Sponge Filters are The Worst Aquarium Filter

Hello Fellow Fish Keepers!
In this video we share why sponge filters might not be the best choice for your aquarium.
Want to learn more about sponge filters? Check out these videos!
Beginners Guide to Sponge Filters: • Fish Tank Sponge Filte...
The Science Behind Why Cleaning Sponge Filters in Tap Water is OK: • Aquarium Science Serie...
Sponge Filter vs HOB Filter: • Fish Tank Filter Showd...
Sponge FIlter vs Matten Filter: • Aquarium Science Serie...
Should You Use a Powerhead on Your Sponge Filter: • Should You Add a Power...
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For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member!
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/ @thesmallscape
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Thank you so much for watching!
#aquariums #aquariumfish #fishtank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Want to learn more about sponge filters? Check out these videos! Beginners Guide to Sponge Filters: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4K2emBpp7qmf9U The Science Behind Why Cleaning Sponge Filters in Tap Water is OK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-Yd2unbMZ5fck Sponge Filter vs HOB Filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in_ClpSdr654r7s Sponge FIlter vs Matten Filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-Yd2unbMZ5fck Should You Use a Powerhead on Your Sponge Filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3mUgXeYeLuUiJY Our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! kzbin.info/door/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg

[@cyberghostanon7758]

I hate them so much I have dozens to sneer.

[@awakenedanarchism4202]

i have 6 Aqua-top 250's in my 300 gallon rubbermaid stock tank, each one is rated for a 250 gallon tank, they're ran by a Vivosun air pump that's good for 1250 gallons an hour, i clean my sponge filters once every 3 months, i have never had any issues with reduced performance of my sponge filters over time, my water stays crystal clear all the time, I think the key factor with BIG sponge filters is having a powerful air pump

[@thieflack7132]

Watching this as I stare at my aquariums with sponge filters

[@carlosberrios1021]

Lol same scenarios

[@seantorre5153]

Same 2

[@ccmpursuit1]

Lmao, Watching this before I proceed with order

[@Diesel257]

Just an opinion. Try everything.

[@rs8034a]

Um, yeah me too!

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

All my sumps and HOBs have been converted to sponges with some pot scrubbies. I have been in the hobby 60 years and my tanks range from 45 - 500 gallons. Now that I use essentially only sponges, my tanks have never been healthier and easier to maintain. Moral of the story? Let's think about sponge filters more broadly than just the bubbling corner filter.

[@ryuu6958]

Man I'm confused i have a 200 gallon tank , should i buy an air pump and few sponge filters or a build myself a diy filter using water pump ,

[@samanthamorris2207]

What kind of sponges do you use can you post a link

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

@@samanthamorris2207 do a Google search for Swiss tropicals in the US. THE FOAM IS CALLED poret

[@eveningclicks7767]

All up to you. Personally I want to use a matten filter (Hamburg matten filter) in my first aquarium. Idk if I will. Depends what I can find out there for used aquariums that may come with a hob. The hob I would plan to "hot rod" it.

[@DEXTER-TV-series]

​@@ryuu6958one undergravel instead of few sponges

[@CyprinusCarpioDiem]

Ive been doing this professionally for abour 12 years now, i would VERY MUCH prefer maintaining sponges vs sumps and HOBs.

[@mayerkatz2836]

Why is it better (or easier) to maintain a sponge filter over a HOB?

[@unnie7834]

@@mayerkatz2836 cost. U pay every time u replace filters

[@mayerkatz2836]

@@unnie7834 I don't replace them, I modified them with sponges and bio media, so I basically have the same as a Sponge Filter (and even more) just outside the tank

[@Daveisnowhere.]

Not if you use the tidal HOB.

[@Zachary360Games]

I keep sponges in my tanks even the one that has a canister because if something happens with that canister I always want there to be a backup on the ready

[@kilrkitty0818]

Also, good if you need to move the sponge to a quarentine tank to cycle it quickly.

[@robertmajka9]

Exactly

[@jasonpeculiar]

One great advantage of the sponge filter, for the fishkeeper with multiple tanks, is that you can keep spare sponges going in other mature tanks so you always have cycled filters ready to go when you (inevitably) add another tank or ten. I also like how I can run multiple filters from one pump. This means I'm only using one power outlet and I'm always struggling for outlets anyway. Another advantage of this is that keeping one spare air pump is the same as keeping many spare filters, in terms of the moving, breakable parts.

[@CatFish107]

Well, there you go planning ahead, and thinking of efficient redundancies.

[@GenRN]

Yes, great for impulse fish purchases.

[@Zack.G23]

That’s why I have one. I can just pull it out and have a quarantine tank setup in about 5 minutes

[@melodieeldridge754]

This is what we do. I alwayw have bioballs behind my HOB cartridges and always have extra sponges. I'm never waiting 6 weeks to cycle a tank again.

