Sponge filter question..

[doctordamen]

I am setting up a 5G fry tank for my blue rams with a sponge filter.. I understand how the filter works in general.
Question is.. The bottom piece of tubing inside the sponge, where the O2 comes out.. Should I leave the tube open and have large bubbles released? Or should I put a small air stone on there for more surface area of O2 to pull up water?


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[DeeLee2013]

I personally use an airstone with a valve. Small bubbles and variable "flow" through the filter sponge.


? Diana Lee ?
? the St. Augustine Redhead ?
http://floridaorchidendlers.com

 

[doctordamen]

Sounds good, I have all that on hand... What size air pump do you use? My tank is 5G, the sponge filter is about 5 inches in diameter..
I feel like my sponge might be too big? I only have a top fin 1000 (for a 10g) hooked up right now. I have a tetra 40 (40g) kicking around.. Maybe use that one ?


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[doctordamen]

Is there maybe a test to see how strong it is pulling water through... Drop a pellet of food on the side and see how long it takes to get stuck to the filter?


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[DeeLee2013]

I think my air pump is rated for a 20-40 gallon tank, but can't remember. I have a valve that controls the flow of air so that it is not overpowering. As long as the tank is maintained, I wouldn't worry too much about needing too much suction. Since it is only for fry, the tank shouldn't have huge particulate matter.


? Diana Lee ?
? the St. Augustine Redhead ?
http://floridaorchidendlers.com

 

[doctordamen]

Okay thanks! Maybe I'll move my tetra 40 over to the fry tank with a control/T valve and hatch my baby brine shrimp there too


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[doctordamen]

Wow, I can definitely see how adding the air stone increases the efficiency of the sponge filter


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[toddnbecka]

A 5 gallon tank is a bad idea for delicate fry, water conditions can change too quickly. Much better with at least a 10, or ideally a 20 long with a poret foam divider.