Aquarium Sponge Filter

First of all lets start with what is a sponge filter?

Sponge filters are one of the most basic and simplest aquarium filter you can purchase. All that is requires is a sponge (filter), air pump, air line tubing, air stone, and a check valve (safety precaution). It works by having the air pump push air into the sponge filter. Then the air bubbles rise from the bottom of the sponge filter to the top creating a water circulation which draws debris into the sponge and helps beneficial bacteria to grow in the sponge.

 The sponge filter is one of best filters to have in aquariums specially for freshwater, they are easy to clean,cheap, and hard to break. They provide constant water circulation which agitates the surface. They are also great because they are gentle and don't a lot of suction which makes it safe for shrimps, fish fry or any other animal that needs slow moving current. They make different size of filters you can use this on your work desk mini aquarium up to your 300 gallon or more tank.

Lets get started with the things you will need to have this filter at home.

First you need an air pump (which you will need to choose based on your aquarium size). Any air pump from a known brand should suffice. I usually order my pumps from Amazon since they have really good prices.

 Second you will need the air line tubing. This is a simple choice since there's no special requirements other then the length and if you wish to have a clear or black. I usually order Penn Plax clear line.

 

 Third you need a check valve. This check valve is a safety thing to have just in case your power goes out. This will prevent water from siphoning back into the air pump causing your house to flood.

Forth you will need an air stone. You will pick the air stone size based on the sponge filter. You will need to pick an air stone that will fit the clear tubing on the sponge filter.

Fifth you will need to pick the sponge filter. You will choose this based on your aquarium size. Keep in mind that if you have a lot of landscape on your aquarium you can use 2 smaller filters instead one large one. I usually run 2 smaller ones on each of the back corners. To run 2 sponge filters you will need to purchase an air distributor or an air pump that has the desired outlet based on how many filters you will run.