seeding qt filter

Kieth71 · 11/11/2008, 04:24 PM

I was wondering if you can seed a sponge filter sponge without actually running the bubbler.In other words just bye putting the sponge itself in the sump.The reason i am asking this is because the filter was used in a hospital tank with copper and although i cleaned it i would rather not take the chance of introducing copper into my display tank.

kevin2000 · 11/11/2008, 05:05 PM

Sponge filter media will collect beneficial bacteria without being stuck in a "bubbler" or mechanical filter - many keep a ready supply in their sumps or tucked behind LR in their DT's so they can setup a QT and have an "instant cycled tank".

With that said ... when I treat fish with copper or meds that may have a lingering effect I just toss the QT filter media. The cost of sponge filter media is very inexpensive and while not absolutely necessary when it doesn't cost much caution makes sense.

Kieth71 · 11/11/2008, 05:19 PM

Yes i tossed the sponge itself i am talking about the rest of the filter(the part that the bubbler plugs into) The plastic parts i guess i could say.I have several replacement sponges that i bought whe i purchased the filter.

kevin2000 · 11/11/2008, 05:31 PM

Sorry for the confusion ... in SW about the only time you see a bubbler filter mechanism is in a QT. As indicated .. sponge filter media doesn't require anything special (except a few weeks in a mature tank) to obtain adequate beneficial bacteria.

Kieth71 · 11/11/2008, 05:33 PM

yes this is used in my qt..I guess my only question was if i needed the mechanical part to seed it and it seems bye your answer that it is not needed for that which is what i was hopeing to hear, ty for the response kevin2000

11/11/2008, 04:24 PM	#1
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	seeding qt filter I was wondering if you can seed a sponge filter sponge without actually running the bubbler.In other words just bye putting the sponge itself in the sump.The reason i am asking this is because the filter was used in a hospital tank with copper and although i cleaned it i would rather not take the chance of introducing copper into my display tank.

11/11/2008, 05:05 PM	#2
kevin2000 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,805	Sponge filter media will collect beneficial bacteria without being stuck in a "bubbler" or mechanical filter - many keep a ready supply in their sumps or tucked behind LR in their DT's so they can setup a QT and have an "instant cycled tank". With that said ... when I treat fish with copper or meds that may have a lingering effect I just toss the QT filter media. The cost of sponge filter media is very inexpensive and while not absolutely necessary when it doesn't cost much caution makes sense.

11/11/2008, 05:19 PM	#3
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	Yes i tossed the sponge itself i am talking about the rest of the filter(the part that the bubbler plugs into) The plastic parts i guess i could say.I have several replacement sponges that i bought whe i purchased the filter.

11/11/2008, 05:31 PM	#4
kevin2000 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,805	Sorry for the confusion ... in SW about the only time you see a bubbler filter mechanism is in a QT. As indicated .. sponge filter media doesn't require anything special (except a few weeks in a mature tank) to obtain adequate beneficial bacteria.

11/11/2008, 05:33 PM	#5
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	yes this is used in my qt..I guess my only question was if i needed the mechanical part to seed it and it seems bye your answer that it is not needed for that which is what i was hopeing to hear, ty for the response kevin2000