[@KentuckyGOP-wx9rv]

I have several extra sponge filters resting in other tanks. Instant cycle

[@fishybusiness2951]

I use sponge filters in all my tanks, breeding tanks especially. I find that if you clean them regularly they are a great choice and I would not use HOBs. They are also amazing for smaller tanks in which many other types of filtration take up too much space or just wouldn’t work. I think they are great for low maintenance aquariums because of their small size and how inexpensive they are compared to HOBs. Great video though, the multifasciatus tank is looking amazing!

[@belkaben1]

Great point made, wholeheartedly agree

[@fishybusiness2951]

Thank you!! I also think a better pump would be a good idea to get better suction.

[@sarahwoodring5587]

Them's fightin words! I love sponge filters and run them in all my tanks in addition to HOBs in the larger ones. I don't count on them for filtration as much as for aeration. I think every tank needs air, and running that air through a sponge filter gives me bonus bio filtration. They're also great to have around for quarantine, hospital, or new tanks to jump start the cycle.

[@NihilusTheGreat]

I have the same setup in my 40 breeder. Aquaclear 50 and a medium sponge for extra filtration, movement, and my only source of air.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I'm sure your setups are great :-)

[@kosys5338]

I don't run air on any of my tanks, the 90, the 125 or the 300 gallon. The plants and running the water through the sump system more than provides enough air in the tanks. It's just a matter of different strokes for different folks. I would agree though that they are great for quarantine and hospital tanks.

[@brendalemay8384]

Same here. I run sponge filters as an addition to my HOB filters on all my tanks for air. Then when I need to set up a hospital or quarantine tank, I can pull one out and I’m off and running.

[@Jbayz]

@@brendalemay8384 same

[@MelCarter000]

⬅️⬅️⬅️ nervously clicks as I just got a sponge filter in the mail yesterday.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It will work just ifne :-)

[@GoodLifeAquatics]

You’ll like it! I use a HOB and Sponge on all my tanks. I like them both.

[@MelCarter000]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I have a hob, and a sponge filter with 2 sponges. This one suctions to the glass and I really like it so far

[@seankelly6754]

Me too

[@mslbrandon64]

I just got 2 sponge filters today. Ugggg.

[@denniss7805]

I respect your knowledgeable opinion, but I must say. After I modified mine with a Air stone, and using it in a much smaller tank.. The thing is absolutely godsent. But I don’t think I’d use one in a larger tank. I think these sponge filters have a special place in our realm, for sure.

[@xSpaceInvader]

I used two on opposite ends in a 75 with two large tiger oscars and an even larger pleco. Bare tank with a middle piece of drift. All sides panted black expect the front. They didnt stand out as bad in a dark tank designed to look like it was in deep water. I also did the air stone trick with mine. Those Oscars can be monster sized and intelligent for a fish.

[@Outlander929]

I use double, super fine sponge filters in my breeding tanks and i can go for a couple of months between cleans which isn't bad. They start spluttering when clogged and I squeeze them out during the next water change. The super fine ones keep the water really polished and crystal clear. All are powered by a single blower type pump. This set up is super quiet and economical. I've tried a few different hang on backs and just never really liked them tbh. Whatever works for you I suppose : )

[@Icehso140]

I use the relatively clear old water at water changes to rinse my sponge in the bucket. A few minutes of squeezes and most debris is out. Of course with 80 tanks you probably aren't using buckets for water changes. I drill out the center so I can pass the air hose into the tube and place an air stone at the bottom to make it quieter. I hide mine behind a planting and learn to ignore it. Good video again.

[@FatherFish]

just to be cantankerous I published a vid after yours praising sponge filters. Keeping it lively.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome! :-)

[@FatherFish]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Mind if I link? Will return the favor.

[@anthonygaitan3901]

I feel like the negatives you brought up are pretty subjective, I noticed most of the points are regarding the higher degree maintenance than other filters, but many people including myself really don’t mind having to do all that. I have carpet in my room and can’t necessarily just pull filter floss out of my HOBs without getting fish doodies all over the place, I usually have to rip the entire filter off the back and take that into the bathroom. I feel like a good point to have made at the end along with having a proper set up would be theres a smaller margin for error when you start to get lazy lol (which happens to the best of us)

[@anthonygaitan3901]

For me, my absolute biggest plus with sponge filters is that they can’t possibly cause a leak. Ive had leaks from an Aquaclear and a Fluval 207. Stinky bedroom for quite some time.

[@linjasonlin]

and made the title like click bait...really disappointed in this video

[@anthonygaitan3901]

Jason Lin Thats just how the algorithm works and the way the game is played when you’re a youtuber. Honestly no big deal.

[@bullythebooks]

@@linjasonlin Don't really see how it's clickbait. He brought up a lot of positives and negatives and made the conclusion they are technically the worst kind of filter but there are still reasons to use them. What do you expect?

