What is a sponge filter?

Question

I heard that when you breed bettas, it is best to have a sponge filter, but I don't know what that is?

Answer 1

Here's a site that sells them and it shows a variety of types

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/infoL3/22885/category.web

you can also find other models at most pet stores as well as making your own. They all require either an air pump or power head to work. For breeding bettas you should use a fairly small one with an air pump, not a powerhead.

DIY sponge filter:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_spongefilter.php
http://www.hagblomfoto.com/article_spongefilter.htm

Hope that helps

MM

Answer 2

A sponge filter is a simple aitlift tube in the middle of a sponge,at least the ones that are good for Betta babies are. A supplier named Jungle Labs used to sell them. They are a good source of a portable bio-filter after they have been cycled,this takes a few weeks in an already cycled tank. They can be moved into the fry rearing tank when the fry become free swimmers as there is no risk of the fry being sucked up like there would be with a box type filter. Also as the sponge "seasons" or ages a community of micro organisms develops that can serve as "food" for the fry. I don't know if there is really any nutrition to be had, but I've seen the fry picking at a well seasoned sponge. Two items to mention, buy the filters so you get the right kind of sponge,and in a fry tank use a very gentle air stream so very little turbulence is created. I hope this helps,there are other kinds of sponge filters,but the simplest kind is the best for fry tanks. Good luck.____PeeTee

Answer 3

A sponge filter is a filter that works by using an air pump. There is a sponge on the outer part and the air sucks in debris from the tank, an the sponge contains the debris.

Answer 4

Magicman !!Well I don't know what I can add to that he pretty well covered it all !! But I had one and besides having a sponge you'll need charcoal to filter out impurities in the water!! They are kind of a pain to clean and the cartridge filters are easier and just as good !!

Answer 5

http://www.aquariumguys.com/aquarium-sponge-filters.html