Which is better top filter or sponge filter?

Coarse sponge tips provide a higher flow rate and don't clog as quickly as finer sponge materials, but they also can't filter out the smaller particles. HOB filters are ideal if you prefer a more robust and consistent flow rate and want to purify your aquarium water further with chemical filtration.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tankarium.com


Is a sponge filter better?

Generally, sponge filters are good for most fish tanks. However, there are instances where they really shine. Sponge filters are excellent due to their gentle flow. This allows for set-ups for fry, betta and shrimp tanks that thrive in low-flow filtration.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aquaticdelights.com


What type of aquarium filter is best?

The 7 Best Filtration Systems for Aquariums
  • Best Overall: MarineLand Penguin 350 at Chewy. ...
  • Best for Freshwater: Penn Plax Cascade 700 Canister Filters at Chewy. ...
  • Best for Saltwater: AQUATICLIFE RO Buddie Reverse Osmosis Systems at Chewy. ...
  • Best for 20-Gallon: ...
  • Best for 75-Gallon: ...
  • Best Wet-Dry Filter: ...
  • Best Undergravel:
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thesprucepets.com


Which is better air stone or sponge filter?

Do I Need an Air Stone for Sponge Filters? An air stone is a small weighted accessory that diffuses the air from your air pump into smaller bubbles in the water. We recommend adding an air stone to the inside of the sponge filter to lessen the bubbling noise and make the filtration more efficient.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aquariumcoop.com


Will a sponge filter clear water?

As the air bubbles rise it sucks water into the sponge. The sponge then catches and traps particles floating around in your water, essentially filtering your water.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on kavemanaquatics.com


Hang-on-Back vs Sponge Filter – Which is Better?



Do sponge filters add oxygen?

And despite their reduced capacity for surface agitation sponge filters provide plenty of gas exchange thanks to the constant flow of air bubbles. Both oxygen and carbon dioxide can be transferred in meaningful enough amounts for both fish and plants to thrive.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on buildyouraquarium.com


Does sponge filter clean fish poop?

As water passes through the sponge, it catches and traps debris, such as fish poop, uneaten food and decaying plants, filtering it from the water. Filtered water then passes through the lift tube and back into your tank.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fishlab.com


Is sponge filter good for plants?

Yes, the sponge filter will remove, well, convert the ammonia and nitrites into nitrates, which are harder for the plants to take up. And the surface agitation will allow the CO2 to escape from the water to the air.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aquaticplantcentral.com


What are the 3 types of filtration?

The Aquarium uses three main types of filtration: mechanical, chemical, and biological. Mechanical filtration is the removal or straining of solid particles from the water.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aquariumofpacific.org


Can I put 2 filters in my fish tank?

Don't Multiple Filters "Compete" on the Fish Tank? It is true that if you use more than one filter on your fish tank, neither of those filters will perform as efficiently as it would if it were the only filter on the aquarium. This is expected, but is not a problem.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on firsttankguide.net


How do I choose a fish filter?

When it comes to freshwater aquarium filters you should consider a filter that has three stages of filtration: mechanical, chemical, and bacterial. Good quality filters offer all the stages of filtration that is needed for good water quality and healthy, happy fish.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theaquariumguide.com


Which is better internal or external aquarium filter?

External filters are larger and more powerful than most internal filters and can hold a lot more media, offering better cleaning and supporting more fish. The superior power of external filters makes them suitable for large aquaria; heavily stocked aquaria like African cichlid tanks; and large fish.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on worldofwater.com


Do I need an Airstone and a filter?

How important is an air stone – Are they absolutely necessary? If you're concerned about the health of your fishes, the answer is yes. An air stone will be very beneficial if your aquarium has a filter powered by an air pump. It will make the filter run smoothly, efficiently.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fishkeepingadvice.com


How often should I clean my sponge filter?

Sponge Filter – This type of filter provides mechanical and biological filtration as tank water is pumped through a sponge. To ensure that the filter keeps doing its job you need to clean the sponge about every two weeks.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ratemyfishtank.com


Can you reuse sponge filter?

As with the prefilter sponge, there is no need to constantly replace them and throw away all that beneficial bacteria; just rinse the filter media in old aquarium water once a month. Coarse sponge pads remove debris from the water and can be reused by rinsing them on a monthly basis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aquariumcoop.com


Is a sponge filter enough filtration?

Sponge filters are excellent when safe and gentle filtration is needed, such as in a fry tank where young fish could be sucked into the intake of standard filters. Fish species such as bettas that do not thrive in strong currents also benefit from sponge filters.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thesprucepets.com


How do you clean a sponge filter without killing bacteria?

Remove the filter media and rinse them in old aquarium water or dechlorinated water to remove any accumulated waste. Coarse sponge pads are the dirtiest and can be vigorously wrung to clean it as much as possible.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aquariumcoop.com


Which filter is best for small aquarium?

The Azoo hang on back filter are some of my favorite cheap filters for small nano aquariums. The Azoo 60 is a very compact 15 gph filter that has flow control and included sponge based media.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aquaproshq.com


How do you keep a fish tank clean without changing water?

Ways to Keep Your Aquarium Clean
  1. Use a Proper Filter. The best way to keep an aquarium clean is with a proper filter for the tank's type and size. ...
  2. Change the Water Regularly. ...
  3. Feed Fish Correctly. ...
  4. Welcome an Algae Eater. ...
  5. Take Time to Clean the Tank. ...
  6. Clean the Outside of the Tank.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on animalcityinc.com