[@Sheikyerbouti8]

@@bullythebooks It's clickbait because he knows it's not true. Anyone with any real experience knows its not true. It's a manipulative, intentionally inflamatory statement. He even admits that he couldn't have his fishroom or youtube channel without them. He made this video because he KNEW that people would disagree with what was so very clearly not true, and that would provoke people to click on the video. He didn't make this video because he actually believes what he is saying. In this instance, he is not trying to convey truthful information. He is trying to get clicks, and hey, it worked on me, but at the cost of his credibility, to anyone paying attention anyway.

[@stangace20]

I still prefer them to HOB filters, especially in tanks with fry/shrimp. They're also really not that hard to maintain, just pull them up by the air hose, disconnect hose, rinse in sink, reattach hose and drop back down (2 minute job)

[@BigShrimpin416]

I agree! I have shrimp and don’t like the HOB filters. Saying they’re the worst filters to use is a bit dramatic 🤣 I have no issues with mine and you can hide it well with your plants and wood!

[@craftwanderer8802]

won't rinsing in sink kill off the bacteria??

[@melodieeldridge754]

​@@craftwanderer8802we swish/squish ours in water change water.

[@plushpossum]

Praise the lord!!!! Somebody finally said it!!! I have NEVER liked sponge filters. EVER. I keep one in my 125 just to have it in case I need BB for a hospital/quarantine tank, but it isn't worth a crap for cleaning! THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@feliciaheater5548]

Am I crazy?! This was a satirical review right? Hence the flashbacks at the end where jason points out that they’re literally the best. Idk. I have course sponges in most of my tanks and seriously considering changing over to finer sponges because like Jason said, they don’t hold the funk in when you try to take them out and clean them.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They represent the duality of man. Haha - sometimes good and sometimes bad!

[@reefhugger100]

I use both a hob and a sponge filter. The hob does a great job of cleaning the water and the sponge helps me know the bacteria population will be maintained. The sponge doesn't need to be very big this way, and I have an immediate filter for a good quarantine tank when needed. This is an idea I got from Irene at Girl Talks Fish.

[@reefhugger100]

@@High_Octane I just changed out the hob on my 20 gal. from a cartridge filter to an Aquaclear. I'm impressed at how quiet it is, and I like the flow adjustment. I am a little intimidated on how to maintain it though. I put in very coarse filter material first, then less coarse, then a thin sheet of fine, and a small pack of bio-rings. What do you think? How often do you clean and/or replace the materials?

[@reefhugger100]

@@High_Octane Thanks so much for the information. I have an aquaclear for my 55 gal. I'll get set up today. Following your advice I made a coarse filter for the intake on my small aquarium . I have some tiny rasboras in there, having that intake filter will also help keep them safe.

[@TLCole425]

I have a very expensive sump system for my 150 gallon tank. In operation mode it runs 55 gallons and holds 75 gallons total. I still run 2 large sponge filters in the tank. These are there for if/when the power goes out and I need to keep filtration going with the small battery operated (USB) air pumps. They will have the beneficial bacteria already built up and should help keep the tank going. Do I need them during normal operation, nope. But they are back up plus they provide the surface breaking needed to help the air circulate into the water allowing gas exchanges.

[@adamcenteno6155]

I agree with you. I have a regular filter but I use it when I’m changing my water to keep some oxygen in the plastic container. Also this guy talks about pet who don’t clean the sponge for a long time.

[@irvingcobian]

Maybe I'm just different but I've never had an issue with seeing a filter in the Aquarium. I made my own filters from pvc that work ok and I'm currently working on another filter that will hopefully work better

[@survivalofthefishiest]

I have a HOB and Sponge in every tank. This way if one fails, or needs replaced, I'm not losing my cycle.

[@LadyandtheScamp4Ever]

lol I actually use panty hose instead of a plastic bag to keep the gunk from dumping back into the tank. Works awesome! I use knee highs for my HOB pre filters, just pull the knee high over it while it’s still in place on the filter intake tube ❤️❤️

[@Matthew_Does_To_Many_Things]

I like how Jason looks so proud in the thumbnail saying sponge filters are the worst type of Filtration 😂

[@RJ-vb7gh]

A couple of decades ago, I got some sick fish from a breeder/importer friend of mine. These fish brought in some very virulent new diseases, mostly from Africa. There was literally no way to save the fish, most went fast, but they left behind aquariums that remained deadly to anything I put into them, plus the risk of spreading the diseases around my fish room were simply too high to play with these infected aquariums. Chemically steralizing the tanks and gravel was pretty easy, but my sponge filters tended to dissolve in harsh disinfectant chamicals. At the time most of my sponge filters were new or almost new... What a waste! I had some old box filters laying around from back when I was a kid in the 1960's, I upgraded the charcoal to lava rock, for their anerobic benefits breaking down nitrates and substituted polyfill for the glass wool... and they worked a treat! Lava rock was dirt cheap at the garden center and polyfill is also dirt cheap and is as easy to replace as a cartridge in a hang on back filter. Moar of the most advanced hobbiests also use box filters with gravel in them. For special circumstances I can add charcoal or any other special media to a box/corner filter as needed... and box filters are easy to steralize in bleach. peroxide or alcohol. Box filters also don't eat fry. Box/corner filters are cheap, easier to clean, don't eat fry, easy to steralize, also run on air and are light years more flexible than sponge filters. And best of all, you can see exactly when they need to be cleaned by just looking into your tank. As a seriious 50+ year hobbiest, breeder and published fish author, I intend no disrespect to folks that use sponge filters, (they do work) but if you are serious about keeping and breeding tropical fish and you are dealing with nitrates by changing water anyway... ditch the sponges and upgrade to box filters when you replace your sponge filters. You will never go back.

