Magic Sponge

According to a couple of fish beginners, the magical black sponge, more commonly known as the sponge filter is, if not, one of the most effective ways to keep your aquarium stay healthy. Prior to my purchase for my aquarium’s biofilter, I was using a small air pump recommended to me by someone on a petshop.

About two days into owning my fish, I decided to purchase a filter perfect for a 50-gallon aquarium. I came home with an Infinity Bio-Sponge Filter model 2836. This is in no way promoting the product in exchange for anything. I am simply going to tell my personal experience with this filter.

I have been using this sponge filter for two months now. I am somewhat glad that the filter is able to keep any moss from growing anywhere in my tank, giving it a clear view of the water even in closer look.

Koi generate a greater amount of ammonia compared to other species of fish. Not to mention, any uneaten feeds can also generate ammonia. Hence, water change is necessary. Since performing water change every day would sound too hassle on my part, I came up with the sponge filter.

According to the product’s information written at the side of the box, this sponge filter provides two types of filtration – mechanical and biological. For the mechanical filtration, it pumps out air from the top portion of the filter, creating a suction of water through the sponge. The sponge is able to absorb minute particle wastes in the water. At the same time, aerobic bacteria will start growing on the sponge, promoting conversion of ammonia to nitrate, a less toxic byproduct of ammonia which is generally needed by plants, even phytoplanktons, to feed on. According to a few blogs online, the process generally takes 6 weeks before the nitrogen cycle is completed.

There were a few times that I tried to look at the filter through the glass of my aquarium and proved that it sure does serve the first purpose. There were a very few flakes that is stuck at one side of the sponge that is facing me. I have not tried testing the water parameters lately but I sure have to add an update on this soon.

However, a downside of owning these kinds of filters is the aesthetic appearance of it in the aquarium. It looks bulky and plain for me.

Weighing the pros against the cons, I do think that without this filter, I would be having a hard time trying to maintain my aquarium no matter how hardy my fish are.

That's all for now! Ciao ✌