Filter For New Tank

[FreshWaterTank]

I will starting up my 1st FW tank soon and am considering using a sponge filter. Why you ask? cheap;doesn't take up much room; easy to maintain, & saves on buying expensive filters so the money can be use on other things like lighting etc? Is a sponge filter sufficient for any tank from 20 - 33 gallon tank for filtration?

[babblefish1960]

A sponge filter of appropriate size, such as an ATI Hydro IV, would be fine, providing you connect to an adequate air pump.

There are other factors you will need to consider as well, such as the types of fish you'll be keeping, as well as the type of water they'll require. Stocking allowances should be reduced to keep the tank more stable and maintenance frequency liveable.

Apart from that, you're good to go, so long as you take the time to read about the nitrogen cycle in the Articles/Info section on the left of your screen.

Any other questions along the way, fire them off, we love to help.

[beowulf]

If you want to go for a better filter just look in the classifieds.  I have been buying certain things used here and it has saved me a ton and still allows for good equipment.  I think it is Jesse that right now has a goot filter for sale that might fit your needs.

[kennyman]

I run one of my tanks with a sponge filter and, while it does support enough bacteria to handle the fish load, It does not help with removing suspended particulates. I find I must do more maintenance on the tank I run the sponge filter in vs one with a simple HOB filter. The only reason I run a sponge filter is that one of my tanks is 2/3 full of water and therefore I must run either a canister or submerged filter and the sponge is certainly cheaper than a canister.

But when compaired with a simple HOB filter is a sponge, air pump and tubing really that much cheaper?

[darkdep]

I use HydroSponge V filters in my 10gallon fry tanks.  They are EXCELLENT for this purpose, as they do a great job of biological filtration without risk to the fry.  But as Kennyman pointed out, they are not much good at anything else.  My fry tanks are always "dirty" it seems (which is fine, cause they aren't for show).

[sniggir]

myself personaly I prefer a canister, I am ehiem all the way, but if you want saomthing cheaper and effective, a bio wheel of aqua clear are great to will save you from lots of matainace and doing more frequent water changes, also you have to think about what type of fish you plan on putting in and how heavly you plan to stock....lol on my 48 gal I run a ehiem pro 2, and on my 26 gal bow i have a ehiem ecco great filters $$ but quick maitantance, you can get cheap filter's here if look in the classified's... hope this helps

Pat

[Jesse]

I personally like HOB filters such as Aquaclears and the canisters. I have used AC's on hospital tanks and some of my old tanks and they are great, but I wouldnt use one on any tanks larger than 40g. Dont ask why, I just wouldnt . I have a fluval 404 on my 55g and its wonderfull, only problem I ever had was getting the top off as my stand is short so it was hard to change media. Beowulf is correct, I do have an aquaclear 30 for sale, brand new. If you want it you better move quickly.

[darkdep]

I actually like the bigger aquaclears over the smaller ones.  The Larger ones (AC70 and 110) move so much water that I've never seen them clog.

[Adam]

I actually like the bigger aquaclears over the smaller ones.  The Larger ones (AC70 and 110) move so much water that I've never seen them clog.

I concur.  After the cost of an air pump, the sponge filter, and the noise of an air pump, the AC70 is your best bet.  They're on sale (or were) at Super Pet.  You can probably get away with the AC50, depending on what kind of fish you want and if you are planting it.

Adam

[beowulf]

I concur.  After the cost of an air pump, the sponge filter, and the noise of an air pump, the AC70 is your best bet.  They're on sale (or were) at Super Pet.  You can probably get away with the AC50, depending on what kind of fish you want and if you are planting it.

Adam

The new air pumps make no noise at all, at least the one I got for boxing day is soooo quite.

[Jesse]

I have never tried anything larger than an ac50... Anyways! I have an "old" airpump and its quiet as can be. Its an aquaclear 50 airpump and its great. I used ot use the sponge filters but I found you needed to change the sponge so often and it looks big and awkward in the tank, taking sp too much space and if you intend on planting the tank it may get some of your plants stuck to it.

[darkdep]

Sponge Filters are ideal for fry / juvie tanks.  They can't kill fry, and provide areas for them to feed and hide.  I wouldn't likely use them anywhere else.

[beowulf]

Sponge Filters are ideal for fry / juvie tanks.  They can't kill fry, and provide areas for them to feed and hide.  I wouldn't likely use them anywhere else.

Same here though when I get my 210g I plan on creating a river flow and use this guys set up for my clown loaches.

http://www.loaches.com/articles/my-clown-loach-aquarium

[FreshWaterTank]

Tanks for all the excellent feedback. I think the best option is to use an aquaclear HOB or external canister filter.

[sniggir]

if you do go with a canister I realy suggest spend the extra dollar on a ehiem if you contact ottawadiscus he can get yu a great deal on them... I am getting one of the 2028 for 260$ they retail for 399

[beowulf]

I have the Rena and have been very happy with it so far.  Also much less expensive the BA in Montreal sells them for under 200$ the middle one that I have is 139$ I believe.

[cory]

Fluval 305! This would be your best choice (in my opinion)