy and healthy!

[@Sisterghost99]

@@TrafishAquatics thank you so much! 😊

[@TrafishAquatics]

You're welcome

[@catherinewood3922]

@@TrafishAquatics for one betta is just a sponge ok?

[@TrafishAquatics]

Yes that's fine

[@missinyooh1993]

Great video! Do sponge filters do a good job on picking up watse? And if so, when you take it out to clean it. Wouldn't the watse just float around the tank as you're pulling it out?

[@TrafishAquatics]

Dont expect performace like a canister or hob filter where they pick up full solid waste, the sponge filter will collect waste that your bacterial colonies have begun breaking down, you will get some wast that floats around when removing it but not much and they will just suck it back up within 24 hours

[@NStalgia070]

What you can do while cleaning the filter is put it inside a plastic bag while it's still running and under the water, close it so that when you pick it up the waste doesn't float back out into your tank. Then you can proceed to clean it with the aquarium water.

[@TrafishAquatics]

Great tip!

[@missinyooh1993]

@@TrafishAquatics thanks for the reply 🙂

[@missinyooh1993]

@@NStalgia070 nice ! Thanks for the tip 🙂

[@corapencheff8111]

Very informative, wonder if this would work in a pond instead of just using an air stone

[@TrafishAquatics]

It would

[@VanessaGonzalez-ou9cq]

Just another question i don't know if you answered it or not but can i use this on my 55 gallon tank and how many times a week do i do water changes since its for my goldfish tank since i had an accident with a HOB filter and how many times do i clean it out? Thank you!

[@TrafishAquatics]

Sponge filters basically last forever, maintinance would remain the same with any style filter as the main purpose for filters is a place to house high surface area materials that are a large area for bacteria to colonize in a small space, keeping your nitrate under 40ppm with water changes would be they key part with any kind of filtration, to clean these you just squeeze them out in a bucket of tank water and your good to go since they'll outlast your fish in most cases.

[@VanessaGonzalez-ou9cq]

@@TrafishAquatics will me having a bare bottom tank effect it at at or no also what's the best sponge filter for a 55 gallon

[@TrafishAquatics]

having a bare bottom tank does cut down on the amount of beneficial bacteria that is actually housed inside of the aquarium as opposed to inside of your filter as the bacteria also colonizes on substrate driftwood stone and plants as well, If you look in the description of the video I have a couple different sponge filters listed there The aquaneat 60 gallon sponge filters is what I would use and I would use two of them.

[@VanessaGonzalez-ou9cq]

@@TrafishAquatics i may have some plants potted in pots and put them in there

[@TrafishAquatics]

That would help, but goldfish are little lawnmowers so the plants may become food.