[@qalpitor3458]

Yes idk why box filters r less popular.

[@RJ-vb7gh]

@@qalpitor3458 Mostly because all of the "influencers" are sponsored or have their own gigs selling something new and improved to hobbyists that don't know better. "If you want to keep fish all you need to do is buy something expensive from me or my sponsor."

[@Pray4Mojo1]

Box filters are very versatile, I'm hlad someone mentioned them.

[@ianrawlings2546]

I can't find box filters for love nor money.

[@MIKoenig44]

Very well said: they're the worst and the best.....lol. IMO, they only belong in fish rooms and quarantine tanks. Always love the content!

[@gasbike100mpg]

great vid. they are a must for me, i go away for 3 weeks at a time, i clean them before leaving etc. they are good for several months before getting clogged, so that covers me when i am away. HOB may or may not clog up, and if they do, they may leak if not properly set on an angle. thanks.

[@bryanooi8815]

Jason you are right. I am big believer of canister filter and using one for more than 10 years. But recently I start buying a sponge filters as back up and main filter for smaller Betta tank. They are so versatile that no body beat it.

[@mostlymowiewowie2544]

Have a sponge filter in every tank even though they all have hang on back or canister filters. Great to have a back up filter running incase one breaks which happened once when on holiday ofcourse!

[@BenOchart]

Quite the love-hate relationship you have going with sponge filters, LOL! I agree, they are an eyesore, and if you hide them too well they can't do their job. But when you're running a zillion tanks, it's the only way to go (and you can always run an HOB or a can on your 2 or 3 show tanks). BTW, those albino heckelii are NUTS! Thanks Jason.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! :-)

[@CrowsRoots]

25 tanks from 5 to 175, every one uses sponge filters. Most experienced aquarists I know, don't just pull floss out of their hob, they also rinse and return it to the filter after rinsing, which also gets yiur hands wet and waste time. If you can't hide a sponge with aquascaping, you're doing it wrong. 👎

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think I might remove a HOB filter from the back of a tank once every couple years? :-)

[@DrSleep-ep6cw]

I got 2 Aquaclear 70 HOB filters on my 55 gallon tank, I also have 1 up to 60 gallon sponge filter, do I even need the sponge filter with the 2 Aquaclears?

[@JustinLowmaster]

New to hobby, but I recently got a sponge filter ... it's got 2 smaller sponges and you can pull them right off the top, so easier to clean than the type you show in the video. I have a HOB as well, leaving it on until the sponge has had time to get up and going. Pretty full tank (fish and snails) and debating if I should keep both now ...

[@johnnycruz4407]

I run sponge filters in all my 12 aquariums ranging from 90 to 3 gallons, primarily for bio filtration.

[@sergeiz.5815]

I use both hang on back filter and sponge filter in the same tank. Is this good to do? I'm new in the hobby

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure - we do that in a number of tanks.

[@tecjohnson]

There is no such thing as too much filtration.

[@JamesElmquist]

My rule for sponge filters is hook them up to a 60 or a 100 gallon air pump min and you’ll be fine

[@deanmorier5353]

I have come to enjoy your sense of humor more and more over time. I use sponge filters, HOB sometimes, and cannister filters. The fact I can easily run three small tanks on one air pump (Eheim is pretty quiet btw) is important when you consider energy costs. The cost of a sponge filter is lower than other filters so they lose on that front as well :).

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you being here!

[@scrimmo]

Nope. Sponge filters ruined my first ever experience with keeping tropical fish.

[@arthurschamne]

I have been running 2 of the medium Aqqa sponge filters in my 40 for over a year and they work great, my goal with this tank is once the small fish have lived their life in there and only 2 to 3" fish remain I will be getting an African butterflyfish. So with the Aqqa sponge filters I didn't have to modify the plastic piece of the Versa top, which leave no gaps for the butterflyfish to jump out of the tank, and therefore sponge filters work really well for me.

[@jennifermartin506]

Do I detect a little sarcasm? Lol.The hardest thing for me is is to take all the info that is out there and decide what is best. I think I finally have my tank set up and established to the point that it I requires very little maintenance. I narrowed it down to only watching a few fish keepers. You and Joanne are my top. Appreciate all the info you share. Im in for the relaxation and enjoyment. Thank you.

[@NEnigma777]

Finally! Someone that is not pro sponge filters! I HATE sponge filters for all the reasons you listed!

