Sponge filters provide both mechanical and
biological filtration. Simply install an airline into the unit and provide both
aeration and filtration for your fish. Aerobic bacteria colonize the sponge
providing a bacterial substance to facilitate the nitrogen cycle. In addition,
the sponge traps larger waste particles mechanically cleaning the water without
trapping baby fish.
They are useful for as breeding filter or as
secondary filter.  Or they can be used as
pre-filtration unit by fitting to an external or a top filter.
Dimension:
Size
Model #
Product Dimension
Sponge Dimension
Max. Tank Size
Small
XY-2831
5.0”L x 1.8”W x 5.5”H
1.8”D x 3.0”H
10 Gallon
Large
XY-2822
6.5”L x 2.4”W x 9.5”H
2.4”D x 4.5”H
55 Gallon
Includes:
1 piece of sponge filter
How Does It Work?
A sponge filter uses bubbles of air from an
external air pump, or an integral water pump to draw water through the sponge.
As water is drawn out through the lift tube or pump, it is replaced by water
entering the sponge. The sponge is a mechanical filter and the surface of all
the bubbles or pockets in the sponge provide a bed for the bacteria of a
biological filter. The bacteria help to break down harmful waste (ammonia and
nitrite). Sponge filters provide both mechanical and biological filtration.
Most sponge filters are reasonably efficient
filters for small volume tanks. These filter are excellent for small size fish
like dwarf cichlid, guppy, killifish etc., or for hatcheries, maternity tanks,
and fry tanks, as the filter produces minimal current and has almost no way to
suck the fish through the filter.  Also,
the air infusion chamber produces minute bubbles which increase the oxygen
solubility.
What Maintenance Does It Require?
The
sponge will need to be rinsed every time it becomes dirty, about once every 2
to 4 weeks. It’s helpful to reserve the beneficial bacteria by washing the
sponge gently with water from the fish tank instead of tap water.
After
3 to 6 months’ usage, the micro holes of sponge is gradually clogged by the
tiny debris, the beneficial bacteria won’t have as much living space as
before.  That’s when the sponge filter
starts to lose its efficiency.  So it is
also recommended to replace the sponge once every three to six month or when
the sponge gets worn out.