Sponge filters are a great!

[Overstocker]

I bought a prefilter sponge for my HOB and didn't like how it reduced the flow so I converted it to stand alone sponge filter. I just put in an airstone, added a riser and put it in the opposite corner of my tank to help in circulation.
Well when I do my weekly gravel/water changes there is very little to vac and the sponge is nine kinds of filthy and helps maintain my water crystal clear.

 

[mortiss]

thats good to hear - i'm looking into adding one as well - what did you use for the riser?

 

[Overstocker]

A complete sponge filter comes in a kit for about 10 dollars.

I had the sponge as a prefilter kit (same manufacterer) and added 3/4" UGF tube.

 

[William]

are you talking about the sponge filters powered by Air, or powered by Powerhead?

 

[Overstocker]

By air, but could be powerhead I suppose. I had a bubble curtain going and pulled it off, stuck an air stone on the tube and rigged it with the sponge. Helps keep the tank clean and provides oxygen.
Based on the crud that comes out of the sponge when I clean it, I think it is doing a good job and probably helps with the good bacteria stuff.....

 

[Christmasfish]

I am looking at a stand alone type of filter to polish a little until a diatom is in my range. Plus the squeezings can feed my daughter's betta fry.
I needd something in my slightly overstocked tank. Now that the fish are growing again and the sun hits the tank it is cloud city..but no Lando!