[@Ladywhiteraven128]

I and my houseplants don't mind the cleaning aspect of the sponge filter. All of the "gunk" makes my plants happy and grow nicely ❤️

[@bysab2741]

I've had all sorts of filters during my 18 years of fish keeping, Canisters, HOB, Internal and sponge. I have had major problems with leaks on Canisters, HOB motor burns out when the power goes out and then comes back on, Internals not to many problems at all. Sponges not one issue what so ever. I replace my pump once every 2 years. Love the Sponges and always will.

[@djneoda1535]

GREAT VIDEO If you were running a rack of ONLY 3, 20 longs, lightly stocked would you recommend sponge filters, dual sponge filters or HOB? Peace ✌️

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would probably run three HOB - probably three Seachem Tidal 35

[@FishRfun]

I run 2 seachem tidal 110s on my 55g. They hold a lot of biomedia each plus the course sponge and filter floss, it keeps the water very clear. Well I also run a uv sterilizer 24/7 as well

[@marthanewsome6375]

I hate hobs, but use sponge filters attached as pre-filters to my canister filters, on my discus breeding tank I have two. It takes me 10 minutes to clean a canister and the sponge filter attached to it. I have a heavy duty air pump, but only use it for aeration on my tanks. But with any filters it all comes down to not over feeding and water changes. On my planted tanks I skip over the sponge for a fine stainless steel mesh filter guard as they look so much better. BTW I only clean my canisters on my planted tanks 4 times a year. On my discus once a month. How many times a year would you have to clean a HOB? I have used them and had to clean them weekly or at least every 2 weeks. Sponges are alright on pre-filters or a supplement filter, but not as main filtration, except if it is a large hamburg matten hooked up to a small pump rather than using air. I find air just does not pull the water through enough for my liking.

[@TheParallelSound]

You mention hang on back filters being nice cause it's 1/3 the time but they also can clog and leak and then water is spilling outside your tank onto your floor. You don't have that issue with sponge filters. Lot of this is opinionated but I do understand people's dislikes.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Absolutely!

[@ndbyers23]

I have had leaks many times and always used AquaClear.

[@TheFishNerd]

The walking monolog! Taking this 90s boy back! Love the video! Very well done!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Too funny !

[@Gk22632]

You can just gravel vacuum a sponge filter while it’s in the tank to clean it, plus they’re perfect for cycling a new tank set up

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That will remove some detritus from the surface of the filter but usually doesn’t remove the stuff inside the filter (which clogs it).

[@InkedGamerWolf420]

You know what’s a great alternative to sponge filters and are driven the same way? k1 style containers or BPA free water bottles. I’m using a BPA Free water bottle with a bunch of holes poked in it aerated via a 2” air stone with ceramic media and coarse sponges for media in my 20 gallon planted blackwater biotope . Only reason I’m not running filter floss in it is because I’m trying to keep the tanin in the water. I do want to get rid of it eventually once I am able to DIY a small canister filter with a tall rubber maid container

[@MrJerry-te3tx]

For the sponge filters, I just begin to use it… which I kind hope to see your video sooner… All I watch the video about it is the positive side…. And I just put in the tank couple minutes ago to see how it’s going. I put this in the corner covered by driftwood and some tall plants. It works great( I think, at least to cover it) I don’t really see the filter if I close look it, and it doesn’t bothering plants or fish. By the way, I have a 29 & 10 gallons of tank. Those probably works great on smaller skill of tank which for the ones I got. If something to look forward safe money, that can be a beginning.

[@ricardodeleon5065]

I'm new to fish keeping but the fist sponge filters I own are aquarium coop filters. I have a 20g tall andba 36g bow front and I have a hob plus 2 sponge filters from the coop in both of my aquariums. I know they are ugly and take space but I feel safe in case the hob stops working because I have the aquarium co -op filters with a never clog stone running on a nano USB air pump. I know this setup only works 4 people with not that many thanks but so far has work for me.

[@sq33qs]

A sponge filter is one of the few products where it does such an outstanding job at what it does that i have come to not mind the look of them anymore. It's like the (Toyota)Camry, not pretty but works so well, you actually don't mind how it looks, as long as it does its function.

[@Jbayz]

Yeah I'm all for function over looks. I don't use substrate in my tanks either because it's just easier to clean that way.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Having used sponges, hang on back, and canister filters I have to say that my #1 is the hang on back. For me it strikes the best compromise between filtering capacity and easy of upkeep. Now if I had a livebearer breeding tank I would almost certainly go with sponge filters. Same if I had a bunch of tanks. That way I could just plumb in an air system and tap in and run all of the filters off of a single air pump. another advantage to the sponge filters is that you don't have that filter hanging on the back meaning you can slide the tank back a few more inches to free up floor space.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If I only had a few tanks HOB for me too!

[@strikeout77777]

I used to use hob filters and sponge filters, but now I just use my guppy grass as my bio filtration and my tanks are just as clear as when I used hob filters.

