sponge filters

antjtc · 12/02/2011, 03:17 PM

Has anyone had good luck using sponge filters in their sump for a reef tank? I'm thinking of using one with a fluidized bed filter on a 125 gallon tank plus some live rock in the sump.

Thanks.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 12/02/2011, 03:49 PM

In both cases, for what purpose?

antjtc · 12/02/2011, 04:42 PM

As an adjunct to biological filtration from the live rock in the main tank or as the primary biological filtration in a fish only saltwater tank w/o live rock.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 12/02/2011, 05:16 PM

Can you clarify exactly what you mean by a fluidized bed filter? They are rarely used in reef systems for biological filtration, and bacteria may simply be ground off as the particles tumble. I know some planted tanks in freshwater use them, however.

The sponge filter will rapidly become clogged with particulates. If you clean it daily, that is probably fine. If not, the detritus will just decay. In either case, it will be a proverbial "nitrate factory". That may be fine if you deal with nitrate another way, but it is not as good of a choice as live rock or sand from that perspective.

12/02/2011, 03:17 PM	#1
antjtc Jon Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Clayton,California Posts: 222	sponge filters Has anyone had good luck using sponge filters in their sump for a reef tank? I'm thinking of using one with a fluidized bed filter on a 125 gallon tank plus some live rock in the sump. Thanks.

12/02/2011, 03:49 PM	#2
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	In both cases, for what purpose? __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

12/02/2011, 05:16 PM	#4
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Can you clarify exactly what you mean by a fluidized bed filter? They are rarely used in reef systems for biological filtration, and bacteria may simply be ground off as the particles tumble. I know some planted tanks in freshwater use them, however. The sponge filter will rapidly become clogged with particulates. If you clean it daily, that is probably fine. If not, the detritus will just decay. In either case, it will be a proverbial "nitrate factory". That may be fine if you deal with nitrate another way, but it is not as good of a choice as live rock or sand from that perspective. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

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12/02/2011, 04:42 PM	#3
antjtc Jon Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Clayton,California Posts: 222	As an adjunct to biological filtration from the live rock in the main tank or as the primary biological filtration in a fish only saltwater tank w/o live rock.