Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Shell Tank

Sponge Filters for Use in Betta Tanks or Bowls

Question:

I am looking for a filter for my small betta tank, it is about 3 gallons. I have been told that sponge filters are a good filter here, but I also was told about under gravel filters. Also are there differences in brands?

Answer:

Sponge filters excel as small tank or bowl filters, they fit nicely in small spaces and are cheap to own and maintain. For a betta, there is no better filter in my opinion. They are excellent bio filters and good mechanical filters in small aquaria.

In fact, a sponge filter is probably the best choice of filtration for breeding tanks, Betta tanks or bowls, hospital tanks, and even discus aquariums, due to the fact that they do not “suck” in baby or weak fish or attract noxious bacteria.

These are also simple filters to clean, simply remove the sponge, rinse in de-chlorinated tap water or used tank water (to throw out after cleaning), then squeeze the sponge several times until clean (usually takes less than a minute).

Sponge filters are one of the best biological (and unfortunately most under rated) filters in the hobby that is often driven by anecdotal evidence. One myth, Bio Wheels and Wet Dry filters are superior to sponge filters is not true when one moves from theory to actual tests and evidence.

In theory the added oxygen or bio wheels and wet dry filters is great, but in practicality the channeling of wet dry filters and the deposit build up of Bio Wheels lowers bacteria surface area, while the fact remains that with the proper dissolved oxygen levels your fish should have is more than adequate for a healthy sponge filter to maintain proper bio colonies. I have performed side by side tests with sponge filters in my service business and the sponge filters out performed the bio wheels when ammonia spikes were measured.

As for under gravel filters, there are small ones made for bowls or small tanks, but they take more maintenance than sponge filters (debris tends to collect under the plate). UGFs are more difficult to clean in small aquaria, as they are best maintained by vacuuming, which is difficult in bowls or small tanks.

The brand sponge filter I would recommend is the Hydro Sponge Filter by ATI (Lustar), they hold the best patents for sponge filters and have many patent infringements to prove it. The sponge material used by Hydro Sponge can trap vastly more aerobic nitrifying bacteria (for ammonia, nitrite removal) than their nearest rival. I have used many others (including homemade) and they are not the same.

A good place to purchase these filters is American Aquarium Products- Sponge Filters .

For a more in depth article about sponge filtration see: Sponge filtration; How sponge filters work and the benefits of using sponge filters in aquariums and ponds.

CONCLUSION:

Even though Bettas are Labyrinth fish (this organ enables bettas to get the oxygen they need from the air), they still do best with an environment where they can get the oxygen from the water. Also, Bettas are just as susceptible as other fish to water parameters such as high ammonia or nitrates, which is where a small sponge filter connected to an air pump comes in. I will also note from my experience that Bettas are MORE sensitive than many other fish to lack of electrolytes in the water (the Sponge Filter does nothing for this, however water changes and/or Wonder shells.

For my Full article with more links and information, please visit this article:

Sponge filter; Proper filter for a small betta tank or bowl.

About the Author

By Carl Stohmeyer

Aquarium Information.

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