DrNic
08-21-2009, 03:15 PM
I only have very limited experience with sponge filters. I bought one for a 30G fry tank (rated for 55) that I'm now running in a 15G setup.
As with most sponge filters, this is a pretty standard setup. Circular sponge with an air stone in the center. Similar (although different brand) to the ones seen here ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])
It came with a top tube (you can see in the pic) that I used in the past. In my new setup however I couldn't fit the tube because the tank is much shorter than the 30G I started in. A friend of mine saw the setup and gave me the impression that without the top tube the filter would be almost useless. He claimed that as the air went up the tube it forces water to be drawn in through the sponge at the bottom. Without the tube the air doesn't travel far enough to create an suction so there is little to any water movement in the sponge.
It seemed to make sense when he said it, but does anyone have any experience using sponge filters without the top tube?
As with most sponge filters, this is a pretty standard setup. Circular sponge with an air stone in the center. Similar (although different brand) to the ones seen here ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])
It came with a top tube (you can see in the pic) that I used in the past. In my new setup however I couldn't fit the tube because the tank is much shorter than the 30G I started in. A friend of mine saw the setup and gave me the impression that without the top tube the filter would be almost useless. He claimed that as the air went up the tube it forces water to be drawn in through the sponge at the bottom. Without the tube the air doesn't travel far enough to create an suction so there is little to any water movement in the sponge.
It seemed to make sense when he said it, but does anyone have any experience using sponge filters without the top tube?