Sponge filter question

[holbritter]

The other thread on putting a sponge over the intake of a hob got me thinking.

Besides a breeding/fry tank, does anyone use a sponge filter as the only filtration in their tank?
I've been reading up on them, and it seems the only disadvantage is that it is not a chemical filtration. But then, if I don't use carbon anyway, does that matter?

It seems to be such a simple system, but then again I've always kept to the "Keep it simple stupid" theory!

I'm going to add a small one to my DP tank once it's ready, but if it works as well as they claim, I'll start with a bigger one, and eventually take off the hob when the sponge is well established.

Thoughts?? Experiences??


Edit: I'm only thinking of this for the small 15gallon tank.

[Lady Hobbs]

Fry don't like the turbulance that you get from power filters and need very calm peaceful water. Generally after fry are in the free swimming stage, a sponge filter is added (seasoned) and then you do nothing but small water changes every couple of days until they are bigger and can take a power pump.

[genitor]

I have a sponge filter alone in a 5 gal. I also have one in my 15 gal. but i also have two hob's, I use the sponge filter as a backup filter because i vigourously clean the hob's once a month.

[Lady Hobbs]

I have a sponge filter alone in a 5 gal. I also have one in my 15 gal. but i also have two hob's, I use the sponge filter as a backup filter because i vigourously clean the hob's once a month.

I have no sponge filters but still clean my HOTB's out religiously. What a stinking mess they get to be and especially that uplift filter. phewie

[Drumachine09]

I have a unique kind of spongefilter that resembles a cannister. The uplift tube plugs into this little houseing and it has little trays where the guy before be up a sheet of filter fiber, carbon, filter fiber, ammo carb, and filter fiber. Its kind of cool, and i just keep it in because it came with the tank.