[@Gendonramsay]

I love the concept of this video 😁

[@Ruth.Handler-Jr]

I think hang in the back filters and sponge filters are equally esthetically eye sores in aquariums although I don’t personally mind but I would think that if someone made realistic coral out of sponges or realistic rocks out of sponges or hang on back filters they would be innovative as far as aquascaping.

[@MakoyUnggoy]

I've only ever used sponge filters when I was growing small fry in a seperate tank

[@808fbi6]

What's a good set up for a 20 gallon fish tank with a black moor and goldfish.

[@loavesfishes6268]

Like others have said I keep large pore sponge filters in my tanks because we have recurring power shut offs in our area. I run battery back up air pumps to keep them going until I can get home and get the generator running and start the HOB’s and canisters going again. We don’t run the generator at night, so they come into play then also. I think it keeps the biological filtration stable and causes less stress on the fish.

[@radicalsini]

I was thinking of getting one but I thought why would I get one when my current filter agitates the water surface and provide flow... I can't see how they can suck up water without producing a good flow... I think ill keep my internal filter!

[@jessicaklimekalexander3679]

Great video 😆 for me, sponge filters (that you got me into) are the best, I have lots of inverts that love hanging out on them eating all the little bits, and they're completely internal with air stones so they're quiet in the house, I use the coarse ones from Aquarium Co-op and they are great, they are weighted so they don't float and they haven't clogged yet, I used to use internal submerged filters and I had a filter failure one day that we think had happened days earlier, thankfully all of my fishies and inverts were ok but now I really like being able to look across the room and see that my filters are running. I'm about to set up more tanks and I'm definitely sold on sponge filters 🙂

[@PalJoey-on1yi]

A Matten corner filter in the left or right rear corner of the tank gives you more surface area, is more easily disguised, and has the same footprint as your typical clunky sponge filter. In addition it will provide directional surface agitation which will yield better circulation. You just need to plan for and install it when starting up (or renovating) the tank, as it requires waiting for the silicone to dry on the holding frame pieces. You once said you were intrigued and would one day audition one. What are you waiting for?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I do need to try it still. Haha. Part of it is how heavily I stock some of my tanks. I have to clean the sponge filters every week to keep the tanks clear. The though of having to do that with a corner matten filter scares me a bit.

[@PalJoey-on1yi]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Well, I take your point about a heavily stocked tank. You need to be fast on your toes, so to speak, especially with so many tanks. You're really working on a different plane than your average viewer with 2 or 3 tanks in their bedroom. Two points. If you set up a more permanent, moderately stocked tank, something for watching and presentation, a show tank, the Matten corner filter is certainly is a prime choice if you're not going for a powered HOB. Second, it certainly gains "bio media" surface area over a standard sponge filter and should last a long, long time between cleaning. Just don't pile up gravel at it's base and it should be easy to remove the top reflector and slide the sponge up and out.

[@mcaquatics3143]

Out of the 26 tanks that we have, what's not running either under gravel, or hang on backs, we run sponge filters, some we run a combo of hob and sponge, every tank from our 5s to our 240s , no canisters here, ugf, hob or sponge, with the exception of one running a diatamatious earth filter.

[@chrisstephens9113]

I love them in my breeding tanks. The fry absolutely love to feed off them. Yes they are ugly but they really do have an important place in my fish room.

[@adecuire6601]

I have a fiddler crab tank that requires a low water filter. I have a lot of aquascape so I have no issue hiding it. My HOB for my other main fishtank is okay but I want to switch to a sponge filter.

[@christopherseilaff8665]

So if the sponge filter is bad, what would u recommend for a 5 gallon betta tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I really like the Aquatop Forza 5-15 HOB

[@christopherseilaff8665]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you for the recommendation 😊 love your channel

[@johnjwedrall4290]

sponge filters .... i use them in my 10 gallon and my 29 long. I love em 😊 👍👍

[@richardgallarde1667]

Most noted in your video are agreeable points, while I use them in case of power failure, once power goes back on, so does them and filters, while HOB may need to be re-primed to start off again risking aquarium based on how long keeper been away or noticed pump off.

[@EpicConspiracy]

I’ve always hated sponge filters. Pain is A to clean etc. but I really love the Heiger double sponge filter with the media in bottom. Very slick and easy to clean. I use them only tanks with HOBs that floss my water clean. Just using HOB for bacteria.

[@RyanRoux]

You got me! LOL....the end was the best!

[@apss5736]

In general I quite like sponge filters but most arent very good at sucking up that much fish poop and for high flow tanks aren't the best. not to mention that you need an air pump and maybe an air stone which instantly bumps up the cost so overall are mostly best for nano and shrimp tanks

[@100bgeagle]

For commercial guys, I see the application being used, but for my house it's cannister filters!! Cleaner, clear water! Also first video I've seen with a both sides review. I appreciate the honesty.

[@chris_bagasan]

Are sponges filters ok for Shrimp tanks? Especially for neocaridina shrimp?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure!

