Does Beneficial Bacteria live in Filter Sponge?

[Packohotdogs]

Hi Everyone,

Quick Question - Does the filter sponge in an Aquaclear contain Beneficial Bacteria after being in a cycled tank for 3 months?

I have a FO without live rock, and am wondering the effect of changing it (it looks real Nasty, and rinsing in tank water doesn't seem to be helping).

The seeded biomax will be untouched.

Of note, I am adding live rock over the next month!!! Shoulda added it from the start. Oh well, better late than never.

Thanks
JEff

 

[jcolon]

Yes filter sponges do contain BB ... in fact just about every surface in your tank contains BB ... and filters contain the most. Sponges do contain a healthy amount of BB ... maybe much as ceramic media since sponges are so porous offer a lot of surface area for BB to colonize.

Honestly ... Unless it's falling apart ... I'd give it a good rinsing with tank water and put it right back ... even if it is unsightly.