[@miguela.alvarez7284]

For me it isn't a issue I run a Fluval 107 on my 55 and two sponge filters you barely notice the lines all you notice is the bubbles which I like they are cleverly hidden by my plants. I have 10 Discus snails 4 German Ballon rams 2 electric blue some rummy nose and some other tetras any loses have been due to expiration date.. it was their time I keep a quarantine tank been successful so far treating and sick fish and I also keep a shrimp tank with cherries and bamboo shrimp with mechanical and a sponge filter I believe the benefits outweigh the issues. You can always get creative and mask them with features or plants. Love the Chanel and the information. Thank you..

[@robertsowinski164]

Well you said it they're the best and the worst. I currently run 40 tanks many have a sponge filter in conjunction with a hang on back or a canister. Worst thing is no matter how careful I try to be you pull the filter out of the tank and much of the dirt winds up pouring out and back into the tank. But what else are you going to do with fry tanks or shrimp tanks?

[@brandonhoffman6608]

Never ran a sponge filter but run an undergravel with a hang on back. Undergravel for biological and hang on back for mechanical. I dont understand why undergravels get all the negative feedback. They work great.

[@notsure9802]

Nicely played Sir 😉 I love sponge filters. I would need a little more for an Oscar but for general fish and especially breeding and nano fish they really are the best

[@mandymoore5774]

Air pumps sure are going to make noise. However I’ve noticed they become like white noise. & sponges still require a pump. My HOB’s do crap out quite often especially the larger Aqueon ones. Meant for 75 gallon plus tanks. I kept buying TWO 75 gallon filters for a 55 gallon tank. Bc in my opinion u can’t over-filter there’s no such thing as over filtration. Especially w my larger cichlids

[@susandevinney5867]

Good bio but not enough for pleco tank. Im always cleaning them both twice a week. Love hang on back filters

[@WILDouglash]

I use a smaller sponge filter as well as a hob since it's basically an upgraded airstone. It sits in the corner behind a large amount of tall crypts so I barely see it at all.

[@fbetulcetin]

Would it be alright to use both the canister filter and the sponge filter in my fish tank? I have a rescued goldfish and grew up to my palm size in a 25 lt aquarium. I feel like the canister filter is not enough to clean the waste it produces. My goldie is a big eater and I almost clean the canister every 3 weeks. Thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure!

[@fbetulcetin]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you^^

[@lynnbonica4342]

Great vid. I use sponge filters, but would like to try HOB's to do a comparison. Can you recommend one for a 10 gal. that has an intake tube (?) that is longer than most? Reaching closer to substrate? 🤔

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

In our 10s we run Aquatop Forza 5-15s a lot. You could also try a Marineland PRO 175.

[@lynnbonica4342]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you so much for your help and reply.

[@ZacharyDarkes]

I have two sponge filters because I only have two tanks. I also had a hang-on when I first started I just found that the hang-on was more expensive to maintain so I switched to sponge filters and I haven't regretted it.

[@AC3HT]

Sponge filters are "ok". I consider them an addendum filter, meaning "in addition to" a more substantial filter in the aquarium. Personally, the water has to be looking very clean for me. Have run sponge filters along with a powerhead with filter floss or even an HOB, with good success. 👍📺😎

[@Tinsletooth]

THIS Was reading all of the comments and they are all comparing filters like it’s either one or the other. I have a HOB and a sponge filter both work together to keep the tank clean. It’s great for the problem areas of the tank.

[@rammac6061]

I run sponge filters in all my tanks. I have a giant matten filter in my 125 and a canister for “mechanical”, although it always fails to pick any detritus. On a 40B I have a matten corner filter with an AC110, again, for “mechanical” filtration and also fails to pick up detritus. I have a hydro-sponge V on a 20 long that is nicely stocked including a small musk turtle and the water is always pristine. Sure, the hydro V is overkill for a 20, but it’s the only filter in it and all fish and the turtle are thriving. I have more tanks that I’m too lazy to list but they all have sponge filter either exclusively or along with HOB… I personally love them. Don’t even mind the look, especially when they’re looking old and beat, with algae on them.

[@gallardo20000]

sponge filters are that classic filter you find in the average fish tank or breeder tank. HOB filters give much better mechanical filtration though, their filter floss and media capacity is great so you really can’t beat them, I run both setups in my tanks... at the very least the sponge filter is oxygenating the water while the HOB is actively “sifting” the water for loose particles is the way I see it...

[@BigJeec]

This is what I'm using for my 20 gal hex (24'' tall) tank. Planted, shrimps cherry, amano, blue diamond. Nerite snails and also produces delicious pond snails for fishes in other tanks. Can't think of better filter for that setup. Oh and..I'm gonna say it. I find it beautiful :P

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can find them beautiful 😀

[@jessicaklimekalexander3679]

I find them nice to look at as well, mine have shrimp and snails always on them and I love watching them scavenge the little bits 🙂

[@BigJeec]

@@jessicaklimekalexander3679 Same here, they are so beneficial for those critters that I think that's what makes me find them pretty.

[@AlanMiller-mi7gw]

I been running sponge filters for years. Even on 75 gallons cichlid tanks. They always had my tanks clean an no problems with fish. No matter what you use to filter your tank there will always be maintenance on the filter and I've used about every kind of filter. And if your worried about seeing the filter conceal it with pplants or decor.

[@laszloszocs7477]

well i do agree with all you said but in my opinion the sponge with a powerhead is really good at mechanical and biological filtration although you do need to oversize the sponge and it does look ugly but if you are breading fish and dont do it on a larger scale and you hate the noise the airpump makes they are still the best option . i do have all types hob sponge internal and canister they all have theyr uses but sponge filter is still the easiest to maintain out of all of them :D

[@patelvivek27]

Can you please recommend a sponge filter, never clog air stone and an adjustable air pump? I have a 36 gal tank and the sponge filter you mentioned in your beginners guide is out of stock on amazon, also the never clog air stone is not available on amazon. Regarding the air pump, I have been trying to find an adjustable one with two outlets, but having a hard time finding one that's reviewed by a trusted source like you. Thanks in advance!

[@MrRiddick225]

HOB filters are all I use. I like the fact that they have a sponge, charcoal and bio media all in the one package. And, since ALL of my tanks have live plants and are conditioned, I don't have to change the charcoal as frequently. And the water in my tanks remains crystal clear.

[@FishyBizzAquatics]

GREAT JOB...LOVE THE RECAP..TURNING IT INTO A "YEA..WE KINDA NEED EM" 👍🏽👍🏽

[@ItsAnon9]

Agreed..just switched to canister...i can say these filter take space as well as... Headache once it goes so soft....

[@JangLilBitofErrthang]

My sponge has kept my water super clear for months only had a tannins issue from drift wood which was fixed with purigen

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

I use HMF filters with Czech air lifters in 4 out of 5 of my aquariums. And I will continue to add more aquariums with HMF filters in my aquarium room. They work perfect and they run for 2-3 years before they need a cleanup. I may use HOB filters if i should wish to filter over peath moss or activated charcoal, but the HMF are the chosen and prefered filter.

[@typicallyusual6984]

I have the Hygger double sponge filter with two compartments for filter media. (Not an ad for Hygger, there’s at least one other brand that makes these but mine is made by Hygger.) I really needed to increase my KH for my snails and for pH stability, and I didn’t want a crushed coral substrate, so I needed the compartments to put crushed coral in. I didn’t want a HOB filter because the bacteria can quickly die off if the filter stops running. My filter also came with two extra sponges and a lot of ceramic bio beads, more than the two compartments can hold. I alternate between the two and clean one sponge every week. I can rinse it in tap water and wring it out in the sink until the water runs completely clear, and it’s never caused my cycle to crash or caused a bacterial bloom. It’s way more of an eyesore than your average sponge filter, though. I almost returned it, but I’m glad I didn’t. Edit: I actually got two in case I need to start a hospital tank, in which case I can just take out one of the two sponges from my tank and add it to the new filter.

[@earlyjicama4302]

I love my spong filter but I don't use it on it's own, I also have another type of internal filter that does most of the work. I added a spong filter purely because I wanted an air pump and figured might as well use a sponge filter with it since they are so cheap and will give my bacteria that little bit of extra help. I also like that when I need to replace the cartridge in my internal filter I don't need to worry so much about seeding the new cartridge with bacteria since the spong filter is there to take the slack while the new cartridge establishes itself.

[@American-Jello]

I use a sponge/HOB combination in every tank. That's been the winning combo for me for years.

[@ajoyrod]

I actually have them in all but 1 of my betta tanks & my snail tank but as an extra & as backup. Why? Because I have 5 tanks in 1 room & where I live we have year round random power outages. It's easier to plug 1 multi outlet air pump into a backup battery for a hour or so than to try to plug in 5 HOB filters. Also during a power outage by plugging in the 1 air pump, I'm still providing my tanks with air flow, water circulation, & some filtration. I also use them in my hospital tank whenever I have to set one up because it's the only filter you can use with medication.

[@mikesmith-wk7vy]

My 55 corner only has room for 1 hob and I have a dead spot in the tank all the gunk builds up in tried air stones and bubble walls that moved the dead spot a bit but it’s still ugly. Just got the hyger sponge filter hoping that fixes it

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

I DIYed a giant sponge filter which sits in the corner and houses the heater and a water pump rather than an air pump. I get less problems than when I was using a canister and it hasn't ever needed cleaning (shrimp and algae eaters do it for me). I also planted things up it.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Yeah, I'm sorry I don't agree or disagree LOL. I like sponge filters, but I use them with an HOB filter and I won't be changing anytime soon. I run all of my tanks under 60 gallons, with an HOB and a sponge filter. In my mind, the weakness of the Sponge filter is due to lack of water movement. I like some current in all of my tanks. I use those smaller sponge filters that stick to the side of the tanks. Sometimes one on each end of the tank and an HOB is running between them. I also do not totally replace the sponges or media, in the HOB. I just rinse them out in clean aquarium water. So far it has been working quite well.